Boulder County Kids Spring 2026 by Martinhouse Publications, Inc.

HEAD OUTSIDE HEAD OUTSIDE

Spring is here, and Boulder County is starting to wake up in the best ways. Longer days, brighter afternoons, and that familiar urge to get outside, try something new, and shake off the winter routine

This issue is home to our most anticipated section of the year: the CAMPS DIRECTORY.

Whether kids are drawn to art, science, sports, animals, or big outdoor adventures, this is the go-to resource for planning summer in Boulder County Start bookmarking favorites now, because spots fill quickly

For families ready to lean into the season at home, there are get gardening crafts to make together, plus spring recipes perfect for packing up and heading outside for a picnic. Simple, kid friendly, and made for those first warm days in the sun.

Inside, readers will also find Oak Thorne’s Signs of Spring, Julie Fernie’s guide to toddler friendly hikes with nature centers, and Lynne Milot from Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe sharing why play matters so much in child development

Thank you for welcoming Boulder County Kids into your home. This free community resource thrives because of local readers and supporters To connect, get involved, or advertise in a future issue, reach out anytime at info@bouldercountykids.com. Here’s to a season of fresh air, muddy shoes, and new memories

Isabella & Annie

(& our mascot Junie)

Boy has been a BCK mascot for over 20 years!

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS is a division of Martin House Publications, Inc Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November

address: 1464 E Easter

number: (303) 728-4798

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CO 80122

SUPERSTAR front cover

Cassidy is a 13-year-old seventh grader whose creativity and curiosity are at the heart of everything she does. As the artist behind this issue’s cover, she brings a thoughtful, playful perspective that reflects her love of experimenting and trying new things. Her artwork, currently titled “Power in Pixels,” was created using acrylic paints and small paint brushes, a medium she enjoys for the control and detail it allows, especially in projects like pixel art, which challenge her to slow down and focus

One of Cassidy’s favorite parts of art class is the opportunity to try unfamiliar styles and techniques She loves being pushed creatively and has grown tremendously through her time at Tinker Art Studio, where she’s learned how to take risks, trust her ideas, and stretch her imagination Creativity also shows up in her favorite school subject, ELA (English/Language Arts), where she enjoys being creative and often finds opportunities to draw alongside writing.

Outside of art, Cassidy stays active with volleyball, which is her main sport, and she looks forward to spring for both volleyball season and spring skiing. She loves warmer months in

Boulder County, especially hiking, swimming, and spending time outdoors with her family and their dog, Cosmo a two-year-old Great Pyrenees mix who still acts like a puppy

When she’s relaxing, Cassidy enjoys romcoms, pop music (depending on her mood), and oatmeal raisin cookies, especially from Panera Bread She previously played the the cello and hopes to learn the violin one day, drawn to the beautiful sound of string instruments. Looking ahead, Cassidy hopes to become an activist or work with refugees, inspired by how fulfilling it feels to help others and make a positive impact.

Tinker Art Studio partners with us to provide each cover artist winner a $50 prize Thank you, Tinker Art Studio, for supporting young local artists! For more information about Tinker Art Studio, please head to their listings in the After School and Birthday Party Directories Cassidy, 13, in her element

get gardening

SEED BOMBS

What you need:

6 sheets of construction paper (assorted colors)

3–5 packets of flower seeds

Scissors

Water

Small bowls or dishes (one per paper color)

Food processor or blender

Sheet pan or tray (for drying)

What you do:

1 Cut the construction paper into small squares, about 1 inch each

2 Sort the paper squares by color, placing each color into its own bowl or dish

3 Pour water into each bowl until the paper is just covered Let the paper soak for about 20 minutes.

4.Working with one color at a time, lift the soaked

POUR POT WIND CHIMES

What you need:

Old gardening pot

Waterproof string

Assorted beads

Paint

2 washers

CRAFTS

Spring is the perfect season to start learning some gardening skills!

