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 ‘summer’
Home Sweet Wilderness
Home Sweet Wilderness
Elk, deer, coyote, red-tailed hawk, and black bear—these are just a few of the neighbors quietly going about their business in the rugged wilderness adjacent to BackCountry™. For the lucky humans living next door, the 8,200-acre Backcountry Wilderness provides breathtaking views, mind-clearing bike rides, memorable family hikes, and easy access to a year-round roster of nature programs hosted by the Highlands Ranch Community Association.
Each program is thoughtfully designed to connect people to nature, while protecting the space for wildlife, which is “the primary goal,” explains Lindsey McKissick, Backcountry Wilderness Area Representative. Indeed, it’s a rare thing to find such a vast wildlife sanctuary in the middle of suburbia
“I think the greatest gift of living in BackCountry is having all the wonders of nature to explore directly in your backyard—without having to battle traffic on I-70 and the people once you get there,” says Lindsey. A nearby nature refuge can be especially meaningful to children. “We adults may remember playing in the creek in our neighborhood, but today’s kids have such a lack of time in nature,” Lindsey explains. “The Wilderness Area gives them the opportunity to engage their adventuresome spirits, to enjoy ‘free play’ in nature with no plans and no agenda.” They can even hang out with the draft horses, ponies, and chickens at the wilderness “base camp,” where most of the programs take place.
HRCA’s programs are open to the public, but Highlands Ranch residents enjoy discounted prices. The winter schedule is more modest, but on Jan. 21, families can enjoy a mini-campfire hike with a campfire, s’mores, and free play—there’s a giant log fort and sandpit with horseshoes and more—all for just $5. (Think of it as a Saturday morning alternative to the playground.) Also, private hayrides through the wilderness area are available year-round, allowing you to see places the public simply can’t. Some programs take place indoors this time of year, such as archery lessons and a Feb. 4 Pizza with Pokémon event. Held at the Southridge Rec Center, live animals akin to those in the beloved game will come for a fun, educational visit.
Warmer months bring back an abundance of outdoor events. Summer camps are a favorite, offering special focuses on art, adventure, horses, and leadership. Keep your eyes open for more about spring and summer programs in future blogs, but in the meantime, check out the many ways you can experience nature-in-the-suburbs on the HRCA website.
BackCountry’s Back to School Pool Party
BackCountry children enjoyed one last splash this summer during the Back to School Pool Party.
Red, white, and do.
Welcome, July. The peak of summer when we joyfully celebrate our nation’s independence. And, perhaps, declare our personal freedom from daily routine. It’s a month when the metro area (including BackCountry™) offers endless possibilities for fun in the sun—and out of the sun, too. Here are our favorite picks for July activities to further your personal pursuit of happiness.
Patriotic Event & Concert-July 8, 5:30pm-8pm
With so many top-notch fireworks shows to choose from, you should get all the snap, crackle, and pop you need. But BackCountry follows up the fireworks with its own intimate gathering. Held at the Amphitheater, this special celebration includes music by the Mostly Harmless Band, kids’ activities such as superhero training and games of “Superman Says,” Main Street BBQ, and a golf cart decorating contest hosted by Colorado Golf & Turf. See photos from last year here and RSVP at BackCountryLife.org.
Hot Air Balloon Rodeo in Steamboat-July 9-10, 6am
Have you experienced this classic summertime-in-Steamboat activity yet? Every year, this enchanting town becomes even more so with amazing hot air balloon antics combined with an art festival, now in its 42nd year. A perfect photography opportunity, the day begins with watching the balloons inflate and pilots performing feats like dipping into Bald Eagle Lake. Then, coffee, breakfast, and a visit to Art in the Park, where arts and crafts, performances, and an interactive children’s area will fill your day. Learn more.
Girls Day! Painting Class & Women’s Shelter Drive-July 18, 2pm-4pm
BackCountry ladies, unleash your inner Georgia O’Keefe or Frida Kahlo while enjoying some quality time with your pals. Held at the Sundial House, this instructor-led class will give you the tools and guidance you need to walk away with a unique new painting. Bring clothing or toiletries to donate to the Battered Women’s Shelter. Donations are encouraged even if you can’t attend the class. $17 per painter. RSVP through ActiveNet.
