This weekend is Fourth of July, Independence Day weekend 2016! That means that our guide will have an extra day included: July 1st through July 4th, 2016!
Psst…. Some events are also included in our “What to do in Denver on Fourth of July–Independence Day Weekend 2016” article, but our Fourth of July article only relates to Independence Day festivals and events and is more in-depth to the Fourth of July holiday, whereas this one includes events of all types.
What to do with Kids in Denver this Fourth of July Weekend 2016
Events listed in chronological order
Shark Weekend at Downtown Aquarium
When: Friday, July 1st through Sunday, July 3rd, 2016
Where: Downtown Aquarium, 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211
Time: Exhibits and Activities all three days: 10am–4pm; Behind the Scenes Tour & Shark Feedings: July 2nd & July 3rd–11:30am, 12:30pm & 1pm
Cost: Exhibits and Activities: included in admission; Tours & Feedings: additional $10.
Ages: All ages except Diving with the Sharks which is for children ages 10 and over.
Celebrate Shark Week(end) at the Downtown Aquarium in Denver with a special three-day event! Shark Weekend events include: “Shark Bytes” scavenger hunt, Shark Touch Adventure-touch a white spotted bamboo shark, Arts and Crafts, Conservation Booths, Behind the Scene Tours and Feeding Demonstrations and even sign-up to dive with the sharks!
Play Nintendo Tour 2016
Photograph Courtesy of ©Nintendo
When: Friday, July 1st through Sunday, July 3rd, 2016
Where: Flatiron Crossing Mall, 1 W Flatiron Crossing Dr, Broomfield, CO 80021
Time: July 1st & 2nd: 10am–9pm; July 3rd: 11am–6pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Nintendo’s classic characters and games are coming to life as part of the one-of-a-kind Play Nintendo Tour making a stop in Flatiron Crossing Mall this weekend! Enjoy a unique experience bursting with color and imagination that offers parents and their kids the chance to play some of Nintendo’s best Nintendo 3DS games, participate in exciting contests, win awesome prizes (while supplies last) and snap memorable photos.
Kids and the young-at-heart can get their hands on the New Nintendo 3DS XL and Nintendo 2DS systems, and check out the latest games from some of your favorite franchises. There’s something for everyone as fans can compete in exciting competitions, and even have a chance to strike a pose alongside some of your favorite Nintendo characters including Luigi & Pikachu!
Food Truck Rodeo
When: Friday, July 1st, 2016
Where: Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012
Time: 11am–2pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
City of Aurora is hosting its Food Truck Rodeo this Friday! Come taste a new lunch experience with some of Aurora’s best local vendors offering a variety of cuisines on the beautiful Great Lawn at the Aurora Municipal Building.
Independence Celebration at Four Mile Historic Park
Photograph by ©AhSomePhotography.com Courtesy of ©Four Mile Historic Park
When: Friday, July 1st, 2016
Where: Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S Forest St, Denver, CO 80246
Time: 5pm till 10pm
Cost: Free admission. Charge for food, refreshments, and some activities.
Celebrate Independence Day with old-time games, historic demonstrations, live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more at Four Mile Historic Park! Bring your blanket and stay to watch the Glendale fireworks show. Food trucks and a beer garden (valid ID required) will be on site. Last entry to the Park is at 9pm. No pets, outside food or beverage, smoking, cannabis use, fireworks, poppers, sparklers, or other flammables allowed.
Save Our Sundial’s Independence Day Family Fun Festival
When: Friday, July 1st, 2016
Where: Cranmer Park, 4501 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80220; In case of rain: Music and some activities will be moved to the Graland Fieldhouse, located at 1st Avenue and Bellaire Streets.
Time: Kids Activities: 5:30pm–conclusion of fireworks. Kids activities are available through 8:30pm.
Cost: Free to attend. Activities are Fee-based and all go towards charity.
Ages: All ages
The Independence Day Family Fun Festival will feature family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks and a Plein Air painting silent auction, carnival games and will conclude with the Glendale Fireworks! The kids activities you can expect at the event: bungee trampolines, meet and greet with real-life princesses and pirates, magic shows, live reptile encounters, Air-Brush painting, and even a rock climbing wall!
The festival benefits the restoration of Cranmer Park’s historic sundial and sundial plaza and is presented by The Park People, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working towards raising money for this restoration to Save Our Sundial.
Psst… the Independence Day Family Fun Festival is co-sponsored by the founder of The Denver Ear, Mor Zucker.
