Call the JCC at 303-399-2660 for details, or visit www.jccdenver.org.
QUACK! The Denver Rubber Duck Drop is set for Sun., May 3, noon-3p.m. to help raise funds for DPS schools in City Council District 4 (including Bradley Intl., Slavens K-8, Holm, Samuels and Southmoor). Hosted by District 4 Councilwoman Peggy Lehmann’s office, the Duck Drop will be held at George Wallace Park (NE corner of DTC Blvd. & Belleview). Festivities begin with a Duck Fest at 12:30p.m., featuring music, food, balloon artists, face painting and interactive events. The Duck Race will commence at 2p.m., with great prizes awarded for winners. Duck sponsorships cost $5 each or five ducks for $20; available until supplies run out. Info: www.DenverRubberDuckDrop.com.
Children at Emmanuel Preschool, 2700 S. Downing St., will raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN at their annual trike-bike-a-thon, Tues., & Wed., May 5 & 6. Kids learn safety rules while participating in service learning that introduces the concept of giving back to the community and compassion for others. In 13 years, the preschoolers have raised more than $11,000 for St. Jude’s. For info on Emmanuel United Methodist Preschool, call 303-758-1697.
Classes and activity kits enhance families’ exploration of Jurassic Gardens, Denver Botanic Gardens signature exhibition at 1005 York St. For an extra $2, check out a Family Activity Guide with kid-friendly information about each dinosaur and fun family activities. Or sign up for Living Dinosaur (Wed., May 6, 4:30-6p.m.) to see a surviving species, or Eat Like a Dinosaur (Wed., May 20, 4:30-6p.m.) to see and sample dino food. For ages 6-10. For details or registration, visit www.botanicgardens.org or 720-865-3580.
Uncover artifacts from three different Colorado cultures in Unearthing the Past, May’s Let’s Make History program for families, Sat., May 9, at the Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway. These Saturday offerings include a guided exhibit tour at 1p.m.; program at 2p.m. Free with admission: $7 adults; children 12 & under are free on Saturdays. Other programs: May 2, Try It On!; 16, Colorado Crops – Spring Planting; 23, The Doctor Is In; 30, Soldiers on Skis. Info: 303-866-3682 or www.coloradohistory.org.
Kids ages 3-5 and their parents can smudge, squiggle & splatter at Create Playdates, second Wednesdays at the Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave., 11a.m.-1p.m. Drop in and meet up with other tots in Splatter, May 13, in Duncan Pavilion, storytime throughout the museum and scavenger hunts in the galleries. Free with general admission (5 and younger free). Email rlevy@denverartmuseum.org or call 720-913-0073 for details. Registration continues for Summer Art Experiences 2009, morning, afternoon, and all-day, weeklong courses, ages 4-11. General info, call 720-865-5000 or visit www.denverartmuseum.org.
Parents and young music buffs, ages 2-10, can sing, dance and finger-play in the next Children’s Sing-A-Long, Sat., May 16, 10:30-11:15a.m., at Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E. Yale Ave. The casual, monthly gathering provides shakers, rhythm instruments and instructors. Registration requested. The Julie Davis Music School also offers instruction inguitar, recorder, music theatre and more. Info/registration, call 303-777-1003 or visit www.swallowhill.com.
Discover art which explores the world and lets the imagination soar at the Children’s Art School. Highlights: Sky High Family Kites, Sat., May 23, 3-4:30p.m. – learn about kites from around the world, and create a Sky High Kite for cloud visits! Also May 23, 10-11:30a.m. – Buds and Blossoms – moms and very young artists enjoy flower fairy stories and buds and blossoms sculpture. Each event: $15/family. Upcoming Saturday classes, for ages 7+: Art Magic – devise art tricks and secret hidden pictures, to create illusions in art, May 23, 30 & June 6, noon-2p.m. ($50). Drawing Discoveries – uncover drawing secrets to express creative ideas, May 30, June 6, 13 & 20, 9-11a.m. ($65). Pre-registration required. Children’s Art School is located at 700 S. Franklin St. in St. John’s School. Info: 720-319-3813.
