Hikes, Classes and Spectacles!
With not one, but two, babysitting skills classes offered in the Crystal Valley area this weekend, your young teen can get a responsible head-start on a babysitting career! If the family is feeling a touch of cabin fever, get outside and into the backcountry for some fun events for all ages. Or treat the family to a colorful hot air balloon showcase!
TODAY/TONIGHT, February 25
VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR
Put on some of your favorite jazz music as you enjoy the vibe of Blue Note Bourbon! Meet up with all your virtual happy hour pals as you learn how to create some classic cocktails: Manhattan in the Delta and the Riverset Sazerac! You’ll also have a chance to hear about the history of the Blue Note Single Barrel while you sip on some delicious bourbon! Don’t forget to do your shopping in advance!
HRCA Livestream
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Register: FREE
Phone: 720-509-1000
Thursday-Saturday, February 25-27
TOUR A CASTLE!
Looking for something different to do this weekend? How about taking a tour of a real castle! Nearby Cherokee Castle offers a unique look into a 1920s building project that combined influences of the western U.S. and a 1450’s Scottish-style castle.
Your guided tour will uncover this hidden gem of Colorado history with collections of fine art, furnishings, and souvenirs from around the world. Appropriate for ages 10 and up, the whimsical quality of the castle will delight adults as well as older children. Advance reservations and masks are required.
Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $20
Phone: 303-688-5555
Thursday-Sunday, February 25-28
HARRIET TUBMAN INTERACTIVE SHOW
Give your home-schooled or home-for-now students in grades 3-8 an inspiring front-row seat to Black History Month with this virtual show, Harriet Tubman: Straight Up Outta’ The Underground.
The one-woman interactive storytelling experience follows heroic historical figure Harriet Tubman as she helped to free over 300 slaves on the Underground Railroad. Children will play a part in the historic retelling by “choosing their own adventure” and making different choices along the way— all leading to the same outcome, of course!
PACE Online
Register: $15 per household
FINAL CHANCE TO BUY ART
Don’t miss the closing weekend of the PACE Center online art show—where you can also bid on and purchase your very own original art! If you’d rather view the exhibit in person before placing your online bid, you can do that, too! Just make sure you call to confirm the operating hours of the PACE Center before you come.
Each work of art in the 144 Fine Art Exhibition is 144 square inches in dimension. That’s a 12 x 12 canvas or sculptures that fit into a 12 x 12 x 12 cube! Proceeds from the exhibition and sale support the PAG Bright Futures High School Art Scholarships fund.
PACE Center Art Gallery, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Online bidding
Information: FREE
Phone: 303-805-6800
Friday, February 26
FULL MOON HIKE
Let the light of the moon illuminate the way in this special Backcountry hike! You’ll be guided by a naturalist who will point out how humans and animals see in the dark, and you’ll be amazed by how much you observe once you become acclimated to the darkness. The hike is recommended for ages 7+ and advance registration is required.
Backcountry Wilderness Area, 6005 Ron King Trail, Highlands Ranch
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Register: $7 – $10
Phone: 303-471-7052
Saturday, February 27
HOT AIR BALLOON SHOWCASE
Get up early to experience the spectacle of hot air balloons being inflated en masse! Local balloon pilots will gather at the Englewood location of the Wings Over the Rockies museum for a colorful showcase! You’ll have a chance to hang out with the pilots and watch the process, learning all about the equipment and skill involved. The Cruz In & Eat food truck will be available for breakfast and lunch purchases!
Exploration of Flight, Centennial Airport; 13005 Wings Way, Englewood
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $4 – $10
Phone: 303-360-5360 ext.160
BABYSITTER WORKSHOP IN LONE TREE
Beginning babysitters, this workshop is exactly what you need to confidently and safely take on the responsibilities of caring for children! The class is designed for ages 11-15 and will provide an overview of information and skills required to give responsible care for children. This class does NOT include a certification for CPR. Register online with class #249052.
Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Cir., Lone Tree
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Register: $90 – $100
Phone: 303-708-3500
BABYSITTING PREPAREDNESS IN PARKER
Another opportunity for first-time babysitters ages 11-16 to acquire the skills they need to provide safe care for children. This course includes Pediatric CPR/First Aid with a two-year certification, personal safety, growth and development, discipline, injury and illness prevention, and basic childcare such as diapering, feeding, and bathing. Register online using Activity #24554.
Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E. Lincoln Ave., Parker
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Register: $75 – $82
Phone: 303-841-4500
PRESCHOOL BACKCOUNTRY FUN!
Little ones ages 2 to 6 will love learning about the tracks various animals make in the Backcountry! Sunshine and Storytime: Tracks in the Snow is a fun and educational adventure that includes a story around the fire, following tracks in the snow, and taking a look at the resident barnyard animals. A parent is required to stay on-site to help ensure social distancing.
Backcountry Wilderness Area, 6005 Ron King Trail, Highlands Ranch
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Register: $6 – $8
Phone: 303-471-7052
MOMS’ SELF DEFENSE CLASS
This class was designed especially for moms who have wondered what they should do in a self-defense situation if a child is present with them. In this hands-on self-defense class, you’ll learn how to target, strike, and escape in a self-defense situation while keeping your child(ren) safe. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. No prior self-defense experience is required.
Z-Ultimate Studios Castle Rock, 62 Founders Pkwy., Unit B, Castle Rock
1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Register: $15
Phone: 303-663-8773
Family-friendly Activities in the Crystal Valley Area!
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, and picture yourself in your very own dream house! With ranch and two-story models available, new homes are priced from the $300s.
