Dr. Paddy LOVES winter. You may know him as your super fun, trusty Englewood pediatric dentist but he’s also all about the Colorado lifestyle in his free time. Skiing is his passion and he spent his formative years on the ice playing hockey. While Dr. Paddy has the inside line to all the good stuff going on for the little ones, which is why our list of the best summer activities for kids in Denver and Englewood and our round-up of birthday party place ideas were both hits, it’s the winter that really excites us at Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry. So, if you follow along with our guide to winter activities for kids in Englewood and Denver you’ll probably have the best season ever. Here are a few of our favorite family-friendly things to do in the Denver area:
The Best Winter Activities for Kids in Denver & Englewood
Children’s Story Times at the Englewood Public Library – Englewood
Instill a love of literature in the kiddos and meet other parents at the various Story Times at the Public Library for babes ranging from birth through preschool. With stories, songs and play, these are among our favorite free activities for kids in Englewood because they’ll learn something while having a blast.
Hitch a Ride to the Slopes – Denver and Morrison
What’s a list of Denver activities for kids without a mention of skiing? The Front Range Ski Bus runs to and from Copper Mountain and Loveland Ski Area all winter long with pickups at Union Station (Wynkoop and 17th Street) in Denver and Wooly Mammoth Park-and-Ride (exit 259 off I-70, Section DD) in Morrison. Check out the schedule and rates here.
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Swimming at the Englewood Recreation Center – Englewood
All of those water babies can still take a dip in the middle of winter at the Recreation Center. Englewood Parks and Recreation offers swim classes for all ages. Take a look at the schedule. Plus, the tot area of the pool is open every day.
Ice Skating at Southwest Rink at Skyline Park – Denver
If you’re looking for free activities for kids in Denver look no further than the Southwest Rink. The outdoor ice rink is open to the public through February 14. If you bring your own skates, there’s no charge. Though even if you don’t own a pair, skate rentals are only two bucks. Can it get much better than that? Oh, yeah, it can. There’s live music on Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m.
Sledding – Englewood and Surrounding Areas
There are sledding hills galore in Colorado. So on the next snowy day, bundle up the family and head out for some excitement. There really aren’t many better Englewood activities for kids. Check out this list to find a good hill close to you.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science Free Days – Denver
This is another free activity for kids in Denver thanks to the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). On certain days, Colorado residents can browse the museum and enjoy the exhibits for free. The next SCFD Community Free Days will be held Sunday, January 22 and Monday, February 27.
LEGO Maniac – Englewood
When it’s just too chilly out, warm up at the Englewood Public Library at the LEGO workshops held the second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. for kids ages five and up. Children can build things with the huge collection of LEGOs and parents can help. No registration is required but space is limited so spots are on a first come, first served basis.
Skiing or Snowboarding at Ruby Hill Terrain Park – Denver
Ruby Hill Rail Yard is a really cool area of Ruby Hill Park located at the intersection of Platte River Drive and Jewell Avenue. It was the first free terrain park in the country. Artificial snow is blown in January and there are six to eight rails and boxes in different configurations for varying skill levels that you can ski and snowboard for FREE. It lasts until the snow melts six to eight weeks later. The terrain park is sponsored by Winter Park Resort, Denver Parks and Recreation, Christy Sports and volunteers and was started in an effort to get kids involved in winter sports. The park is free and open to the public from 5 a.m. until 11p.m. and the Ruby Hill Rail Yard is lit up until 9 p.m. Christy Sports has volunteered to provide free ski and snowboard equipment rentals Friday through Sunday. Anyone eight- through 18-years-old will need to have a parent there to sign the release form to rent skis or snowboards. Are the kids too young for the terrain area? There’s awesome sledding in Ruby Hill Park too!
Practice for the Talent Show – Englewood
The Night of the Stars Talent Show auditions will be held Friday, January 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, January 21 from 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. at the Englewood Recreation Center. Singers, dancers and performers in grades K-12 can show off their skills in the voice, dance or variety categories. The local portion of the talent show will be held at Hampden Hall on Friday, February 17th from 6 to 9 p.m. (admission is $5). The winners will then head to the state competition in March. The Play Englewood Activity Guide has the details on how to snag an audition spot.
Children’s Museum of Denver – Denver
You could spend all day here with the little ones exploring exhibits, taking part in daily activities and special events (heart-shaped cookie decorating workshop, anyone?) and even playing on a real fire truck or frolicking in the bubble room. Admission is pretty affordable, though for an even better bargain, take advantage of Target First Tuesdays and play for free on the first Tuesday of each month from 4 to 8 p.m.
Englewood Parks and Recreation Active Kids Programs – Englewood
The awesome Parks & Rec department has several kids’ classes geared towards keeping them active including Ballet, Tap & Jazz, Ma/Pa and Me Tumbling, Tumbling Tykes, Gymnast Jubilee and Zumba Kids throughout January and February. See the Play Englewood Activity Guide for registration details and dates.
My Gym – Highlands Ranch
Okay, so this one isn’t in Englewood or Denver but it’s mere minutes from Englewood and it’s pretty awesome for little ones when it’s freezing outside because they can still burn off all of that excess energy indoors. The kiddie gym has classes and programs for children ages six weeks through 10-years-old that incorporate dance, music, games, sports, gymnastics and more while allowing them to learn and socialize. The best part? You can try a class for free.
Tour the U.S. Mint – Denver
For some reason, kids love change. Maybe it’s because the coins are shiny. Whatever the reason, the United States Mint on Colfax Avenue offers free tours Monday through Thursday. Recommended for kids seven-years-old and up, the tours will teach you a little about the history of the United States mint and how coins are made.
Climb and Play at REI – Denver
REI’s flagship store on Platte Street in Denver is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts and the perfect place to spend some time on a rainy or excessively cold day. Once you’re done marveling at all of the gear, have the kids practice their climbing skills on the Climbing Pinnacle. It’s free for REI members and their families and only $10 for your first climb if you’re not a member. Anyone ages five and up (minors 18 and under will need a signed consent form) can try their hand on the rock wall, which has over 6,400 square feet of sculpted rock. Kiddos can even wrap up their visit with some fun in the play area while mom and dad enjoy coffee from the attached Starbucks.
Get Some Culture at the Museum of Outdoor Arts – Englewood
The Museum of Outdoor Arts, located on the second floor of the Englewood Civic Center, offers art exhibits year-round. It’s never too early to cultivate an appreciation for the arts in kids. The MOA’s indoor galleries will be re-opening with a new exhibit on January 13. You can even schedule a tour if you want to learn some fun facts and tidbits about the works on display.
Feat on the Street: City Park Winter Running Series – Denver
Keep the whole family in tip-top shape by training for one of the races in the City Park Winter Series. The 5k/10k running series has themed events throughout the winter that involve the race, food and drinks, music, kids’ activities and awards. Register here. The March race even features a Little Leprechaun Fun Run for young runners.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum – Denver
This family-friendly Denver museum offers aircraft, space and rocket exhibits. Kids will love seeing real, enormous airplanes up close. Keep an eye out for programs every month where kids can make crafts and enjoy stories or even climb aboard certain aircrafts and explore the cockpits. Children under three are always free too.