simplelivingmama com sugarspiceandglitter com

paper out and wring it out about halfway so it’s still damp but not dripping

5 Place the damp paper into a food processor and pulse until it turns into pulp Return the pulp to its bowl Repeat with the remaining colors

6 Sprinkle flower seeds into each bowl of pulp and gently mix to distribute the seeds throughout

Kitchen tray (to contain mess and create a clear project space)

Waterproof sealer spray, optional

Scissors

7 Press small handfuls of the pulp into tight balls If the pulp feels too dry to hold its shape, sprinkle in a little water and try again

8.Set the seed bombs on a sheet pan or tray and let them dry overnight.

9.Once dry, plant or toss the seed bombs in a garden bed or anywhere flowers can grow, then water as needed to help them sprout.

What you do:

1 Set the gardening pot upside down on a kitchen tray to keep the paint contained and make cleanup easier

2 Cut several lengths of waterproof string or lace

Decide how long the hanging strands should be, then add extra length for tying knots and making a hanging loop at the top

3 String beads onto each piece of lace Leave a few inches un-beaded at the top of each strand for tying later Set the strands aside

Continued on Page 14

GET GARDENING CRAFTS (CONTINUED)

Pour Pot Wind Chimes Continued

4 Pour paint over the overturned pot, letting it pool on top and drip down the sides. For a layered effect, pour a second color directly into the center of the first puddle and let it spread and drip.

5.If the paint needs a little help dripping, gently run a finger along the bottom edge of the pot to encourage the paint to flow downward

6 Let the paint dry completely on the tray

7 If desired, spray the pot with a waterproof sealer once dry This step is optional, but helps prevent fading or chipping if the wind chime will be exposed to the elements Let the sealer dry completely

TIN CAN BIRD FEEDER

What you need:

Tin can

Paint

Paint brush

Awl

String

Hot glue or other strong glue

Popsicle stick

Bird seed

Scissors

Newspaper or paper towels

What you do:

8 Tie the beaded strands securely to one washer, spacing them out so they hang evenly

9.Feed the loose ends of the strands up through the pot’s drainage hole and tie them securely around the second washer on the inside of the pot to hold everything in place.

10.Gather the strand ends above the pot and tie them together into a sturdy knot, leaving a loop at the top for hanging the wind chime

3 Cut a long piece of string and thread it through both holes, knotting each end securely inside the can so it can’t slip back through Tie the string ends together above the can to create a hanger

4 Hot glue a popsicle stick inside the can as a perch, leaving enough sticking out for birds to land on. Let the glue dry.

5.Fill with bird seed, then hang the feeder outside and watch for visitors!

1 Cover your work surface with newspaper or paper towels Paint the tin can, then let it dry completely (If adding more colors or a second coat, let each layer dry before painting again )

2.Once dry, lay the can on its side and use an awl to poke two holes for hanging: one near the lid, and one directly across from it on the opposite side closer to the bottom.

SIGNS OF SPRING

by Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II

Every year as winter is winding down, I start looking for signs of spring. The most familiar one for me is the call of the male Red-winged Blackbird coming from a nearby marsh or meadow. In most species of Passerine (perching) birds, it is the male who sings in order to stake out his territory and attract a female mate The male Red-wing sings “Oak-a-lee,” which is my first name! Another early spring bird song around here is that of the House Finch. It is a complicated trilling and garbling of various notes. I started to learn a few common bird songs when I was six years old! You might like to start learning to identify some of the bird songs that you hear around your home In this respect, the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology has a great program called Merlin that you might

find to be of good use to you Your parents should be able to help you find it on line

Another good sign of spring to look for is the swelling of buds on the trees and bushes as they get ready to burst into new leaf growth. Keep an eye on the bushes and trees around you to see when they start to swell from their dormant winter size. Also look for bulb plants beginning to grow, like tulips, hyacinths, or daffodils Look for other kinds of plants popping out of the ground This is indeed spring beginning to bloom everywhere!

