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20 AFTERSCHOOL & EXTRACURRICULAR LISTING Look no further for the best guide for afterschool activities and extracurriculars for each member of the family. 18 WHAT TEACHERS WISH PARENTS KNEW IN 2026 Ever wonder what your kids’ teachers are going through? Classroom expectations, kids’ behaviors, parent communications— here’s what teachers are really thinking. 16 THE OVERSCHEDULED CHILDHOOD In an era of packed schedules and constant striving, families are grappling with where ambition ends and anxiety begins. 14 ACHIEVEMENT KIDS & ANXIOUS PARENTS Competitive sports, academic pressure, and burnout— are we medicating stress or addressing it?
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Easy Back-To-School Traditions To Try This Year What better way to kick off the school year than starting or continuing fun, back-to-school traditions? Slow Travel You don’t have to do a million things in one day. Try these easy (yet still fun) weekend adventures. Back-to-School Anxiety: What Colorado Parents Need to Know Returning to school can be stressful for all ages. Learn the signs, when to seek support, and local resources to help the transition go smoothered. Family-Friendly Fall Festivals Worth Planning For The fall is filled with fun festivals you can take the whole family on—here’s what to know.
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THE Mama FILES
MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMANDA CIANI REBECCA FAST MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors KAILEY GREMILLION Editorial ASsistant ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MORGAN ESPENAN Digital Content Coordinator NATALIE KAISER Social Media Content Creator MAIH MANUSO Content Multiplication Specialist TRINITY GRAYSON SARAH MILLER MERCEDES MITCHELL Client Success Representatives ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN THOMAS DRYBURGH JENNIFER HOFFMANN MORGAN PRICE JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach
The Best Seat in the House A s summer winds down and we wrap up another flag football season—one that will end with a trip to the 3rd Annual NFL Flag Championship—I’m reminded how quickly one season gives way to the next. Before we know it, another sport, another practice, and another full calendar will be waiting. But before we jump into that rhythm again, I’ve found myself saying something a little unexpected this summer.
change their minds, and simply enjoy the experience.
And they need us to show up.
Whether I’m watching a basketball game, standing near the long jump pit, cheering from the flag football sidelines, or sitting in the audience at a dance competition, I’ve realized the best seat in the house isn’t about having the perfect view. It’s about being the face my children look for in the crowd. As we head into another school year, I hope we can find a little balance between activity and rest, between cheering them on and giving them room to breathe. A full calendar can be wonderful, but it doesn’t have to define a full childhood. Sometimes the greatest gifts we can give our kids are an unscheduled afternoon, permission to be bored, and the reassurance that they never have to earn our applause. Years from now, they may not remember every score, jump, game, or routine. But they’ll remember who was there, cheering them on.
“I’m glad you’re bored.”
I’ve said it more than once.
Not because I want my kids to be miserable, of course, but because boredom can be a gift. It gives children room to imagine, create, wander outside, invent games, and discover who they are when no one is directing the next play. Extracurricular activities bring so much value. They teach teamwork, discipline, creativity, resilience, and courage. I love watching my kids play basketball and flag football, compete in long jump, and dance. Each activity gives them a chance to discover what they enjoy, build confidence, and learn something new about themselves. But it’s also easy for all of us to get caught up in scores, performances, awards, and improvement. Suddenly, something that started as fun can begin to feel like one more place where a child has to succeed. Our kids don’t need to be the best at everything they try. They need permission to explore, make mistakes,
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local
Breastival Celebrates Support & Community T his year marks the 10th anniversary of Colorado’s Breastival, a festival celebrating families and community. The Breastival is put on by the Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition, a nonprofit organization that started back in 1990 to advocate for breastfeeding laws, educate professionals and families, and provide community events and support. This year’s Breastival took place on August 1 at Central Park in Denver. It featured over 50 vendors providing education and support to families along with ways to celebrate such as a bounce house, face painters, a balloon artist, henna, and a DJ. Education and Celebration The Breastival started in 2016 after a group of moms gathered to take new photos for the Coalition’s website and celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (held every August 1-7). Someone brought up the idea of food trucks for all the moms, and that snowballed into a bounce house for the toddlers, and friends in BY AMELIA ROESSLER A Decade of Community:
Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition The Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition was started to work on advocacy and policy with the state for breastfeeding laws, educate professionals and families, and provide community events. breastfeeding-friendly environments can improve breastfeeding outcomes. Halverstadt says the organization will continue working to expand those supports across the state. One of the most common misconceptions about breastfeeding is that it should come naturally and be easy from the start, according to Halverstadt. While breastfeeding is biologically normal, it is also a learned skill for both parent and baby and often takes several weeks to become well established. Research shows that access to education, peer support, and In Colorado, moms want and choose to breastfeed, with over 90 percent of moms initiating breastfeeding each year, according to the CDC data. However, by six months, that number drops to just over 70 percent and by 12 months only 53 percent continue breastfeeding. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfeeding for two years for the baby’s immune system to keep them healthy and prevent them from getting sick. But Halverstadt says the flip side of that is, how do you prevent breast cancer? How do you prevent heart attacks? How do you decrease postpartum depression and anxiety?
professional areas to come and talk to these families. “For many first-time moms, one of the big roadblocks to feeling successful in motherhood and breastfeeding is knowing where to find help, so that is the core mission, besides celebrating all these families,” says Katie Halverstadt, the chair of the Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition. Whether new parents are doing Google searches, watching social media, and trying to find what is going to help them that’s closer to home, Halverstadt knows there are barriers to finding support. One of the biggest breastfeeding challenges families in Colorado face is balancing infant feeding goals with the realities of returning to work, according to Halverstadt. While Colorado’s FAMLI program provides paid family leave, she explains that many parents are unaware of the benefit or mistakenly believe they are not eligible.
