You know those engaging people who know something about everything? The ones with the hungry—and well-fed—minds that move the conversational needle way past how hot July was? Now, the star of the summer cocktail party can be you, thanks to this list of recreational/educational activities. Learn about aeronautics and space travel. Explore the art of beekeeping. Become a craft beer expert. Try your hand at plein air painting. It’s just another month at Stepping Stone™, the perfect jumping-off point for adventure.
Cockpit Demo Day at Wings Over the Rockies-Aug. 6, 10am-2pm
If you’ve never visited this historic 150,000-square-foot, 1930s-era air and space museum, now is the time. On Cockpit Demo Day, you and your kids can climb aboard select Wings aircraft and get a pilot’s perspective of the instruments and controls. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum houses a collection of more than 60 aircraft and space vehicles. Test your skills on their simulator, which allows you to pilot aircraft from WWII to Desert Storm, dogfight with your friends, and ride one of ten exhilarating simulated roller coasters. Tickets are $6-$9; children under 3 are free. Learn more.
Town of Parker Honey Festival-Aug. 7, 9am-12pm
Bees are the man, er, insect of the hour, as their numbers dwindle while their importance to our food supply does not. Come learn about these tireless, prodigiously skilled workers as you check out active hives, sample delicious honey, learn from local beekeepers, try on a beekeeper’s suit, and make honey bee crafts. Take home recipes and beekeeping materials to start your own hive or, if you’re lucky, win some bee-friendly plants and a beekeeping starter kit. Held at O’Brien Park. Free. Learn more.
Art and Ale Brew Festival-Aug. 12, 6pm-11pm
Leave it to the lively, fun-loving town of Parker to have the longest-running beer festival in the entire metro area. At this 13th annual festival, you can indulge in all-inclusive food and drink tastings from more than 40 local craft breweries and restaurants, enjoy live music by That Eighties Band, play cornhole and other games, and make your own art to take home with you. Go to the VIP hour starting at 5pm for a special selection of beer and hors d’oeuvres, and receive a special commemorative mug and lanyard. Held at CU South Denver. Learn more.
Dive-in Movie Night: Big Hero 6-Aug. 20
Celebrating smart kids, courage, and selflessness, this Academy Award-winning animated feature is about a young robotics prodigy who forms a superhero team to combat a masked villain. Part of Stepping Stone’s beloved summer series, Dive-In Movie Night is a memorable way to savor a summer night under the stars with your friends and neighbors. Held poolside at the Lantern House. Rated PG. Free.
Art Afield at Cherokee Ranch and Castle-Aug. 31
Monet had to start somewhere. And with a Colorado meadow as your muse, who knows where this could go? Breathtaking Cherokee Ranch & Castle invites artists of all levels to paint in an open meadow north of the Highlands Ranch Conservation Area. Disappear into your canvas for the day, inspired by views extending from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak. Dress for the weather, come rain or shine, and bring a lunch, beverage, and art supplies. Tickets $20; beginner instruction available for an extra fee. Learn more.
