Mamas, I don’t know about you, but I was really worried that we wouldn’t have any plans this summer after being so busy during the school year. Somehow, there are only three weeks until most public schools are back in session and I AM NOT READY!! With summer ticking away, here are some “summer bucket list” ideas of local events to check out! Whether you’re in Broomfield, Arvada, Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, or elsewhere- there’s something for everyone!

• Thursday, July 28th: Grab a picnic blanket, pack up some snacks, and head to Picnic on the Plaza in Lafayette! Featuring live music from Dean Himes, there’s always dancing and ice-cream aplenty!

• Saturday, July 30th: While the days of big traveling circuses have mostly gone by, there’s still a great opportunity to take your kids to the Circus! Take your kids to see Cirque Italia Water Circus at Denver’s Premier Outlets in Thornton! One child is admitted free with each paying adult, and there are multiple showtimes throughout the day to accommodate your nap situation. The show is animal free, but sure to be a blast! You can get tickets here: https://gold.cirqueitalia.com/events/655_Water-Circus-Gold-Unit-Thornton-CO

• Wednesday, August 3rd -Sunday, August 7th: Head to the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton for Mutton Bustin’, Demo Derby, Pie Baking Contests, 4-H Events, and more! They are featuring a special “KidChella” day on Friday August 5th with a special KidZone sponsored by WaterWorld!

• Friday, August 5th: From 5-9pm, it’s FREE Evening at Museo de las Americas in Denver. Children under 13 receive free entrance any time!

• Friday, August 5th: Check out the Louisville Street Faire at the Steinbaugh Pavilion in downtown Louisville featuring the live musical stylings of the Gasoline Lollipops!

• Saturday, August 6th: Orchard Town Center in Westminster will be hosting Chris Daniels & The Kings, Home Slice, Funkiphino, and “That Eighties Band” (a classic if you ask me…) from 6-8pm. No tickets needed, just bring a lawn chair or a blanket and have fun!

• Thursday, August 11th – Sunday, August14th: Enjoy a carnival of rides, petting zoo, live music, and livestock sale at the Boulder County Fair! Events run from noon-11pm each day and can be found at the Boulder County Fairgrounds.

• Saturday, August 13th: Head on over to the Erie Recreation Center for TOUCH-A-TRUCK!! This is a popular annual event for children of all ages (that means you, dads), that gives everyone a chance to touch / honk the horn / sit in a variety of construction vehicles. Caution, parking is limited so bring a stroller and park in the neighborhood across the street. Also, it can get pretty loud so headphones are a plus!

• Saturday, August 13th: Olde Town Arvada is hosting their last “Second Saturday” of the season with two live bands, vendors, and a “Kid Zone.” Head over from 5-10pm as things cool off and enjoy some live music!!

And if you’re looking for a few ideas that are not date-specific, here are a few activities you can do anytime!

• The Summit Thornton is offering free bowling to kids all summer long! Kids must have or rent bowling shoes ($3 / kid) through October 28 th of this year! Bowling is available from 11-5pm on weekdays, and kids must be registered through this link: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=6802

• Take your kids to see the Spongebob Musical at Boulder Dinner Theatre, also known as BDT Stage! The BDT property was recently sold, so this may be the last opportunity to take your kids to see a show at this locally iconic theatre.

• Go on a family SKATE DATE at Skate City Westminster where family skate is free on Fridays all year long from 4-8pm! (Ok, they do ask $5 pp for an annual “membership” …but that’s $5 pp for a year of Friday night skating!)

• Another local treasure on my list is visiting Lakeside Amusement Park in North Denver! Rides open at 2pm on weekends and 6pm on weekdays, and there are fun rides for every age!

• If you are up for a drive, check out Tiny Town in Morrison! Spend the morning exploring the shady village of tiny buildings and homes, take a ride on the train that surrounds the property, and frolic on the playground at the end! Bring a picnic, as there are many great spots to stop and snack!