Category: Colorado

Free Family Fun and Car Show at Del Mar Park

11/12/2016

by Richard Rowell; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

One Saturday in mid-October my family and I were coming back from the store, and noticed a car show being set up at the Rec Center at Del Mar Park. We went to have lunch before coming back.

It actually turned out to not be an actual car show, per se. But it was open to the public and it was free. It was actually a BBQ put on by a local car club. Still, we got to see a lot of great cars.

Hydraulics were on full display at this car show. I particularly liked this blue one.

The skeletons in this one were awesome.

Close-up of the skeletons

Some really old classics

More old classics!

Check out the back wheels on this one!

Great shot of this engine!

This was Lyn's favorite. It's purple!

Afterwards, we visited the nearby park where they had recently put in new playground equipment.

Then there's this pretty person...

And this pretty person... who really likes her stroller toy monkey.

And probably my favorite photos of the day...

All in all, it was a great day! After this, we even went to a yard sale where they were giving stuff away just so they didn't have to bring in back in!

Lots of free family fun can be had in Aurora. You just have to know where to look!

A Family Outing at Bingham Lake Park at the Pinery in Parker, Colorado

11/12/2016

by Richard Rowell; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

If you're looking for a nice lakeside retreat just outside of Denver, Bingham Lake Park at the Pinery in Parker, Colorado is a great destination. While you can't swim here, catch and release fishing is encouraged, there's a mile long looping trail and picnic tables up on a hill.

While it's pretty during the day, at sunset the views are particularly spectacular.
Here are some photos of the lake.

Here's a photo of my stepson enjoying the lake.

My little daughter's favorite part was the walking trail, though. She really loves stroller rides and being carried down the trail. Here are a couple happy photos of her in the stroller.

Here are more photos of the walking trail. There's plenty to see!

And here are the picnic tables. There's a great view of the lake from here. For those that wait too long to go to the bathroom, there's also a port-a-potty available on this side of the lake.

While you can park on the hill near the picnic tables, there's another parking lot on the other side of the park.

Look at all these wild deer in these backyards at the Pinery! They are very calm, as they are very used to people.

Be forewarned that there is a playground nearby on this parking lot side, but it's for residents only. The park itself is public, but the playground is for Pinery HOA kids only!

This is definitely one of my favorite parks in Colorado. We will definitely be going back for more fun here in the future!

Free Family Fun in Englewood, CO

11/19/2015

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © vxla, used under Creative Commons License v2.0.

Kids bored? Thinking you'll have to spend a ton of money to make them happy? Not so. As an Englewood resident with four kids in tow, I find new (and free) things to do with the kids all the time. Because we are an active family, I've become quite the expert on free family fun in Englewood, CO. Here are some of our family favorites.

Stroll the beautiful walking trails.

Englewood has trails of all sizes suitable for biking, hiking, or even a leisurely walk. My kids and I enjoy these trails often. Shorter trails are good for quick walks or leisurely scenic walks. There are plenty of benches along the trails for relaxing, enjoying he scenery, or even observing the animals. The ducks and other water foul are our favorites. But you also might see other wildlife.

Take the free "art" shuttle.

Ever ridden on the art shuttle bus? It will get you around the entire Englewood Parkway, as well as transport you to area hospitals. It's called the art because of the great sculptures located along the entire route. Interested in the artwork? Great! Much of it's for sale. A portion of the proceeds goes to he city. The art shuttle is funded by the City of Englewood, as well as the Regional Transportation District (RTD). RTD operates the city's main public transit system. Hop on the art for destinations along the parkway - or just hop on board for fun!

Visit Englewood Civic Center.

The Englewood Civic Center is where the library, the courts, and other official business is located. You'll also find free concerts and other events going on in the square. Need to hop on the light rail? Englewood Station is literally seconds from the civic center. There you can jump on the light rail train or hop a city bus. The art bus stops right in the civic center square - or circle, since it's shaped like one.

Enjoy the sidewalk splash fountain.

While located right in the center at the end of Englewood Parkway, this deserves separate attention. A big part of the fun to be had at the Englewood Civic Center is the fountain, if you ask the kids - alright, adults love it too! Just don't lean too close over the holes in the ground surrounding the fountain - you might get a surprise!

Make use of the parks.

Englewood has a good variety of parks to choose from. They're great for walks, family picnics, exercise, and entertainment. Skaters will enjoy Cushing Park, as there is an enclosed skateboard park. This park also has a bridge extending over a beautiful duck pond with a fountain. Belleview Park includes a children's farm and miniature train. Check with the city for a complete listing and amenities.

