Ongoing Events

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

Hours of Operation: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Information: (719) 634-5583; www.csfineartscenter.org

Terry Maker: Reckoning
Through June 3
Terry Maker’s large-scale installation in the FAC’s signature El Pomar Gallery will be a contemporary, visual interpretation of the Genesis account of the Garden of Eden. Maker will be referencing English literature from William Golding's Lord of the Flies, T.S. Eliot's Wasteland, Milton’s Paradise Lost, and John Steinbeck's East of Eden. She will also be creating new work that will include a "Tree of Life" image made out of old movie film.

Resilience
Photography by Barbara Sparks
Through May 27
Resilience is a multidisciplinary project featuring John Steinbeck’s play Of Mice and Men, an exhibition of Depression-era photographs, like Dorthea Lange’s classic, Migrant Mother, and sculptural installations by the innovative artist duo Ghost of a Dream. This feature depicts aspects of cultural and personal resilience in times of economic and environmental strain, with additional programs and events throughout the spring.

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

Hours of Operation: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
Information: (719) 385-5990; www.cspm.org

Framing Community, Exposing Identity
This exhibit features over 200 historic photographs from the collections of CSPM and the Pikes Peak Library District and examines the meaning of community while inviting visitors to ponder what is unique about Colorado Springs.

Pedal Power
This exhibit is small but dynamic, displayed in conjunction with the Pro Cycling Challenge, which came to Colorado Springs in August 2011. It highlights how the fantastic climate, terrain, and scenic beauty of the Pikes Peak region have made it a natural for cycling over the past 100 years. Noteworthy bicycles from our collection is featured, including Helen Hunt Jackson’s recognizable blue National and an early twentieth-century Tiger bicycle manufactured in Colorado Springs.

One Man and His Vision: City Founder, William J. Palmer
Who was General William J. Palmer and why is his life important to us today? New city residents wonder why his statue is in the intersection of Platte and Nevada Avenues while many long-time citizens believe they know all they need to about him: he founded our city, many landmarks carry his name, and his spoiled wife Queen left him for easy living in England. Think again. New research and this exhibit at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum add to the effort by historians to dispel these misleading myths. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Palmer’s death, the Museum is launching a new exhibit about the man who has been called “builder of the West,” military hero, visionary, and ruthless capitalist.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Information: (719) 633-9925; www.cmzoo.org

Animal Ambassadors
Every Saturday and Sunday, docent volunteers have different animals available for contact and educational experiences with the public.
Time: 1:15 - 3:15 pm, The Loft

Hippo Training Demonstrations
Are hippos smart? You be the judge. Come see zookeepers train in the Aquatics Center and practice various interactive exercises with hippos.
Time: Daily at 2:00 pm

Literacy Programs

Pikes Peak Library District
Location: Pikes Peak Library Branches
Information: (719) 531-6333; www.ppld.org

Paws to Read
Let your child practice reading and build fluency by reading to a “Paws to Read” dog. No registration is required. Call or visit our website for locations, times, and more information.

Toddler Time at the Library
This program introduces the delights of rhyme, rhythm, and a few special stories as a first step to reading for one and two year-old children and caregivers. The program lasts approximately 20 minutes. Call or visit our website for locations, times, and more information.

Story Time
Come hear stories and more for children ages three and older. Call or visit your closest branch for story time themes.

Children’s Literacy Center
Information: (719) 471-8672; www.childrensliteracycenter.org; pamela@peakreader.org

Free Tutoring in Reading
One in four children is reading below grade level in Colorado Springs. If your child is one of them, Children’s Literacy Center offers free one-to-one tutoring! Children are matched with trained volunteer tutors and meet twice a week for an hour each session. Visit our website for more information, or contact Pamela at number or email address above today to see if your child is eligible for enrollment.

