Family events in Commerce City, CO

The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival features live music with performances by Kingpin Posse and Judgement Day. This program spotlights both bands as part of the festival entertainment.

Choose from 5K, 10K, 15K, a 1 Mile option, and a kids dash. Packet pickup takes place before the start. The national anthem leads into the race, and live results with awards are available at the registration tent right after you finish. Kids dash participants meet at the start line and are guided to the starting area. Registration perks include a designer shirt, a custom medal, and free photos. Timed distances feature chip timing with live results and awards, and everyone can enjoy free Kona Ice at the finish line. 5K, 10K, and 15K entries include a custom bib, designer shirt, and a custom finisher medal. The 1 Mile is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and a custom finisher medal. The kids dash is an untimed dash for ages 10 and under, and entry includes a mini bib, a youth sized shirt, and a medal made just for the kids dash. Children who want to run the kids dash without receiving swag may participate for free. Youth based pricing is available for the 5K and 10K, with participants 12 and under at $17. This family friendly event welcomes every pace and fitness level, offering an encouraging, affordable, and inclusive atmosphere. Whether chasing a personal record or showing up for the fun, run your race your way.

Take a guided walk through Kendrick Lake Park with Angie Carabetta, the City of Lakewood’s horticultural lead. Explore how the park highlights xeriscaping and serves as a prominent showcase for water smart landscaping. Gather ideas for creating a xeric garden or simply learn more about the approaches used throughout this demonstration space. The group will meet in the parking lot next to the demonstration garden. Children are welcome, and the jungle gym can be enjoyed after the tour. Pets are not recommended for this event.

Market at the Center is a monthly outdoor marketplace at the National Western Center, created in partnership with the National Western Stock Show and CSU Spur’s Second Saturdays. Local makers, food vendors, artists, and community organizations come together for shopping, activities, and CSU Spur programming in the Main Campus Plaza, the hub of the campus. This edition highlights a back to school theme with a backpack giveaway. Browse vendor booths, support small businesses, and connect with Denver’s creative community in a welcoming setting.

Karter School of Thornton presents a family-friendly carnival filled with activities for all ages. Enjoy bounce houses and classic games, meet friendly animals in the petting zoo, and add some color with face painting and balloon creations. Live DJs set the mood alongside other family entertainment. Food trucks and snack vendors offer plenty of treats, and local business partners participate throughout the festival. Giveaways add to the excitement. Admission costs $5 per child, while adults attend at no charge. The event welcomes current families as well as those interested in getting to know the school.

Summer brings welcoming open sanctuary time at Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary, offering a peaceful chance to slow down and share space with rescued farm animals who choose connection on their own terms. Wander through pens and pastures to meet residents representing 23 species, while caretakers and volunteers share stories about their personalities and daily lives. Every ticket directly supports animals rescued from neglect, abuse, and abandonment, helping provide lifelong care and safety. Pricing is $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. EBT/SNAP guests receive free admission with their card to help keep connection affordable. The sanctuary is easy to reach by public transit, one block from the 88 bus and about a 15 minute walk from rail service. Check Google Maps transit for the simplest route. Know before you go: no outside food or drinks for people or animals. Tickets are non-refundable unless an event is canceled due to severe weather. Please arrive on time, hours cannot be extended for late arrivals. Everyone needs a ticket, regardless of age. Any available food and beverages are sold separately. Do not bring companion animals, whether onto the grounds or left in vehicles. As a refuge for animals saved from abuse, neglect, slaughter, and exploitation, this is a sanctuary, not a petting venue. Many residents enjoy affection, but interactions happen at their pace. Move gently, respect boundaries, and let each animal decide how to engage. Some may come close, others will keep distance, and both choices are important. Many residents are seniors, healing, or living with chronic conditions, and care decisions prioritize long term wellbeing with veterinary guidance. Caretakers and volunteers are available to answer questions, and the space is built on trust that visitors help uphold.

Get ready for a fun giveaway packed with prizes and treats. Attendees can enter for a chance to win pizza for a year. The first 200 children will receive backpacks, and a prize wheel will be available for even more chances to win. Complimentary treats and pizza slices will be offered. The event continues while backpacks are available.

The Sazón Latin Food Festival is a family friendly, open air celebration of Latin American flavors and music. A curated lineup of vendors serves specialties from the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, with lively tunes, drinks, and plenty of sweet treats to round out the tasting. Entry requires a ticket or RSVP. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Vegetarian and vegan choices will be available, and gluten free offerings vary by vendor. Policies for lost and found and pets depend on the venue, and pets are generally discouraged unless permitted by the location. Vendor and sponsor opportunities are available. By attending, guests consent to photography and video that may be used by the organizers, and all sales are final.

Magical Meet & Greets brings family fun to Town Center at Aurora with character encounters, photo moments, and interactive activities. This installment features Chase and Skye from Paw Patrol, giving kids the chance to meet them, play, and take pictures at the Lower Level Center Court. The experience is free and family friendly, and it is part of the ongoing Magical Meet & Greets series. It also makes a fitting warmup before catching the new Paw Patrol movie at Century Movie Theater.

The zoo marks its 130th anniversary with a celebration that runs all summer, featuring surprises, hands-on fun, and fresh experiences. Expect birthday parties for the animals, longer open hours, member-only perks, and special happenings, with new highlights appearing throughout the season. With so much to explore, one trip may not cover it all.

Families can pick up essential school supplies for students at this Back to School event, along with community resources, raffles, and other offerings. Attendees must bring a school ID or a birth certificate, or have the child present. Donations of items from the school supply list are being accepted at Servicios.

Part of Levitt’s Free Concert Season presented by Kaiser Permanente, this concert features Shwayze with Claire Wright. It welcomes all ages and will take place rain or shine. Free RSVP is available, with optional upgrades. Shwayze brings a relaxed mix of hip-hop and alternative influences, pairing catchy anthems with reflective tracks and a strong storytelling approach. His album Shwaycation explores new creative directions while keeping his recognizable sound, and he also pursues projects in television and film. Born and raised in Northern California, Claire Wright blends country-style storytelling with reggae-leaning textures, drawing inspiration from artists like Jack Johnson and The Dirty Heads. After years performing and writing full time in Southern California and Nashville, she released a debut record on Ineffable Records that features Iration and G. Love & Special Sauce, supporting her rising profile within the West Coast reggae scene.