For most schools in Douglas County, Spring Break is March 18-22. If you're staying local, we've got 26 ideas to help you find your family fun!
ART ENCOUNTERS! The celebrated outdoor public art program features dozens of pieces by local artists in public places throughout Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker, and Roxborough.
BE A TOURIST! Denver is a hot vacation destination for families from all over the United States. Take a guided tour at the State Capitol and get a 360˚ view of the Mile High City. See how pennies get made at the Denver Mint. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Hammond's Candy, handmade in Denver since 1920!
CARE FOR OTHERS! Make Blessing Bags to distribute to the homeless. Host a get-together of friends and families and make it a playdate! It's a great way to involve children in community service.
DINE OUT, COLORADO-STYLE! Did you know that Chipotle, Qdoba, and Quiznos came from humble beginnings right here in Colorado? If you're a local foodie who likes to try it all, we've rounded up some of Colorado's favorite restaurant chains you'll want to experience for yourself.
ENGAGE YOUR IMAGINATION! Our Douglas County Libraries have the most entertaining and imaginative indoor play areas! Playscapes include Little Letters Post Office at Castle Pines, The Ranch in Castle Rock, The Market at Highlands Ranch, Playful Pets animal clinic and grooming spa at Lone Tree, U-Fix-It Pit Stop auto shop in Parker, and Mission Control at Roxborough.
FLY A KITE! Follow our instructions to make your own paper kite, then wait for a windy afternoon to test it out. It's springtime in Colorado, so we don't think you'll have to wait too long!
GO TO SPACE! Space Explorers: The Infinite is an immersive VR experience inspired by NASA missions aboard the International Space Station. It is both mind-blowing and breathtaking!
HIT A BASEBALL! The Batting Cages at Westridge are open March 18-22 from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. A $1 token gets you 16 pitches. You can purchase 11 tokens for $10. (Hours are subject to change due to weather, as the temperature must be greater than 45 degrees to operate safely.)
INDOOR PLAYTIME! We're featuring 16 of our favorite indoor play places for kids of all ages!
JIGSAW PUZZLES! We recently discovered an unopened puzzle in our house and spent a day putting it together with my 91-year-old grandmother. But you don't have to devote a day... set up a card table in the corner of your family room and add a piece or two at a time.
KID-FRIENDLY HIKES! Check out a few of our favorite Kid-Friendly Hikes along the Front Range. And don't forget the 13 Essentials for a Day Hike.
LACE UP YOUR RUNNING SHOES! Start training together for a local 5K. Register early to get great early bird pricing for Races, Runs, and Rides happening this spring and summer in Douglas County.
MOVIE TIME! Catch a weekday matinee at your favorite neighborhood theater to see the latest family-friendly releases, like Kung Fu Panda 4, Dune: Part Two, and Arthur the King. If you missed them last year, Wonka, Oppenheimer, and Migration are still showing at select theaters.
NATURE CENTERS! Studies show that children who regularly spend time outside play more creatively, have lower stress levels, develop more robust immune systems, and have greater respect for themselves, others, and the environment. Here are 6 Front Range Nature Centers we think you'll love.
OLD-FASHIONED BACKYARD GAMES. Do you remember playing freeze tag or participating in a three-legged race as a kid? Have a Throwback Thursday in your backyard and play some Classic Outdoor Games with your children!
PICNIC ON THE STAGE. There's no place for a concert like Red Rocks! Did you know you can picnic and play on the very stage where thousands of iconic musicians have performed? Before or after, climb the steps or take a kid-friendly hike around the park.
QUIET TIME IS IMPORTANT! Color, learn to meditate, or lie in a park and watch the clouds blow by. Relish the sound of silence.
READ A BOOK OUT LOUD TOGETHER. It isn't just for toddlers and preschoolers who can't read yet. We've rounded up 50 of the BEST Middle-Grade Fiction Books that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
SNOW MUCH FUN! Depending on how much snow you got last week, your yard may still have plenty of snow. We have 13 Ways to Play in the Snow You Might Not Have Tried Yet. If not, you can make Fake Snow with Just Two Ingredients for indoor sensory play.
TACKLE THE STAIRS AT PHILIP S. MILLER PARK. The Challenge Hill has 200 timber steps that climb 178 feet in elevation, similar to the Manitou Springs Incline.
UNPLUG FOR A DAY. Turn off the electronics, ignore the TV, and leave the phone behind to spend a beautiful spring day wholly tuned in to your family.
VAIL, KEYSTONE, COPPER MOUNTAIN, BEAVER CREEK, ASPEN, MONARCH... The snow is deep, and the mountains are calling. Not a skier? Try a tubing hill or a guided snowshoe tour instead. Just be prepared for crowds.
WHIP UP SOMETHING DELICIOUS. I bet you've got a few recipes you've wanted to try! If not, our Snickerdoodle Blondies will warm your kitchen and make your entire house smell ahhhh-mazing!
X MARKS THE SPOT. Have you ever tried geocaching? There are lots of hidden treasures right here in Douglas County! All you need is an app on your phone and a sense of adventure.
YOGA IS GOOD FOR THE BODY AND THE MIND! Invite your kids to join you. Go to YouTube and search "yoga for kids" for a variety of short, kid-friendly sessions.
ZOO ANIMALS TEND TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN COOLER WEATHER! Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo or the Denver Zoo to see the lions and tigers and bears — oh my!