La Alma Connection Art Celebration Block Party And Parade
When: Friday, July 1st, 2016
Where: W 10th Ave & Osage St, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 5:30pm–9:30pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
The La Alma Connection Art Celebration Block Party And Parade by Arts Street will feature live music, street art, food trucks and local vendors. A parade of upcycle floats will move down West 10th Avenue to celebrate the “Neighborhood Connection” of the Osage Light Rail and the Santa Fe Arts District.
Dive-In Movie – Hotel Transylvania 2
Photograph Courtesy of ©Elitch Gardens
When: Friday, July 1st, 2016
Where: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 7:30pm–10pm
Cost: Free with ticket admission
Ages: All ages
Elitch Gardens‘ Dive-In Movie of the week is: Hotel Transylvania 2. Float in the wave pool and watch the movie on the big screen!
Psst… Elitch Gardens’ Dive-In Movie series is also featured in our “Where to Watch Outdoor Movies in Denver this Summer 2016” article!
Cherry Creek Arts Festival 2016
Photograph by ©Frank Montanez. Courtesy of ©Cherry Creek Arts Festival
When: Saturday, July 2nd through Monday, July 4th, 2016
Where: Cherry Creek North Shopping District, E 2nd Ave & Clayton Ln, Denver, CO 80206
Time: July 2nd & 3rd: 10am–8pm; July 4th: 10am–6pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
The 26th Annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival offers a world-class celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts. This year’s Arts Festival will feature 250 national and international artists, 20 culinary vendors and food trucks, live music and a special Kids ART-ivity Avenue! The Artivity Avenue offers a full block of family-friendly, interactive activities, including: a collaborative mural, create spin art, play with food, create critters and flowers, color in velvet art sheets, enjoy sensory finger painting and more!
Psst… Check out our featured article for this event!
Colorado Mills Fourth of July – Three Day Super Sale
Shop Featured ©Justice. Photograph Courtesy of ©The Mills, A Simon Company
When: Saturday, July 2nd through Monday, July 4th, 2016
Where: Colorado Mills Mall, 14500 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80401
Time: Mall Hours – Mon-Sat: 10am – 9pm; Sun: 11am – 6pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Shoppers can add sparks to their wardrobe by visiting Colorado Mills during its Fourth of July Super Sale, Saturday through Monday, featuring deep discounts from the shopping center’s line up of retailers. This three-day blow-out sale is a chance to find super savings on summer merchandise and beat the crowds before back-to-school shopping.
4th of July Craft at WOW! Children’s Museum
Photograph Courtesy of ©WOW! Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, July 2nd & Sunday, July 3rd, 2016
Where: WOW! Children’s Museum, 110 N Harrison Ave, Lafayette, CO 80026
Time: July 2nd: 10am–4pm; July 3rd: 12pm–4pm
Cost: Free with admission
Ages: All ages
In celebration of Independence Day, make a firecracker craft out in the Art Room at WOW! Children’s Museum.
A Paris Street Market at Aspen Grove
Photograph Courtesy of ©A Paris Street Market
When: Saturday, July 2nd, 2016
Where: Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center, 7301 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120
Time: 8am–3pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Gather family and friends to shop “A Paris Street Market” at Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center this Saturday. Over 120 antique, vintage, jewelry, artisan, clothing and garden vendors await your arrival to this one-of-a-kind outdoor Market.
Free Dance on the Plaza & Free Admission Day at Denver Art Museum
Photograph Courtesy of ©Denver Art Museum
When: Saturday, July 2nd, 2016
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, CO 80204
Time: Free admission all day; Dance on the Plaza: 1pm–3pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Visit the Denver Art Museum this Saturday for a special Free Day: Free Dance on the Plaza! It’s free admission Saturday and they are hosting a special dance spectacular featuring 20 different dance groups on four stages! For a complete schedule of performances visit: bit.ly/FreeFirstDancePlaza.
Welcome to the Dahl House: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Photograph Courtesy of ©Sie FilmCenter
When: Saturday, July 2nd, 2016
Where: Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Time: Cereal Bar begins at 10am; Film begins at 10:30am
Cost: Adults $5; Children ages 6 and under are free.
Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/DahlFantasticMrFox
Ages: All ages
The Denver Film Society is proud to launch family programming with a retrospective of films written by or based on novels by beloved author Roald Dahl. This week’s film is: Fantastic Mr. Fox and tickets include a free cereal bar!
Mr. and Mrs. Fox (voices of George Clooney and Meryl Streep) live an idyllic home life with their son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) and visiting young nephew Kristopherson (Eric Anderson). But after 12 years, the bucolic existence proves too much for Mr Fox’s wild animal instincts. Soon he slips back into his old ways as a sneaky chicken thief and in doing so, endangers not only his beloved family, but the whole animal community.
