Zoo Opens, Father’s Day Run and Online Events!

June 18, 2020

It’s a busy weekend in the Mile High City! The Denver Zoo is now open by appointment with social distancing and masks required. The annual Father’s Day Brew Run is also happening—with a few modifications, like running your own course without the crowds.  And it looks like there are still plenty of online events to keep you busy, too this weekend! Celebrate Dads with something fun and frivolous this weekend near Southshore.

TODAY/TONIGHT, June 18

CUB CLUB CONNECT – ONLINE
If your little ones are missing the fun Cub Club activities they used to enjoy at Southlands, they can still take part online! Every Thursday, there will be a new event or activity posted on Facebook and YouTube. If you follow @ShopSouthlands on Facebook, you’ll see the premiere of Cub Club Connect episodes.

You can even share your pictures and videos with #CubClubConnect and #ShopSouthlands!

Southlands Cub Connect Online
4:00 p.m.
Register: FREE

VIRTUAL WINE TASTING
Everyone misses summer wine tastings—but you don’t have to! Join in virtually for an Austrian-themed virtual wine tasting! You’ll learn about two different wines from Austria, a red and a white, and if you purchase the wine in advance from The Vineyard Wine Shop, you can also partake in the tastings! Make sure to choose the Stapleton MCA Tasting 2-Pack.

MCA Stapleton Online
6:00 p.m.
Register: FREE; Wine Purchase: $30

Thursday-Sunday, June 18-21

THE DENVER ZOO IS OPEN!
It’s true! You can finally return to see all your favorite animals at the Denver Zoo—they’ve missed you! Due to social distancing, you must make a reservation in advance ONLINE in order to keep crowds smaller. No tickets will be available at the zoo, including for Zoo Members. The number of visitors per day will be limited, and timed entry tickets will be staggered every 15 minutes. You can purchase tickets up to 7 days in advance, so if this weekend is sold out, make a reservation for next weekend NOW!

Denver Zoo, 2900 E. 23rd Ave., Denver
8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Last entry: 4:00 p.m.
Reserve Tickets: $14-$20
Phone: 720-337-1400

SPACE BURPS
What the heck is a space burp? For the answer to this question and many more silly yet profound riddles, you won’t want to miss this Virtual Lunch with Educator Performers from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science! This is your chance to sit in on what smart scientists talk about over lunch! So pack a brown bag for yourself and “join” them online.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Online
Connect: FREE

PLAN AHEAD FOR BOTANIC GARDENS VISIT
It takes a little planning this year to enjoy a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Due to the timed ticket entry blocks and reduced visitor capacity, this weekend is already sold-out, but now is the perfect time to make a reservation for NEXT weekend!

Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
Various times – Advance Sign Up Required
Cost: $11-$15
Phone: 720-865-3500

PRIVATE TOUR OF THE SPACE MUSEUM
Call up nine of your closest friends and book a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum! Not only are these smaller-sized tour groups safer when it comes to COVID-19, but you also get an exclusive inside-look at all of the exhibits and aircraft on display during your private 90-minute tour.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 2:00 p.m.
Reservations: $300 per group
Phone: 303-360-5360

Friday, June 19

SCREENING OF ONWARD
This brand-new Pixar movie was released right at the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown, so there’s a good chance you missed it altogether. Now you can see Onward on the big screen at your neighborhood Drive-In Movie! Starring the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris Pratt, and Octavia Spencer, Onward is about the adventures of teenage elf brothers as they set off on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father. Surprisingly moving and a real crowd-pleaser, Onward may become your favorite movie of the summer!

Dick’s Sporting Goods Parking Lot G, Central Park Blvd. and 59th Place, Commerce City
8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Details
Phone: 303-388-0724

Saturday, June 20

BROWSE SOUTHLANDS FARMER’S MARKET
It’s officially summer this weekend, and that means you can get all the best local produce available from Aurora farmers, vendors, and artisans at the Southlands Farmer’s Market.

Tables and booths will be spaced further apart to allow for social distancing, and if you prefer, you can order online in advance for curbside pickup. Or browse through booths of locally grown produce, unique foods, baked goods, and handmade crafts for the ultimate summer experience!

Southlands, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-627-5000

Saturday-Sunday, June 20-21

FATHER’S DAY BREW RUN
Everyone’s favorite lay-back run is going with the flow, even during COVID-19. The Father’s Day Brew Run still features in-person beer but with a fully virtual experience. How it works: Register in advance (either totally online with entry packet shipped to you OR come in for a packet AND beer pick-up). Then you will be on your own to run your favorite trail and record and submit the details.

This event will be a Poker Run—you’ll set your timer for an hour and collect playing cards each time you complete half a mile to build your best poker hand. The more you run, the more cards you are dealt. Winning hands will receive great prizes!

Great Frontier Brewing Company, 2010 S. Oak St., Lakewood
Sat., 6:00 a.m. – Sun., 5:00 p.m.: Run and record your race; Sun., 2:00-8:00 p.m.: Pick-up your packet and beer.
Register: $20-$35

Sunday, June 21

FATHER’S DAY MARKET
What a perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day with Dad! Spend the morning shopping for the freshest of local produce and home-baked breads and pastries, specialty meats, and other gourmet food items. Then take your bounty home and whip up a wonderful brunch!

Stapleton Farmer’s Market
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Information: FREE

SOLSTICE WALK
It only comes once a year—the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year! Celebrate the beauty and simplicity of nature by taking an evening walk to watch the sunset. The City of Aurora sponsors this event together with Denver Botanic Gardens as part of their mission to encourage active lifestyles and create healthy environments for people, nature and community.

This event is appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora
8:30 p.m.
Register: $8
Phone: 303-326-8380

Head to the Pool in Southshore!

Not only is the community an amazing place to live, there’s always something to do near family-friendly Southshore! Enjoy Life at the Lake with plenty of cultural and entertainment activities in the surrounding area! Check out the beautiful model homes from Richmond American Homes, Toll Brothers, and Taylor Morrison, and picture yourself in your very own dream house! With ranch and two-story models available, new homes are priced from the upper $400s to the $700s.