Our summer budget is non-existent -- we're looking for ideas for fun, inexpensive and/or free things to do in the west Denver metro area (Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Golden). I have an 11 yr old and a 9 yr old (both boys) whom I know will be "bored" as soon as they hit the door on the last day of school. Any ideas?
You've all given me GREAT ideas! Thanks for the inspiration -- the boys and I will be off enjoying the fun of summer -- Hope you do too!
Here's one idea if your kids like movies. The AMC 24 Movie theater in the Westminster Promenade (at Hwy 36 and Church Ranch) shows $1 movie every Wednesday. They are always kid-friendly movies. I can't remember what time they are but you could probably call and find out or visit their website or something.
The library is free, and so are riding their bikes on trails. There are a ton of trails in that area. Local rec centers have VERY cheap activities. The one by my house offers karate for 40 dollars a month, and there are 2 classes per week.
Most of my favorite free summer activities are probably a little too young for your kiddoes, but my favorite web site for finding those activities is: www.kidspages.org. If you click on the calendar on the left and then the 'Calendar QuickLinks' and look for 'Free Family Fun.'
If you're willing to drive around town a bit there are all kinds of activities...we've gone to concerts in the park (check with your local rec. center), berry picking, pow wows, story times, etc. Not all are free, but a surprising number of things are.
Happy summer!
Hello C.,
By the way - go you for working, raising kids, and doing you're degree. It's not easy, but hang in there. I lived in Golden for a short time and I found the Green belt trails where great for walking or bike riding. I dunno if you have any pets, but I found taking my Dog to the dog park was actually fun & relaxing. I always see little kids there too who love seeing the dogs play!! Another cheap thing is the small water park in Golden by the Jeff. County buildings. Sloans Lake for fishing could be fun and inexpensive plus they have a few park locations. You could even take the kids skating or skate boarding there. Another thought would be to keep an eye out for music festivals or Jazz on the Green type events. I hope this helps get going... Enjoy your summer - C.
On warm days you could take them to the water area in front of the Arvada Library in Olde Town Arvada....it's free.
We drive up that road that follows clear creek. There are planty of spots to pull over and park and explore the water. Bring a lawnchair, book and picnic and let the boys explore. There are spots you can walk all the way across. You can find crayfish and critters. Splash around in the water. We even went up there on Mothers day last year with my mom and she loved it. Best of all...Free.
Try a Vacation Bible School. We attend the one at 4C's, (80th and Simms). It is like $30 per kid for the week. The kids have a AWESOME time. The have so many activites, crafts and yes, they learn a little about the bible. We are not a church going family :( but I have done this for 4 years now. At the end of the week they have an inexpensive family picnic with lots of jumpy castles and stuff. My kids (11 & 9) have a great time.
