From sno-cones to hula hoops and water slides to the water balloon toss BackCountry residents sure know how to enjoy one last summer bash at the Sundial House Pool.
Posts Tagged ‘BackCountry’
BackCountry’s Run Wild 5k
The Second Annual Run Wild 5K was a success! BackCountry families enjoyed a morning run on the South Rim trails right here in BackCountry. After the run everyone enjoyed a pancake breakfast from Flippin’ Flapjacks.
BackCountry’s Egg-Stravaganza
The Easter Bunny and Little Bo Peep visited BackCountry during the Egg-Stravaganza event featuring an egg hunt, petting zoo and refreshments. Everyone had an egg-cellent time!
BackCountry’s Luck of the Irish
Lucky the Leprechaun visited BackCountry for an adventuresome “Luck of the Irish” themed show at the Sundial House.
BackCountry’s Princess & Super Hero Party
BackCountry kiddos came dressed as their favorite princess and superhero for an afternoon of fun at the Sundial House.
BackCountry’s Kids n Canvas
BackCountry’s budding artists shined brightly during the community’s recent Kids-n-Canvas painting event. And what great presents those masterpieces surely made!
BackCountry’s Cookies with Santa
The Sundial House turned into the North Pole for the kids of BackCountry. Holiday attire was worn, cookies were eaten, and letters were shared with St. Nick. After making sure everyone was one the “nice” list our residents enjoyed a carriage ride with Bella and Buster around the streets of BackCountry.
‘Tis the season to be jolly. Here’s how.
Sometimes December feels more like the season to be busy, with the frantic pace of end-of-year work assignments, office parties, shopping, cooking, cleaning for house guests…well, you know the drill. Rather than simply reacting to every demand, consider taking a more proactive stance: What do I want my month to look like? What memories do I want to create? And then plan accordingly. Try subbing a few of these five memorable activities for other less-jolly obligations; there’s even one as close as BackCountry’s own Sundial House.
Here’s to a happy holiday season…on your terms.
9 News Parade of Lights-Dec. 2 at 8pm & Dec. 3 at 6pm
This 42-year-old tradition remains the perfect way to kick off Denver’s holiday season. On a two-mile route in downtown Denver, this parade features marching bands, ornate floats, and, of course, special appearances by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa. Dress warmly, take a thermos of hot cocoa, and stake out your spot along the route, or grab tickets ASAP for the limited grandstand seating in front of the beautifully lit City and County Building. Learn more.
Hometown Holiday and Tree Lighting-Dec. 2, 4:30pm-7:30pm
If you prefer smaller crowds or just staying closer to home, try on this special Highlands Ranch tradition. Hometown Holiday is an old-fashioned community celebration with caroling, entertainment, food, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. (Naturally, the big guy has a busy schedule these days, so catch him before he leaves at 7:30.) The tree lighting is planned for 5pm. Held at Town Center South. Learn more.
Community Menorah Lighting-Dec. 26, 5:30pm
This year, Chanukah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights, stretches from December 24-January 1. Join your friends and neighbors for the celebratory lighting of the menorah at sunset at the Eastridge Recreation Center. The Menorah will be lit and there will be a special performance by the children of Chabad Hebrew School, latkes and donuts, and Chanukah arts and crafts. It is free and open to the whole family! Learn more.
Denver Zoo Lights-Dec. 2-Jan. 1, 2017, 5:30pm-9pm
Imagine all 70 acres of the Denver Zoo, bright with illuminated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, and hide in bushes. Plus, you’ll enjoy all the holiday carolers, Santa meet-and-greets, and much more at this beloved Denver tradition. Zoo Lights is a memorable way to spend time with family, get a little exercise, and, of course, support the animals. Tip: Go on a “Value Night” for smaller crowds and reduced entry fee. Tickets range from $10-17. Learn more.
Cookies with Santa-Dec. 10, 9am-1:30pm
True, BackCountry™ is a bit of a hike from the North Pole, but the lure of cookies and photo ops with star-struck BackCountry kids brings Santa back year after year. Come enjoy time with your neighbors, wear your favorite ugly sweater or other festive attire, and have your kids bring their wishlists. Residents, RSVP through BackCountryLife.org by Monday, December 5th.