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Free Denver Activities: Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum

7/3/2015

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum

Located appropriately, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum is a must-see for sports fan in the Denver area. Visitors to the stadium can view memorabilia involving past, as well as current Colorado players.

Admission is free and free tours can be arranged for this as well. The Hall of Fame is generally open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. during the spring and fall, as well as two hours before Broncos games. It’s open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday during the summer. But these hours are subject to change.

Visit the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum for Free:

Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
(720) 258-3888
1701 Bryant Street Suite 500
Denver, CO 80204
http://www.coloradosports.org

More FREE activities in the Denver Metro Area

Free Denver Activities: Bookbabies

6/24/2015

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Denver Public Library - Image © upton; Flickr.com

On Tuesdays, those with small children ages 0-23 months can enjoy Bookbabies at the Denver Public Library. Bookbabies is a language enrichment program for babies. It is an interactive program for infants to attend along with their parents or caregivers and is filled with language, music, and rhymes for baby to enjoy and learn.

This special program, along with many others, can be enjoyed for free at various Denver Public Library branches. Contact or visit your local branch today for a complete schedule.

Join Bookbabies at the Denver Public Library for Free:

Bookbabies
Denver Public Library
10 W. Fourteenth Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 865-1111
http://www.denverlibrary.org

More FREE activities in the Denver Metro Area

Free Denver Activities: Stiles African American Heritage Center

6/24/2015

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © ...Leo Oliveira...; Flickr.com

The Stiles African American Heritage Center is what its name states and more. Here you will find cultural artifacts, classrooms, workshops, guided tours, cultural exhibits, memorabilia, research and reading materials, and much more. The center is strong in its belief of celebrating and emphasizing the positive contributions African Americans have made.

In 2001, The Stiles African American Center helped to convince Denver Parks & Recreation to name a park in honor of Madame C.J. Walker. Admission is free. Hours of operation vary and sometimes change. It is best to contact the center at the above listed phone number for hours. Some days are by appointment only.

Visit the Stiles African American Heritage Center for Free:

Stiles African American Heritage Center
(303) 294-0597
2607 Glenarm Place
Denver, CO 80205
http://www.stilesheritagecenter.org/

More FREE activities in the Denver Metro Area

Free Denver Activities: U.S. Mint

6/24/2015

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © gt8073a; Flickr.com

The U.S. Mint only has two locations, one of which happens to be in Denver. Residents and tourists of Denver can visit the mint and go on a free guided 20 minute tour. This tour covers current as well as historical information on the U.S. Mint.

The mint welcomes solo tourists as well as schools and other groups. All tours are free, however, reservations must be made. For those with disabilities, tours are wheelchair accessible and arrangements can be made in advance for a sign language interpreter.

Visit the U.S. Mint in Denver for free:

U.S. Mint
(303) 405 - 4761
320 W. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
http://www.usmint.gov

More FREE activities in the Denver Metro Area

Englewood Family Matters: Using the Walking Trails for Science Homeschooling

12/23/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Englewood is home to many trails for hiking, walking, and biking. Parents and teachers alike can use this great advantage for science lessons. The Englewood trails make a unique educational opportunity for homeschool field trips and even for large classroom groups. No matter the age of the child, there is always something new to learn along the trails.

Collect and examine pond samples. The Englewood walking trails have plenty of water from ponds and creeks to collect as samples for science. The kids can bring along petri dishes and droppers to collect the water. Later on, they can examine the specimen under the microscope. Things to think about: Are the specimen different depending on the area the water is taken from? Does it vary depending on how deep the water is? What did you find?

Track wildlife. Wildlife is abundant along the walking trails in Englewood. Track the animals for a science lesson by looking for clues they leave. This could be paw prints in the sand, feathers, droppings, fur, and even snake skins. Where does each animal like to go? Were you able to find any by following their natural clues? Could you have changed anything for better results? Did you find the expected wildlife or something else?

Collect permitted wildlife remains. So long as its allowed, collect natural items left behind from animals. This could be a petrified insect, rabbit pellets, deer antlers, and more. These can be used for scientific observation. Be sure that you do not harm any animals to gain these items, however. The kids need to know that while it may be alright to collect items left behind naturally, they should respect live animals. Also, be sure they are not taking something that should be left alone. Everyone should wear gloves and collected items should be sealed in containers.