Garden Ranch YMCA

Information: (719) 593-9622

Family Climbing Wall
Our family climbing wall provides fun for all ages. You'll be amazed how young elementary school children can climb the overhanging wall by the "mountain slide." For a challenge for the entire family, come to one of our instructional classes and learn how to climb safely. The Climbing Wall is open Monday through Thursday.
Time: 5:00 - 7:30 pm

Water Slide
Our water slide is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Call for a pool schedule and information on swimming lessons offered all year long.
Time: Fridays: 5:00 – 6:30 pm; Saturdays: 4:00 – 5:30 pm; Sundays: 2:00 – 3:30 pm

Aerials Gymnastics

Location: 1789 South 8th St.
Information: (719) 578-1006

Monkey Gym Free Play
Kids ages walking through kindergarten are invited to come explore our gym on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Fridays to enjoy trampolines, bounce house, ropes, mats, and more! Parents must supervise. The cost is $6.00 per child. Fun packs are available; buy 9 and get 1 free!
Time: Noon - 2:00 pm

My Time Open Gym
Open Gym is available each Wednesday for kids ages 6 - teens. Trainers are standing by to help your kids get the skills they "gotta” have! The cost is $10.00 per child.
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Urban Open Gym
Open Gym is available each Wednesday for kids ages 6 - teens. This open gym is for street-style enthusiasts. Practice with safety & get pointers. The cost is $15.00 per child.
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 pm

Nature & Outdoor Activities

Wednesday Wellness Walk
Join us every Wednesday morning for a free one-, two-, or three-mile measured walk at the Garden. Following the hike, join our participants for free nourishment in the Garden café with an educational conversation about the Park. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water, hat, and sunscreen as needed. Call if you have questions.
Location: Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
Time: 9:00 am
Information: (719) 219-0108; www.gardenofgods.com

Pre-School Program
Each Friday at the Red Rocks Room there’ll be a Storytime. Each week has a different topic followed by arts and crafts. Call for reservations
Location: Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
Time: 10:00 am
Information: (719) 219-0108; www.gardenofgods.com

Be a Junior Ranger!
This program is available year round at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. You can get a copy of the junior ranger workbook at the visitor center. After completing activities in the park and in the book, you can earn a junior ranger badge or patch. The junior ranger program usually takes a commitment of 1.5 – 2 hours. There is a variety of ranger-guided programs in the summer, but there are self-guided trails and other hiking trails available year round. This is an excellent place for kids to explore, discover, learn, and have fun!
Location: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant
Information: (719) 748-3253

Starsmore Discovery Center
We’re open for the season beginning on April 3. Come in and visit our interactive displays with the whole family. We have snacks and drinks available for purchase in our gift shop so you will be well supplied for your “hike” up the Columbine Trail. The cañon holds many opportunities for discovery and Starsmore is your entrance to the cañon with guided hikes, nature programs, birthday parties and camps during spring and summer season.
Location: Starsmore Discovery Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd.
Time: Tuesday – Saturday; 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Information: (719) 385-6086: www.cheyennecanon.org

Miscellaneous Activities

Chick-fil-A Kids Club
Songs, crafts and a visit from the Chick-fil-A Cow. Meet your Pre-School age friends for fun at Chick-fil-A.
Call for more info.
Location: Colorado Springs Area Chick-fil-A
Time: Tuesdays – Garden of the Gods; 9:00 – 10:30 am
Wednesdays – N. Carefree & Powers; 9:00 – 11:00 am
Thursdays – N. Academy; 9:00 – 11:00 am
Information: (719) 599-5416

Free Thoughts-Free Kids
Are you looking for a reason and a fun way to be a part of your child’s learning activities? Check out the Freethinkers of Colorado Springs group for families. Free Thoughts-Free Kids promotes humanist principles with science, nature, and ethics projects and events. The group's focus is on fun critical thinking activities and provides secular families with an opportunity to make new friends. Meetings and events are held the first Sunday of the month.
Information: (719) 210-9332; http://www.freethinkerscs.com

Kodiak Klub
You are invited to join this playgroup for 0-3 year olds, parents, grandparents, and nannies. There will be song time, storytelling, and socializing. We offer varied activities and themes every Wednesday. Drop in for this free and casual playgroup!
Location: Trianon Historic Library, The Colorado Springs School, 21 Broadmoor Avenue
Time: 8:15 - 10:15 am
Information: (719) 475-9747; www.css.org

Kids Club
For $2.00, your child, age 5 - 12, can make a fun craft while you shop.
Location: Michael’s Arts and Crafts Store, 3040 N. Powers
Time: 10:00 am - Noon
Information: (719) 622-9521