Free Days in Denver

I fell in love with the Denver area the moment I learned about all the Free Days provided by SCFD (Scientific & Cultural Facilities District). There is so much I want to introduce my kids to and so much I've never done.

Since moving here we have visited for free the following:

• Children's Museum
• Denver Zoo
• Denver Art Museum
• Denver Botanic Gardens
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• Colorado Railroad Museum

 Free Days still left in February:
Botanic Garden-February 21st
Denver Museum of Nature and Science-February 27th
Denver Zoo-February 19th

Check out scfd.org to see all the Free Days. They also have a great bookmark you can download and print to keep track of  the Free Days of the most popular places.

You can read about our visits to Colorado Railroad Museum, Denver Zoo Part 1 and Part 2, and The Children's Museum.

What fun free things have you found to do?

Denver Zoo (Follow Up)

As a family we journeyed to the Denver Zoo on a very cold Saturday afternoon. As I mentioned in my previous post, it was a free day. I also mentioned that it didn't feel crowded the week day I went. Well, Saturday felt crowded. I'm not sure whether it was because it was a Saturday or because it was cold, so we spent a lot of the time indoors viewing the animals(with everyone else). Not many animals to see outside.  Maybe it was a bit of both. Anyway, I was a little disappointed. My kids on the other hand had a great time and can't wait to go back. I'm anxiously awaiting for the free dates for 2011 to be posted. If the free dates are only scheduled for the colder parts of the year I may have to get an annual pass.

Go to www.DenverZoo.org to check out the current prices, upcoming events, and free days (hopefully posted soon). To find free days: click on the quick links drop down menu and click Free Days.

Belmar Park

I was absolutely shocked when I walked back behind the Belmar Library to check out Belmar park and discovered Kountze Lake. The kids and I immediately took off to explore. Each child would yell out in delight when they spotted a duck, goose, turtle, or fish.

This quickly became a family favorite as it took us a few trips to discover the variety of trails as well as find the playground. We now go prepared with a picnic and plenty of water as the children explore.  At each crossroad they take turns deciding which way we go.

I've found a map online showing the three trails (1.1 miles, 1.4 miles, and 1.8 miles). Whenever I get a chance I take a brisk walk around the lake pushing my daughter in her stroller before the library opens and we go to story time. A concrete trail goes around the park’s perimeter, and the area is divided by intersecting gravel paths and horse trails. I've had very little trouble pushing the stroller on the concrete as well as the gravel paths. Every once an a while there will be a spot where the gravel is a little deeper and I have to push the stroller a little harder, but I figure that just gives me an added workout.

One trail even takes you to Lakewood's Heritage Center. We've yet to take a tour. Currently we've just walked by the many historic buildings and we've been to the amphitheater for a movie after dark.

Belmar Park 

801 South Wadsworth Blvd.

Lakewood, CO 80228

The Children's Museum of Denver

The Children's Museum of Denver is a fantastic place to take your children! We don't have a membership, but on the first Tuesday of each month you can go for FREE from 4-8pm. They have such a variety of things for the kids to explore. The museum makes learning fun.

We spent a large portion of our time playing with the bubbles. The picture on the right is not blurry they are actually in a bubble.

Creative play is around every corner: shopping, cooking, puppet shows, trains, an actual fire truck, a veterinarian room, painting, and dress up—just to name a few. 




One area we've yet to check out is the The Center for the Young Child. This is geared towards infants and children up to about four years old. My two year old daughter was set on following her brothers (five and six) around the museum and enjoyed herself, but I would like to go back and explore the area designed for her age.




My biggest concern when going was that it would be packed because it was FREE. There were a lot of people, but my kids still had a chance to do whatever they wanted. Sometimes they had to wait a little, but I feel that is good for children to take turns and learn patience. If crowding is an issue you can buy a membership or pay to go the one time. I recommend Mondays as a great time to go because it is a school-group free day (no large groups).

To check out all the latest info on upcoming events, prices, and location go to http://www.mychildsmuseum.org