Denver Performing Arts Holiday Events-through December
Make attending at least one festive performance a holiday tradition in your family. The DCPA is offering something for everyone this month, from classics to new favorites in the making. Consider a musical performance of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The soaring majesty of Handel’s Messiah. David Sedaris’s hilariously snarky Santaland Diaries about his stint as a Macy’s elf. Or The Nutcracker, dazzlingly performed by the Colorado Ballet. Ticket prices vary. Learn more.
BackCountry’s Dog Costume Party
BackCountry’s furry friends dressed up during the Dog Halloween Costume Party at Solstice Park.
Treat yourself to scary good fun.
Good news! It’s officially October. Complete justification for grabbing a few bags of the Halloween candy that’s been on display since August. And after you’ve acquired your sweet stash—which, no doubt, will go untouched until the 31st—use our suggestions below to plan an entire month of monstrously good fun. Venture to places like the Denver Zoo or stay close to home; BackCountry and the south Metro area offer plenty to enjoy this time of year.
Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms —Oct. 7-9, 9am-5pm
Selecting the perfect future jack-o’-lantern from a 10-acre pumpkin patch is one of many activities to enjoy at the annual Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms. (If you don’t know, Chatfield Farms is the Denver Botanic Gardens’ 75-acre native plant refuge and working farm, not far from BackCountry.) Make a day of it with hay rides, face painting, games, antique tractor exhibits, arts and crafts booths, food, live music, and more. Get lost in the corn maze next door for an extra fee. Complimentary daycare for little pumpkins. Ticket prices range from free (2 and under) to $8. Learn more.
Haunted Forest Backcountry Wilderness Area —Oct. 21, 7:30pm-10:30pm
Behind BackCountry lies 8,200 acres of wilderness—and one unforgettable evening marked by bloodcurdling fun. If you’re feeling brave enough for a bit of a Blair Witch-style experience, visit the Haunted Forest after dark, where anything could be lurking in the shadows. But first, gather your courage with food trucks, an outdoor movie, live animals, and more. Tickets are for specific hour-long time slots and cost $13 per person. Recommended ages 10+; parental discretion advised. Learn more.
BackCountry Haunted House— October 2, 6pm-9pm
Residents: Take the terror indoors at the 2nd Annual BackCountry Haunted House held at the community’s award-winning gathering place, the Sundial House. This year’s theme is “Walking Dead,” so prepare to be scared—and then to recover with games, prizes, and fortune-telling. From 5pm-7pm, the haunted house will accommodate kids ages 3-9, but from 7pm-9pm, it will become an appropriate fright-fest for tweens, teens, and adults. Please bring an unwrapped toy or cash donation for CASA, advocates for children. RSVP at BackCountryLife.org. Learn more.
Boo at the Zoo —Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-30, 9am-5pm
For two weekends, the Denver Zoo gets (just a tad) spooky, offering 20 trick-or-treat stations, creepy crawly animal demonstrations, and oodles of family-friendly entertainment. Come in costume and enjoy not only the Halloween festivities, but visits with the zoo’s 4,000+ animals and ogle at the countless towering trees in their finest autumn glory. All activities are included in the price of admission ($12-17; free for ages 2 and under). Learn more.
BackCountry Halloween Hot Spot Houses—Oct. 31, dusk-7:30pm
Another perk of a gated community: worry-free trick-or-treating for your kids. At BackCountry, roving bands of candy-seekers—and givers—relax knowing that only residents are part of the transaction. Beyond that, friendly neighbors provide “hot spots” for trick-or-treaters and their parents to stop and enjoy a hot drink and/or snack, plus a little chit-chat. The HOA is looking for one volunteer on each block to open their garage and provide light refreshments. It’s a sweet way to get to know your neighbors and assess the season’s most popular costumes (will it be Pokémon? Ghostbusters?). If interested in hosting, please contact Christa Dellebovi at cdellebovi@ccmcnet.com by Friday, October 21st.