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“They talk a lot about the baby—which, love our babies—but the other side is that it’s making mom a healthier person,” says Halverstadt. From the Coalition’s standpoint, they are there to support any way you feed your baby. You don’t have to only be breastfeeding to come, you just need to be informed of what you should do for yourself and your baby. Because the Coalition is a nonprofit, all the money earned from vendors, from the Breastival, as well as proceeds from their biennial Colorado Lactation Conference, gets pushed back out to the community. “Parenting sometimes feels isolating, especially during pregnancy and the early years,” emphasizes Halverstadt. “The Breastival gives families a chance to build friendships, find support, and realize they are not alone.” For more information about the Breastival, head to cobreastival.com. To learn about the Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition, visit cobfc.org. To register for the 2026 Colorado Lactation Conference, visit colactationconference.com.
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Things We Love The back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and plenty of to-do lists. Whether your child is heading to kindergarten, intermediate school, or college, having the right gear can help make the transition smoother for both kids and parents. From innovative organizers and sleeping essentials to everyday must-haves, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite school prep products to help families start the school year feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn. School Prep
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Desktop Caddy Organizer There’s nothing like a last minute project that your kid has to complete right before bed. Use a plastic desktop caddy to store basic school supplies to grab and go for those assignments or projects. $28.99, wayfair.com
Worry Stone Fidget Toys This perfect fidget sensory set for students works to avoid picking fingers, control most nervous habits, and calm down. Small, non-noise, and hidden, students can keep these stones in their pocket and bring it with them when studying or working. $9.99, amazon.com
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Hydro Flask 12 oz Kids Wide Mouth Bottle This insulated stainless steel water bottle is perfect for kids, with a double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours, a slim silhouette that makes it easy for little hands to hold, and an easy-to-clean straw cap. $29.95, hydroflask.com
Color Noise Sound Machine With a number of white noise options, fan sounds, nature and relaxing sounds, and more, the sound helps kids fall asleep and protect sleep quality. The machine also has a unique 10-color night light and adjustable brightness perfect for bedside sleep. $19.99, amazon.com
Tote Bag Whether it’s for a busy parent or as a gift for your kid’s teacher, the tote bag is the perfect, multifunctional accessory. Featuring a main compartment with 10 inner pockets, this tote bag keeps supplies, gear, or daily essentials neatly arranged. $40.99, walmart.com
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mom next door Meet the Laundry Fairy
“
Every age has been my favorite, and anyone who looks at you and says, ‘You’re going to miss this!’ is delusional.
BY AMELIA ROESSLER
As a parent, Costley has learned that less is more. Plan less activities, buy fewer gifts, and say no to things. She says her advice for parents, especially new par- ents, would be that it gets better. “Every age has been my favorite, and anyone who looks at you and says, ‘You’re going to miss this!’ is delusional,” says Costley. With her job doing laundry, Costley explains that she completes laundry for three or four customers a day, depend- ing on where they are. She is located in Denver, and learned quickly the challeng- es of gas and utilities while getting and
washing people’s laundry.
M eet Leslie Costley, aka the Laundry Fairy. Costley currently washes people’s laundry through an app called Poplin, where she picks up laundry, brings it home to wash and dry it, and then returns it. For three years, Costley has been working with Poplin to help pay bills and provide some flexibility that allows her to stay home with her son, who is nine years old. Outside of being the Laundry Fairy— or Laundry Angel, as some like to call her—Costley enjoys knitting and crocheting, and she plays in the Denver Rock Orchestra.
“You’re helping out, especially when it’s parents with young children,” says Costley about helping her community. “You know that it takes forever to fold hundreds of tiny little outfits, and being able to take that off of somebody’s plate, especially when they’re a new parent, is really gratifying because I remember those days.” While Costley started working with Poplin after her private music studio didn’t work out teaching infant and toddler music classes, she says she would still like to go back to it someday.
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But for now, she will continue to be the Laundry Fairy, dubbed by families who have tried to get their kids to bring down laundry bags or hamper by saying, “The Laundry Fairy is here!” “When people are very appreciative, they tend to throw out the ‘Laundry Angel’ nickname,” explains Costley. Laundry Tips from the Fairy “Don’t oversauce your laundry,” is the first thing Costley advises. She says a lot of people love the perfumes with the scent beads and fabric softeners, but not to go crazy with the stuff because a lot of it is just putting a coating on the clothing, not cleaning it. Another thing Costley says she’s learned is that anything like laundry sanitizer such as OxiClean—all the additives and boosters and things—make sure you read the directions. Some of them can’t be mixed because they will react with each other and can create a poisonous gas or damage clothing. “So, read the directions, and don’t go crazy with perfumes and additives, just less is more,” explains Costley. She adds that Poplin is an excellent resource for busy families. We all know how easy it is for laundry to pile up, especially during holidays or after vaca- tions, so she says this is one less thing to worry about. “Colorado parents—of all ages and incomes—should consider outsourcing their laundry needs,” says Costley. “It’s one of the most dreaded chores for par- ents and for just a dollar per pound, you can have your very own laundry angel take that stress off of your plate. Not to mention, the service provides a mean- ingful source of flexible income on the other side of the marketplace, as well. It’s really a win-win.” RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS Favorite date night… adult events at the Museum of Nature and Science Words that best describe your family… funny, a little chaotic, and dedicated Favorite movie or television show… ”Nope” is my favorite movie right now Favorite food… I have a soft spot of appetizers of any kind, girl dinner.
