Colorado Parent August/September 2022

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Ideas for Family Fun

Falling for Colorado

Autumn Adventures Kids Will Love

Is Your Child Ready?

Back-to-School Wellness Checklist Simple Family Dinners To Prep, Cook, and Freeze INTRODUCE YOURSELF

First-Day-of-School Tips for Kids AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

good to know

Photo: Little Man Ice Cream

After-School Treat

The first week of school is a whopper, leaving everyone in the family a little worn out. That’s when a good scoop of ice cream and some live music can revive the whole crew. Little Man Ice Cream’s newest location, a pop-up near Hampden Avenue and University Boulevard, opened on July 4 serving up handcrafted scoops in 24 flavors daily, including six vegan options. Hit the new south Denver spot, open daily from noon to 9 p.m., for an after-school snack or stop by on Saturday evenings, August 6 through September 3, for live music from 7 to 9 p.m. littlemanicecream.com

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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SET YOUR CHILD UP FOR SCHOOLYEAR SUCCESS

Learn organizational strategies that will keep students at the top of the class.

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7 RESTAURANTS KIDS LOVE TO VISIT

These Denver spots serve up a fun dining experience for the whole family.

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SIMPLE WAYS FOR KIDS TO INTERACT WITH BUGS Find out how little ones can safely learn from our six- and eight-legged friends.

PUBLISHER Amy Foreman ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Brandon Foreman EDITORIAL edit@coloradoparent.com Editor Deborah Mock Senior Associate Editor Kara Thompson Editorial Contributors Sarah Batrous, Anna Sutterer Copy Editor Shelley Wolson

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10 GAMES TO PLAY ON YOUR NEXT HIKE Discover clever ways to squeeze learning moments into your family’s next outdoor adventure.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS Director of Operations Laurie Acosta COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Director of Community Partnerships Teri Hodges Community Outreach Roxane Voorhies ADVERTISING Director of Business Development Patrick Pacheco

COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

ART/PRODUCTION Contributing Designers Heather Gaumer Joey Haas Tammie Schumacher Production Support Chelsea Conrad Carly Lambert Megan Skolak MARKETING Director of Marketing Emily Mancuso Marketing Assistant Maggie Sharp

Share your feedback and ideas! Email us at edit@coloradoparent.com.

FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP, INC. now GEAUX PUBLISH, INC. 1675 Larimer Street Suite 675, Denver, CO 80202 P (303) 832-5280 Visit us online at ColoradoParent.com Distribution + Circulation: circulation@coloradoparent.com Printed locally by Publication Printers Colorado Parent is published bimonthly by Geaux Publish, Inc. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Additional copies can be purchased for $5.00 per issue. Call (303) 320-1000 to request additional copies. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products, or services are endorsed by the Publisher. Editorial submissions are welcome.

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Photos: Getty Images.

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good to know

2021

Introduce Yourself!

Get the school year off to a great start with these tips for introductions.

COMPLIMENT CLASSMATES

Chances are, everyone has at least a few first-day jitters. Try breaking the ice by offering a compliment on your soon-to-be friend’s Elsa-inspired dress or allosaurus-adorned T-shirt. “It makes them feel included and important,” Scott says. Certainly be sure to extend the same courtesies to everyone, no matter their culture or ethnicity.

ERR ON FORMALITY WITH ADULTS

“It may seem old-fashioned, but you always address adults as Mr., Mrs., or whatever they ask you to address them as,” Scott says. It’s fine to use informal names if the adult makes the request, but always begin the interaction with the more formal title.

RECIPROCATE A QUESTION

After brief name exchanges, conversations often turn to “how are you” lines of questioning. You should respond honestly and appropriately to this initial query and then ask how your conversation partner is in return. Remember, “It’s not all about you,” Scott says. “It’s about other people as well.”

BE APPROACHABLE

Nonverbal communication matters too. Cover your mouth when you sneeze, avoid picking your nose in public, and show interest when a new friend is speaking.

3 CONVERSATION STARTERS FOR KIDS 1.

2.

3.

—Courtney Holden

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

2021

good to know

After-School Treat

11

Good Neighbors This group is making financial literacy accessible for kids.

12

Solutions Help! My toddler is biting!

14

What We Love Playroom splurges to wow your little ones

16

Roundup Diaries: They're more than a place to write secrets.

play

19

Deck Out Their School Supplies Take store-bought supplies up a notch with these colorful, crafty tweaks.

home

23

What was your favorite thing you did this summer?

What do you like to do after school?

How many brothers and sisters do you have?

2021

23 3

The beginning of the school year is often full of reunions with peers and adults, as well as interactions with new friends and mentors. Sondra Scott, Denver-based etiquette consultant at The Swann School, encourages kids to try these time-tested strategies to navigate initial introductions gracefully and confidently.

2021

Family Meals to Prep, Cook, and Freeze Deliciously simple dinners from food blogger and mom, Caroline Fausel

Kids: Getty Images, Meal: Becky Winkler.

contents

We believe in

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION

There’s Still Time to Enroll Pre-K to 9th Grade Learning happens in different ways for every child. For more engaged and effective learning, our highly trained Montessori educators work one-on-one with students throughout the day, individualizing their approach for each student's learning style. For over 100 years, this has been one of the central tenets of the Montessori method.

Let Montessori nurture your own child's mind with an approach tailored to their needs.

Attend an open house or schedule a tour today.

Mayfair - Park Hill - Central Park 303.322.8324 • mchdenver.org

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CO L

ADO PAREN T OR

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TE S T ED

Lunch Containers That Don't Leak We asked opinionated kid critics and their parents to put seven lunch containers to the test. Here are the three that earned top marks.

OUR CRITERIA: Leak resistance

Durability

Ease of cleaning Ease of child handling the container —Kara Thompson

OVERALL RATING:

5/5

While it won’t keep food or drinks cool all day long, parents said that the PackIt Freezable Snack Bag kept lunch cold from morning until lunchtime. It’s perfect for packing a sandwich, yogurt, or cheese sticks.

Just toss the bag in the freezer the night before. $15, packit.com Mom says: “This is an amazing option for sending my toddler off to school with. It’s simple, versatile, and small enough to pack in a backpack.”

—Cleo Moloney, mom to Robbie and Vinny, ages two and nine months

OVERALL RATING:

4/5

The ZipTop Kids Set features 4-ounce silicone containers that stand up, stay open, and zip up. They are BPA-free and ideal for holding solid snacks like cereal, crackers, or fruit. The animal designs made them even more appealing to our young testers. One parent noted that her child preferred these snack containers by far, mentioning that he “couldn’t keep his little toddler fingers off of them.” $40, ziptop.com Mom says: “I really liked these for portioning out larger bags of snacks.

It’s nice that you can stand them up in the cabinet or fridge.”

—Liz Schnabolk, mom to Weston and Owen, ages five and two

OVERALL RATING:

4/5

Wowing parents for how well they sealed, the WeeSprout Stainless Steel Storage Containers landed a spot in the top three. Parents noted that they kept things cool and they also appreciated that they are dishwasher safe. $21, weesprout.com Mom says: “I love that these are stainless steel, durable, easy for my son to open and close, and that they come in three different sizes.”

—Jessica Flammer, mom to Davie and Gabriel, ages two and a half and two months

HONORABLE MENTION The Elk and Friends Kids Snack Pouch was a close runner-up.

The silicone bags are designed for little hands to hold, and they are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe. $12, elkandfriends.com

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

explore

31

Oh, the Places You Can Go This Fall Take the kids on one (or all) of these autumn adventures around Colorado.

wellness

37

A Checkup Checklist Add these appointments to your back-to-school planner.

happenings

39

Our Top Picks for August & September Wrap up the summer and welcome fall at one of these activities.

42

To Do Today

44

Ongoing Events

fresh mindset

46

Chef Troy Guard shares his perspective on family time in the kitchen.

on the cover

Photo: Getty Images 6 23 31 37 39

Introduce Yourself Simple Family Dinners Falling for Colorado Back-to-School Wellness Checklist 70 Ideas for Family Fun

Lunchroom girl: Getty Images.

contents

SAVE MONEY ON PRESCHOOL TUITION

FOR YOUR 4-YEAR-OLD THIS FALL.

Denver Preschool Program helps every Denver family access the power of preschool.

Resources to help you find a preschool that best meets your family’s needs Tuition credits to lower your monthly costs at more than 250 quality programs

Learn more at

DPP.ORG OR CALL 303-595-4DPP

ENGAGING STUDENTS IN

We believe that deep, enduring learning happens first-hand — directly from the people, ecosystems, cultures, and challenges of the real world.

This is Watershed School.

Applications for the 2023-2024 year for grades 6-12 open in September.

Contact admissions@watershedschool.org to learn more.

W H E N Y O U W A N T T O PA R E N T

Smarter PA R E N T L I K E A P R O

ColoradoParent.com Search out the best parenting hacks. Plus, online learning resources for every age, new ways to use imagination, creative ways to get your kiddo up and moving—and a whole lot more!

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good to know Bus: Getty Images.

STEP ONTO THE ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS

Your child’s bus ride to school may soon be part of a bigger plan to help reduce air pollution. After the passage of the national Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in November 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency is set to provide $5 billion dollars over the next five years (about $500 million per year) to replace existing school buses with electric buses and multiple types of cleaner alternative fuel school buses. Applications that propose to serve Indigenous tribal schools and rural or low-income communities may be prioritized.