Summer Concert-July 27, 6pm-8pm
When a neighborhood has its own amphitheater with Front Range views, one outdoor concert per month just isn’t enough. Gather with your BackCountry neighbors for an evening of music from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, performed by Cruisin’ Cats Band along with a special guest—Elvis! RSVP at BackCountryLife.org.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival-July 30-31
Is it Sloan’s Lake in Denver? Or Qinghai Lake in China? Well, the lines may blur a little, given the fleet of colorful dragon boats slicing through the water—and all the other Asian sights, sounds, and tastes. This 2,000-year-old sport offers a true spectacle in its 16th year in Colorado, but for nearly 100,000 people, it’s a chance to learn about Asian culture through events such as Taiko drumming, Minyo dance, hip-hop (yes, really), spoken word performances, art demonstrations, children’s activities, and delicious foods from all across Asia and the Pacific Islands. Learn more.
BackCountry’s Labor Day Luau
BackCountry families celebrated the end of summer during the Labor Day Luau with music from the Margarita Brothers.
BackCountry Back-To-School Pool Party Sundial Pool
The children of BackCountry ended summer break with splash of fun at the Back-to-School Pool Party.
August is American Adventure Month
August is an excellent choice for a month devoted to snagging some last bits of summer adventure. School days are looming, so before the kids’ homework and your end-of-year obligations kick in, try something outside the regular routine. Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning.
Nature Connects: Art with Lego™ Bricks-Aug. 7-Nov. 1
Boasting a 400 lb. bumblebee, lion, and other creatures built entirely from LEGOs, this traveling exhibit at the Denver Zoo is sure to appeal to animal lovers and diehard fans of the classic toy building blocks. (Many families have both.) This award-winning display of engineering and art prowess features more than 35 life-size-or-larger animal and plant sculptures. Scattered throughout the zoo, the exhibit makes a leisurely summer day even more of a visual treat. Free with admission, which ranges from $12-17. Learn more.
BackCountry Bike Clinic-Aug. 8, 9am-12pm
BackCountry residents, grab your ride (dusty or much-used) and head over to the Amphitheatre for BackCountry’s first-ever bike clinic. Tuned to beginner and intermediate riders, the clinics will be led by Cindi Toepel of Energy Xperience, a five-time World and 10-time National XTERRA Off-Road Champion. Bike safety checks, a snake presentation, food, beer, and more add to the fun and learning. Kids’ clinic from 9:15am-10am and adults’ from 10:30-11:45. Register at http://backcountrylife.org by Aug. 5. Open to BackCountry residents & their guests only.
USA Pro Challenge Bike Race-Aug. 17-23
Kicking off in Steamboat Springs, cruising through eight host cities, and then coming to a grand finale in Denver, this prestigious race offers plenty of places to watch the altitude-busting ways of the world’s top cyclists. New destinations this year include Arapahoe Basin, Loveland Pass, and Copper Mountain, but the Golden-to-Denver stretch makes the viewing easy for us locals. Learn more.
Film on the Rocks: The Breakfast Club-Aug. 26, 7pm
Got your summertime Red Rocks fix yet? Don’t let the season slip by without a trip to this world-renowned venue. Without the hefty price of a concert, Film on the Rocks lets you enjoy a vintage film, live music, and spectacular views. This go-round features music by Jen Korte & the Loss with The Dirty Femmes, a Violent Femmes cover band, followed by The Breakfast Club, the coming-of-age classic about a cross-section of ‘80s high schoolers stuck together in detention. $12. Get tickets here.
BackCountry End of Summer Luau-Aug. 28, 6pm-8:30pm
Somehow saying “aloha” to summer feels so much better than “goodbye.” Luau with your BackCountry neighbors at the Amphitheatre, enjoying dinner, dancing to the summery sounds of the Margarita Brothers, Hawaiian-themed balloon artistry, and a message-in-a-bottle craft for the kids. Reserve your spot at www.backcountrylife.org by August 20.
July events: Pick a festival, any festival
With reliably warm weather, July is the quintessential festival month here in Colorado. Which ties in nicely with the celebratory mood the Fourth puts us all in. While you’ll find wonderful festivals to explore all over the state, there’s no need to travel given this perfect lineup of events in our own backyard.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival-July 3-5
It’s hard to imagine Denver without it, but it was 25 years ago that the Cherry Creek Arts Festival made its grand debut. (Today it’s ranked #1 among the nation’s art festivals, drawing in 350,000+ visitors each year.) This year celebrates that anniversary with an opening gala, daily anniversary cake, and surprise performances, along with the regular joys of purchasing and admiring the work of acclaimed artists, boogying to live music, eating delicious food, and trying your own hand at a community mural. Held in Denver’s Cherry Creek North Shopping District. Admission is free. Learn more.