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Achievement Kids & Activity Culture
anxiety and depression in kids.
“There’s a point where a child could still boost his academic skills by doing another hour of home- work or tutoring,” writer Jill Barshay explains, “but it would come at the expense of mental well-being.” While it initially proves beneficial for the child, this overworking ends up “making students more anxious, depressed, or angry.” But Activity Culture affects more than mental health—it also leads to less healthy eating habits. Physical Health I’m not arguing against youth sports—there’s no denying its many benefits, including teamwork, communication, resilience, and maintaining a healthy body. But when you overdo it, you might be surprised at some of the repercussions. For instance, the 2024 National Youth Sports Parent Survey by Aspen Institute reports that over 35 percent of the parents in their sample “believe that their family’s youth sport commitments contribute to less healthy eating habits.” The same study reveals that most families (56.3 percent) eat two to four meals out per week because of their child’s sport schedule, and “slight- ly more than 1 in 10 families (13.2 percent) eat five to seven meals out per week” for the same reason. Not only is it important for children to eat healthy, it’s even more important for young athletes to eat well in order to prevent injury, help muscles recov- er, and improve their energy levels. Family Health Another way Activity Culture robs your family is by cutting down on family time. Getting the kids where they need to go is a game of strategy, and most nights it’s a “divide and conquer” parenting situation. In fact, the 2024 National Youth Sports Parent Survey reports parents average over three hours per day on their child’s sport activities, with over an hour of that devoted to attending prac- tices and competitions. Three hours? you might question… until you factor in the hours you spend carting your kids to and from practices and games. “Oh, it’s just for a month or two,” you might say— except the same survey also found that over 20 percent of parents have a child that participates in scheduled practices or competitions in their prima- ry sport 9 to 12 months a year. Aka, all. year. long. How Sports Convey Status Let’s be real: There is a legit “elite” status connected to youth sports—both for the kids and for their parents. When recalling her children’s introduction to sports, author Linda Flanagan writes in Take Back the Game , “It wasn’t long before I started noticing how athletic ability, even among elemen- tary school kids, conferred prestige. For though it goes unsaid, physically gifted children do indeed gain status, as do the humble parents who brought them into the world.” But the status isn’t just conferred because of skill level—it’s also usually a measure of the wealth a family already possesses. Unfortunately, that status comes with a hefty price tag. The Financial Weight The 2024 National Youth Sports Parent Survey reveals that families in the sample spent an aver- age of $1,015.64 annually on their child’s primary sport—and approximately $475 on their child’s other sports. Bill Lennon wrote in his 2017 article
When Success Becomes a Source of Stress BY JULIANNA STEEN
I n days gone by, children used to roam outside playing until dark; now, “free time” has been replaced by the hustle of club sports, com- petitive cheer, ACT tutoring, and a hodgepodge of school-related club meetings. If you feel like a full-time, unpaid Uber driver for your kids, you’re not alone. Today’s children have full-length resumes before they have driver’s licenses. Just last week, when I was talking to a 6th grader, she brought up her future career goals and poten- tial colleges she could attend for her intended major. It’s one thing to think about your “dream job” at 12 years old—it’s another to seriously con- sider what you need to do to be admitted to col- lege at such a young age. You don’t have to look hard to see that the pressure is rising—and social media is only compounding the fears that drive many to over-achieve. The pressure isn’t only on kids to succeed, though; it’s on parents to engineer that success.
Nowadays, if you want to hang out with a middle schooler, you’ve got to get on their calendar weeks before, or find a rare open window on a Saturday afternoon—between Bible studies, gymnastics, lacrosse practice, baseball games, and more; every hour of their schedule is filled. It’s practically become a competition between kids to see who can be the busiest and most “accomplished.” After all, busy = well-rounded = successful, right? Yet as the pace of life speeds up, it seems the important things—like unstructured free play, family time (including eating together!), and sleep—seem to fall through the cracks. Not to mention the damage overscheduling does on children’s mental health. Mental Health Turns out Activity Culture can actually prove detrimental to kids’ health, despite the fact it’s supposed to make them healthier little humans. An article by Mindset describing a 2024 study cor- relates an excess of activities and homework with
Why Activity Culture Is Toxic
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for Medium , “The average cost to participate on a travel baseball team is in the ballpark of $1,900, not including the actual travel costs for players and parents to attend tournaments.” Needless to say, it’s not cheap to participate in one sport, much less in multiple sports. Project Play points out many of the challenges youth sports face, including financial, racial, gen- der, and recreational space barriers. Yet it’s becom- ing harder than ever to resist the pull to overcom- mit your kids. After all, the youth sports industry only continues to grow, making Activity Culture the norm—and to resist is countercultural. For example, The Washington Post states that “the youth sports industry grew by a reported 55 percent from 2010 to 2017 and is worth an estimated $19 billion.” In 2019, the kids’ sports industry was worth $4.2 billion more than the NFL’s estimated value. And that’s not even factoring in sports tourism. A post from Engage TU states, “Between 2005 and 2022, the multi-billion-dollar travel sport tourism industry grew by 5.6 percent annually.” The Sports Business Journal shares more than $9 billion was devoted to youth and amateur sport-specific ven- ues between 2017 and 2022. But here’s the most staggering number of all: The 2021 State of the Industry Report declares the sport tourism indus- try has an economic impact of $91.8 billion. When Sports Stop Being Play So how do you stop the intrinsic force pulling your family into the Activity Culture vortex? Start by limiting your kids to one sport or extracurricular
per season. Maybe change from travel ball to rec ball for a season. I know you think your kid has some real talent, but according to the NCAA, only 7 percent of high school athletes play in college and less than 1 percent of all youth athletes ever go pro. Ask them which extracurriculars they love. “Don’t force your kid to do what they don’t love,” says Publisher Amy L. Foreman. “Just because you loved softball doesn’t mean your kid will love it.” Will it be disappointing if they don’t choose the sport you want? Sure—but it’ll save you time, money, and stress in the long run. And even if they do enjoy it now, chances are they won’t later. Most of my friends who grew up living at the dance studio never danced again after high school. It’s important to let teens explore their interests with the pressure off. After all, “70 percent of kids quit organized sports by age 13,” Dr. Brandon Podgorski exposes in “Why Kids Quit: Rethinking Youth Sports.” “So next time you design a program, run a practice, or cheer from the sidelines, ask yourself: ‘Is this still fun for them?’ Because if it’s not, we’re doing it wrong.”