The state of Colorado has also passed its own legislation with a similar goal.

Senate Bill 22-193, called the Air Quality Improvement Investments Act, sets aside $65 million to help school districts purchase zero-emission buses.

“By making this state investment and helping to cover some of those upfront costs, the ongoing savings will be able to be recognized by school districts,” Governor Jared Polis said in an announcement of the bill, adding that, while traditional diesel buses may be less expensive up front, electric vehicles can be cheaper to fuel and maintain over the long run.

—Anna Sutterer

3 City Spots to Pick Up Dinner on a Busy Night No time to whip up a homemade dinner? No problem. These local spots serve delicious meals the whole family will love, and they make pickup easy.

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN

This restaurant is proof that takeout doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Order the Tuscan kale salad or pan-seared bass for yourself and a chicken teriyaki bowl or a grass-fed burger for your littles.

EASY PICKUP: Decide what you’re craving, then order and pay for it right on the restaurant’s app. Schedule a pickup time up to a week in advance.

WHERE: Cherry Creek

BLUE PAN PIZZA

Pizza is a family favorite for a good reason—it has a way of turning a chaotic day around. Denverites go crazy for Blue Pan’s Detroit-style pie and appreciate the gluten-free crust available to accommodate food sensitivities.

EASY PICKUP: Order your ’za online, then pick it up from the table outside of the restaurant. Delivery is also available within the surrounding neighborhoods if you’re running short on time (or dealing with a fussy toddler).

WHERE: West Highland and Congress Park

EDGEWATER PUBLIC MARKET

If your family can’t agree on a cuisine, head to Edgewater Public Market. From ramen to pasta to gyros, the food hall has something to offer even the pickiest of eaters.

EASY PICKUP: This eatery boasts a big parking lot that’s easy to get in and out of for quick order and pickup. Plus, it’s right by the Edgewater Marketplace where you can squeeze in some errands before heading home.

WHERE: Edgewater, near Sloan’s Lake —Kara Thompson

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

GoCheck Kids

Keeps a Digital Eye on Eye Care When Veronica Arrieta, of Denver, took her son AJ for his one-year checkup, she never imagined that an app would save his life.

Her physician assistant, Danny Kamlet at Colorado Kids Pediatrics, performed an eye exam on AJ by affixing a lens to an iPhone and using the GoCheck Kids app to scan his eyes. The app detected an abnormality in his left eye that led to a diagnosis of retinoblastoma, a fastmoving cancer. Due to early detection, AJ’s life and vision were saved.

“Our doctor said that this was one of the earliest catches for retinoblastoma that the clinic has had, and the office’s first catch with an app that led to detecting cancer so soon,” says AJ’s mother.

The app’s ability to detect retinoblastoma, in addition to signs of near or farsightedness, astigmatism, and crossed eyes, is a remarkable stride toward better, and earlier, pediatric vision care. “We are grateful to work with providers who realize that early detection is an important part of a child's wellness visit,” says Derek Baird, GoCheck Kids executive chair.

The app is used at more than 6,500 pediatric practices, and its reach is growing each day. Check with your pediatrician to see if they use GoCheck Kids.

—Sarah Batrous

Photo: Junior Achievement.

good neighbors

Dream Big good neighbors

Making Financial Literacy Accessible Junior Achievement engages kids K–12 in hands-on, economic, and entrepreneurial lessons.

L

By Anna Sutterer

ike any other school subject or life skill, financial literacy takes practice. However, not all young people get an introduction to financial topics in school, or through personal experience. That’s where Junior Achievement (JA) is stepping in to make positive changes.

The national organization, with two Colorado chapters, mentors kindergartners through 12th graders in finance and entrepreneurship using immersive real-world simulations, online education, career fairs, and speaker events. But, the best way for students to complete JA programming is through school, according to Jill Hrnicek, senior education engagement officer at JA Rocky Mountain. The organization provides classroom curriculums, and allows teachers and administrators to bring students—at no cost—to centers such as Junior Achievement Finance Park, where students take on tasks related to family budgeting, investing, philanthropy, and banking.

“Junior Achievement Finance Park was a great experience for my eighth grade son and myself as a volunteer,” Melody Matthews, a Ben Franklin Academy parent, says. “The program helped students apply previously learned math and financial principles to a scenario and evaluate how their decisions affected a potential real-life outcome.”

Parents can also help their students at home with the JA digital resources bank. Short videos introduce young kids to money concepts and careers.

High school students are encouraged to check out the economics website, which provides an understanding about the U.S. economy and how crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, affect fundamental principles like supply and demand, business competition, and government intervention.

COMING UP: The JA Free Enterprise Center, which broke ground in Englewood in March 2022, will house the JA Dream Accelerator, a digital career-exploration experience, and another location of the JA Finance Park. The center is projected to open in spring 2023. jacolorado.org, soco.ja.org

COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM GOLDEN, COLORADO

SEPT. 10-11, 17-18 & 24-25 RIDES DEPART:

8:30am–4:00pm

EVENT WILL SELL OUT! ORDER NOW!

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Many parents, particularly at the elementary-school level, serve as JA volunteers in their child’s classrooms, according to Hrnicek. Individuals, corporations, and community groups are invited to help educate students.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT ColoradoRailroadMuseum.org/Day-Out-With-Thomas AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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solutions

Your little one has taken to chomping down on other kids and adults.

It’s mortifying, painful, and worrisome. A parent, a teacher, and a children’s therapist weigh in on what’s behind biting and how to put a stop to it.

Edited by Courtney Drake-McDonough

THE CHILDREN’S THERAPIST SAYS...

Toddlers bite when their feelings overwhelm them and they aren’t able to control their behaviors. When your child bites, remember that they feel out of control, which can be scary and overwhelming for them. It’s important for parents to regulate their emotions and behaviors to help the child manage theirs. When a child bites: 1. Be firm and calm, saying “no biting.”

2. Empathize with their feelings while setting limits—all feelings are okay but not all behaviors are okay. 3. Teach alternative strategies once your child is calm. 4. Offer opportunities for a “re-do” to handle the situation better.

5. Notice what preceded the bite and look for patterns to help head off future biting.

If biting is frequent and the child is not responsive to adult interventions, consult with a physician because there may be underlying medical, developmental, or mental health conditions that should be addressed.

–Dr. Helen Egger, cofounder of the

children’s mental health app, Little Otter

THE MOTHER SAYS...

THE PRESCHOOL TEACHER SAYS...

We were embarrassed and concerned when our toddler son bit a couple of his friends. We discovered that the reason behind the biting was actually related to sensory issues—sensory processing disorder, specifically. His preschool teacher reassured us that we were not terrible parents and he was a really sweet boy, but that he also seemed to have some additional sensory needs.

An occupational therapist gave us tools and a “sensory diet” for him to get that chewing fix (from certain textured foods and objects) without biting other people. For other kids, that might mean something different.

The important thing was that we didn’t shame him or yell at him. We showed him gentle ways to communicate and better ways to get what he needed from a sensory perspective.

Children bite when they have a big emotion or are trying to communicate. Preparing your response ahead of time allows you to stay composed in the moment. Say calmly: “I am not going to let you bite [your sister, your friend, me]” while placing your arm between your child and the other person. This phrasing puts you in control. Then, determine what your child is trying to communicate and teach what to do instead: “It looks like you want to play. You can say ‘my turn.’” Or tell your child: “You seem frustrated.

Let’s take a break and calm down.” Throughout your child’s day, find ways to teach them what to do or say so they can fill that toolbox and be ready. It may take several months to learn the right tools. Be consistent and patient.

–E.S., mother of nine-year-old and 12-year-old

at Fisher Early Learning Center, University of Denver and mother of four

boys, Denver

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

—Meaghan Burns, Infant/Toddler Master Teacher

Photos: Getty Images.

Help! My Toddler Is Biting

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What does falling in love or heartbreak sound like?

Get kids excited about music in 5 minutes with Music Blocks, a podcast from Colorado Public Radio.

Season 2 starts Aug.16 wherever you get your podcasts!

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

13

good to know

1

1

Gone are the days when ball pits could only be found at party venues or indoor playgrounds. This in-home Ball Pit fits up to three kiddos, age six months and up. The modern design complements your home decor, and it’s also polyurethane-free, features a washable cover, and comes with 200 balls so kids can jump right in. $265, littlebigplayroom.com

Playroom

SPLURGES Wow your child with these thrilling finds.

