Five Kid-Friendly Alternatives To The Super Bowl In Denver
History Colorado Center (credit: CBS)
Super Bowl Sunday is always a great day to spend with the family but what about those who aren't really into the big game? This is the best time of the year to head out and visit some great attractions. Things won't be as busy as most people will be at home in front of the television watching the Broncos play. Use this opportunity to take the kids to explore some museums, check out some art or just have some fun at a local arcade or fun center. There are lots of ways to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday, even if you don't like football.
Peter Pan, the Musical
PACE Center
20000 Pikes Peak Ave.
Parker, CO 80138
(303) 805-6800
www.parkeronline.org
Instead of sitting around the house watching the game, take your kids to witness the magic of one of the most classic stories of all time. Your children will delight as they watch the story of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the Darlings as they travel to Neverland and fight with Captain Hook, a band of pirates and the crocodile. It's a beautiful musical filled with all of the fun songs and special flying effects that make it one of the most enchanting shows for children of all ages. This is an especially great show to introduce younger children to the magic of live theatre. However, it is a show that everyone is sure to enjoy.
Butterfly Pavilion
6252 W. 104th Ave.
Westminster, CO 80020
(303) 469-5441
www.butterflies.org
Your kids are sure to love a visit to the only invertebrate zoo in the state. The Butterfly Pavilion is home to thousands of these beautiful animals, with five exhibit areas, most of which are indoors, making this perfect for a cool February day. Your children will have a great time exploring the tropical conservatory with more than 1,200 butterflies from rainforests all over the globe. Or, they can check out the other insects and look at some creepy crawlies like scorpions, beetles and giant millipedes. They can even hold a live tarantula named Rosie. There is also a water exhibit filled with sea stars, sea cucumbers and horseshoe crabs, all living examples of Atlantic and Pacific tide pools. This is one zoo/museum that your kids are going to love exploring.
Boondocks Food and Fun
11425 Community Center Drive
Northglenn, CO 80233
(720) 977-8000
www.boondocks.com
Looking for a great place for your kids to use up some extra energy? Head to Boondocks Food and Fun for tons of ways to have a blast. Just what can your kiddos enjoy? From bowling to laser tag to the huge arcade, bumper boats, go-karts, mini-golf, slick track and more, there is something for everyone to love. Plus the food at the grill is the perfect way to satisfy those hungry appetites with pizza, burgers and other classic fun center fare. If you haven't been to Boondocks Food and Fun, then this is a great opportunity to check out just why this location is still popular after so many years.
History Colorado Center
1200 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 477-8679
www.historycolorado.org
Why not take this Sunday as a chance to spend some family time learning more about the beautiful state that you call home? The History Colorado Center has many different exhibits, all designed to engage and enrich you and your children as you learn about the past of the state of Colorado. Check out the 1860 Denver Diorama with more than 350 buildings to view, showing just what central Denver looked like in 1860. Tap into the real history of Denver in Denver A to Z, or learn about the 1920s in Colorado, ride in a Model T, climb a hayloft and check out the general store in Destination Colorado. No matter which exhibits you and your kids check out, it is sure to be a fun and educational Sunday as a family.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