Cereal Party: The BFG
Photograph Courtesy of ©Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
When: Saturday, July 2nd, 2016
Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 7301 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120
Time: 10:35am
Cost: $9 per ticket. Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/CerealPartyTheBFG
Ages: Children ages 3 and older
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is hosting a special screening of The BFG with an all-you-can eat milk and cereal buffet!
The BFG is a new movie that is coming out this weekend by Director Steven Spielberg, re-teamed with E.T. screenwriter Melissa Mathison, to create this adaptation of the beloved story by author Roald Dahl. Ten-year-old orphan Sophie finds herself on a larger-than-life adventure when she’s spirited away one night by the Big Friendly Giant. While all giants might be big, it turns out they are very seldom friendly. And to keep the fearsome, man-eating kind from destroying the human world, Sophie and the BFG must learn to trust one another and work together— no small feat. But with the 24-foot giant on her side, clever and courageous Sophie just might be able to save the world of “human beans.”
Selena Gomez Live Denver Concert
Photograph Courtesy of ©SelenaGomez.com
When: Saturday, July 2nd, 2016
Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 8pm (doors open at 7pm)
Cost: Tickets start from $32.50 and are still available. Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/SelenaGomezDenver.
Ages: All ages
Selena Gomez is making a Denver stop with her summer Revival Tour and will perform a live concert at the Pepsi Center. DNCE will be the opening act (Former Jonas Brothers, Joe Jonas, is a band member).
Stars & Stripes Express Fest
Photograph Courtesy of ©Denver Union Station
When: Sunday, July 3rd, 2016
Where: Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 11am–7pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
All-aboard Denver Union Station‘s second annual Stars & Stripes Express Fest! Come and enjoy family-friendly entertainment, Live music by Phat Daddy, Dixieland Express, Train 45 & The Denver Dolls.
Independence Eve at Civic Center Park
Photograph Courtesy of ©Civic Center Conservancy
When: Sunday, July 3rd, 2016
Where: Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver, CO 80202
Time: 8pm till conclusion of Fireworks
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Independence Eve presented by Anadarko and the Civic Center Conservancy, is the seventh-annual free community celebration featuring a concert, light show and fireworks in Denver’s Civic Center Park. The concert will feature patriotic and contemporary favorites from Colorado favorites Chris Daniels and the Kings and the 101st Army Band from Buckley Air Force Base.
Park Hill 4th of July Parade
Photograph Courtesy of ©Greater Park Hill Community
When: Monday, July 4th, 2016
Where: Park Hill neighborhood, 2300 Dexter St, Denver, CO 80207
Time: From 1:30pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
The Seventh annual Park Hill 4th of July Parade is a community-friendly event that will march along 23rd Avenue in northeast Denver’s historic Park Hill neighborhood, one of the city’s largest, oldest and most diverse areas. Stretching from Dexter St. to Krameria St., this year’s parade will include more than 50 groups, including floats, marching bands, costumed characters, classic cars and more!
Colorado Symphony’s Family Friendly Fourth of July
Photograph Courtesy of ©Colorado Symphony
When: Monday, July 4th, 2016
Where: Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Englewood, CO 80111
Time: 7:30pm (gates open at 6:30pm)
Cost: Lawn $18.50; Reserved $25–$36.75.
Purchase tickets: bit.ly/ColoradoSymphonyFamilyFriendlyFourthofJuly
Ages: All ages
Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Colorado Symphony at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre this Independence Day! It’s the return of the Family Friendly Fourth of July with even more surprises and star-studded talent. This family-friendly program features your favorite contemporary scores and the best fireworks the Front Range has to offer. Celebrate America with the Armed Forces Salute, Stars and Stripes Forever, the Overture of 1812, God Bless America and a slew of your favorite hits from stage and screen such as scores from Harry Potter, Star Wars The Force Awakens, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and more.
Denver Outlaws vs. Florida Launch Fireworks Match at Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Photograph Courtesy of ©Sports Authority Field at Mile High
When: Monday, July 4th, 2016
Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204
Time: From 6:30pm
Cost: $20–$60. Purchase tickets at: www.denveroutlaws.com
The Denver Outlaws will host Florida Launch at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on July Fourth followed by a spectacular fireworks show!
Fireworks Show at Elitch Gardens
Photograph Courtesy of ©Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
When: Monday, July 4th, 2016
Where: Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 10pm
Cost: Included in park admission
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park are hosting a special fireworks show from 10pm at the amusement park. Spend your Independence Day day-off at the park with the entire family, and watch a magnificent fireworks show to conclude the holiday!