Colorado Black Arts Festival-July 10-12
Immerse yourself in three days of art and culture presented by the creative talents of local, regional, and national African-Americans. With a theme of Rock Steady, this 29th annual festival invites you to enjoy two stages of jazz, blues, reggae, gospel, traditional African drum, and dance performances; watch the family-favorite Boogaloo Celebration Parade; stroll the Watu Sokoni (People’s Marketplace); go on a cultural scavenger hunt; and “rock steady” in the streets, dancing to the music of one of Denver’s hottest DJs. Held in historic City Park. Free. Learn more.
Patriotic BBQ & Country Music Concert-July 11, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Pumpkin seed spittin’ and lasso jumpin’ are just a few of the antics planned for this favorite event at the BackCountry Amphitheatre. Headlining the evening is Chris Daniels & The Kings, one of Colorado’s hottest country rock bands. Buffalo Bill, a uniquely talented cowboy, will preside over the spitting and lassoing contests while teaching rope tricks, too, and a “branding station” will affix some glittery tattoos. BBQ is available: adults $13, kids $6 each. Please order meals online through ActiveNet or at the Sundial House by July 6. If you plan on attending but not ordering a meal, please RSVP at backcountrylife.org.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival-July 18-19
Here’s a feast for the senses! Held at Sloan’s Lake Park each year, this Asian festival features dragon boat races between 53 teams. (A 2,000-year-old tradition, dragon boating is a sport that happens all over the world now.) Five stages offer 100+ music and dance performances honoring various cultures and, of course, authentic Asian food vendors, including one who won an Iron Chef Competition on the reality show Cutthroat Kitchen and two more currently showcased on the Food Network. Learn more.
Mom, I’m bored. (Said no BackCountry kid ever.)
Okay so that’s wishful thinking, but it’s no exaggeration that BackCountry is an incredible place to be a kid. You see it in the way children ride their bikes freely and play in happy little packs, roaming from yard to yard and house to house. (Gated communities where people know each other promote that kind of easygoing vibe.) And naturally, the Sundial pool and abundant parks and open spaces are huge kid magnets in the summer. But BackCountry’s child-friendly planned events also play a critical role in keeping the young’uns busy, physically active, and connected with each other year-round.
BackCountry boasts an exceptionally active HOA, guided by full-time Lifestyle Director Britany Chambers and a committee of residents. Together, they plan special events that target the interests of all kinds of residents, including the young ones. Case in point, this kids-only science event featuring exotic animals and cool experiments that use everyday items.
Or annual Easter Egg hunts with a special appearance by a very popular, cotton-tailed guest.
Or an afternoon of star-struck hobnobbing with Rapunzel and Spiderman at a Superhero and Princess Party.
So what’s on tap for kids this summer? Below, you can read about a couple of annual favorites followed by a complete summer calendar of activities planned with BackCountry’s youngest residents in mind. Get ready. It’s going to be a fun-filled summer for children at Backcountry.
PATRIOTIC BBQ & COUNTRY MUSIC CONCERT
Saturday, July 11, 5:30pm-8:30pm
This is high-quality family time, listening to live music, dancing and sharing good food in the BackCountry Amphitheatre with the gorgeous foothills as your backdrop. Performances include Chris Daniels & The Kings, one of the hottest country rock bands to hit the Colorado scene in years, and a real cowboy uniquely talented in rope-spinning tricks. Kids, get ready for pumpkin seed spitting, lasso jumping, and more fun activities to enjoy.
“DRIVE-IN” MOVIE
Saturday, August 1, 6pm
Far more picturesque than any drive-in parking lot ever, the Amphitheatre is the ideal summer evening setting for watching the Tom Hanks classic, Big. The movie starts at 8pm, but the pre-movie entertainment (including a real-life “Zoltar” machine offering silly fortune telling a la the movie), root beer floats, and popcorn will begin at 6pm.
Other summer events include:
- Snow Cones & Pool Games, June 8
- Ventriloquist, June 11
- Family Concert at Amphitheatre & Food Truck, June 18
- Tween Pool Party, June 23
- Snow Cones & Pool Games, June 25
- Reptile Show, June 29
- Snow Cones & Pool Games, July 7
- Kids Painting Event, July 14
- Tween Pool Party with Water Wizard, July 21
- Snow Cones & Synchronized Swim Team, July 23
- Kids Educational Event, July 29
- Back-to-School Party, August 6
- Labor Day Luau, August (date TBD)
BackCountry Summer Concert Series
BackCountry’s first summer concert of the season featured the Doobie Brothers tribute band, Black Water. Residents enjoyed great music and delicious food from Gusto’s Food Truck.