want to apply the brakes a bit and give kids time to grow at a more appropriate pace.” Even Peyton and Eli Manning advocate for the importance of play over pressure, stating: “It’s time to put play over pressure” and “So why aren’t kids having fun? There’s too much pressure on them…. Too much emphasis on winning over fun.” Excellence Without Exhaustion Yes, college is important. Yet Sarah Bernstein describes “personal branding” in her article “Elite College Admissions Have Turned Students Into Brands,” saying, “students who brand them- selves too early or too definitively risk missing out on the kind of exploration that will prepare them for adult life.” Children need opportunities to achieve, but they also need room to rest, fail, wan- der, and discover who they are apart from what they accomplish. “Do what’s truly going to make your family happy,” dares journalist Anna Nordberg in her article “The Parents Who Are Saying No to Activities Culture–and Why.” “If that is competitive sports, like it is for many families I know, that is wonderful. If you are a family who wants to keep to the mid- dle road of rec sports or sandlot games, fight for that as long as you can. And if your kid wants to sit home making houses for stuffed mice out of card- board, that’s fantastic too. There’s a college essay in there somewhere.”
Signs of youth sports burnout: • Chronic fatigue • Irritability • Loss of enjoyment • Increased anxiety before games
Feeling trapped rather than motivated “Today’s sports culture exposes children to too much, too soon,” authors of Beyond Winning: Smart Parenting In A Toxic Sports Environment write. “We
Remember: The goal is not to raise impressive children. The goal is to raise healthy adults.
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2026 FAMILY FAVORITES VOTING CLOSES AUGUST 15TH
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What Teachers Wish Parents Knew in 2026 BY AMELIA ROESSLER
B ehind every report card, parent- teacher conference, and late-night email is a teacher juggling far more than lesson plans. We asked educators what they wish parents knew about today’s classrooms, and their answers reveal the challenges, misconceptions, and opportunities shaping education in 2026. What Parents Should Know Lori Gates taught third grade at a public school for almost 25 years before she retired at the end of May this year. She said it’s the kids’ attention span that is really hard to deal with right now. “Many students don’t look you in the eye, and their listening capabilities are not as they used to be. Students have difficulty focusing and it’s not just because of ADHD. It’s because many kids are on devices when not at school and are used to the constant dopamine hits,” she says. Sumeera Aggarwal, a kindergarten teacher, says she has started seeing kids who lack resilience. If a child forgets their lunch or assignment at home, parents immediately rush to grab it and bring it to the school. Aggarwal adds that as a parent, she understands, but knows it is something parents should work on. “You will have to deal with it. You will have to talk to your teachers, because that is one-time learning that will teach you responsibility in the long term,” she says.
in and talk or see the classroom routine.
Kids need to fail and get up. Aggarwal explains that kids nowadays are kept in bubble wrap, but they don’t need their problems solved for them, they need to become critical thinkers and good decision-makers. Teachers also are finding themselves spending a lot of their own money on the supplies and on the things to make the lessons engaging for kids. Gates says people think teaching is fun, especially with summers off, but in reality, many teachers are working second jobs, especially in the summer. Biggest Misconceptions Parents Have “If it’s a behavior issue, and you get a phone call, and you’re thinking your child never acts that way at home, the school or teacher is probably right,” says Gates. She explains that teachers don’t have time to make a phone call home or send an email home just to “pick on a child.” So when they do initiate a communication from school, parents should listen. Aggarwal says parents need to presume positive intent. “You are worried about your own kid, teahers are worried about 27 of them in their classroom.” Both Gates and Aggarwal encourage parents to become more involved in their child’s classroom, whether that is through volunteering in the classroom or just stopping by. Aggarwal says she has an open door policy where parents can come
Communication “I always say, nobody can do this job alone, teachers or parents,” says Aggarwal. “It has to be a combined effort because this is the actual learning, actual teaching life—resilience and perseverance—and we need to stop advocating for our children just because they have made the mistake and now they want you to clean the mess.” Gates says it’s always a triangle—the teacher, the student, and the family at home. Each part of the triangle needs to be on the same page or it isn’t going to work. “I know parents are bombarded with emails and texts from the schools and districts,” says Gates, “but the unwritten rule is that email communication should be responded to within 24 hours.” Both Gates and Aggarwal say they send out weekly emails for parents to give them important information about the classroom. Aggarwal adds that she daily sends parents prompts and pictures through an app to not only communicate with parents and give them updates, but to give parents the opportunities to start conversations with their kids. As for parents reaching out, Gates recommends keeping it brief. She says she uses bullet points in her weekly
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The Future of Education With everything teachers have to face and deal with in 2026, Gates says she worries about the longevity of teachers. Not only are teachers having to deal with long working hours or small paychecks, but they also are concerned about the state of education. If a person becomes a teacher not because it’s a calling but because they didn’t really know what to do for a career, they’ll figure out they’re not making enough money, and the work is more demanding than advertised. “I’m just scared that people are going to work for three years and then dip out, which means you’re not going to get any teachers like me that can pull stuff out of their back pocket all day long, that know how to deal with behaviors, like I know how to do it,” explains Gates. “I have magic tricks all the time, but these three year teachers are not going to be able to come up with the magic tricks. So I’m worried—they’ve got to either pay teachers more, or make the workload less. Or you’re not going to have good teachers.”
