The beauty of a Colorado winter practically begs us to be outdoors, even when it’s chilly. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities for cold-weather fun! Festivals, tree lightings, sledding, ice skating, and more provide preschoolers and their families ample activities to explore together. The Gardner School has compiled a list of our favorite winter family activities in Denver for a truly magical season!
Cherry Creek North
This November, head to Cherry Creek North for the annual Winter Wonderland celebration. The outdoor event features 600 illuminated and musically choreographed trees. On select Saturdays in December, stilt walkers, acrobats, jugglers, and performers add to the magic of the evening.
Christmas in Color
Taking a drive to view holiday lights is a favorite family tradition, especially if you add Christmas in Color to your route. Your child will be mesmerized by the thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to music from your radio. Make a game of it and see how many giant snowmen, candy canes, and arches you can count!
Denver Christkindlmarket
Introduce your preschooler to new cultures without leaving town at Denver Christkindlmarket, the state’s only authentic German market. Immerse your family in the sights, sounds, and flavors of a European Christmas market. Children can meet St. Nikolaus and Krampus while parents shop and sip Bavarian-style beers and European coffee.
Kids Wonder
On days when you want to stay in and stay warm, schedule play time at Kids Wonder. Preschoolers can meet new friends, stretch their imaginations with open play, work on balance and coordination with inflatables, and develop gross motor skills using Whole Brain Blocks. Caregivers are encouraged to let children play independently, making it a great time to catch up on work or relax!
The Mile High Tree
At the end of fall, welcome the holiday season with a visit to the Mile High Tree. The 7-story-tall tree features 60,000 LED lights. Preschoolers will enjoy watching the lights twinkle along in time with the synced music, or they can climb inside the tree for a truly immersive sensory experience.
Parker Ice Trail
Bundle up and head out to Parker Ice Trail, located 30 minutes outside Denver in Parker, Colorado. Unlike a traditional rink, the ice trail is more like a wide, winding ice sidewalk with walls, providing plenty of support for new skaters to hold on to while they’re learning to balance. Skate assists are also available. After the fun, enjoy hot chocolate next to one of the fire pits to warm chilly fingers and toes.
Robinson Park
Head for the hills at Robinson Park for a day in the snow. Tucked away in the Hilltop neighborhood, the park offers a playground, picnic area, and restroom. It is a popular spot for visitors in the winter. According to locals, it’s a great park to find sledding hills with varying degrees of steepness. Young preschoolers will love riding on a pull slide pulled by mom or dad, while older children may be brave enough to try on their own!
Union Station’s Grand Illumination
Come to historic Union Station for the annual Grand Illumination tree lighting and entertainment. Visit with Santa, sing along to favorite holiday tunes with the Denver Dolls, and watch as the station’s 40-foot Christmas tree is illuminated with over 7,000 lights.
Adventurous Learning in Every Season
The Gardner School is proud to have locations in Denver that offer an engaging, hands-on curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our caring teachers engage children’s curiosity while helping them build a strong educational foundation. To learn more about our preschool, contact us to set up a tour.