Examine and collect natural items. Fallen leaves are a popular scientific item for kids to collect. Rocks, pine cones, tree bark, and moss are some others. Allow the kids to examine and collect (and examine some more later) these things from nature. Just be careful not to take anything that is not allowed to be removed from the natural area.

Observe wildlife and nature and capture with art, videos, and photos. Have the kids bring along their cameras, camcorders, and even canvas and painting supplies. Observe the nature and wildlife along the Englewood trails. Kids can paint pictures, snap images, and record live scientific footage. Allow them to capture the memories in their preferred method. Not only are the kids doing something creative and fun in the moment. But the evidence will live on and provide an educational experience over and over. These works can even be used to create science movies, albums, slideshows, and more.

*Visit EnglewoodRec.org to discover more about the trails.

**I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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High Altitude Tips for Staying in Denver, CO

11/27/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

The Mile High City really is a mile high. That's 5,280 feet for those of you wondering. This is generally no problem for locals, but for those traveling to Denver from out of town may need some time to adjust to the high altitude. Staying in Denver can be pretty fun, but make sure you are prepared before heading out to enjoy your fun.

Stay Calm

Just slow down and breathe.

When at high altitudes, the air is thinner than at sea level. This can make some people nervous. If this is you, try taking deep breaths and then just relax. There's really not much to get worked up over.

Try some yoga.

It may not be the altitude, but rather anxiety causing you to gasp for air. Yoga can help relax your nerves, and it's a good warm-up exercise to prepare your lungs for the new altitude.

Take a moment to reflect.

While the air is thinner, it is generally not going to be harmful unless you have a serious medical condition that advises against high altitudes. Rest assured, there are plenty of people with heart and respiratory diseases living in Denver with little to no extra effects on their health. That said, there are still some tips that should be followed when staying in a city with a higher altitude than your body is used to.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water while staying in Denver.

Because of the high altitude and low humidity in Denver, the air is much drier than in some other places. Be sure to stay hydrated. Your body may even automatically signal you to drink twice as much as before while staying in Denver.

Stay Healthy

Be sure to eat foods rich in potassium.

Potassium can help the body better replenish electrolytes by balancing salt intake. This is your excuse to eat a generous amount of some of your favorite foods, like chocolate and grand-mama's greens. Some foods rich in potassium include avocados, bananas, beets, broccoli, beans, bran, cantaloupe, celery, chocolate, dates, dried fruit, figs, granola, greens, halibut, honeydew melons, oat bran, prunes, papayas, orange juice, potatoes (sweet and regular), raisins, spinach, tomatoes, and tuna.

Reduce your alcohol intake.

At high altitudes, the effects of the alcohol will increase, so keep this in mind when reaching for your favorite adult beverages. While this may sound like a good thing to some people, it can actually be quite dangerous, so be aware of how much you are drinking.

Stay Prepared

Save strenuous activities for the end of the trip.

Out of breath? Perhaps you forgot to ease your body into that 3K trek you took around town. Start off with lighter exercises in the first few days of your trip if possible. Don't expect to run a marathon the moment you step off your plane.

Pack essential personal care supplies.

Ouch! The higher the altitude, the closer you are to the sun. In fact, in Denver, there is 25% less sun protection than in places with lower elevations. Be sure to wear sunscreen, protect your lips, and wear sunglasses.

Watch the weather.

If the weatherman says it's going to be sunny, you don't want to have on thick clothing while taking a hike. This will only wear you out faster. Always remember to check the weather before dressing and remember that Denver's weather is not predictable by just looking out the window. Watching the report is important because it can change from sunny and hot to pouring rain in an instant. Just ask and most Denverites will agree.

If you cook, remember to use high altitude recipes.

One thing people forget about when cooking in Denver is that some recipes may need to be adjusted for the high altitude. Ever tried to scrape a hardened cookie thinner than the spatula off the baking sheet? Unless you're into that sort of thing, I'd suggest using a high altitude recipe while staying in Denver.

Other high altitude tips:

Denver.org High Altitude Tips

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Englewood, CO Family Matters: How to Apply for Housing Assistance

10/25/2014

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Are you homeless? Just need something more affordable to house your family? Looking to buy a forever home, but need a little assistance? No matter the reason you need housing, there is probably a program in or near Englewood that may be able to help you. If you are in need, don't go another day without applying for housing.

Should You Apply for Housing Assistance in Englewood, CO?