emails and recommends parents also heed to using brief communication.
“I’m the funny teacher. What I used to say to the kids was, ‘Look at this gorgeous worksheet I made for you, and I really was thoughtful.’ But I go, ‘I did this when I wasn’t…’ and the kids would always say, ‘When you weren’t getting paid,’ because they needed to know that I’m doing all this extra stuff for them.” Strength in Kids Despite the trials of teaching, and kids struggling to have resilience or strong attention spans, Gates says there is a positive note to social media. With their access to YouTube and educational programs, she explains that kids have an impressive background knowledge of topics that surprise even her. “I always tell the parents, like I do deal with these five- to seven-year-old bodies, but I treat them as adults,” says Aggarwal. “They have such an amazing audacity to imagine, and they’re so empathetic.” She adds that adults tend to ignore what kids are dreaming about or just brush off their conversations as childish. But if people pay a little attention to what they’re saying, kids have the ability to synthesize so much information.
The Realities Teachers Face in Schools Today
“I’ve always said, the thing you think I do all day, I do for about 10 percent of my day,” Gates laughs. People tend to think of teachers standing at the front of the classroom, teaching kids information all day. Or maybe you picture teachers at their desk grading papers in between classes. In reality, teachers are forced to work long hours outside of their scheduled 8-4 just to get everything done. “Parents have no idea what the reality of a school day looks like,” says Aggarwal. Not only that, but there’s no time to do other work, like creating lessons or grading papers or projects, until the kids are gone. Gates explains that because she teaches different lessons, there are many papers to grade and lessons to be planned. Once she goes home, she has to go right back to work, either to finish up things from that day or get ready for the next.
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After-school & Extracurricular Listings
The school day doesn’t have to end when the bell rings. Whether your child wants to join a sports team, explore the arts, build STEM skills, or discover a new passion, Colorado offers count- less opportunities to keep kids engaged after school. Use this guide to find programs and activi- ties that help children learn, grow, make friends, and have fun all year long. ABC Kids Climbing 1960 32nd St., Boulder (303)-443-5437 abckidsboulder.com Ages: 2 1/2-19 Altitunes 5630 W. 29th Ave., Wheat Ridge (704) 954-8268 1075 S. Yukon St., Lakewood (720) 663-9993 altitunes.net All Ages Apex Performing Arts Collective 209 Kalamath St., Unit 16, Denver (720) 707-2339 apexperformingarts.com All Ages Art Garage 6100 E. 23rd Ave., Denver (303) 377-2353 artgaragedenver.com All Ages Artistic Fox Art & Design Academy 6050 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Unit 100, Greenwood Village (720) 216-7586
artisticfoxacademy.com All Ages
coloradoballet.org Ages: 4-5 Colorado Budokan 3547 S. Monaco Pkwy., Denver (720) 253-7473 coloradobudokan.com Ages: 4-5 Colorado Mountain Club 15605 W. 32nd Ave., Golden (303) 279-3080 cmc.org All Ages Colorado School of Acting Multiple Locations (720) 233-4832 coloradoschoolofacting.com Ages: 5+ Denver Academy of Musical Arts 1485 S. Colorado Blvd., St. 130, Denver
Artistic Fusion Dance Academy 5660 W. 88th Ave., Westminster (720) 929-1820 artistic-fusion.com All Ages Audience of One Youth Theater 12325 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton Boulder Ballet School 2590 Walnut St., Boulder (303) 443-0028 boulderballet.org All Ages Boulder Performing Arts Co. 4847 Pearl St., B4, Boulder (303) 859-4195 boulderperformingarts.com Ages: 4-14 Challenge Island Southeast Denver 3990 S. Spruce St., Denver (505) 604-6254 challenge-island.com Grades: K-12 Children’s Music Academy of Congress Park 3426 E. 12th Ave., Denver (303) 771-3333 childrensmusicacademy.org Ages: 3-9 Colorado Ballet 1075 Santa Fe Dr., Denver (303) 339-1637 (303) 995-9192 ao1theater.org Ages: 5-18
(720) 708-3251 denverama.org Ages: 3 1/2+ First Tee - Colorado Rocky Mountains 3181 E. 23rd Ave., Denver (720) 865-3415 firstteecolorado rockymountains.org Ages: 4+ Hero Kids Sports Multiple locations (720) 593-8409 herokidsports.com Ages: 2-12 Goldfish Swim School Multiple Locations
