Colorado White Water Rafting

(that's me, my husband, and our rafting group)

This past weekend I went white water rafting with my husband and his work company. It was a blast, we went to the Royal Gorge, by Canon City (about 2 hours away from Denver). We did the full day rafting trip and rafted about 10 miles. I would definitely recommend this if you like rafting, and it's not too far from Denver. It is absolutely beautiful there with some amazing views!

Here is the website for the rafting company we went through:

White Water Adventure Outfitters

Here is a little more info on the raft trip that I took, in case you're interested:

"The ultimate white water raft trip in Colorado. This rafting trip is ranked in the top ten white water trips nationally. The best of Bighorn Canyon in the morning, including class III & III+ rapids Wake Up, Three Rocks, Spikebuck & Sharkstooth. We then stop for a rest at the Parkdale beach and enjoy our famous riverside lunch. Be ready to focus and paddle hard through the class III - V turbulence that is the ROYAL GORGE. Seven out of ten miles of continuous white water thrills including Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Wallslammer & Boateater. The Gorge is home to the most spectacular scenery on the river as you pass under the highest suspension bridge in the world, 1053' above you. The premier Colorado rafting adventure on the Arkansas River!"

Colorado Springs

Pikes Peak County Attractions

Thought I would give a shout out to Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak area. I have been there once I think for a minute, and didn't really think anything of it, but I came across this website and I would love to spend a weekend a month in Colorado Springs area now. There are tons of things to do. Here are some of my top choices:

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

(I've heard tons about it, and your kids can feed the giraffes)

Garden of the Gods

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Denver Metro's Halloween Guide

I am sorry I haven't posted in awhile, I am planning on getting back into it soon, we have just had some stressful family stuff lately. ANYWAY, I just thought I'd put this up for all the Denver Metro people, this should keep your kids busy!

For the crafty kids; check out:

Michael's FREE Halloween make and takes, click HERE

Lakeshore Learning Centers FREE make and takes, click HERE

For Family Halloween Events, check out:

Halloween Spook Skate (Parker), Sat. Oct. 23, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Grab your skates and a costume and head to the Fieldhouse for the annual Spook Skate! Costumes, candy, crafts, concessions and climbing will keep participants of all ages entertained throughout the evening. And don't forget the skating! Get creative with those costumes because prizes will be awarded for the cutest, scariest and most unique costume from each age group, $5/$6, click HERE for more info

FREE. Spooktacular Festival (Castle Rock), Sat. Oct. 23, 1 pm - 3 pm, Castle Rock Rec Center, Halloween fun for the little ones and families, includes face painting, jumpy houses, games, crafts and contests. Open to all ages. Click HERE for more info

FREE. Trick or Treat Street (Downtown Castle Rock), Oct. 29, 2 pm - 5 pm, click HERE for more info

FREE. Pumpkin Fest at the Grange (Castle Rock), Sat. Oct. 30, 1 pm - 4 pm, includes Hay Wagon Rides, Make Your Own Scarecrow, Crafts, The Meadows Pumpkin Patch, Games, Food, Vendors and much More, click HERE for more info

FREE. Trick or Treat with Parker Police, Sat. Oct 30, 2 pm - 4 pm, Bring the family to the new police station for a behind the scenes tour and trick or treating with Parker's police officers, click HERE for more info

FREE. Littleton Historical Museum 'Victorian Halloween', Sat. Oct. 30, 6 pm - 8 pm, includes bobbing for apples, stories, fortune telling, refreshments (not a trick or treat event), click HERE for more info

FREE. Annual Halloween Carnival (Englewood), Sat. Oct 30, 5 pm - 8:30 pm, Grab your costume and kids or grandkids and creep, slither, or crawl on over for the annual Halloween Carnival. This safe, fun party for kids of all ages features carnival games, inflatables, concessions, and more. Admission to the carnival is free. Game tickets are sold for 25 cents each., click HERE for more info

FREE. A Spooky Halloween by the Littleton Symphony Orchestra, Sat. Oct. 30, Discover the 2000-year-old original story of the Sorcerer's Apprentice and hear French composer Paul Dukas' delightful and dramatic music of the same name!, click HERE for more info