Limited spaces are left in the 2009-10 private kindergarten at Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten & School-Age Summer Camp, 4140 E. Iliff Ave. This great public school alternative offers full- and half-day programs and provides specific outcomes in the areas of language arts/writing, math, geography, history and science. Snacks and lunch included in tuition, plus classes are held during school planning days and holidays. Meet “Miss Mary,” state certified kindergarten teacher any day, Mon.-Fri., 7a.m.-6p.m. Download registration forms at www.iliffpreschool.com or call Carol: 303-757-3551.
Broadway Music School’s Tots classes provide your child (3 to 5 years) with a lively, educational approach to learning music. Classes held Fridays: Toddlers 3 & 4, 10a.m.; Toddlers 5, 11a.m. For budding vocalists, Choir Nouveau is now forming, with a choir for 3rd-5th graders and a 6th-8th grade choir. Vocal improvement and harmony skills will be gained through pop, funk and jazz selections; 10-week session starting soon. All classes held at Broadway Music School, 1940 S. Broadway. Info: www.broadwaymusicschool.com or call 303-777-0388.
Denver Parks and Recreation’s First Tee of Denver program uses golf as a tool to educate kids academically, socially, and physically. Programs will take place at City Park, Willis Case, and Wellshire golf courses, as well as at Aqua Golf, the brand-new driving range/miniature golf course at Overland golf course, Santa Fe Dr. & W. Florida Ave. Classes run June 14-July 26. Sign up for The First Tee of Denver program online, www.thefirstteeofdenver.com.
Construct handmade retablos with Carlos Santistevan at a free Kid’s Art Saturday, May 16, 2-4p.m., at Chicano Humanities & Arts Council’s Del Norte Gallery, 772 Santa Fe Dr. These are small paintings most often done on wood, zinc or tin, historically used in home altars. Info: www.ChacWeb.org or 303-571-0440.
Sign up soon for Wellshire Presbyterian Church’s PDO (Parents’ Day Out) Summer Session, starting May 19. Six-week program geared for kids 12 months to 5 years, Tues.-Thur., 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m., at 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. Registration $25, $135 for program. For details, contact the PDO director at 303-691-0346 or visit www.wpcdenver.org.
StoryCrafters combines crafts, story-telling & role play for kids 5-9, five consecutive Saturdays starting May 30 at Caboodle Gifts, 1515 S. Holly St. Students craft while listening to a traditional folktale, then act out the story! $65 includes materials, limited to 10. Also available for birthday parties. Info/register at caboodlellc@gmail.com, 303-759-3966 or www.caboodlegifts.net.
International artist Georgia Amar is offering summer art classes for students 7-17 at her Habitat Gallery & Studio, 828 Santa Fe Dr. Two, one-week sessions, June 1-5 and June 8-12, are offered, focusing on the medium of painting, limited to 12 per session. Cost: $295 per weekly session includes all materials and lunch made with student participation. Email the gallery at HabitatGallery@earthlink.net for registration form or call 303-534-9740. Images of Amar’s prior students’ art work are at www.ArtCampAmar.com.
There are a few spaces left in Dance Happy kids combo classes, held at the Grant Avenue Community Center, 216 S. Grant St., Sat., 12:30p.m. (ages 5-7) and Wed., 4p.m. (ages 8-10). Call Gwen Bowen, 303-722-2624, for details.