20 COLORADO PARENT AUGUST 2026
Stagebugz Theatre (720) 295-5389 stagebugztheatre.com Ages: Vary TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) 2960 S. Umatilla St., Englewood (303) 295-0163 buildwithtact.org Ages: 7+ Talk to the Camera 1615 Reed St., Lakewood (303) 396-8628 talktothecamera.com Ages: 6-16 The Little Gym 10141 Wadsworth Pkwy., #300, Westminster (303) 427-6688 thelittlegym.com Ages: 4 months-12 years Town Hall Arts Center 2450 Main St., Littleton (303) 794-2787 townhallartscenter.org Ages: 5+ Warriors Martial Arts 10958 E. Bethany Dr., Aurora (720) 400-0023 cotaekwondowarriors.com Ages: 3+ Waterworks Aquatics 8980 Barrons Blvd., Highlands Ranch (720) 344-7700 waterworksswim.com Ages: 3 months+ YMCA of Metro Denver Multiple Locations (720) 524 2700 denverymca.org Ages: 5-12
Performing Arts Academy 5690 County Line Pl., Highlands Ranch. (303) 900-7041 paacolorado.org Grades: PreK-12 Personal Achievement Martial Arts 3964 Youngfield St., Wheat Ridge (720) 287-3796 wheatridgema.com Ages: Vary Pi Q Math 3250 E. 6th Ave., Denver (720) 263-5502 piqmath.com Grades: 1-8 Reel Kids 3063 Sterling Cir. E., Unit 5, Boulder (720) 896-0504 myreelkids.com Ages: Vary Robert & Judi Newman Center for the Per- forming Arts 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver (303) 871-7720 newmancenterpresents.com Ages: Vary Rocky Mountain Theatre For Kids Denver 3425 S. Broadway, Englewood 5311 Western Ave., St. 135, Boulder (303) 245-8150 theaterforkids.net Ages: Vary Spotlight Performing Arts Center Multiple Locations (818) 714-1479 spotlightperformers.com All Ages
goldfishswimschool.com Ages: 4 months-12 years Kidcreate Studio 5025 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield (303) 578-8060 1573 S. Broadway, Denver Ages: 18 months-12 years Mad Science of Colorado 5650 Washington St., Unit B6, Denver (303) 403-0432 colorado.madscience.org Ages: 4-12 MindCraft Makerspace 2501 Dallas St., #228, Aurora (303) 341-4065 mindcraftmakerspace.com Ages: 5+ Museum of Illusions 951 16th St. Mall, Denver (720) 769-6505 moidenver.com Ages: All ages Neighborhood Music and Theatre 2501 Dallas St., #130, Aurora (720) 378-3668 ensembleschools.com All Ages Ocean First Swim School 3015 Bluff St., Boulder (303) 483-0808 kidcreate.com (303) 444-7234 oceanfirst.blue Ages: 6 months+ Parker Arts, Culture, & Events Center 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
(303) 805-6800 parkerarts.org Ages: Vary
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22 COLORADO PARENT AUGUST 2026
things to do
Our Picks AUGUST
1 Colorado State Fair & Rodeo
For over 150 years, the Colorado State Fair & Rodeo has united its locals and neighboring communities for a summer festival full of entertainment, educational activities, dog shows, pig racing, amuse- ment rides, and more. August 28-Septem- ber 7. Pueblo. coloradostatefair.com
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2
Monty Python’s Spamalot The musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT features well-known song titles and more that have become beloved classics in the musical theatre canon. August 11-23. Buell Theatre, Denver.
PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY AND EVAN ZIMMERMAN
3
Colorado Day Festival
The Town of Castle Rock invites residents to come together to honor the people, places, and tra- ditions that make Castle Rock special as we mark America 250 and Colora- do 150. August 1. Philip S. Miller Park, Castle Rock. crgov.com/250150events
PHOTO BY MAGNIFIC.COM
4
Mountain Music Fest
Evergreen is officially joining the ranks of the “six degrees of Kevin Bacon” this summer, as the student-run fest proudly becomes a stop on The Bacon Brothers’ People In the World Tour featuring Kevin and Michael Bacon, staples in the entertainment industry. August 16. Buchanan Park, Evergreen. mountainmusicfest.org
5
Denver Food + Wine Festival
An extravagant food festival cele- brating everything delicious to eat and drink, proceeds benefit the Col- orado Restaurant Foundation, which supports Colorado’s hospitality com- munity through training, education, and emergency grants. August 26-29. Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus, Denver. denverfoodandwine.com.
PHOTO BY MOUNTAIN MUSIC FEST
Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information. HEADS UP!
