Colorado Family Guides
Curated collections of the best family events and activities across Colorado. Each guide automatically updates with the latest events.
Colorado Easter Egg Hunts and Bunny Appearances 2026
Easter egg hunts and bunny appearances are all over the Denver area and you don’t want to miss them! Most of them are free, making it a super family and budget-friendly activity.
Denver Free Days 2026
Your complete guide to over 100 free admission days at Denver's top museums and attractions in 2026, funded by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Perfect for families looking for budget-friendly fun! 🏛️ DENVER ART MUSEUM — Free on: Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 26, May 12, Jun 9, Jul 14, Aug 1, Sep 12, Oct 13, Nov 7, Dec 8. Kids 18 & under always free. 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy. 🦕 DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE — Free on: Jan 11, Feb 1 & 9, Mar 6 (4-9pm), Apr 13 & 26, Jun 19, Aug 24, Sep 1 (4-9pm), Oct 11, Nov 7 (5-10pm) & 16. 2001 Colorado Blvd. 🐘 DENVER ZOO — Free on: Jan 9 & 25, Feb 22, Apr 19, Nov 11, 14 & 22. Online lottery tickets released 14 days before. 2900 E 23rd Ave. 🌿 DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS (York St) — Free on: Jan 19, Feb 12, Mar 9, Apr 22, Jun 9, Jul 1, Aug 25, Nov 27. Advance registration required. 1007 York St. 🌾 DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS (Chatfield Farms) — Same dates as York St. 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton. 👶 CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF DENVER — Free nights: May 22, Jun 19, Jul 17, Aug 21, Sep 25 (4:30-8pm). Also free first Tuesday of each month 4-8pm. 2121 Children's Museum Dr. 🎨 CLYFFORD STILL MUSEUM — Free on: Apr 26, Jun 14, Jul 26, Sep 19, Nov 7. Pay-What-You-Wish 1st Thursday monthly. 1250 Bannock St. 🚂 COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM — TBA. 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden. 🏡 FOUR MILE HISTORIC PARK — Free 4th Friday monthly. 715 S Forest St. 🖼️ MCA DENVER — 1¢ for CO residents 1st Saturday monthly. 1485 Delgany St. 🌾 PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER — Free on: Jan 15, Feb 19, Mar 21, Jun 11, Jul 11, Aug 20, Nov 14, Dec 17. 21901 E Hampden Ave, Aurora. ALWAYS FREE: Hudson Gardens (Littleton), Mines Museum of Earth Science (Golden), CU Museum of Natural History (Boulder), Golden History Museum (Wed-Sat). 💡 TIP: Many venues require advance online reservations. Book early — free days fill up fast!
Colorado Family Festivals and Fairs 2026
Colorado is packed with family-friendly festivals and fairs throughout the year! From cultural celebrations and food festivals to county fairs and harvest festivals, there's always something fun happening. This guide rounds up the best festivals and fairs across the state where families can enjoy live entertainment, food, crafts, and community fun.
Colorado Family Fun Runs and Races 2026
Get the whole family moving with Colorado's best kid-friendly fun runs, 5Ks, and races! From color runs and turkey trots to themed obstacle courses and charity races, there are events for runners of all ages and abilities. Many races include kids' divisions, stroller-friendly courses, and post-race festivities that make it a fun day for everyone.
Colorado Scenic Train Rides 2026
All aboard! Colorado's scenic train rides are a magical experience for kids and adults alike. From the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to the Georgetown Loop and the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, these train adventures take you through breathtaking mountain scenery. Many offer special themed rides throughout the year, including holiday trains and Wild West adventures.
Colorado Rockies Opening Day 2026
Get ready for Rockies Opening Day at Coors Field! Everything families need to know about the biggest baseball event of the year in Denver — from tailgating tips and kid-friendly activities to parking, food, and the best family sections. Plus nearby events and celebrations around LoDo on game day.
Colorado Farmers Markets 2026
Nothing beats a Saturday morning at a Colorado farmers market! Browse fresh produce, local honey, artisan breads, and handmade crafts while the kids enjoy live music and face painting. From the Cherry Creek Farmers Market in Denver to neighborhood markets in Fort Collins, Boulder, and beyond, this guide helps you find the best farmers markets near you.
Colorado Summer Camps 2026
From outdoor adventure camps in the Rocky Mountains to STEM, arts, and sports day camps across the Front Range, Colorado has an incredible variety of summer camps for kids of all ages. Whether you are looking for overnight wilderness experiences, affordable day camps, or specialty programs, this guide helps you find the perfect summer camp for your family.