2

Let your child’s imagination run wild while they take on the deep seas in this Submarine Playhome. It’s made with polyester and a plastic frame so it’s sturdier than the typical wire pop-up tent. Kids will go crazy for the little details like the working periscope and plush propeller. $159, wonderandwise.com

By Kara Thompson

2 3

3

This Indoor Slide will offer stir-crazy kids a thrilling dose of entertainment when park days aren’t in the plans. It’s three feet long—the perfect size for beginners—and features child-friendly steps to ensure safe and easy climbing. The high sides along the slide also offer good stability so you can relax while your cutie plays. $200, avenlur.com

4

4

Attach the AirFort to a box fan and it becomes a tent for toddler playtime. It’s made with light polyester fabric that’s durable and breathable, so your child won’t get too hot inside. Plus, it inflates in less than 30 seconds, meaning you can enjoy your coffee in peace after a quick setup. $50, airfort.com

5

5

Got a kid who loves climbing? The Little Dome will help them burn off energy. The wooden play structure is designed to build motor skills, enhance creativity, and encourage balance control. Made for kids two to six years old, your mini mountaineer will totally dig climbing, hanging, and hiding out in this indoor playspace. $450, lilyandriver.com

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

M

E T R O

D

E N V E R

Market on Your Calendar!

c FARMERS’ MARKET 45Sundays

Saturdays

SOUTHWEST PLAZA Saturdays HIGHLANDS RANCH APRIL 30 - OCT 29 MAY 1 - OCT 30 Southeast Parking Lot Highlands Ranch LAKEWOOD Wadsworth & Bowles 8am-2pm or Sellout

JUNE 11 - SEPT 24 Mile Hi Church 9077 W Alameda Ave 10am-2pm or Sellout

Town Center 9288 Dorchester St. 10am-2pm or Sellout

Sundays

STEAD SCHOOL AT REUNION JUNE 12 - SEPT 25 18251 Homestead Trail 10am-2pm or Sellout

Wednesdays LITTLETON

JUNE 15 - SEPT 28 Aspen Grove 7301 S. Santa Fe Dr. 10am-2pm or Sellout

Check out our great recipes online!

For more information call the Metro Denver Farmers’ Market Hotline

303-887-FARM

www.denverfarmersmarket.com

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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roundup

DIARIES:

Diaries aren’t just a place for tweens to confess their crushes. They are also a valuable tool in helping all kids develop emotional and mental well-being.

“Writing in a diary gives kids a safe, nonjudgmental place to put their thoughts, and can help kids recovering from surgery or illness, or just support greater happiness,” says Sheryl Ziegler, founder of The Child + Family Therapy Center at Lowry, and mom of three. She offers these tips to help kids get started.

By Kristin Buchtel

MAKE IT FUN To make keeping a diary feel less like a chore and more like a creative outlet, encourage kids to draw pictures instead of solely writing. This may be useful for younger kids, or those who struggle with penmanship. Older kids might also create poems or write a song to communicate how they are feeling. “The fewer rules there are around using a diary, the more likely kids will be to use it,” Ziegler says.

More creative ideas: Suggest that your child rate their day on a scale from Outstanding to It Was Hard, this way they can see and discuss their feelings in a measurable way.

OUTSTANDING

PRETTY GOOD

JUST OKAY

Ask kids to invent an emoji to get their thoughts flowing and offer an entry point for discussion.

Ask your child to share a story from their day with you. This may spark ideas for journaling.

CHOOSE A STYLE Is it necessary for a child to have a diary with a lock? Ziegler says that diaries with locks are great for beginners, especially younger kids and tweens, as they experiment with journaling. “It’s symbolic of a lock on their feelings, a safeguard as they begin,” she explains. What matters most is that the diary feels easy to use and gives them a sense of privacy.”

Help your child select a diary:

Go mobile Some tweens and teens in Ziegler’s practice prefer to use the notes section on their phone because it’s familiar and convenient.

Try an app Ziegler works with families who use writing apps that send a reminder to journal, which keeps kids going.

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

IT WAS HARD

DON’T PEEK What if your mama bear instinct is telling you something isn’t right? Should you peek? Ziegler says to resist peeking and use this as an opportunity to model relationship skills with your child. Instead, you could say, “I’m your parent and I’m wired to you. I have noticed things have been different lately, and I would like to talk to you.”

If your child resists, Ziegler recommends other options for communicating with your child, such as writing notes to each other if they are uncomfortable talking.

“It’s easy to ruminate on thoughts and worries, but when they are on paper, kids can see them, compartmentalize them, and assess their journeys.”

Illustrations: Vecteezy.com

Keep it simple A spiral notebook or a composition book in their favorite color, or with a favorite sports hero on the front, works as well as a more expensive diary.

NOT GREAT

Don’t Wait to Fall into Fun!

With eight convenient Denver-area locations, Little People’s Landing is harvesting lots of learning this autumn.

• Compassionate educators and care providers with 40 years of experience • Infant through elementary options to meet key program milestones • A holistic, play-based approach to learning

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY!

littlepeopleslanding.com 303-972-0787

W H E N C R AY O N S A N D M A R K E R S

Aren’t Enough PA R E N T L I K E A P R O ColoradoParent.com Search for easy at home craft ideas! Plus, online learning resources for every age, new ways to use imagination, creative ways to get your kiddo up and moving—and a whole lot more!

DON’T MISS THIS! YOU CAN NOW READ THE FULL ISSUE OF COLORADO PARENT ONLINE.

   AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

17

Global VillaGe academy

Our families love Global Village Academy because…

Their children are learning their family’s heritage language or a new one.

Their children are becoming global citizens, learning through language and culture.

Their children are taught by teachers who come from all over the world.

The school embraces diversity & cultural awareness.

Watch a Video About Our Language Immersion Experience!

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE

Every child learns in English plus Spanish, French, Mandarin or Russian.

K-8th Grade, Tuition-free, Public Charter Schools GVA Douglas County is K-5 grade.

Open the World for Your Child & Enroll Them Today!! gvaschools.org/learnmore

Aurora • Parker • Thornton • gvaschools.org

play

CH NOT A .

P S U AKS E E I L W P T SUP FTY A T R H T C UG -BO E YE E L tl e R P O M Shar I T a S l S y E SE aka TA K

by M THE s o t H o WIT d ph Craf

ts a n

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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P I C K I N G O U T S U P P L I E S I S A N E X C I T I N G PA R T O F T H E B A C K -T O - S C H O O L F U N .

W H AT ’ S E V E N M O R E E N T I C I N G : A D D I N G A P E R S O N A L T O U C H T O O R D I N A R Y SUPPLIES.

THESE

KID-APPROVED

C R A F TS

REQUIRE

MINIMAL

TIME

AND

E F F O R T Y E T T H E Y PA C K A B I G P U N C H , F O R T H E S C H O O L Y E A R A N D B E Y O N D .

CRAFT INSTRUCTIONS: H OT AI R B AL LO O N PENCIL HOLDER YOU WILL NEED: • • • •

Blue composition notebook or folder Balloon template (found on ColoradoParent.com) Craft glue Felt (brown, white, pink, purple, blue, and yellow) • Hot glue

INSTRUCTIONS: Print and cut the template in half (one half should be the balloon, the second the square).

Trace the square (the basket) onto the brown felt and cut out.

PENCIL CASE

Trace the balloon outline on the white felt and cut out.

Cut the four white stripes from the balloon template.

Make reaching for a pen or pencil dreamy by customizing a fabric pencil pouch. For this design, find a beige or tan pouch and use Tulip® Fabric Paint Dauber in white. Dab three to four dots together on the pouch surface to make a cloud shape. Tweens will have fun experimenting with the decorations.

BALLOON CRAYONS Turn last year’s nubby crayon leftovers into cute new supplies. Collect crayon scraps and be sure all the wrappers are removed. Tip: To ease the removal of crayon wrappers, soak crayons in a jar of hot water for about ten minutes. Place the crayon pieces in the wells of a silicon mold, bake at 225° for 15 to 20 minutes, and let cool.

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

Place paper stripes on different colors of felt, trace, and cut out.

Glue the colored stripes onto the white felt balloon shape, arranged as they were on the original template. Let dry.

Glue the balloon shape and basket onto the cover of the notebook or folder, leaving about an inch-wide (or pencil-size) gap through the center for storing a pencil.

CRAFT INSTRUCTIONS: U P CYC L E D B O O K COVE R

YOU WILL NEED: • • • • •

Brown kraft paper or a paper bag Hardback textbook Pencil White and yellow craft paint Paint brush

INSTRUCTIONS: Measure out a rectangular piece of brown paper slightly larger than the hardback textbook itself; there should be about two inches of excess paper at the top and bottom and about three inches on each side of the textbook when it is opened flat.

Place the book in the center of the rectangle and fold the top and bottom of the paper toward the book so the paper now matches the height of the textbook (make sure all grocery store logos are facing inward and will be hidden once the jacket is complete). Put the book aside and press the creases flat.

Lay the textbook back on the paper. Fold the side ends evenly over the book’s front and back covers and crease to create flaps. Slip the top flap onto the book’s front cover and the bottom flap onto the back cover.

To make daisies, trace your design with a pencil, use

yellow paint for the center of the flower and white paint for the petals.

LADYBUG AND LEAF ERASERS YOU WILL NEED: • Red, black, and green eraser clay

• Toothpick

INSTRUCTIONS: Warm up the clay colors in your hands prior to shaping; this will make the clay easier to form into shapes.

To create the ladybug, roll red clay in a ball and make one side flat by pressing lightly onto a table.

Use black clay to make a smaller ball for the head, four small dots, and a line for the center of the ladybug’s back.

B E E PA P E R C L I P S Students can keep important busy work together with these handmade honeybee paper clips. Use the bee template at ColoradoParent.com to trace and cut out the bee parts from felt. Glue them all together as pictured, and when they are dry, glue a paper clip to the back of the bee.

Place the black ball on one end of the red body, the line down the center, and the dots on each side of the line.

To make leaves, shape green clay into flat ovals and pinch at one end. Use a toothpick to draw “veins” in the leaves.

Bake the shapes following the package instructions.

