Fun in the City
If you did something with your refugee family in the city that worked really well, please share it!
Idea #1: To the Mountains!
It is fun to expose refugees to what makes living in Colorado great! Take your family to see the mountains. Go to Mt. Evans, Rocky Mountain National Park, Red Rocks, Garden of the Gods, or some other favorite spot. Make sure to budget for gas money, food for everyone, and park entrance fees (if applicable). Dress appropriately for the altitude that you are going to and bring lots of water! Unless you are confident that your refugee family will want to, I wouldn't plan on doing a lot of hiking.
Idea #2: Thrifting/Garage Sale Shopping
Refugees don't have a lot of money. Therefore, it is great to teach them how to make their money go further. Take them to a local thrift store and help them pick out some new clothes! If they do not know what clothing often costs here, possibly take them to a regular clothing store first (but don't buy anything). If there are garage sales happening, this can be an even better way to save money. Make sure that the family has cash for it and knows that you can barter!
Idea #3: Farmer's Market
Take the family to a local farmer's market. Get some fresh produce, teach some new words, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and let the kids run around and see new things.
List of Ideas for Social Activities: (no $: free, $: 1-5 dollars per person, $$: 6-10 dollars per person, $$$- 11-20 dollars per person, $$$$- 20+ per person)
· Explore the City: While some of these tours are free, reservations may be required.
o 16th Street Mall
o Capitol Building Walking Tour
o Celestial Seasonings Tour, Boulder
o Denver Mint Tour
o Elitch Gardens $$$$
o Lakeside Amusement Park $$$
o Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison
o Sporting Events $$$-$$$$
o Water World $$$$
· Exploring Nature:
o Drive up Mt. Evans
o Picnic at a local park $
o Rocky Mountain National Park ($ 20 per car)
o Take a hike in the mountains
o Visit a farm
o Red Rocks
· Museums: Many museums hold free days, check their website or call. Also, check out the possibility of a group rate.
o Art Museum $$$
o Botanic Gardens $$$
o Denver Zoo $$$
o Downtown Aquarium $$$
o Butterfly Pavilion $$
o Children’s Museum $$
o Colorado Train Museum $$
o Colorado History Museum $$
o Fiske Planetarium $$
o Tiny Town $
· Plain, old fun activities:
o Bowling $$
o Concerts- Free-$$$$ (Check online for free concerts!)
o Dinner out $$-$$$$
o Ice Cream! $
o Invite the family to your home for dinner or games
o Go dancing- group dances like line or square dancing is especially good
o Learn to play a favorite sport from the refugee’s country- or teach them your favorite!
o Movies- Free-$$$ (Check online for free movies out- or rent a movie in the native language of your family, and watch it with subtitles!)
o Plays ($-$$$$) - Denver Center of Performing Arts, or check out what’s showing at your local high school!
o Scavenger Hunt
o Share a hobby!
o Swimming $
o Volunteer at a local charity together
· Seasonal Activities:
o Cherry Creek Art Festival (July)
o Christmas Light Browsing (check out the City and County Building in Denver)
o Denver Pow-Wow (March) $$
o Ethnic Festivals $$-$$$$
o National Western Stock Show (January) $$$$
o Taste of Colorado (Free admission, but $$ for the food!)
· Great websites for additional, to the date activities:
o www.thingstodo.com/states/CO
o http://www.denver.org/events(/freeevents for some great free ideas!)