I grew up on sixty acres on the south shore of Long Island, New York. The previous owner had planted about a hundred daffodil bulbs in an area close to the woods. Each spring these would blossom into a mass of yellow flowers. I think maybe that is why today my favorite color is yellow!

I would usually look for the first American Robin to appear on our newly green lawn, cocking its head to listen for worms moving in the ground. It would soon pull out a luscious long worm for a good breakfast meal. A spring rain helps to bring the worms closer to the surface of the ground, to the Robin’s delight.

Hyacinths in bloom

Daffodils in bloom

Tulips in bloom

Male Red-winged Blackbird

Male House Finch

As a boy, I loved playing in the spring rain As the rainwater ran down our gravel road, I would make little dams to control the direction of the flow. I didn’t go home and tell my mom and dad that I had been studying the physics of water flow, but that’s exactly what I had been doing! This is a good example of “wild play,” which is such an important part of childhood development

A major change in the weather is certainly a good sign of spring “It’s getting warmer,” I would say to my family with a big smile. I was always glad to hear the weather report on the radio as being “warm and sunny tomorrow.”

Of course, Easter eggs and bunnies and jellybeans are delightful signs of spring to most children, and even for adults Can you think of your own signs of spring that are important to you? I bet you can Start making your own list in your journal right now

Dr Thorne is founder and honorary president of Thorne Nature Experience (formerly Thorne Ecological Institute), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Lafayette (a suburb of Boulder) For 71 years they have helped “connect youth to nature!” For information about their programs, please check their website at www.thornenature.org or email info@thornenature.org or call (303) 499-3647, EXT. 100.

Dew drops after a spring rain

Male American Robin feeding worm to infant robins in a nest

INCLUSION CORNER with Miss Katie

Spring into Inclusive Learning and Play

As the days grow longer and the flowers begin to bloom, spring offers countless opportunities for families to connect, learn, and play together. This edition of Inclusion Corner focuses on ways to embrace the season with activities and books designed to include children of all abilities.

Activities for Families

Springtime is perfect for exploration and creativity. Below are a few inclusive activities to help children engage with the beauty of the season:

Nature Walks with a Twist: Transform a simple nature walk into a sensory scavenger hunt! Create a list of springtime items to find or feel, such as soft flower petals, rough tree bark, or the sound of chirping birds. This is a great way to help children with sensory processing differences engage with the outdoors.

Tip: Make the walk wheelchair-accessible by visiting local paved trails. Check out Boulder County Parks and Open Space for inclusive trail options

Planting Kindness: Gardening is a therapeutic and educational activity for children of all abilities Start a small garden with easy-to-grow plants like sunflowers, herbs, or tomatoes Incorporate adaptive tools or raised beds for accessibility.

At-Home Idea: Create a "kindness garden" where each plant represents a kind act or positive memory shared by the family.

Books for Kids

Reading is a wonderful way to foster empathy and understanding Here are a few books that promote inclusion and celebrate diversity:

Picture Books: My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woloson: A sweet story about the friendship between two children, one with Down syndrome

The Thing About Bees: A Love Letter by Shabazz Larkin: A beautifully illustrated book connecting the importance of bees to love and acceptance.

Middle Grade: A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll: Follow the story of a young girl with autism advocating for change in her town.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt: A moving tale about a girl with dyslexia finding her strengths with the help of a supportive teacher

Spring is a time for growth, learning, and joy. By embracing inclusive activities and tapping into local resources, families can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive Let’s make this season one of discovery, kindness, and togetherness for all!

Happy spring from Inclusion Corner!

Katie Buckley is a high school special education teacher who teaches in a program for students with cognitive disabilities. She was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, before going to Texas to get her Bachelor‘s and Master’s in Special Education from Texas Christian University.