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INSTRUCTIONS: Cut a piece of brown paper to fit the size of the notebook cover. Glue it on with craft glue.

CRAFT INSTRUCTIONS: M E LT E D I C E C R E A M N O T E B O O K

YOU WILL NEED: • Composition notebook • Brown, pink, yellow, and purple cardstock or craft paper • Brown paint • Paint brush • Craft glue

Use a paint brush and brown paint to add crisscrossing lines on the brown paper so that it looks like a cone.

While the paint dries, cut a strip of pink paper the width of the notebook cover.

Freehand-cut one end of the pink paper to look like melting ice cream.

Glue onto the top of the notebook.

With the other colors of paper, cut “sprinkles” and glue onto the pink “ice cream.”

ICE-POP BOOKMARKS

TIP:

To make homework just a little easier, kids can mark their spot with these sweet ice-pop bookmarks. Use the ice-pop template at ColoradoParent.com to trace and cut the shape from colorful felt, then glue it on the end of a clothespin.

If the spine of your notebook does not match your decorations, cover with remaining brown craft paint.

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

home Family-Friendly Recipes for Busy Weeknights Deliciously easy meals from Caroline Fausel, a Denver-based food blogger and mom of two.

Reprinted from Prep, Cook, Freeze by Caroline Fausel

Opener: Getty Images.

Is there anyone who doesn’t love an effort-less, stress-free weeknight dinner? I enjoy a home-cooked meal as much as the next person, but even as a food blogger, I don’t love spending all night, every night hovering over the stove. I knew there had to be a way to combine healthy, Paleo dishes with the best aspects of batch cooking and freezer meals, but I never found a method I loved, so I put on my apron and made my own. This Prep, Cook, Freeze method originated right in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you and your family.

All recipes serve four on cook night and four on reheat night with the additional fresh ingredients found in the reheat grocery list.

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Prep Day Ingredients: 1 rotisserie chicken

Prep Day Instructions:

Shred the chicken. (You should end up with approximately 8 cups of meat.) Then, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Cook Night Ingredients:

¼ cup thinly sliced red onion ½ cup pineapple chunks 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 (8.5-oz) jar Paleo-friendly barbecue sauce, divided 2½ cups of shredded rotisserie chicken 1 Paleo-friendly premade pizza crust 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons roughly chopped cilantro

Cook Night Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. 2. While the oven heats, prepare your pizza toppings: onion, pineapple, and vegan mozzarella. Combine ½ cup of barbecue sauce with the shredded chicken.

3. Place your pizza crust on a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Lightly brush your pizza crust with olive oil.

4. Spread ⅓ cup of barbecue sauce onto the pizza dough, then top with the mozzarella cheese, 1¼ cups of the barbecue chicken mixture, red onion, and pineapple.

5. Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the crust is fully cooked.

6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.

Freeze the remaining 1¼ cups of the barbecue chicken mixture.

Reheat Grocery List:

1 red onion 1 (20-oz) can pineapple chunks 1 (8-oz) package vegan mozzarella cheese 1 bunch cilantro 1 Paleo-friendly premade pizza crust 1 (8.5 oz) jar Paleo-friendly barbecue sauce

Reheat Night Instructions:

DON’T FORGET TO FREEZE THESE!

HERBS If you have leftover herbs that will go bad before you use them, make an herb oil by blending the herbs and olive oil in a blender, then freeze the herb oil in an ice cube tray. These cubes are great to add to soups, stews, dressings, and other recipes.

BROTHS & SAUCES Freeze your leftover broth, tomato paste, barbecue sauce, and dressing in ice cube trays as well.

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

To thaw the shredded chicken mixture, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before reheat night, or use your favorite quick thaw method. Once thawed, follow the instructions for cook night.

Who says you can’t have pizza on the Paleo diet? This is one of my very favorite pizzas, and the barbecue sauce really takes it up a notch. Using a store-bought crust speeds things up for your busiest nights.

Photo: Becky Winkler.

Best-Ever Barbecue Chicken Pizza

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Prep Day Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 yellow onion, diced 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch dice 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), cut into ¼-inch dice 2 cloves garlic, minced Avocado oil cooking spray 2 (8-piece) packages taco-size grain-free tortillas 4½ cups Paleo-friendly enchilada sauce

Topping Ingredients:

1 head iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced 2 avocados, sliced 2 Roma tomatoes, diced ½ red onion, chopped

Prep Day Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. 2. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the beef and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes.

3. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the olive oil and diced onion, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and starting to brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Once the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 more minute. Return the beef to the pot with the vegetables and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and set aside.

5. Spray two 8 x 8-inch baking dishes with avocado oil cooking spray.

Add a layer of tortillas to the bottom of each pan. Place a full tortilla in the middle, then cut two tortillas in half and place the flat edge of

each against each flat side of the dish (so the round parts will be facing the middle). In each baking dish, add 2 cups of the beef-and-vegetable mixture, then ¾ cup enchilada sauce. Add another layer each of tortillas, beef, and sauce. Then top with tortillas and sauce.

6. Cover both baking dishes with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, rotate each baking dish and swap which racks they are on to ensure even cooking. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

7. Remove both enchilada bakes from the oven and let cool. Cover both baking dishes with airtight lids or a layer of plastic wrap covered with a layer of aluminum foil. Store one in the refrigerator for cook night and the other one in the freezer for reheat night.

Cook Night Instructions:

Remove the enchilada bake from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F. Remove the lid or plastic and aluminum foil and re-cover with just the aluminum foil. Heat in the oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Remove the enchilada bake from the oven, cut it into fourths, and plate it with the desired toppings.

Reheat Grocery List: 1 head iceberg lettuce 2 avocados 2 Roma tomatoes 1 red onion

Reheat Night Instructions:

To thaw the enchilada bake, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before reheat night, giving it adequate time to completely thaw.

Once thawed, follow the instructions from cook night.

I especially adore this enchilada bake because you make both dishes on prep day, so all you have to do is pull it out of the freezer, cook it, and eat it. For serving, go crazy on the toppings with this one—I essentially turn it into a salad.

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

Photo: Becky Winkler.

Make-Ahead Enchilada Bake

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Prep Day Ingredients:

Sweet and Sour Sauce 1 (9-oz) jar Paleo-friendly island teriyaki sauce 1 (8.5-oz) jar Paleo-friendly Hawaiian barbecue sauce Juice from 1 (20-oz) can pineapple chunks (set chunks aside in the refrigerator for cook night) Meatballs 2 pounds ground pork 1 yellow onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 egg 2 tablespoons coconut flour 1 teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil

Prep Day Instructions:

1. Make the sweet and sour sauce by blending together the jar of teriyaki sauce, jar of Hawaiian barbecue sauce, and juice from the pineapple chunks in a high-powered blender.

2. Next, in a large mixing bowl, fully combine all the meatball ingredients, except the olive oil, mixing them together with your hands. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, then form golf ball–size meatballs and place them on the sheet pan.

3. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add the olive oil. Working in batches, cook the meatballs until they are browned on the outside and fully cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side, 6 to 8 minutes total. Drain the fat from the pot. Add the meatballs back to the Dutch oven and pour the sweet and sour sauce over them.

Simmer over medium heat until the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.

4. Once the sauce has thickened, remove the Dutch oven from the heat and allow the contents to cool completely. Divide the meatballs and their sauce mixture in half. Store one half in an airtight container in the refrigerator for cook night and the other half in an airtight container in the freezer for reheat night.

GET READY TO FREEZE AND REHEAT

In every recipe, there are instructions to freeze a portion, if not all, of the meal you have prepared. Here are some tips on how to freeze your food:

COOL YOUR FOOD BEFORE FREEZING.

Cook Night Ingredients:

Give your food adequate time to cool before adding it to the freezer. Putting warm or even hot food into the freezer can warm up the freezer temperature as well as the items within it, which can affect the taste and texture of those other items. Additionally, the steam from a dish that’s not cooled first will create ice when it freezes, and water down the food when it thaws (like watered-down soup, for example). Also, do not crowd your freezer—allow for ample space to stack or lay items on top of one another.

Sweet and Sour Sauce 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 bunch scallions, divided into white and green parts, thinly sliced 2 red bell peppers, ½-inch dice Pineapple chunks reserved from prep day Meatballs ½ recipe sweet and sour meatballs from prep day

Cook Night Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over mediumhigh heat. Add the white parts of the scallions and the chopped bell peppers and cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the drained pineapple chunks and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Remove the Hawaiian meatballs in the sweet and sour sauce from the refrigerator and add them to the same pot as the pineapple and bell peppers. Stir to combine and cook until heated through, about 8 minutes. Serve over riced cauliflower, with a sprinkle of sliced greens from the scallions.

FREEZE ITEMS IN THE PROPER CONTAINERS. Freezer-proof resealable

Reheat Night Instructions:

LABEL AND DATE. Be sure to label

To thaw the Hawaiian meatballs and sauce, move them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before reheat night, or use your favorite quick thaw method. Once thawed, follow the cook night ingredients and instructions.

bags are convenient for cold storage, as you can squeeze the air out of them and stack them flat on top of one another. This method is especially helpful for sauces.

Glass, heat-proof containers with lids work well for freezing, so consider investing in a set. Be sure to leave space at the top when you are freezing liquids, as they will expand. If you need to use a storage container without a lid, first wrap it in plastic wrap and then again in foil. and date every dish you freeze. You can write directly on a resealable bag or buy painter’s tape and a permanent marker to create your own labels. For reference, most cooked dishes keep for two to three months in the freezer.

