Family-Friendly Things to Do in Colorado This Summer

School’s out for the summer, which means more time spent with the whole family together. And one of the best things about summertime in Colorado is that the warm and dry weather allows us to have pretty endless activity options!

Here are some fun family-friendly things to do in the Centennial State this summer to bring you closer together while making the most of the season!

The Summer Reading Program

Our local Jeffco Library system has a fantastic summer reading program that aims to help children read more books during the summer. You can track your minutes both individually and as a family, and can even earn prizes when you hit your goals!

It’s a great family activity to do together, and perfect for all ages. You might even want to have a family challenge to see who can read the most during the summer!

Library Events

The library isn’t just a place for reading or studying; on the JCPL calendar you can find a range of classes, programs and experiences that are family-friendly!

From story times and movies, to hands-on workshops and games, be sure to save the dates for your top choices. Some events do require registering in advance, so sign up while you can!

Museums

Do your kids love learning about science, nature, art, or history? Take the family to some of the best museums in the area to inspire them! Here are just a handful of the many museums in the Denver metro area:

Butterfly Pavilion

Denver Firefighters Museum

MCA Denver

Museum of Nature & Science

And if you sign up for the JCPL’s Culture Pass, you can get into several places free of charge!

Opt Outside

Colorado has an abundance of natural scenery and geological wonders to explore. Whether you take the family for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, camp outside near Lake Dillon, or stroll through one of the many state and county parks, you’re bound to create new memories the whole family will cherish for years to come. The best part? Library card holders can get into all 42 state parks for free when using the Culture Pass!

Friends of JCPL logo

At Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF), our goal is to support the Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) resources, programs and services to further benefit our local community.

And if you are interested in learning how to support our initiatives, consider becoming a Friend of Jefferson County Libraries!

Friends value our Library and lend their voices, time and resources to support our public library system through advocacy and fundraising. Individuals and families in the Friends membership program believe that the Library is the heart of our community, and that each Friend can help amplify that steady and resounding heartbeat.

Read about some great benefits to becoming a “Friend” listed below!

Have an Impact . . . While Having Fun!

When you become a Friend, you have the opportunity to volunteer your time and talent while helping us fundraise for a variety of great educational programs in your local community. In 2017, our Friends and volunteers helped JCLF raise over $200,000! These funds help support many Public Library programs, including: Summer Reading, Early Childhood Literacy and STEM/STEAM programs.

You might also be influential through lending us a hand at the Friends’ Gift and Book Shop in Lakewood, advocate on behalf of the library, promote the library among others in your community, provide leadership via the Friends’ Council, or assist with our book sales such as our Whale of a Used Book Sale!

Discounts!

As a Friend of JCPL, you not only can receive a 10% discount at the Friends’ Gift and Book Shop, but you’ll also receive 50% off on Saturdays at both Whale Sales!

To top it off, you’ll even have access to Friends’ Preview Night at our Whale of a Used Book Sale — only given to Friends of JCPL!

Other Benefits

Our Friends receive print and e-newsletters to stay up-to-date on the latest information about JCPL and JCLF. Additionally, they receive invitations to Friends-only events!

Become a Friend Today!

Join over 900 other Friends of JCPL and have an impact on your community! Membership levels start at $15/year for an individual up to $500/year for a Conservator. Learn more about the membership or sign up online through our website today!

underrated library resources

If you live in Jefferson County, you have access to a wide range of resources and tools provided by your local library system.

Although some of the main services such as renting out books and movies with a library card are pretty well known, we wanted to provide a list of many other opportunities that the Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) offers!

Here are some of the best resources available at your local Jeffco Library you may not have heard about:

Computer Classes

Whether you are someone who has never felt “tech-savvy” and need a few quick lessons on using computers properly, or you have a specific question on a computer software or online searching, JCPL has free classes you can join at a variety of locations!

Topics range from using Google Docs and Microsoft programs to email, job hunting and more! You can learn more about their computer classes online here.

Culture Pass

By far one of the best services JCPL provides is the Culture Pass! This is your “ticket” to participating metro-area cultural institutions, such as the Colorado State Parks, the Butterfly Pavilion, several museums and other arts centers.

With a JCPL library card, you can reserve a Culture Pass online up to 30 days in advance. Be sure to check out the details, instructions and other reservation requirements on the JCPL website!

Servicios en Español

If someone you know is a native Spanish speaker living in the Jefferson County area, they may not know about the many classes, events and other resources available to them in Spanish through JCPL!

Invite them to discover the resources, programs and more available online here.

Meeting & Study Rooms

Need a quiet place to work on a project? Have a hard time finding a good local place to meet with others?

Several of the Jeffco libraries offer small study rooms, as well as large meeting rooms available free of charge! Small study rooms can be used for up to 2 hours per day, hold up to six people and can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. Larger meeting rooms can be reserved up to 60 days in advance!

Check out the information on the JCPL website to learn about the available locations, meeting room policies, and other FAQs.

Computers, WiFi and Printing

With a valid library card you can reserve a computer at the library to use for research, job and college applications, and more! JCPL also offers laptops available for use at the Belmar, Columbine and Golden locations.

You also can use the WiFi networks and hot spots to connect to the internet for free! Other great technology services available include: printing, scanning and faxing. Visit JCPL’s website to learn more!

Have other questions or need assistance?

Reach out to JCPL by calling (303) 235-5275, visiting one of their local library locations or submitting a question online!