FREE. Spooky Stories, a treat for kids age 5-12 at Douglas County Libraries, Come to the library for spooky stories told by Douglas County Spellbinders. They're sure to send shivers down your spine! Each program begins at 7 p.m., with slightly spooky stories in the first half hour (for ages 5 and up), and spookier tales in the second half hour (for ages 10 and up)., click HERE for more info

FREE. Historic Downtown Littleton Trick or Treat Street, Sat., Oct, 30, 12 pm, Bring the kids in their costumes and get Halloween started early with this safe, fun alternative to going house to house. Historic Downtown Littleton Merchants will be ready with candy and surprises for all! Look for the bright orange window posters at participating merchants., click HERE for more info

FREE. Trick or Treat Street at Aspen Grove (Littleton), Sat. Oct. 30, 5 pm - 8 pm, includes trick or treating with hay stack rides and a costume parade, click HERE for more info.

FREE. Trick or Treat off the Street at The Outlets at Castle Rock, Sat. Oct. 30, 4 pm - 6 pm.

Our retailers will be handing out candy and other little goodies for your ghost and goblins, click HERE for more info

FREE. Trick or Treat event at Chatfield High School in Littleton, Sat. Oct. 30, 2 pm - 4 pm, a fun trick or treat event put on by the high schoolers, click HERE for the high school home page to get the address

Halloween Trick or Treat Street (Highlands Ranch), Sat, Oct. 30, 11 am - 2 pm, Children ages 12 and under are invited to put on costumes, grab their trick-or-treat bags and join the fun at Trick-or-Treat Street! Local businesses provide treats for all the “little ghost and goblins!”, $1.00 per trick-or-treater (ages 12 and under) and each family may select a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch; while supplies last., click HERE for more info

Rockin Halloween on the Pinnacle (Parker), Sat. Oct. 30, 6 pm - 8 pm, Enjoy a scavenger hunt on the rocks, contests, prizes and other creepy activities for your all hallows eve enjoyment. Costumes are optional, but a best costume award may be in your future! $5, click HERE for more info

For adults, older kids, or if you have a little more money to spend, check out THIS list with several events going on in the denver area.

THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, (July 16-18), here is what is going on:

Make a FREE Sandy Beach Scene at Lakeshore Learning Centers, (July 17, 11 am - 3 pm) click HERE to see more

Join the Highlands Ranch Sunflower Farmer's Market to get a $2 Fish Taco, (July 17, 11:30 - 1:30) Click HERE to see more

Highlands Ranch Carnival, this is the last weekend, (July 17-18, 4 pm - 11 pm), click HERE to read more

KidSpree in Aurora, FREE, you don't want to miss this. (July 17-18, 10 am - 5 pm) "Walk through a giant maze or life-size board game. Paint a tiny town every color under the rainbow. Experience jugglers, magicians and all kinds of other entertainment." Click HERE to read more

Centennial Night at the Movies, (July 16, 7 pm) Click HERE to read more

THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, July 9-11, here is what is going on:

Earth Balloon at the Grange - (July 9, 1 pm - 4 pm), $2 per person, click HERE for details

Make a FREE Summer Memory Keeper at Lakeshore Learning Centers,

(July 10, 11 am - 3 pm)

Starlight Summer Movie #2 in Downtown Castle Rock,

(July 10, 6:30 - 10 pm), click HERE for details

FREE Malley Movietime in Englewood, (July 9, 1:30 pm), "See the latest FREE movies shown on a large screen! Popcorn sold for 25 cents", Click HERE for details

FREE 24th Annual Colorado Black Arts Festival, (July 9-11) "three day festival of music, dance and visual arts.", click HERE for details

Highlands Ranch Carnival, (July 9-17), click HERE for details

Highlands Ranch Rodeo (July 10-11), "Experience Colorado's western heritage at its best at the Annual HRCA Rodeo. Witness Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, visit exhibitors, and much more right here in the Ranch! Kids can get into the spirit with two fun and hilarious events: Mutton Busting and Chicken Scramble.", click HERE for details

Centennial Night at the Movies,(July 9, 7 pm) click HERE for details

FREE Olde Town Market in Historic Downtown Littleton (July 10, 10 am - 4 pm), "A whimsical artisans emporium," click HERE for details

THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, (June 25 - 27), here is what is going on:

Sunflower Farmer's Market, (June 26, 12 pm - 2 pm) $1 Ice Cream Social, Highlands Ranch Location