THAW. When you are ready for reheat-

ing, be sure to allow adequate time when thawing your frozen portion of the meal. I recommend removing the frozen item the night before and allowing it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

These Hawaiian meatballs pack a serious punch. The flavor combinations will have you going back for more!

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

Photo: Becky Winkler.

Sweet and Sour Hawaiian Meatballs

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explore

Photo: Getty Images.

Oh, The Places You Can Go This Fall!

Take the kids on autumn adventures that will blow their little minds.

From picking striped pumpkins to navigating a maze shaped like a narwhal, we’ve got a dozen ideas to start the new season strong.

By Karen Cicero

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Hot-air balloons are mesmerizing. Bring the kids to one of these famous fests:

Labor Day Lift Off, Colorado Springs

On September 3 to 5, about 70 colorful hot-air balloons will fill the sky around the stunning landscape. If your kids are early birds, come at 7 a.m. each day to watch the balloons be inflated and take off. If they’re night owls, you’ll want to be there at 7:30 p.m. to watch the balloons turn on their burners and glow. Concerts, aerial acrobats, and doughnut-eating contests are also part of the fun.

Moffat County Hot-Air Balloon Festival, Craig

Head to Loudy Simpson Park on August 6 to see magical balloons soaring above. A craft fair, classic car show, and music make the atmosphere even more festive.

Snowmass Balloon Festival

Just 20 minutes west of Aspen, this 47th annual festival takes place from September 16 to 18. It includes three days of morning balloon launches and a Friday night balloon glow. While you’re there, check out the other fun activities in Snowmass Village, especially the Lost Forest zip line, rope course, and hiking trails.

Go to the State Fair!

Nothing says end-of-summer fun like a family outing to the state fair! The Colorado State Fair & Rodeo in Pueblo runs from August 26 to September 5. And it’s their 150th anniversary year. With a petting zoo, carnival rides and games, pony rides, and live family-friendly entertainment, your crew will be entertained for hours.

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

Balloons: Snowmass Village, Child with animal: Getty Images

Up, Up & Away!

Doughnut: Ya Ya Farm & Orchard.

Create Your Own Seasonal Snack Tour Hop in the car for a drive around the Denver area on a quest for mouthwatering fall snacks that appeal to the whole family. Here are your pit stops:

Pumpkin Ice Cream

Little Man Ice Cream in Denver rotates a trio of seasonal flavors— pumpkin pie, pumpkin chip, and pumpkin cheesecake. For every scoop purchased, the company donates a scoop of rice, beans, or other essentials to a community in need. Snap a pic in front of the 28-foot milk can before you leave.

Warm Roasted Chilies

Families snack on just-roasted chilies straight out of the bag at Heinie’s Market in Wheat Ridge. You can buy 15 varieties in peak season, but the Anaheim Sonora Hatch is the mildest pick for the kids.

Apple Cider Doughnuts

This New England favorite draws crowds at Ya Ya Farm & Orchard in Longmont. The cake-like doughnuts are flavored with apple cider and spices like cinnamon and then rolled in sugar. Double yum!

Spooky Eyeball Truffles

Sweet Fun Favors at the Cherry Creek Farmers’ Market, open on Saturdays in Denver, sells candy balls filled with milk chocolate ganache and decorated to resemble a monster’s eyeball.

Pick up the Pecan Pie candy truffle for yourself; it tastes like the classic Thanksgiving dessert!

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Leaves put on a colorful show in higher elevations as soon as the middle of September. Before you take a scenic drive, do two things: Keep tabs on the foliage report at smokymountains .com/fall-foliage-map and explain to kids why trees shed their leaves in fall. For kids ages three to six, pick up a copy of The Leaf Thief—a playful tale starring a squirrel who thinks someone is stealing leaves from his tree. Older kids will enjoy Acadia Files: Autumn Science, which has a chapter on why leaves change color. Here are three drive options:

The Peak to Peak Byway:

This 55-mile route starting in Black Hawk and ending in Estes Park stuns with its shimmery gold leaves on Aspen trees.

Stretch little legs at the Carousel of Happiness in Nederland.

Fort Collins to Walden:

Travel mostly on State Highway 14 for about 100 miles to take in the fiery foliage and spy bighorn sheep, moose, and other wildlife. Explore the State Forest Park and stop at the Moose Visitor Center. You could even book one of the park’s 11 yurts and spend the night.

Highway of Legends Byway:

Travel this 82-mile stretch of State Highway 12 that connects Walsenburg with Trinidad and passes through the San Isabel National Forest. Take a break to explore life in 19th-century Colorado at Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center. Admission for adults is only $6 and kids’ admission is free every day.

Book a Staycation

If all that hoopla exhausted you, take your family on a relaxing weekend getaway.

Estes Park Resort

With lakeside firepits, lawn games, and a playground, this resort knows how to deliver low-key family fun. Mountain village cabins with fireplaces give you plenty of space to spread out.

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Origin Red Rocks, a Wyndham Hotel

At this chic (yet cozy) retreat in Golden, request an in-room tent or sleeping bags for the kids.

Check out the vintage trains at the nearby Colorado Railroad Museum or explore Dinosaur Ridge, the famous fossil site.

COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas

Bring the grandparents to this Steamboat Springs resort, which offers one- to four-bedroom villas.

They can take the kids to burn off energy at the outdoor heated pool while you enjoy a spa treatment or a quiet dinner.

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

Use this family-friendly, 19-acre oasis (shown above) as your home base on a trip to Beaver Creek. The kids will love the outdoor saltwater pool. The family pooch is welcome here, too, so bring him along for the fall hikes.

Fall drive: Getty Images, Hotel: The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa.

Get Pumped for Leaf Peeping

Pumpkin: Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch.

Get a Jump on Pumpkin Picking The early bird gets the best selection! Anderson Farms in Erie opens on September 21 and that’s when they’ll have 75 different varieties of pumpkins and gourds. “We buy basically every seed in the catalog,” says owner Brenda Anderson.

“We’ll have pumpkins that are white, green, warty, striped, and all different sizes. They range from small enough to fit in a child’s hand to up to 50 pounds.” Families take a hayride

over to the pumpkin patch, where the farmers have scattered around various varieties. “It’s like a treasure hunt,” says Anderson. After picking their perfect pumpkins, kids will adore the whimsical themes of this year’s corn mazes—they’ll be shaped like a sloth, a narwhal, and a unicorn. Plan on spending the day because with a playground, tires to climb, and goats to feed, the kids will never want to leave.

Check Out a Fall Carnival

Yes, a pumpkin balloon typhoon is a thing, and the Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch in Longmont sets it up every weekend in October as part of their carnival. It’s a giant inflatable pumpkin filled with balloons that are flying around. We can hear the squeals of glee already! The carnival also includes a kiddie roller coaster and train ride, pony rides, sand art stations, a petting zoo, and face painting. Plus, the farm grows certified organic pumpkins and squash, including 15 heirloom varietal pumpkins that you can eat or decorate!

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JOIN THE FUN!

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wellness A Checkup Checklist

Add these appointments to your back-to-school planner.

By Sandra Gordon

Photos: Getty Images

School supplies; check. First day outfit; check. Visit to the dentist…check? At back-to-school time, you’ve got a lot on your to-do list. But here’s one more important thing: Scheduling the wellness checkups kids need that can help set them up for academic success. This checkup checklist can help everyone stay on track.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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4

4

SEE THE EYE DOCTOR

The American Optometric Association recommends that kids get a comprehensive eye exam before the first grade and every two years after that, or every year, if they wear glasses. Even without vision problems that are detectable by you, the school, or your child, it’s important to have a comprehensive eye exam because one in four children has an undiagnosed vision problem. And get this: 80 percent of learning comes from vision, according to a landmark UCLA study.

While the visual screening test your child takes at his well-child check-up at the pediatrician’s office can be helpful, it can often create a false sense of security by missing significant eye problems, such as farsightedness (not being able to see up close).

Farsightedness is the easiest thing to miss in the pediatrician’s office because kids can hide it by focusing extra hard.

Farsightedness can lead to concentration problems when kids are doing homework, taking tests or just trying to read in general.

Not being able to see well in general can

also lead to behavioral problems. Moreover, with all the screens kids are on these days, studies show that nearsightedness (not being able to see far away) is on the rise. You don’t have to be genetically programmed to be nearsighted. You can make yourself become that way. Too much screen time can also make your child’s eyes dry, tired and lead to headaches. To help preserve your child’s vision, the optometrist can talk to your child about visual hygiene, such as taking frequent screen breaks.

To counteract close computer work, remind your child or teen to follow the American Optometric Association’s 20-2020 rule: Take a 20 second break to view something 20 feet way every 20 minutes. To reduce the glare from overhead fluorescent lights and computer screens, which can lead to headaches and eye strain, ask the eye doctor about applying a no-glare coating to your child’s glasses. And, keep in mind that preteens and teens can wear contacts, too.

Daily disposables make it easy. Just throw them away at the end of the day.

BOOK A DENTIST APPOINTMENT

Children should start seeing a dentist regularly by their first birthday. If your child hasn’t started seeing a dentist regularly, now’s a great time to start. Regular dental checkups help prevent tooth decay, which can lead to pain, trouble concentrating, and other medical issues.