24 COLORADO PARENT AUGUST 2026
6
Kids Adventure Games Kids Adventure Games is the only multi-city adventure race for children. Every race is distinct and unique, helping kids build their teamwork skills and sports- manship. August 6-9. Vail. kidsadventuregames.com
7
130th Annual Loveland Corn Roast Festival The longstanding tradition includes roasted sweet corn, a beer garden, live music performances, and plenty of family-friendly activities. August 21 and 22. Fairgrounds Park, Loveland. loveland.org
8
Telluride Jazz Festival The event showcas- es world-class jazz music and other funk while celebrat- ing the rich tradition of American jazz. August 7-9. Telluride Town Park, Telluride. telluridejazz.org
PHOTO BY MARK MAKELA
10
Boulder County Fair
9
Palisade Peach Festival Enjoy a time full of peachy celebrations, from the classic Peach Days Parade and Just Peachy 5K to the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast and the beloved festival. August 21 and 22. 305 Main St. 1, Palisade. palisadecoc.com
Enjoy free fun with carnival rides, animals, live mu- sic, art installations, CPRA Rodeo, demolition derby, Mexican rodeo, tractor pull, mutton bustin’, a pa- rade, and so much more. August 5-9. Boulder County Fairgrounds, Longmont. bouldercountyfair.org
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~ Pages and Paws 3:45-4:45pm
Read with a licensed therapy dog. Practice reading skills in a safe, non- judgmental environment. NoBo Library, Boulder. boulderlibrary.org 4 Tuesday The Children’s Museum is staying open until 7pm for you to bring the whole family and discover sudsy science in Bubbles, scale to the top of Adventure Forest, save the neighborhood in Fire Station No. 1, create a masterpiece in The Art Studio, and more! Children’s Museum of Denver, Denver. mychildsmuseum.org $12 Tuesday Night 4-7pm
Marine Biologist for a Day 9am-2pm
Superior Summer Market, August 19
Kids in grades 1-4 are welcome to get a guided tour of the exhibits, explore behind the scenes, and more. Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com
~ = Free Events
1 Saturday
Celestia is a seated, multisensory arts experience that transforms Saint John’s Cathedral into a living canvas through a visually stunning and emotionally rich narrative of light, projection, and music. St. John’s Cathedral, Denver. celestiaexperience.com Colorado Rockies vs. Kansas City Royals 1:10pm Join the Rockies for their Faith Day postgame concert with artist Crowder. Coors Field, Denver. mlb.com Pederson Toyota’s PRCA Rodeo Through August 4 The 2026 Larimer County Fair PRCA Rodeo, presented by Pederson Toyota, will feature bullfighters each night and will include seven rodeo events, including the fan-favorite mutton bustin. Blue Federal Credit Union Arena, Loveland. facebook.com 3 Monday As Colorado celebrates 150 years and America marks its 250th anniversary, Determined dto Fly: From the Front Range to the Final Frontier brings to life the bold locals who helped shape the future of aviation and space exploration. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, Denver. wingsmuseum.org ~ Movie Nights at Infinity Park: Cars 7pm Movie-goers are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, and pack their own coolers with whatever they need to enjoy the show. Infinity Park, Glendale. facebook.com Determined to Fly 10am-5pm
Through August 2 The annual Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival is back for its 30th year of craft breweries and mountain music. With three different village stages and over a dozen musical guests, get ready to fill your belly with food and your ears with bluegrass. River Run Village, Keystone. keystonefestivals.com ~ Larimer County Fair Through August 4 The theme of the fair this year is “Colorado & Country,” and features a full carnival, 4-H and youth activities, live music, delicious fair food, and a ~ Loveland Museum Free Admission Day 10am-4pm Enjoy free admission to the Loveland Museum during business hours. Loveland Museum, Loveland. thelovelandmuseum.org Celebrate Colorado’s 150th birthday with an airshow with headliner Scotty Hasting and opener My Blue Sky with a 300-drone finale. Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Broomfield. eventbrite.com Mile High 150 Expo 4-10pm ~ Museum of Boulder Free Day 9am-5pm Celebrate 150 years of Colorado with free admission for all visitors. Museum of Boulder, Boulder. museumofboulder.org PRCA rodeo. Loveland. colorado.com/loveland
Zoologist for a Day 9am-2pm
~ Breastival 10am-2pm
Kids in grades 5-8 are invited to go behind the scenes to learn about animal diets, exhibit maintenance, and training. Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com 5 Wednesday ~ Boulder County Fair Through August 9 Enjoy carnival rides, animals, live music, art installations, CPRA Rodeo, demolition derby, Mexican rodeo, tractor pull, mutton bustin’, a parade, and so much more. Boulder County Fairgrounds, Longmont. bouldercountyfair.org ~ Bubble Storytime 10-11am Join for a magical morning of stories, bubbles, and gardening in the Museum of Boulder’s new Wonder Garden. Museum of Boulder, Boulder. museumofboulder.org Every Wednesday, join a series of hands-on programs for infants and toddlers and their caregivers to explore fine motor, gross motor, and cognitive experiences. WOW! Children’s Museum, Lafayette. wowchildrensmuseum.org 6 Thursday ~ Colorado Brazil Fest Through August 9 The largest festival of its kind in Colorado, featuring the rich heritage of Brazilian music, dance, and ~ Littlest Learners 9:30-10am
The 10th annual Colorado Breastival is a one-of-a-kind, free, family-friendly festival that brings together trusted education resources, local businesses, and joyful experiences. Featuring over 50 vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and kids’ activities. Central Park, Denver. cobreastival.com
~ Colorado Day Festival 10am-2pm The Town of Castle Rock invites
residents to come together to honor the people, places, and traditions that make Castle Rock special as we mark America 250 and Colorado 150. Philip S.
