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.

Free Day at the Zoo

One of the things I've come to love about Denver is the free days. This Saturday, November 13, 2010 the Denver Zoo is free. You just walk right in.

I went to the zoo on a free day recently and it really didn't feel crowded. I had to park pretty far away and walk in, but I don't really mind the extra exercise. Once in the zoo I felt like I had plenty of room to observe the animals. I've never paid to go to the zoo, so I don't know how it compares to those days, but for free you'll hear no complaining from me.

Many of the people I have met since moving here have a membership to go to the zoo. I see that as a definite possibility for my family as well. My kids are hungry to learn and the zoo is an incredible place for them to learn about all the unique animals that are found all over the world.

Go to www.DenverZoo.org to check out the current prices, upcoming events, and free days. 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

Rock Creek Farm

My son's kindergarten class went to Rock Creek Farms for their fall field trip. We, as parents, were allowed to come as well. We arrived at the farm after the school bus had already headed out to the pumpkin patch. We were given directions at the front and sent out to find them. I was shocked by the hills of pumpkins that went on and on. You would think it would be easy to spot a big yellow school bus in a pumpkin patch—not so. Finally we got up on a hill high enough we could see it in the distance.

The kids were already out and having a great time picking out pumpkins. Parents and children were soon spread out all over the nearest hillside. There were tools to cut the vines if needed.

After the kids picked their pumpkins we went to eat our lunch. They had a big tent set up with tables, a petting zoo off to one side, a hay maze (many of the kids could hardly see over the large bales), inflatable slides and bounce houses. The kids had so much fun. There was also a corn maze, which we didn't do—not the best place to let over 60 five year old children run loose.

Rock Creek Farm is free to get in. You just pay for what you take home.  Besides pumpkins, they have wonderful goodies: caramel apples, cider, pumpkin bread, etc.  They also have things to decorate with for fall like Indian corn, straw bales, gourds, etc. The corn maze is an additional charge.  Check here for current prices.

Rock Creek Farm is located at:
2005 South 112th Street
Broomfield, CO 80020 

To get all the latest information go to http://www.rockcreekfarm.com

Just a note: they only accept cash and checks.

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