The American Association of Orthodontists also recommends children visit the orthodontist for the first time no later than age seven. An early orthodontist visit probably won’t lead to braces. It’s unusual to put braces on children that young. But seeing the orthodontist early can help head off problems before they get worse.

An orthodontist can check to see if your child’s jaws are growing properly and if there’s enough room for your child’s permanent teeth to grow in. If it looks like your child will need orthodontic treatment at some point, an orthodontist can advise you on when and how to begin.

GIVE YOUR CHILD A SHOT AGAINST ILLNESS

Vaccinations are important for kids of all ages, including adolescents. Immunizations can help kids stay healthy by preventing many serious diseases. Here’s a rundown of some of the immunizations your school-age child might need.

COVID-19: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone six months and older and boosters for everyone five years and older, if eligible.

The Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine is approved for children ages six months to 17 years. The Moderna vaccine is approved for children six months to five years of age.

Flu shot: Everyone six months and older should get a yearly flu shot unless your pediatrician recommends otherwise.

Meningitis: Kids ages 11 or 12 should get one shot of meningococcal conjugate, which protects against potentially life-threatening meningitis. A booster shot is recommended at age 16.

HPV: Kids 11 or 12 should get a two-shot series of the HPV vaccine, which helps protects against cervical and other types of cancer.

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP): Kids ages four to six years need a fifth dose of this vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, which can cause swelling of the heart and be fatal.

Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap): Kids 11 or 12 years old need one dose of Tdap, which protects against tetanus, a potentially-life threatening illness. Check with your pediatrician about your child’s immunization schedule and what to do if you need to catch up on any missed doses.

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4

PUT YOUR MEDICINE CABINET TO THE TEST

When you’re young, especially, life is filled with ups and downs—on the jungle gym, the flag football field, and the basketball court. Besides bumps, cuts, and bruises, children have been known to get about eight colds per year too.

As “Dr.” Mom/Dad, you’re often your child’s first responder. While you’re stocking up on school supplies, stock up your medicine cabinet with triple antibiotic ointment, anti-itch creams or ointments, strong strip bandages, and pain relievers to be ready for whatever comes your way.

Read labels carefully and use as directed.

Kids will be kids and when yours gets a scrape or a virus, it pays to be prepared.

happenings Our Picks

River in the Mountains: Colorado Parks & Wildlife

aug/sept

1

Colorado Day at the State Parks

Celebrate Colorado Day with free entrance to all state parks. ​Lace up your family’s hiking boots, put on some sunscreen, and venture out to explore a new-to-you park. Aug. 1. State parks across Colorado. cpw.state.co.us

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happenings Our Picks

3

Day Out With Thomas

Buzz your way to this community event while learning about the benefits of the honeybee. See how bees make honey, learn from local beekeepers, create honeybee crafts, and sample honey. Take home beekeeping materials to build your own hive and harvest honey. Aug. 7. O'Brien Park, Parker. parkerarts.org

5

Hop on board a 20-minute train ride led by a life-size Thomas the Tank Engine locomotive. Enjoy live entertainment and stage shows, and visit with Sir Topham Hatt.

Sept. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25. Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden. coloradorailroadmuseum.org

4

Kidz Bop Live Families can sing and dance along with the Kidz Bop stars Egan, Layla, Dominic, and Camille, who will perform hits such as “Good 4 U” and “Dance Monkey” on stage.

Sept. 4. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison. kidzbop.com

Taste of Colorado Coloradans come together at this celebration of the state’s rich food, music, and art heritage. Enjoy live shows, a local artisan market, and a Kids Zone with activities for all ages. Sept. 3-5.

Central Business District neighborhood, Denver. atasteofcolorado.com

HEADS UP! Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information and check with locations about individual COVID rules.

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

Children with crafts: Honey Festival. Train: Colorado Railroad Museum. Family with Balloons: Downtown Denver Partnership. Concert: Kidz Bop Live.

2

Honey Festival

Zucchini Race: Meg Denbow, Boulder Creek Events. Mariachi: Sara Hertwig. Hide Tanning: Highlands Ranch Community Association. Peaches: Getty Images. Teddy Bear Clinic: Denver Zoo.

happenings Our Picks

6

Boulder Creek Hometown Festival Close out the summer with rides and attractions for kids, arts and crafts exhibitors, live performances, a food court, and the Great Zucchini Race, featuring wheeled zucchinis decorated by kids. Aug. 18-21. Central Park, Boulder. bceproductions.com

Aspiring young vets and doctors learn about wellness at the Teddy Bear Clinic, on August 20.

7 8

10 Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days

Enjoy historical reenactments, blacksmithing demos, a petting zoo, livestock displays, hayrack rides, and self-guided mansion tours at this festival. Sept. 11.

Highlands Ranch Mansion. hrcaonline.org

Palisade Peach Festival

Celebrate farmers and families that grow the world-famous Palisade peaches. Taste the fruit with ice cream at a social, watch the crowning of the Peach Queen, stroll an orchard, and enjoy live music. Aug. 11-13.

Riverbend Park, Palisade. palisadecoc.com

Time for Teddy’s Checkup!

Imaginative play fires up kids’ brains. At this joint event between the Denver Zoo and Children’s Hospital Colorado, kids can bring their plush friends to designated Care Stations around the Denver Zoo to learn how people and animals are cared for. As kids go from station to station, hospital staff will talk about their profession and the human side of health, including healthy eating, mental health, and dental health. Then, Denver Zoo staff will relate the lessons to the care they give the animals in the Zoo. Children are encouraged to bring their own stuffed animals—including but not limited to bears—to have “vitals” checked with toy medical instruments. “The stuffed animal element is used to engage the kids from an educational perspective: “Check your stuffed animal’s heartbeat,” for example,” says Carlie McGuire, Denver Zoo spokesperson. “Or, “Here’s what a healthy diet looks like for a human.” Then our staff talks about healthy foods for our animals.”

“The Children’s Hospital of Colorado staff will talk about ways humans can care for their mental health, and our staff will discuss how we care for our animals’ mental health,” says McGuire.

Children’s Hospital Colorado will hand out 600 stuffed animals to the first guests through the gates, so kids who might not have their own plush friend will have a chance to participate in the health checks. There will also be animal demos, keeper talks, and a chance to meet Elbert, the bear-y cute mascot.

NEED TO KNOW: Teddy Bear Clinic is August 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Denver Zoo. Activities are included with general admission: $20 adult, $14 youth ages 3-11, free youth age 2 and under. denverzoo.org

9

Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival

The Latino Cultural Arts Center and MSU Denver Department of Music team up to present an evening of mariachi, featuring local artists and a performance

by Latin Grammy-nominated singer, Lupita Infante.

Sept. 25. Levitt Pavilion Denver. levittdenver.org

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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August/September

happenings

Inspire your little artist with a stroll through the Denver Chalk Art Festival, Sept 3-5.

Moose Festival Take a hayride, craft

with the kids, learn about moose biology and the history of moose in North Park. See demonstrations on how biologists transplant and track the animals. Free with $9 park pass.

State Forest, Walden. cpw.state.co.us

20 Saturday

Beginning Readers Dinosaur Book Club/ DinoClub de lectura para principiantes Aug. 20, Sept.

to do today FREE

August 1 Monday

Colorado Day Festivities at History Colorado Center 10am-5pm.

Celebrate Colorado's 146th birthday at a family friendly party filled with activities. Participate in gold panning and arts and crafts, meet alpacas and mini horses, and listen to live music.

Grab a selfie with local team mascots, including Miles from the Denver Broncos, Dinger from the Colorado Rockies, and Bernie from the Colorado Avalanche. Admission to the museum is free for the day. History Colorado Center, Denver. arvadacenter.org

VISIT OUR DIGITAL CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

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SPECIAL NEEDS

5 Friday

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance presents Summer Suite 7:30pm.

This concert will feature “Sweet Re,” a tribute to the famous Aretha Franklin, set to the expressive choreography of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance alumnus Gary Abbott. $28-$40. Arvada Center, Arvada. arvadacenter.org

6 Saturday

Epilepsy Awareness Day at Elitch Gardens 9am-9pm. Join the 6th

Annual Epilepsy Awareness Day at Elitch Gardens. Wear purple or the included t-shirt from registration, enjoy an ice cream social, and watch the Purple Duck Chase where sponsored rubber duckies race in the Garden’s lazy river. $32 plus admission to the park ($60 and up). Elitch Gardens, Denver. runningguru.com

Pets on the Plaza 11am-7pm.

All dogs are invited to bring their owners along to this social event, which benefits the Denver Dumb Friends League. Find an array of pet services and products from exhibitors,

COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

SPANISH/ESPAÑOL and enjoy dog activities and contests with prizes and giveaways. Cherry Creek North Shopping District. coloradoevents.org

7 Sunday

PRCA Rodeo Aug. 7-9, 7pm starts.

Get ready for action as this rodeo kicks off a three-day event including bullfighting, mutton busting, and a youth 4H night. Tickets $18-$23.

Budweiser Event Center, Loveland. treventscomplex.com

12 Friday

An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth and the Colorado Symphony 7:30pm. Kristin Chenoweth brings her extraordinary voice and bubbly personality to perform Broadway musical hits. $40-$115. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. tickets.coloradosymphony.org

13 Saturday

Rail Fair 10am-3pm. Ride behind a coal-fired steam locomotive and

17, 2pm. Enjoy a dinosaur-themed book club with your family. Read beginner dinosaur books in English and Spanish and create crafts.