Miller Park, Castle Rock. crgov.com/250150events
Concert in Wings of the Tropics: Rooted 6:30-8:30pm
Meet music and nature inside Butterfly Pavilion’s Wings of the Tropics butterfly
conservatory. Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster. butterflies.org
Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival
2 Sunday
VISIT OUR DIGITAL CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Celestia Through September 6
26 COLORADO PARENT AUGUST 2026
culture. Boulder. coloradobrazilfest.org
This annual event celebrates the historic mining town, showcasing the real and authentic Wild West experience, perfect for visitors to get a taste of the
become beloved classics in the musical theatre canon. Buell Theatre, Denver. denvercenter.org 12 Wednesday Breastfeeding Essentials at Erie Medical Center 6-9pm This informative in-person class includes breastfeeding basics, the lactation process, why skin-to-skin contact is so important, helpful routines, common concerns, pumping, and more. Erie Medical Center, Erie. bch.org ~ Garden Class 6-7pm Free garden class on most Wednesday nights. Arvada Community Garden, Arvada. arvadagardeners.org Every Wednesday in August, locals and visitors can be entertained with the sounds of jazz music. Festival Park, Castle Rock. crgov.com 13 Thursday Come hang out with friends (or make some new ones) in the Teen Space while enjoying pizza. Play video games, make arts and crafts, or just hang out. Boulder Public Library, Boulder. boulderlibrary.org “The Love of My Life” Book Signing With Whitney Hanson 6:30-7:30pm Whitney Hanson will speak about and sign her new book, “The Love of My Life.” Boulder Book Store, Boulder. boulderbookstore.com Jazz in the Park 6:30-8pm ~ Pizza Party Thursdays 4:30-6pm Zach Bryan’s With Heaven Tour Through August 14 Zach Bryan is on his With Heaven tour, stopping for two nights in Denver. Empower Field at Mile High, Denver. zachbryan.com
~ Poudre RiverFest 11am-5pm
Celebrate the Poudre River with this free, family-friendly festival. Join for a day of fun, learning, and community. New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins. poudreriverfest.org 9 Sunday
Kids Adventure Games Through August 9 Kids Adventure Games is the only multi-city adventure race for children. Every race is distinct and unique, helping kids build their teamwork skills and sportsmanship. Vail. kidsadventuregames.com
time period. Leadville. leadvilleboomdays.org
~ Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Through August 9 Plant your chair along the St. Vrain River for epic performances on the main stage, intimate sets in the Wildflower Pavilion, and magical moments with your Festivarian Family. Lyons. bluegrass.com/folks The event showcases world-class jazz music and other funk while celebrating the rich tradition of American jazz. Telluride Town Park, Telluride. telluridejazz.org 8 Saturday Telluride Jazz Festival Through August 9 Colorado Beef Festival 11am-9pm Join for a full day celebration of food, music, and Colorado’s ranching heritage. MSU Denver, Denver. coloradobeeffestival.com ~ Lafayette Peach Festival 9am-4pm Join for a delightful celebration centered around the world-famous Palisade peaches in Lafayette. Indulge in delicious peach pies and peach cobbler while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the celebration. Public Rd. between Simpson and Kimbark Streets, Lafayette. business.lafayettecolorado.com The North Denver Birth Expo is a free community event designed to connect families with trusted local resources and providers supporting fertility, pregnancy, postpartum care, infancy, and early childhood. Relish Food Hall, Louisville. facebook.com ~ North Denver Birth Expo 10am-1pm
~ 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Festival 1:30-3:30pm
Outdoor Movie Nights 8:30pm
Featuring themed drinks, food specials, costume contests, and more, don’t miss out on this week’s movie, Shrek. Avanti Food & Beverage, Denver. avantifandb.com
Celebrate reading and learn about the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Practice counting with Nutty the Squirrel, enjoy storytimes, crafts, a bookish obstacle course, and more. Boulder Public Library, Boulder. boulderlibrary.org Roll into Armadillo Day with the aquarium, which is home to three, three-banded armadillos. Spend the day learning about this unique species through keeper talks, interactions, and training demonstrations. Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com 10 Monday Armadillo Day 9am-2pm Join for a 45-minute “quick peek” tour of the Family Birth Center to see the environment, family-friendly birthing rooms, and natural pain relief options. Boulder Community Health, Boulder. bch.org Film on the Rocks: Jurassic Park 8:30pm Watch Jurassic Park at Red Rocks! Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison. redrocksonline.com 11 Tuesday ~ Family Birth Center Tour 4:30-5:15pm
Parade of Homes Denver Noon-5pm
Get inspired by the latest and greatest in new home living at the 2026 Denver Parade of Homes. For three weekends starting on Thursday, Aug. 6, embark on a journey through Denver’s premier home exhibition and architectural tour. Neighborhoods throughout Metro Denver and in
Grand County, Centennial. paradeofhomesdenver.com 7 Friday Denver West Reptile Expo Through August 9
The expo features national breeders, supplies, feeders, and educational exhibits bringing thousands of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and exotic plants to the Denver area. Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Golden. showmereptileshow.com ~ Downtown Greeley Friday Fest 6-10pm It’s your go-to summer celebration every Friday night, with a free outdoor concert series, friends, and more. Downtown Greeley, Greeley. greeleydowntown.com
~ Leadville Boom Days Through August 9
Boot Camp for Dads 6-9pm
This informative class is for any dad expecting a baby with a one- day workshop led by dads. Boulder Community Health, Boulder. bch.org
Lafayette Peach Festival, August 8
14 Friday ~ Fun on the Farm 9:45-10:30am
Mom Coffee Meetup 9:30-11:30am
Raising Parents is now open! Join their monthly mom meetup to socialize and make new mom friends. Whether you’re expecting, a new mom, or a seasoned one, enjoy coffee and snacks while mingling and sharing with others. Raising Parents, Lafayette. raisingparentsco.com
Children ages 3-6 will love to visit the farm to learn about animals, plants, and agricultural life. All programs include a short time, hands-on activities, and a take-home craft. Afterwards, explore the farm. Agricultural Heritage
Center, Longmont. bouldercounty.gov
Indianapolis Clowns at Savannah Bananas 7pm The Savannah Bananas will host the Indianapolis Clowns for a highly anticipated two-night series.
Monty Python’s Spamalot Through August 23
The musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT features well- known song titles and more that have
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