Get Outside in the Sunshine This Weekend!
Now more than ever, we are lucky to live in Colorado. When you get out in nature, away from crowds, life feels almost normal. Still, you need to be prepared to trek along the trails by bringing along a face mask in case you pass other hikers, and it’s always a good idea to stay close to home and on less-crowded trails.
TODAY/TONIGHT, May 21
THE CORAL CONNECTION
How is land-locked Colorado connected to the coral in the oceans? Leave it to Denver’s Butterfly Pavilion to find the connection—and they are offering this virtual program for all ages to discover just how important this connection is! Tune in and discover where our water goes and how we affect it—as well as all the ways we are connected to the oceans, even here in Colorado.
Denver Butterfly Pavilion Online11:00 a.m. online
Cost: $3
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL WITH CASTLE ROCK MAYOR
Want to find out what’s going on in the community? Hear it straight from the source! Join Mayor Gray and Castle Rock Town Staff to hear updates on COVID-19 and get questions answered live. Things may look a little different right now, but the Town is still hard at work providing public safety services, maintaining parks and open space, reconstructing roads and more.
Castle Rock Town Hall
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. online
Access: If prompted for a code, enter May21OpenHouse
PARENTS STILL STANDING
There have been a ton of changes for parents in the past couple of months, and CU Anschutz Medical School has put together a weekly online chat with professionals that can help you learn ways to navigate these uncharted waters.
Join an online talk and discussion with Dr. Scott Cypers and Dr. Amy Lopez in this interactive webinar. The event will take place tonight and every Thursday until social distancing is over.
CU Anschutz Parent Support Webinar
8:00 – 9:15 p.m. online
Cost: FREE
Email: scott.cypers@cuanschutz.edu
Thursday-Friday, May 21-22
STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY
It may not be in person, but the services the libraries provide are still here! This includes the popular Storytime series for pre-school kids, helping youngsters get a head start on the skills they need to be ready to read. Kids will be doing the same five simple activities this series has always emphasized—reading, talking, writing, singing and playing—only online!
Douglas County Libraries Online
10:30 – 11:00 a.m. via Zoom
Cost: FREE
Thursday-Sunday, May 21-24
STAY FIT WITH PARKER REC ONLINE
This is the final weekend of Parker Parks and Recreations online fitness classes. These virtual workouts are FREE and you can “attend” live if you are among the first 100 attendees through Zoom. Choose your class then click on the Zoom link to join the Virtual Class! For those after the first 100, videos will be accessible for additional viewing through YouTube and Facebook.
Parker Recreation Online
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. online
Cost: FREE
GET OUTSIDE!
One of the few places that feels like “old times” is when you are hiking in the great Colorado wilderness. Before you enjoy a day outside, make sure you know which are the least crowded trails. Take along the Colorado Trail App to make sure you know what’s open and what’s not.
Out There Colorado
Cost: FREE
DAY TRIP TO CASTLEWOOD CANYON
It’s out of they way (great for social distancing!), epic enough in scope to feel like a real getaway, and history buffs will love the pioneer ruins located in this little-known state park. The Colorado Springs Gazette says it’s a “paradise on the prairie.” Visitor Center and playgrounds remain closed, but trails are open. Bring your own hand sanitizer and masks.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Sunrise-Sunset
Vehicle Fee: $9
Friday, May 22
PLAN A TRIP TO CUBA
In your own home, of course. But at least you will get to feast on Cuban cuisine that will make it all worthwhile! Join in the livestream instructional event that will walk you through preparations for a decadent dinner for two!
You will receive all the ingredients for two people, chef-led instruction, and perfectly prepared mojitos. Meal includes Rum Marinated Shrimp with Mango Lime Salsa, Arroz Imperial (Chicken and Rice with Cheese) as well as a chef-prepared dessert: Torticas de Morón (Cuban Shortbread Cookies).
Uncorked Kitchen
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. online
Cost: $95 (dinner for two)
MIX YOUR OWN COCKTAILS
Can’t go out for a drink? Learn how to mix your own at home with the Highlands Ranch Community Association’s Virtual Mixology course! Learn a new drink each week!
This week’s class features The Seventh Heaven using Leopold’s Summer Gin and Maraschino Liqueur and French 75 using Leopold’s Summer Gin. Use the shopping list in advance so you can participate in the Zoom class as it’s going on. Pre-registration is required in order to get the Zoom link.
HRCA Online
5:00 p.m. online
Registration: Free
Saturday, May 23
MAKE YOUR OWN CRAFTS
The Play Street Museum is temporarily closed, but you can still browse their catalogue on
line and buy the projects you’d like to make, then drive by and get them in the curbside pick up! It will be a fun craft day at home for the entire family, and you’ll also be supporting local craftspeople.
Play Street Museum, 9370 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite A-2, Highlands Ranch
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Prices vary by item
Sunday, May 24
FARMER’S MARKET – LIVE
This is no virtual event! You get to browse live and in-person—with social distancing, of course— among fresh produce and delicious homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and more! The booths will be wider spaced than last year and it’s recommended that you wear a mask, but otherwise, it will be the same home-grown selection of fresh veggies and fruits!
Town Center South, 9288 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Family-friendly activities in Crystal Valley!
There’s always something to do near the family-friendly community of Crystal Valley! Enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of Castle Rock and surrounding area where cultural and entertainment activities abound! Check out the beautiful model homes from Kauffman Homes, Richmond American Homes, D.R. Horton, and Century Communities, via virtual tours or private appointments! With ranch and two-story models available, new homes here are priced from the $300s.