Ages 5-8. //Disfruta con tu familia de un club de lectura con temática de dinosaurios. Lee libros para principiantes en inglés y español y haremos manualidades. Edades de 5 a 8 años. Ross-Barnum Branch Library, Denver. denverlibrary.org

Summer Low Sensory Mornings Also Sept. 3; 8am.

Experience the Denver Botanic Gardens without the crowds. York Street gardens will open early for those who wish to visit in a quiet, restful atmosphere. Explore on your own and learn about sensory based programming the Gardens offers like Sensory Processing and Autism Resource Kits. Registration required.

Denver Botanic Gardens York Street, Denver. botanicgardens.org

Sleep Tight Colorado’s 5K Pajama Jog 8am. Run, jog, or walk to benefit

Sleep Tight, an organization that distributes sleeping bags to houseless people of Colorado. Enjoy a 5K course through the park and a costume contest for all. Leashed pets welcome.

Registration required. $30. City Park, Denver. sleeptightcolorado.org

Lafayette Peach Festival

9am-4pm. Enjoy peach pies and peach cobbler featuring world famous Palisade fruit. Food vendors, crafters, antique dealers, and fine artists from the Front Range and

Snowmass: Sam Ferguson at Photograferg.

catch turntable demonstrations happening around the Museum’s 15-acre railyard. There will be food, fun, and Spike the Railroad Dog will make an appearance. Advance tickets recommended. $10 adult, $5 youth ages 2-17, free member admission; $4 adult, $2 youth ages 2-17 train ride.

Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden. coloradorailroadmuseum.org

Sensory Visit: Denver Botanic Gardens.

happenings

Western States will be showcased.

Children’s activities include face painting and balloon sculpting.

Old Towne Lafayette, Lafayette. business.lafayettecolorado.com

Arvada Days 11am-3pm. Enjoy

a festival dedicated to family fun, featuring games for all, a kids’ fishing derby, vendors, and live music. Parents can quench their thirst at the beer garden and proceeds will benefit Ralston House. Clear Creek Valley Park, Arvada. arvadafestivals.com

Campfire Series: Work and Play on the Homestead 6-7pm.

Join Schweiger Ranch and Pam’s EcoAdventures for an hour of activities for the whole family. Learn what kind of chores the Schweiger kids would have done around the ranch and the games they would have played when they lived there in the late 1880s to early 1900s. Schweiger Ranch, Brighton. schweigerranch.org

21 Sunday

Finnish Baking with Sticky Fingers Cooking 3-4pm. Kids

will learn how to bake mini Finnish mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pies) with an easy lemon drizzle, and a Finnish iced milk drink to pair with it.

Alternative ingredients will be provided for those with food allergies. Ages 5-11.

Registration required. Boulder Public Library Main Branch, Boulder. calendar.boulderlibrary.org

27 Saturday

Firefly Handmade Summer Market Aug 27-28, 10am-4pm. Return to

Families who need a low sensory experience, may explore Denver Botanic Gardens early on Aug. 20.

one of Denver’s charming shopping and restaurant districts, blocks from Washington Park. Enjoy offerings from more than 80 artisans, live music, and a dog- and child-friendly atmosphere.

Free entry, vendor prices vary. Old South Gaylord Street, Denver. fireflyhandmade.com

Roll Again Vintage Board Game Day 1-3pm. Play vintage games and

help the museum decide which ones to keep for its collection. Suggested age 10 and up. Registration required. Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys, Lakewood. dmmdt.org

September 3 Saturday

Denver Chalk Art Festival Sept.

3-5, 10am-8pm. The Denver Chalk Art Festival tradition returns with dozens of artists creating temporary chalk artworks on the pavement.

Meet the pros, who have been honing their talents for decades. Golden Triangle neighborhood, Denver. denverchalk.art

5 Monday

Labor Day Base Ball 10am-3pm.

Cheer on a vintage 1880s style base ball game played along old-fashioned rules: no spittin’, no swearin’, and no gloves. As “cranks” (spectators), you can influence the umpire’s call in your team’s favor. Bring small bills for sodas, peanuts, popcorn, and crackerjacks.

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for seating. $8 adult, $4 youth ages 6-17, free youth age 5 and under. Rock Ledge

Ranch Historic Site, Colorado Springs. rockledgeranch.com

7 Wednesday

DMMDT Fall Show Sept. 7-11,

9am-4pm. This annual weeklong celebration of miniatures features local artists showcasing items for dollhouses, fairy gardens, and other pieces for sale. $8 adult, $4 youth ages 3-12, free age 2 and under, $7 Museum members.

Doubletree by Hilton DTC, Greenwood Village. dmmdt.org

9 Friday

An Enchanted Evening 49th Birthday Bash 6-10:30pm. Join in an

evening under the stars to celebrate and raise funds for the Children’s Museum of Denver. Adults are invited to enjoy an enchanted forest full of cocktails, bites from top caterers, auctions, and dancing. $150. Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, Denver. mychildsmuseum.org

10 Saturday

Grandparents Day Free Day

Treat the grandparents with a day together. Admission to the museum is free for adults age 65 and older with their grandchildren. $9 adult.

Denver Firefighters Museum, Denver. denverfirefightersmuseum.org

1840 Rendezvous & Spanish Colonial Art Market Sept. 10-11,

10am-4pm. Explore the past at the 1840 Rendezvous & Spanish Colonial Art Market. Historic interpreters will show guests day-to-day skills from the era, such as horse and mule packing, beadwork, blacksmithing, arrowmaking, and wool processing. Authentic Spanish Colonial artists demonstrate and sell their creations, including retablos, santos, jewelry, wheat applique, metalwork, weaving, and furniture. Additional activities include demonstrations with Hawkquest, storytelling, and performances. $5, free youth age 12 and under. The Fort, Morrison. tesoroculturalcenter.org

33rd Annual Friendship Powwow

10am-5pm. Celebrate Native American art and culture through music and dance performances, art-making opportunities, food, and vendors selling jewelry, arts, crafts, and clothing. Free to attend. It's also a Free Day at the Museum. Denver Art Museum, Denver. denverartmuseum.org

August/September

11 Sunday

Silent Night at the Zoo 5:30-7:30pm.

Connect with animals peacefully and quietly, while enjoying the natural beauty of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Guests are encouraged to turn off their phones, quiet their voices, and tap into their own mindfulness at this afterhours Zoo event. All ages, provided guests respect the quiet. Advance tickets required. $17.75. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs. cmzoo.org

17 Saturday

Love Your Trails Day 9am-noon.

Volunteer check-in starting at 8:30am.

Join Colorado Parent contributor and Falcon guidebook author Jamie Siebrase for a trail maintenance day created specifically for families. Work on a variety of projects, including cutting back foliage, covering up “social trails,” and picking up trash. There’ll be a short presentation on Leave No Trace principles geared toward kids and families. Volunteers will be entered to win signed copies of the author’s book, along with other goodies. Space is limited; register in advance online.

The Audubon Nature Center, Littleton. denveraudubon.org/nature-center/

21 Wednesday

Little University: Super Snakes

10:30-11am. Meet three snakes and learn about their habits from experts at Nature’s Educators. Age 5 and under with caregivers. Montbello Branch Library, Denver. denverlibrary.org

24 Saturday

Chalk Art Festival Centennial

10am-4pm. Watch as local artists create sidewalk masterpieces using only chalk and their imaginations. Browse local businesses and vendors, enjoy an outdoor concert and family activities.

The Street at SouthGlenn, Centennial. centennialco.gov/Calendar/

29 Thursday

Bandaloop 4:30pm. Bandaloop brings their vertical performance to the outside walls of the University of Denver. Gliding, dancing, flying with style—the performers weave dynamic physicality with intricate choreography and climbing technology to turn the dance floor on its side.

The Newman Center, Denver. newmancenterpresents.com

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happenings

August/September

ongoing events three-day autumn festival features local food, a large drink garden, live music, family entertainment and activities, and the Firefly Handmade Market all along the historic Pearl Street Mall. Free entry. Pearl Street Mall, Boulder. boulderdowntown.com

Corn maze: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms. Musicians: Downtown Boulder.

Boulder Fall Fest Sept. 16-18. This

Rev up your navigational skills for the dino-theme Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms, opening on Sept. 16.

Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms Sept.

16-Oct. 30. Fri-Sun, 9am-5pm. Wind your way through seven acres of corn, catching a glimpse of the prehistoric themed maze from a 15-foot tall bridge. There’s a mini-maze for visitors under age 10. $15 adult, $13 students, $11 ages 3-15, free age 2 and under.

Members and military $13 adults, $9 ages 3-15. Chatfield Farms, Littleton. botanicgardens.org

Colorado Brazil Fest Aug. 11,

6pm (Pearl Street), Aug. 12, 6:30pm (Bandshell), Aug. 13, 4pm and 6:30pm (Bandshell). Boulder Samba School, an organization dedicated to promoting the rich heritage of Brazilian music, dance, and culture, will engage the public with community performances including upbeat percussion playing, jazz, and a Carnaval show. $25-$63. Pearl Street Mall and Boulder Bandshell, Boulder. coloradobrazilfest.org

Colorado State Fair Aug. 26-Sept.