Make a FREE summer fruit basket a Lakeshore Learning Centers,

(June 26, 11 am - 3 pm)

click HERE to see more

Make a FREE patriotic project at participating Michael's Crafts stores

(June 26, 10 am - 2 pm)

click HERE to see more

Make a FREE monster truck at Lowe's build and Grow clinics,

(June 26, 10 am - 11 am)

Click HERE to see more and register

The Cherry Blossom Festival 2010 is this weekend (June 26-27), "Experience Japanese dance, drum performances, art exhibits, Asian marketplace, food and more at this annual Denver event." FREE, click HERE to read more, located at 1947 Lawrence Street, Denver

Lollipop-Looza Kid's Carnival in Highlands Ranch, (June 25, 12 pm - 3 pm) "Join us for this fun and fabulous Kids Event! The Recreation Center at Westridge will turn into a kid’s play zone with everything from special battings cage games, dunk tanks, inflatable’s, games, prizes and more! This is a fun and active way to spend a Friday afternoon!" Click HERE to read more, tickets are $5.

FREE/Low Cost Summer Movies

During the summer, these movie theaters are participating in FREE or low cost children's/family movies (Rated G or PG). Check it out:

• AMC Theaters: $1 summer movies, every Tuesday at 10 am, click HERE to see the movie showings (locations in Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Littleton, Denver, Arvada, Evergreen, Westminster, Broomfield)

• Regal Theaters: FREE Family Film Festival: Movies at 10 am every Tuesday and Wednesday, click HERE to see the movie showings (locations in Englewood, Lakewood, Littleton, Sheridan, Longmont)

• Cinemark Theaters: Summer Movie Clubhouse: $1 per show or $10 for 5, click HERE to see more, (locations in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley, Lakewood, Pueblo)

Gemstone Park

Located:

6145 Sapphire Pointe Blvd.

Castle Rock, CO 80104

Amenities:

Basketball, Bike Path (Paved), Climbing Wall / Structure, Multi-use Court, Parking, Paved Trail, Picnic Pavilion (General Use), Picnic Tables, Play Fields, Playground, Portable Restroom, Swings, Synthetic Turf Field, and Tennis Court

We actually call this the Spiderweb park because of this climbing thing

fields behind the park

covered picnic area with big tables and little tables (they are the cutest things)

the climbing wall on the park side

tennis/basketball court

swinging benches, these are awesome

the climbing wall

Going up to the park

THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, (June 18-20), here is what is going on:

Sunflower Farmer's Market is having root beer floats for $1, and FREE make and take Father's Day cards;

(Highlands Ranch location, 11 am - 1 pm, June 19)

Make a FREE Father's Day notepad holder at Lakeshore Learning Center,

(June 19, 11 am - 3 pm)

Click HERE to read more

Make and Take Father's Day t-shirt at Michael's Crafts (June 18, 6 pm - 8pm)*requires purchase of t-shirt

FREE Make and Take Father's Day Card at Michael's Crafts (June 19, 10 am - 2 pm)

Don't miss out on The Meadows Community Garage Sale, (June 19, 8 am - 4 pm), click HERE to read more

And going on the same time as the community wide garage sale will be "The All American Bake Sale" held at The Grange in Castle Rock, (June 19, 8 am - 2 pm), click HERE to read more

FREE: The Classic Rock Cruise In Summer Car show is going on (June 19, 10 am - 3 pm), "Hosted on Wilcox/Main St downtown Castle Rock. Street fest, Live Music, Downtown Shops, Restaurants, Art Guild, and some of the finest rides in the Rockies. Free to the public. " click HERE to read more

The Colorado Renaissance Festival is still going on (Saturday and Sunday, June 19 & 20, 10 am - 6:30 pm) Click HERE to read more

The Greek Festival is going on (June 18, 19, 20), Click HERE to read more

FREE: The 2010 Public Art Walking Tours, (June 19), click HERE to read more

FREE: The Highlands Ranch Classic Car Show (June 19, 10 am - 2 pm), "Great cars, motorcycles, food, music, and more are at this popular and free event. " Click HERE to read more, located at the Cherry Hills Community Church

The Greenwood Village Goose Chase, click HERE to register

FREE: The Summer Concert: Tribute Night in Lone Tree, located at Sweetwater Park, (June 19, 6 pm - 10 pm), "Bring the entire family in for a free night of fun and music at Sweetwater Park. Don't forget your blankets, dancing shoes, and friends, to take part in this summer concert series. On-site features to enjoy include: face painting, clowns, airbrush artists, balloonists, caricature artists, concessions, and the password to culture actives for kids." Click HERE to read more.