Summer of Reading begins Fri., May 29! Find out more at http://summerofreading.org or a Denver Public Library location near you: Byers, 675 Santa Fe Dr. Summer of Reading activities start Fri., May 29. Info: 720-865-0160. Eugene Field, 810 S. University Blvd. Storytime with Craft for all ages, Fridays, 10:15a.m. Storytime with songs for all ages, Tuesdays, 10:15a.m. Bookbabies, Fridays, 11a.m. Info: 303-777-2301. Central Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Weekday children’s activities (through May 8, resuming after Memorial Day), 10:30a.m.: Tuesdays, Bookbabies I (0-6 mo.); Wednesdays, Tales for Twos & Craft (24-35 mo.); Thursdays, Preschool Storytime & Craft (3-5 yrs.); Fridays, Bookbabies II (early walkers). Saturdays at 2p.m. (all ages): May 2, Canyon Critters – Wolves; 9, Popcorn! A Musical Celebration; 16, Bunny and Birdie Magic Show; 30, Hawk Quest – Birds of Prey. Info: 720-865-1306 or www.denverlibrary.org. Decker, 1501 S. Logan St., will be closed through mid-June for renovations. Schlessman, 100 Poplar St.: No children’s/teen programs until Summer of Reading kicks off, Fri., May 29. Information: 720-865-0000. Virginia Village, 1500 S. Dahlia St., hosts Tot Tales (2-3 yrs.) on Mondays (except May 25), 10:30 & 11:15a.m.; Bookbabies (6-24 mo.), Tues., 10:30 & 11:30a.m.; Preschool Story-time (3-5 yrs,), Fridays, 10:30a.m. Monday Fun Days: Checkbook Cover Craft, Mon., May 11, 4-5p.m. (registration required. Super Saturdays, 11a.m.: May 2, Family Fun Magic Show; 9, Apples and Bananas with Justin Miera; 16, Kactus Pete Puppet Show; 30, Summer Bug Safari. Info: 720-865-0940. Note: all branch libraries closed Sun. & Mon., May 24 & 25, for Memorial Day.
Sign up for Kids Under Construction, Wellshire Presbyterian Church’s Habitat for Humanity-based Vacation Bible School, at 2999 S. Colorado Blvd., for kids 3 through entering 1st grade. Two sessions (9:30-11:30a.m.): July 28-30 or Aug. 4-6. Register at www.wpcdenver.org. Info: 303-758-2233.
Four Mile Historic Park’s free Hay Bales & Tall Tales family storytime takes place first Saturdays (May 2, June 5), 11a.m., at 715 S. Forest St. Domestic crafts, blacksmithing and woodstove cooking are featured 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays. Visitwww.fourmilehistoricpark.org or call 720-865-0800 for information.
Have a budding chamber music enthusiast in the family? Sign up now for Intermezzo Chamber Music Sessions, a summer camp teaching novice and experienced chamber players to play in an ensemble, and enjoy and express the music to the fullest. Program includes yoga classes, technical and musical interpretations of chamber music, techniques for practicing and rehearsing, stage etiquette and improvisation. Starts June 22 at 1220 S. Fillmore St. Register at www.IntermezzoCMS.com, or call 303-393-7116.
Girls Rock Denver will hold Colorado’s first nonprofit rock & roll day camp for girls, July 27-Aug. 1, at Sixth Avenue United Church of Christ, 3250 E. 6th Ave. Girls 8-18 will receive instrument instruction, form a band, write an original song and take part in workshops/activities designed to build self-esteem, develop communication skills, and encourage creativity and self-expression. No musical experience necessary; financial aid is available. For information and camper and volunteer applications, visit www.girlsrockdenver.org, email girlsrockdenver@gmail.com or call 303-717-3219.
Is a young Picasso in the making? Canvas Kids is a relaxed art class for children ages 5-12. Children get simple art instruction in a fun and entertaining environment, and go home with a painting “uniquely theirs” and maybe even a newfound talent to explore. Classes start this month at Canvas & Cocktails, 249 Clayton St., Fri. & Sat., 9:30-11:30a.m. Cost: $30 per class, includes materials. Info: 303-333-3288 or www.canvasandcocktails.com.
Kids can engage in creative arts with a little Español mixed in, at Museo de las Americas’ Art Camp summer program, 861 Santa Fe Dr., for youths kindergarten-12th grade, led by local artists and teachers. Younger students will learn Latin American history and traditions; older students will be given more in-depth and challenging projects, blending historical and contemporary subject matter. Six week-long sessions will be offered as either half- or full-day camps, June 15-mid-August. Email claudia@museo.org for details, or call 303-571-4401.
Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St., offers a full-time, play-based learning Qualistar preschool, emphasizing school readiness and the arts and the Discoveryland Enrichment Program, 9a.m.-1p.m. Also: Kids Club before- and after-school, DPS Days Off and flexible summer camp programs. WSCC has served the community since 1967. Information: www.wscc-denver.org or 303-733-4643.
Skim & select from a smorgasbord of summer classes and workshops for kids at the Mizel Arts & Culture Center and Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., viewable at www.jccdenver.org. New this summer: Wii Camp for kids 6-14, blending virtual and live sports action. Campers also can work with basketball legends the Harlem Globetrotters, or learn basics of technology at LEGO and Engineering Fundamentals camps. Art, sports, day and sleep-away camps available. Fees & times vary, scholarships available, membership required. Visit the website or contact Amy Jacobs at 303-316-6383 or amyjacobs@jccdenver.org for information.
Plan now for Summer Camps at the Mizel Museum, 400 S. Kearney St., half- and full-day multi-activity camps featuring art, dance, drama and multicultural activities for ages 4-12, $95-$185 per week. For details, call 303-394-9993, ext. 103, email jmock@mizelmuseum.org or visit www.mizelmuseum.org.
For All Single Moms – Families First offers a free Circle of Parents support group just for you! Discover proven methods for cutting down on the frustration of being a single parent in today’s hectic world. Unlock the knowledge you already hold and share your wisdom, create a support network and rebuild your self-esteem. Group meets first, third and fifth Thursdays, 6:30-8p.m., at Evanston United Methodist Church, 2122 S. Lafayette St. Free children’s group provided. Come build upon your strengths in a safe and nurturing environment. Info: call the Family Support Line, 303-695-7996, or Families First, 303-745-0327.
University Park Mothers Club is a social, supportive, and educational group for families with young children living in the University Park neighborhood and surrounding area (Colorado Blvd. to University Blvd. and Yale Ave. to I-25). All families (dads, too!) with children ages 0-5 or expecting, are welcome. The group boasts more than 75 families and 150 children! Join today at www.uparkmoms.org or email info@uparkmoms.org for more information.
Kindermusik means musical fun and fellowship for kids 6 weeks to 3 years, and their special adult (grandparents encouraged!) at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. Held Wed., 9:45 & 10:30a.m. Caregiver must accompany children. Call Katy Fink-Johnson for details, 720-488-8076.
Improving moms’ lives through support, education and advocacy is the mission of Mothers & More, a secular, not-for-profit national organization. The Central Denver Chapter (#218) offers monthly activities like meetings, Margarita Club, play groups, family picnics, and provides email networks, newsletters and Care Committee Support. Visitors welcome at monthly moms-only events; email mothersandmoredenver@yahoo.com for details.
No mom was ever meant to mother alone. That’s the philosophy of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). The Corona MOPS is a local chapter that meets at Corona Presbyterian Church at 8th Ave. & Downing St. Join in for brunch, meeting other moms and speakers on diverse topics. Children’s program provided. Corona MOPS meets first, third and fifth Fridays of each month, 9-11:30a.m. Motherhood is a journey of its own, and supporting each other is fundamental. For info, call 303-832-2297.
Are you a Mod Mom? Do you have kids under 5? Are you expecting a new little one? Mod Moms – Moms of Denver – offers monthly get-togethers, playgroups, Mod Moms Unplugged, Bunko, book clubs and more, to build lasting friendships, have fun and support both mothers and children. Info: www.modmoms.org.
The MOMS Club of Cherry Creek/ Washington Park invites stay-at-home moms to meet with other at-home mothers and their children. The Club offers events every week, including play groups, outings, Bunko, Mom’s Night Out, walking groups and family nights. Find Cherry Creek chapter info: www.momsclubofcherrycreek.com or email momsclub_cc@yahoo.com. Washington Park chapter: email wpmc_membership@yahoo.com or visit www.momsclubofwashpark.com.
Challenge Fitness provides fitness and social opportunities for children with special needs (mild to moderate disabilities) at the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Dahlia St. Kids can physically work out after school, stretch, develop balance and stamina, meet new people and learn life skills. Advance registration required; contact Parmet at 303-316-6309, or sparmet@jccdenver.org.