Colorado Memorial Day Events and Activities 2026
Your complete guide to Memorial Day weekend in Colorado! From patriotic parades and ceremonies to family-friendly festivals, outdoor adventures, and community cookouts across the Front Range and mountain towns. Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer in Colorado — find the best events for your family.
Outdoor Movies Around Town 2026
Your complete guide to outdoor family movie nights across the Denver metro area, Douglas County, Jefferson County, and beyond! From free movies in the park to drive-in theaters, Colorado families have dozens of options to enjoy films under the stars all summer long. Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, and popcorn — here are all the outdoor movie series and events happening in 2026. Most outdoor movie events are FREE and family-friendly. Movies typically start at dusk (around 7:45-8:30 PM depending on the month). Arrive early for the best spots — many series include live music, food trucks, and pre-show activities for kids. Tips for a great outdoor movie night: • Bring blankets, low lawn chairs, and pillows for comfort • Pack snacks and drinks (check venue rules on outside food) • Arrive 30-60 minutes early for parking and setup • Bring bug spray and layers — Colorado evenings cool down fast • Check weather forecasts — most events are rain-or-shine but some cancel for storms
Colorado Water Parks and Splash Pads 2026
Beat the heat this summer at Colorado's best water parks and splash pads! From world-class water parks like Water World and Elitch Gardens to dozens of FREE splash pads in parks across the Denver metro area, there's no shortage of ways to cool off with the kids. MAJOR WATER PARKS: • Water World (Federal Heights) — Nearly 50 attractions including the new Summit Canyon for 2026! Open late May through Labor Day. • Elitch Gardens Water Park (Denver) — Slides, wave pool, and lazy river included with theme park admission. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. • The Splash at Fossil Trace (Golden) — Opening May 23, 2026. Lap pool, leisure pool, and slides with stunning mountain views. • Pirates Cove (Englewood) — Lazy river, water slides, splash pools, and diving boards. • Great Outdoors Water Park (Lafayette) — Lazy river, slides, lap pool, and splash zone. Open May 25 through September 7. FREE SPLASH PADS: Dozens of free splash pads are scattered across the metro area — most open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Popular spots include Centennial Center Park, Civic Green Park (Highlands Ranch), Westminster Center Park, Discovery Park (Parker), and Central Park (Denver). Tips for splash pad fun: • Most splash pads are FREE — no admission required! • Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and a change of clothes • Hours are typically 10 AM - 7 PM (varies by location) • Some splash pads are push-button activated • Pack a picnic — most are located in parks with shade and playgrounds
Colorado 4th of July Celebrations and Fireworks 2026
Celebrate Independence Day with your family at one of Colorado's many 4th of July events! From spectacular fireworks shows in Denver and Colorado Springs to small-town parades in Estes Park and Fort Collins, there's no shortage of patriotic fun. Find parades, festivals, fireworks, and family-friendly celebrations happening across the state.
Colorado Labor Day Events and Activities 2026
Celebrate the last hurrah of summer with our guide to Colorado Labor Day events! From the famous Telluride Film Festival and JAS Aspen Snowmass to local parades, end-of-summer festivals, and family fun across Denver, Boulder, and the mountains. Find the perfect way to close out summer 2026.
Colorado Halloween Events and Activities 2026
Discover the best Halloween events for families across Colorado! From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to trick-or-treat trails, haunted houses (kid-friendly!), fall festivals, and spooky train rides. Find Halloween fun in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and mountain communities.
Colorado Thanksgiving Events and Activities 2026
Make Thanksgiving memorable with our guide to Colorado family events! From Turkey Trots and fun runs to holiday markets, Thanksgiving feasts, and festive activities across Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs. Plus early holiday light displays and tree lighting ceremonies.
Colorado Christmas and Holiday Events 2026
Experience the magic of the holidays in Colorado! From the Denver Parade of Lights and Georgetown Christmas Market to Zoo Lights, Blossoms of Light, Christkindlmarket, Santa visits, holiday train rides, and tree lighting ceremonies. Your complete guide to family Christmas events across the state.
Colorado New Year's Eve Family Events 2026
Ring in 2027 with your family at Colorado's best New Year's Eve celebrations! From early countdown events and family-friendly fireworks to First Night festivals, noon year parties for little ones, and festive gatherings across Denver, Boulder, and mountain resort towns.
The National Western Stock Show 2026
Denver's beloved National Western Stock Show is a must-do family tradition! This guide covers everything from rodeos and livestock shows to the famous kick-off parade, kids' activities, mutton bustin', petting zoo, and western heritage exhibits. Running for 16 days every January, it's one of Colorado's most iconic family events.