"Bored in the house, and I'm in the house bored."
Do you feel me?
Despite the fact that we haven't had our typical dark, cold winter this year, it is still a tough time of year to have kids at home. We need to get off of the electronics and do SOMETHING, ANYTHING outside.
So, I decided to compile a list of my Top 5 outdoor places to have free fun with your family. Today we are focusing on Littleton. Next up is Lakewood!
I've been a parent in this community for more than 20 years. I can do this. I am perfectly capable of finding five free fun things to do. Right? Right.
Head back in time to 19th Century Littleton farms at this little gem of a museum. Like farm animals? They've got 'em. Love history? They've got that, too. They even have staff and volunteers dressed in period costumes to show what life was really like on the farm sites, in the working blacksmith shop, and in Littleton's first one-room school house. We've been big fans for 20+ years, and enjoy visiting for both special events and during regular museum hours. My favorite part is that you can hit the museum for an hour or several... whatever you have time for... but it always works for lifting your spirits.
FUN FACT: My hubs has started volunteering at the museum as a historical interpreter. He's the really tall guy who is typically found near the school house on Sundays. Let him know that MacKID sent you!
The museum is open and free Tuesday through Sunday.
I'm going to be real honest here. I hesitated including this one on my list for purely selfish reasons. This was my go to activity with the kids during the height of COVID. No, I do not skate (or scooter, or bike). But my kids do, and they were willing to go early in the morning before it got crowded. There is something peaceful about grabbing my favorite breakfast and setting up shop at the skate park when the birds are chirping and the sun is just coming up, despite the fact that I am definitely not a morning person. Sometimes we'd stay for hours. I would advise checking the weather and picking the warmer days, but you should try it. It's lovely.
Need a change of scenery? Whether you want to explore on your own, or participate in a more guided program, South Platte has an activity for your family, no matter what aged kids you have. We've walked, biked, scootered, skateboarded, picnicked, even created our own photo shoot scavenger hunts. We always have fun and it's always in the budget!
It may surprise you to learn that Littleton offers some pretty cool historic stories. Use the following links to visit historic spots in Littleton and to learn lots of fun facts about our little city.
- Videos about Littleton
- Historic Walking Tour Map and Photos
- It should be noted that the description links are not working, but the map and old photos are intact.
- Historic Sites in Littleton
Yup. I'm telling you to go hang out in a cemetery with your kids. It sounds a little weird, but I'm telling you, it is so interesting and your kids will love it. Granted, I think this one is best for ages 10 and up, but they will definitely think you are cool for coming up with this family field trip.
Why is it so interesting? Well, there are quite a few famous early Littleton citizens buried there, with some really fascinating stories. My kids really like history, and they got into doing some research before we went to the cemetery, and then locating the graves. You can even take it a step further by taking the self guided Historic Littleton Walking Tour and visit their houses. The most famous cemetery resident is Alfred Packer, the only man in United States history ever convicted of a crime related to cannibalism.
Know of another great outdoor activity in Littleton? Email me!