If you are even considering applying for this type of assistance, it's possible that you qualify, at least by income. Aside from determining whether you fit income guidelines, there are many other reasons you may want to apply. Perhaps if you scrape by you can find other housing. But if you apply for housing assistance in Englewood, you may be able to qualify for something better, depending on which program you participate in. Are you embarrassed to apply? Don't let that be your reason not to. If you need the help, by all means, ask. If you have children, consider that they may have a bigger space to live in if you qualify and are accepted.

What Qualifications Are Required For Housing Assistance in Englewood?

Qualifications will vary for each program. But all will have income guidelines to meet. Because of this, be sure you have proof of all your income. If you receive any money benefits (SSI, child support, food stamps, etc), you will need proof of that as well. You also will need proof of age and citizenship for each household member (driver's license, birth certificates, social security cards, etc), as well as proof of your current address (lease, bills, etc). Phone and utility bills also may be needed. If you have children, you may also be asked for their immunization records. These are all the basic things you will need to have with you to prove that you qualify. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be asked for other items.

Different Types of Housing Assistance Available in Englewood. CO

When applying for housing assistance in Englewood, remember that there are several types. If you are interested in more than one, you may need to go through a separate application process for each. If you need rental assistance, there are programs that will help you pay your current rent. There also are programs that offer housing in specific units. Some of these are for families, some for those with disabilities, and some for seniors. There is also Section 8, which is a voucher that pays a portion of your rent in your chosen home, provided the landlord accepts this voucher from the state. If you are looking to buy instead of rent, there are also programs that assist those in lower income brackets with purchasing a home.

Where Can I Apply for These Programs?

Some Englewood and Denver housing assistance programs are run by government organizations. Others are offered through private ones. Because of this, you cannot apply to them all in one place. The most common are listed below. Also, many of these organizations work together and if one cannot help you, they may be able to refer you to another. Don't be afraid to ask. One 'no' answer does not mean you don't qualify for something else.

Englewood Housing Authority
3460 S. Sherman Street, Suite 101
Englewood, CO 80113
(303) 761-6200

Archdiocesan Housing
1544 Pearl St.
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 830-0215

Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation
670 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 572-9445

For more listings, such as emergency shelter and other government housing options, check the HUD.gov website

* I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Footprints of Infant Stegosaurus Dinosaur Found Near Denver, CO

5/30/2007

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image by U.S. Geological Survey via Flickr.com

MORRISON, CO - According to Science Daily, researchers west of Denver, in the town of Morrison, have discovered two rare footprints from a baby dinosaur hatchling. The footprints were discovered near Morrison by researchers at the Morrison Natural History Museum.

Dr. Robert T. Bakker, leading paleontologist and the paleontology curator of the Morrison Natural History Museum, said that these are the first prints ever found to be made of a Stegosaurus baby. The Stegosaurus was said to have been discovered in Morrison in 1877 and is the state fossil for Colorado.

"The tracks are so crisply preserved that I can imagine the sound of tiny feet splashing up water when the baby dinosaurs came to this ancient river to drink and cool down. I still can't get over just how small these footprints are," Dr. Matthew Mossbrucker, the director of the museum, said. Mossbrucker found the tracks.

A 50-cent piece can completely cover the tracks, which shows just how small these tracks are. This means that the tiny newborn stegosaurus babies were about the size of a human baby. The Morrison Natural History Museum has an annual event called "Dinosaur Days", which will feature the stegosaurus tracks found in Morrison. The tracks will stay on permanent display at the museum.

Mossbrucker told Science Daily: "If these dinosaurs were hatching in our modern world instead of 150 million years ago, they would be within sight of Denver's skyscrapers. These infant dinosaur fossils have raised more questions than they have answered. We'll have to keep digging."

Morrison is historically known for its history with dinosaurs. According to FrontRangeLiving.com, it boasts an unusual museum called Dinosaur Ridge. Dinosaur Ridge is essentially a road that runs right through a mountain of rock that is scribed with fossils of dinosaur footprints, fossils, ferns, and much more. This is a history from the time when dinosaurs roamed what are now known as the foothills of Colorado.

There are also many native plants and flowers growing through the cracks. Dinosaur bones can be seen protruding through the solid rocky surface that Earth was once made of. Children are often seen staring in awe at the footprints of mother and baby dinosaurs imprinted into the rocks. Dinosaurs that roamed this ridge lived during the Jurassic period, so you won't see any T-rex remains, but you will see traces of the Iguanodon, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and others that roamed the land during the Jurassic Period.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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