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Top Parks for Families in Denver

Written by Marybeth Heckler on May 27, 2019. Posted in Denver.

Summer is upon us and if you are like me, you are dreading the prospect of being packed away in the house with kids whining about having “nothing to do.” I always like to have a backup plan on hand for a fun day activity that will let the kids run themselves ragged and get rid of all that crazy energy that they seem so full of.

Here are some of the top parks in Denver that you can take your family to this summer for a fun-filled day:

Central Park (Stapleton)—I’ve got to put this one at the top of my list for the sheer joy of the place and the beautiful, vibrant colors. Central Park has purple trees and colorful foam mountains that serve as the backdrop for family fun. Alongside this creative décor, they also have activities for all kids including rock-climbing and traditional playground equipment. There is also a fountain and sandcastle area for those who miss getting to do this at the beach. Finally, you absolutely must check out the “sensory sound garden” that allows kids to experiment with chimes and drums.
Westminster Center Park (Westminster)—One of my favorite children’s tales is Peter Pan, so it should come as no surprise that this one is highly recommended. Westminster Center Park is also affectionately called Peter Pan Park because it is built around creating a miniature Neverland for kids to explore. The park boasts playground equipment built around a pirate ship, as well as tunnels, rocks, logs, and bridges that will fire up their imagination.
Discovery Park (Wheat Ridge)—This one gets high marks for the sheer variety of the activities at the park. Besides having traditional playgrounds for little kids and older ones as well, you can also enjoy sandcastle building in the sandpit and cool down at the splash pad. This one also sets itself apart from other parks by its natural beauty (a creek runs right through it) and the skate park which allows your adventurous older kids to enjoy themselves.
Downtown Children’s Playground (Denver)—No list of parks could be complete without this perennial favorite. The only thing that might detract from this one is that it is too well-located. Because it is in the heart of downtown, it gets larger crowds, especially on the weekends or during major family events. But if you do find yourself in the area and want the kids to run off steam, this park not only has traditional playground features, but it also includes a rubberized cushioning that will protect the little ones if they take a tumble.

No matter what part of Denver you are in, check out the local parks and playgrounds in your area. Spend some time during the day or early evening running off that energy and your kids may even wear themselves out and sleep well that night.

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Beautiful Public Gardens in Denver

Written by Marybeth Heckler on May 9, 2019. Posted in Denver.

Spring is in the air and that means that the flowers are blooming all across the greater Denver area. If you like to get outside and experience nature’s varied beauty, then there are several locations you and your family absolutely must check out.

These public gardens are the perfect locales for communing with nature and getting some fresh air:

Denver Botanic Gardens: York Street —The first of Denver Botanic Gardens’ beautiful locations sits on 24 acres and features beautiful plants and flowers from all over the world. These plants and flowers have been specifically cultivated to thrive in the high-altitude climate of Denver. The York Street branch features seventeen separate gardens showcasing plants that thrive in arid Western areas.Additionally, there are international gardens that include a bonsai pavilion, a teahouse garden, and other exotic plants from Asia as well as South Africa. There are also seventeen other ornamental gardens that are decked out every spring with special flowers.
The Mordecai Children’s Garden features plants from six different climates including alpine, subalpine forest, montane forest, plains and grassland, riparian, and montane shrubland. All of these provide beauty and educational experience in the pristine Denver surroundings.

Denver Botanic Gardens: Chatfield Farms —Located just a quick drive out to Littleton, this branch of the botanic gardens is a 700-acre working farm that allows locals to see some of the native glory of the local plant-life. This farm features a cut flower garden, an iris garden, a lavender garden, and a prairie garden. The farm also features a butterfly pavilion that contains plants grown specifically to attract hundreds of beautiful butterflies to the area.
Chester M. Alter Arboretum —Located on the campus of the University of Denver, this garden is meant to beautify the campus with 2,100 trees and more than 400 different species of plants. As a special addition to the gardens, the arboretum features nine “Champion and Notable trees” that are among some of the oldest in the state and also feature special plants from around the world.
Hudson Gardens & Event Center – On the west side of town, you can experience this wonderful garden for free most days of the year. Hudson Gardens makes their income off of throwing events on their beautiful property and by doing a light show during the holidays, allowing guests free admission year-round to see the beautiful flowers, gardens, trees, and mini-lake. A favorite of bikers, because of their extensive trails, the gardens also raise their own bees, own their own greenhouse, and frequently run a model train through part of an exhibit.

If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do in Denver now that the weather isn’t freezing, then these three garden locations offer you a chance to experience the natural beauty of Denver’s foliage along with international plants and flowers.

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Why Moms Love Living in Denver

Written by Marybeth Heckler on February 28, 2019. Posted in Denver, Motherhood.

Denver is a popular city that’s been growing steadily for about a decade. Ask any Denver mom, and they’re guaranteed to tell you it’s a great city for fun family activities, indoors or out.

But Denver’s also a great place for spoiling yourself and spending some “me time” to rejuvenate the body and spirit. Here are some of the best spots in Denver for moms who need a little self-care this month:

5 Star Salt Caves — If you want a day spa experience unlike any other, then check out this man-made “salt” cave. The entire center surrounds the cave, which is made of Himalayan salt. Here, you can relax in a quiet environment and breathe in the salt-infused air – which is said to improve sinuses and breathing. In addition to salt therapy, the spa also features other traditional therapies such as saunas, massages, and footbaths.
Upstairs Circus – Although this is better enjoyed with friends, it’s also a place you can come on your own to relax and get crafty. You can pay one fee for a variety of daily craft options and then design and craft all kinds of things including homemade jewelry and paintings as well as projects for the house such as key racks and serving trays.
Movie Night – You don’t have to go see the latest blockbuster or yet another Disney cartoon. The Alamo Drafthouse in Littleton features special presentations of older movies in an unusual setting. One of their regular Signature Series features is an older, elegant movie such as Little Women or Sense & Sensibility, and you can skip the popcorn and enjoy high tea and biscuits or finger sandwiches. Or get the girls together for a night out dancing at the movies. Recent Dance Party nights have featured Brittney Spears and the Backstreet Boys for some flashback hits.
BookBar – If you prefer a small, independent bookstore with real books rather than those big box stores or eBook readers, then you should check out this combination bookstore and wine bar. You can listen to a poetry reading, meet an author and get an autograph, or pick up a new book and curl up with a nice glass of wine.

Denver is a great city to explore and relax in. But for moms especially, it is filled with activities and opportunities that provide a break from the kids.

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