7. Mon-Thu 3-11pm, Fri-Sun and Labor Day 11am-11pm. Celebrate the 150th year of the Fair with carnival rides, rodeo competitions, sand

sculpture, fireworks shows, and live entertainment, including Lady A, comedian Jim Gaffigan, and Walker Hayes. Gate admission: $14 adult (age 13 and up), $7 youth ages 5-12, age 4 and under free with paying adult.

Additional cost for rodeo, carnival, and some performances and activities.

Colorado State Fair Grounds, Pueblo. coloradostatefair.com

Monday Night Movies Through Sept. 26. Mon, starting at sundown.

See movies outdoors at Edgewater Public Market. Some are family-friendly and others are adult classics. Grab

Step into the world of your favorite books at the Dr. Seuss Experience, through Sept. 5.

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

a bite at one of the Market vendors.

Edgewater Public Market, Edgewater. edgewaterpublicmarket.com

The New American Arts Festival

Sept. 10-25. Roshni, an organization that aspires to promote empathy through the arts, celebrates diversity and inclusivity by showcasing historically underrepresented cultural groups in this annual festival. Enjoy more than 50 performances, including theater, dance, storytelling, music, and spoken word. Participate in fun activities for the whole family like flash mobs at four locations. Locations in Aurora and Denver. roshniislight.org

Snowmass Rodeo Through Aug 17.

Wed, 5-8:30pm. Watch as cowboys and cowgirls ride into the arena and compete in bareback horse riding, team steer roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and more. Get to the rodeo grounds early for a petting zoo, kid roping activities, a dinner, and mutton busting. $10-$25. Snowmass Rodeo, Snowmass Village. snowmassrodeo.org

Western Welcome Week

Aug. 12-21. Participate in a celebration of Littleton with community festivities such as a parade, concerts, fireworks, outdoor art galleries, gold panning, breakfasts, and more. Various locations in Littleton. westernwelcomeweek.org

ReelAbilities: Denver Film Festival Aug. 24-27 (in-person),

Aug. 24-31 (virtual). Catch a film at this international festival dedicated to celebrating the authentic stories and creative works of people with disabilities. Accessibility efforts include open captions, audio descriptions, sign language interpretation, sliding scale ticketing, and virtual streaming options. Single admission and all access passes available. JCC Denver, Denver. jccdenver.org

Caregiver & Me: Rhythm and Music Class Aug. 3, 17, 31. 1pm (ages 2-3) and 2pm (ages 4-5). Make noise alongside your little one with hand bells, tambourines, egg shakers, and bucket drums. Play fun games that teach rudimentary music concepts like dynamics (volume), tempo (speed), and rhythm (frequency/duration of sound). Ages 2-5. $15. Second Star

Observers at Tut: Patrick Hodgson.

happenings

to the Right Bookstore, Denver. secondstartotherightbooks.com

Tiny Tots: Meet the Instruments

Aug. 6 and 14 (Conservatory Green Park & Plaza), Aug. 7 (Chatfield Botanical Gardens), Aug. 13 (Redstone Park); 9:30am and 10:45am. Dance and play alongside a kid-friendly orchestra concert. Audience will be seated on the floor, encircled by more than 30 orchestra instruments. Ages 0-7 and caregivers. $12, financial aid available.

Denver, Littleton, and Highlands Ranch, insidetheorchestra.org

Military Appreciation Week at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Sept.

12-18. All active duty, veteran, and retired military personnel with valid ID receive 50% off the normal admission price for themselves, their spouse, and dependents living in the same household, to visit the zoo. Fifty percent off applied to regular ticket prices of $14.75-$34.95. Advanced online purchase of timed tickets is required. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs. cmzoo.org

Exhibits

Art Crawl: A Tour for Infants and Their Caregiver Aug. 24 and 27,

Sept. 21 and 24. Part tour, part mixer; a museum educator will lead families in a crawl through the galleries. Your guide will encourage an interactive discussion on the importance of introducing kids to art at an early age and share tips for experiencing art together. For newborns to 14 months with caregiver.

Register online. Included with admission: $10 adults, free age 17 and under. Clyfford Still Museum, Denver. clyffordstillmuseum.org

The Dr. Seuss Experience Through

Sept. 5. Dates and times vary. Wander through a multisensory, interactive exhibit that transports guests into the pages of Dr. Seuss books, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who!, and The Lorax. $30-$35 adult, $25-$28 youth ages 1-13, free under age 1.

Centennial Promenade, Centennial. experienceseuss.com

literacy event for preschoolers, brought to life by a character in costume. Enjoy a live storytime with books, music, and movement themed around items in the museum’s collection. Afterward, children can make a simple craft to take home. Themes include cooking, wild west, and pirates. Included with admission: $5 adult, $4 youth, free member. Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys, Lakewood. dmmdt.org

Trash the Runway Through Sept. 6. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat, 9am-4pm; Sun, 10am-4pm. Young local designers, grades 6-12, present their creative genius with fashions crafted from upcycled materials. Learn how to make better decisions about buying clothing, and discover how different ways of disposing of old clothing can better support the planet. English and Spanish translation available.

Museum of Natural History, Boulder, calendar.colorado.edu

Cirque du Soleil: OVO Aug. 26-28

(Budweiser Event Center); Sept. 8-11 (Ball Arena). This display of acrobatic wonder is themed after the colorful ecosystem of insects. Enjoy a circus of crawling, fluttering, and play showing a vibrant cycle of life. $38-$154 (Budweiser Event Center), $44-$149 (Ball Arena). Locations in Loveland and Denver. treventscomplex.com

Singin’ In The Rain JR. Based on the

1952 movie of the same name, Singin’ In The Rain JR. takes place in Hollywood during the last days of the silent movie era. The show will have theater-goers “Walking down the lane with a happy refrain.” $18. PACE Center, Parker. parkerarts.org

Xanadu Sept. 16-Oct. 16 Sonny, a

1980s street artist is dissatisfied with his artistic abilities. Clio, the youngest muse on Mount Olympus decides to help him.

To hide her true identity she dons roller skates, legwarmers, and an Australian accent. This musical, based on the 1980 movie starring Olivia Newton-John, is full of ’70s and ’80s tunes. $35 and up. Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton. townhallartscenter.org

August/September

Spotlight Be among the first to experience Immersive King Tut, premiering in Denver.

Step Into the World of King Tut In November 1922, archeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of the “boy king” King Tutankhamun. Now, Immersive King Tut: Magic Journey to the Light, presented at Denver’s Lighthouse ArtSpace, commemorates the 100th anniversary. The interactive exhibit, from Lighthouse Immersive, creators of Immersive Van Gogh and Immersive Frida Kahlo, lets visitors follow King Tutankhamun into the afterlife, as he escorts the sun through battles in the underworld each night and as it triumphantly rises again each morning.

Denver is the first city in the United States to receive the experience that uses sight and sound to transport visitors back in time, more than 3,000 years, to the time the nine-year-old Egyptian pharaoh ruled, around 1333-1323 B.C. “Audiences will experience a much more cinematic experience than other immersive shows,” says César Moheno-Pla, who headed the project. “We’ve developed ground-breaking animation techniques that will give the feeling

of a true immersive experience.

Visitors will feel like they’re walking the halls and exploring the tombs of ancient Egypt.”

During Tut’s short reign, some of the most important artworks in history were created. More than 5,000 artifacts were removed from the king’s tomb and are preserved in Egypt’s national collection.

“Immersive King Tut: Magic Journey to the Light will amaze the lovers of ancient Egyptian civilization,” says Doctor Hazem Attiatalla, Egyptian Council for Tourism Affairs. “On behalf of the Egyptian tourism industry, we have given our full support to this show to not only highlight the magnificence of ancient Egypt, but to attract more tourist traffic to Egypt.”

NEED TO KNOW: Immersive King Tut: Magic Journey to the Light runs through October 10.

Tickets start at $30, $20 for youth ages 6 to 16. Family-four packs cost $88. Lighthouse ArtSpace, Denver. immersive-kingtut.com

Storytime at DMMDT Aug. 19, Sept.

2 and 3; 11-11:45am. Children and their adults are invited to an early-

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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fresh mindset

It’s important for my kids to know that cooking is creative and that they will use certain skills in the kitchen for the rest of their lives. Some of my best childhood memories were made in the kitchen and I’m hopeful that the same will be true for my kids.

CHEF TROY GUARD is the owner of TAG Restaurant Group, which comprises several local favorites including Guard and Grace, Bubu, FNG, HashTAG, Los Chingones, and Grange Hall.

Troy lives in Denver with his wife, Nikki, and three kids, Jagger, Jameson, and Grace (who was at summer camp at the time of the photo shoot).

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COLORADO PARENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

Troy Guard and family: Nikki Krogh Photography

fresh mindset

SEPTEMBER 10, 2022 A FR EE, FA MILY- FRIENDLY E V ENT FOCU S ED ON A N ACTI V E A ND HE A LTH Y LIFES T Y LE. IT’S FU N TO BE H E A LTH Y!

• Interactive Stations • “Meet and Greets” • Special Features Youth will explore a variety of kid-friendly health and wellness activities. Open house style, come when you can! 10 am–3 pm.

Gold Crown Field House 150 S. Harlan St., Lakewood, CO 80226 RSVP REQUIRED

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