FREE: Littleton's Blazing Block Party, (June 19, 9 am - 10 pm) "Antique fire engine parade at 9AM on Main Street; fire muster in the ACC parking lot from 10 AM-3 PM; Wild on Littleton Block Party for some fiery good fun from 6-10 PM; also includes food, music, dancing, games, displays, fireworks, and educational booths", Click HERE, HERE, and HERE to read more.

THIS WEEKEND

This Weekend (June 11-13), here is what is going on:

Kid's Night Out at Sunflower Farmer's Market (June 11, 5 pm - 7 pm)

"Bring the whole family for food, face painting, and fun activities out on the patio"

Highlands Ranch location, click HERE for more details

Make a FREE portable storage pouch at Lakeshore Learning Centers, (June 12, 11 am - 3 pm)

click HERE to see details

Make a FREE Father's Day Picture Frame at Lowe's (June 12, 10 am - 11 am)

click HERE for more details and to register

Make-it-take-it Father's Day Frame at Michael's (June 12, 10 am - 2 pm)

click HERE to see details

Make-it-take-it Father's Day Mug at Michael's (June 13, 1 pm - 3 pm)

click HERE to see details

Summer Roundup in Cherry Hills Village, (June 12, 9:30 am - 11 am)

"This free event has something for everyone whether you want to ride your horse through the Village, or bring the kids to the park for games, horse pictures and horse demonstrations. The morning will be packed full with laughs and entertainment including: Equestrian Demonstrations, Barn Chore Relay Race, Kid’s Haystack Treasure Hunt, Pictures with Ponies, Coffee and Donuts"

Click HERE for details

Visit Olde Town Market (a whimsical artisan's emporium) in Downtown Littleton

(June 12, 10 am - 4 pm)

Click HERE for details

2010 Parker Days, (June 11-13), at O'Brien Park, there will be a carnival, entertainment, marketplace, parade and food

Click HERE for details

The Colorado Renaissance Festival starts this weekend in Larkspur. Click HERE for details

THIS WEEKEND

This Weekend, (May 28-30), here is what is going on:

First, the regulars:

Make a FREE tic-tac-toe game at Lakeshore Learning

(May 29, 11 am - 3 pm)

Make a FREE vase of flowers card at Michael's

(may 29, 10 am - 1 pm)

FREE Mom and Daughter mini-makeovers

at the Aurora Sprouts Farmer's Market location

(May 29, 11 am - 2 pm)

Stop by the Highlands Ranch Sunflower Farmer's Market location for an Ice Cream Social Fundraiser, click HERE for details, ice cream bowls are $2, proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society

Now, are you all so excited for summer! Opening up this weekend are:

The H2O'Brien Pool in Parker

The Miniature Train and Children's Farm at Belleview Park in Littleton

Pirate's Cove in Littleton

And to celebrate Memorial Day weekend:

The Old South Gaylord Memorial Day Weekend Festival

The Boulder Creek Festival

Parade and Tribute in Denver

The Downtown Denver Arts Festival

THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, (May 21-23), here is what is going on:

Make a FREE tear-art tambourine at Lakeshore Learning centers,

(May 22, 11 am - 3 pm)

Make a FREE catapult at Lowe's,

(May 22, 10 am - 11 am), click HERE to register

Don't miss the FREE Parker Family Fun Fest, in Parker (May 22, 11 am - 2 pm), at the O'Brien Park (10795 Victorian Drive, Parker, CO 80138). "Activities will include fun games, obstacle courses, an inline hockey challenge, inflatable's, demonstrations and more!" Click HERE to read more.

Castle Rock Ducky Derby and Street Festival (May 22, 11 am - 4 pm) Tickets can be obtained with a donation of $5, or $20 for five tickets, they recommend you get the tickets ahead of time, so click HERE to read more info about where to get them. It takes place on Wilcox and 2nd Street. There will be a waddle walk, face painting, vendors, food, entertainment, car show, safari bouncy house and slide, silent auction and much more!

Click HERE to read more about it.

THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, May 14-16, here is what is going on:

Kids Night Out at Sunflower Farmer's Market (Highlands Ranch location, May 14, 5 pm-7pm) "Bring the kids in for snacks, face-painting and fun activities."

Make a FREE mini megaphone at Lakeshore Learning Centers (May 15, 11 am-3pm)

Parker Kids Kulture, it's FREE . (May 15, 10am-11:30am). The theme this year is 'Animals and their habitat', and the topic on the 15th is 'Bees.' "Each Kidz Kulture! presentation will consist of a live performance, plus hands-on art projects brought to you by the Parker Artists Guild. Kidz Kulture! is a free event, but pre-registration is requested. Register on line at www.ParkerRec.com or by calling 303.434.1560. "

Castle Pines North Community Garage Sale is May 14, 10am-2pm, and May 15, 9 am-3pm. There will be "hundreds of sellers and thousands of items." Click HERE to read more and get a list of the garage sale participants.

THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, (May 7-9) Here is what is going on:

First, again to start a little early...

Today (May 6) Thursday is 'Ladies Only Sample Tour' in Downtown Littleton. You have to have a bracelet to participate, but if you go to the information office right at 4 pm when it starts, they sell any extras they have. Click HERE to read more. I'm be there with my friend, so hope to see you!

Make a Mother's Day one of a kind t-shirt at Michaels, (May 6, 6 pm - 8 pm) (tshirt purchase required, the rest supplied by Michaels)

Now, the weekend:

Make a Mother's Day Frame at Michael's (May 7, 6 pm - 8 pm) (frame purchase required, the rest supplied by Michael's)

It's FREE day at the Denver Botanic Garden in Chatfield, located at:

8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton

Make a FREE Mother's Day Card at Michael's (May 8, 10 am - 12 pm)

FREE Wilton Cookie Demonstration at Michael's (May 8, 12 pm - 1 pm)

Build a FREE trellis planter for Mother's Day at Lowes, (May 8, 10 am - 11 am), click HERE to register

Make a FREE Mother's Day jewelry holder at Lakeshore Learning Centers

(May 8, 11 am - 3 pm)

Make FREE tissue paper flowers at Pottery Barn Kids

(May 8 & 9, 2 - 4 pm)

FREE: Sunflower Farmers Market (Highlands Ranch location) is having a 'Just for Moms Spa Day'. (May 8, 10 am - 2 pm) "Moms come in to be pampered and treated. Indulge your sweet tooth and your soul in in fun and free event." Click HERE to read more.

FREE: Mom and Daughter mini makeovers at Sprouts Farmers Market, Parker Location (Parker Rd & Lincoln Ave.) (May 8, 11am-2pm) "An Aubrey Organics make-up artist will be on hand to give you tips and techniques to bring out your very best. Aubrey Organics is an all natural, make-up!"

FREE: You DON'T want to miss 'Olde Town Market.' It's called a whimsical artisans emporium, with antiques, vintage, unique, and artisan vendors. Takes place in Historic Downtown Littleton (May 8), click HERE to read more

FREE: Centennial Spring Fling at deKoevend Park (6315 S University Blvd. Centennial, 1/2 of a mile north of Arapahoe on University) (May 8, 10 am - 2 am)"The event is designed as a hands-on interactive festival for children of all ages." Click HERE to read more.

FREE: Celebrate with the Cinco de Mayo Festival in Denver. (May 8-9, 10 am- 8 pm). The event includes live entertainment, art exhibitions, children's entertainment and food and drink stalls. Located at the Civic Center Park (Broadway and Colfax Ave.), Click HERE to read more.

Highlands Ranch Indoor Garage Sale (May 8, 8 am - 3 pm), "Be sure to swing by the gym at Eastridge for a great show! We have a ton of vendors which means a great selection of items." Click HERE to read more.

And don't forget to have your kids participate in the FREE National Park and Recreation Month coloring contest at the Castle Rock Rec Center.

"Help celebrate National Park and Recreation Month by submitting an original work of art that depicts how your child enjoys our parks, open spaces or trails. The winning artwork will be featured in the fall / winter 2010 issue of the Recreation Guide, and the top three contestants will be awarded a goodie bag of Recreation Center prizes, including a 20-punch admission pass.

The contest is open to youth ages 3 to 18. Include the child's name, phone number, e-mail or mailing address and age with all entries. Entries must be received by May 17."

Click HERE to read more