NOW ENROLLING FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR

MINI ‘CARROT’ PEPPERS

alekasgettogethercom

What you need:

10-12 mini bell peppers, orange

1 bunch of carrot stems OR dill fronds (for the "carrot" leaves)

4 oz cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoon sour cream

1 chopped scallion

1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill

1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

⅛ teaspoon salt

What you do:

Lay your peppers onto a cutting board and slice them parallel to the cutting board length-wise. This is important to do this way if you want your peppers to lay flat rather than tilted on their side.

fromvalerieskitchen com

OATMEAL BANANA MUFFINS pack for a picnic!

What you need:

1 ½ cup old fashioned oats

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup granulated sugar

¾ cup buttermilk

¼ cup canola or vegetable oil

12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), melted and cooled

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 very ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

2 Once your peppers are halved, remove any seeds or white ribs if you prefer

3 Add all filling ingredients to a bowl or mixer and mix until well blended.

4.Using a spoon, neatly fill your peppers with the herb cream cheese.

5.Pull off a few dill fronds and press the ends into the top of your peppers. The cream cheese filling should hold the stems in place nicely.

6.Chill until your ready to serve!

What you do:

1.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with cupcake liners.

2.Place the oats on a rimmed baking sheet and transfer it to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Set aside to cool.

3.Combine the oats, flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl and stir to mix

4 In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, buttermilk, and oil Add the melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, and mashed bananas, and whisk to combine

5 Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and use a spoon to stir just until all the dry ingredients are moist Stir in the chocolate chips

Continued on Page 20

SPRING RECIPES (CONTINUED)

Oatmeal Banana Muffins continued

6 Spray a ⅓-cup dry measure with non-stick cooking spray. Scoop out a heaping ⅓ cup of batter to fill each cup in your muffin pan. You may need to spray the measuring cup with additional non-stick cooking spray in between scoops if the batter begins sticking.

7.Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and the tops of the muffins spring back when touched. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly

8 Delicious served warm or cold

FOLDED KIMBAP SANDWICH

What you need:

Rice

1¼ cups cooked short-grain rice (leftover works best)

1 tsp sesame oil

Salt, to taste

Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Wrap

4 sheets gim (kimbap seaweed) or nori Fillings

4 eggs (sunny-side up or omelet, sliced)

1 can tuna, drained

Mayonnaise (2–4 Tbsp, to taste)

Gochujang (to taste)

greedygirlgourmet com

½ cup kimchi, squeezed dry and chopped Optional: pan-fried SPAM, lettuce leaves, perilla leaves, etc

What you do:

1 Season the rice If the rice is warm, spread it out to cool slightly Mix with sesame oil, a little salt, and sesame seeds if using

2 Prep the fillings Cook the eggs Mix drained tuna with mayonnaise and a little gochujang Squeeze the kimchi very dry and chop (use raw or quickly sauté in a little sesame oil, if desired).

3.Cut the seaweed. On each sheet, cut a slit from the middle of one long side to the center (just halfway in).

4.Assemble. Lay the seaweed flat. Add fillings to each section and pack a small mound of rice into one section (wet fingers help keep rice from sticking)

5 Fold Fold the sections over one at a time to make a compact, layered square sandwich

6 Serve Eat as-is or slice in half with a sharp knife If saving for later, wrap tightly

Tip: Keep “wet” fillings (tuna, kimchi) on a lettuce leaf if you have one it helps keep the seaweed from getting soggy

Toddler-Friendly Hikes

with Nature Centers

By Julie Fernie

Walking through nature creates a panoply of sensory input There are sights to see, sounds to hear, aromas to smell and textures to touch For young children, each of these sensory inputs is an opportunity to learn about the world Research shows that physical activity helps children learn - and even helps them enjoy the learning process more than simply teaching the same information Pairing a nature walk with a visit to a nature center creates an ideal way to introduce young children to animals and concepts about the natural world.

All of the nature centers highlighted below include displays of animals. One idea to boost fun and learning is to look at the animals together and demonstrate the animal's noise and walking pattern. You can then make this a guessing game while out on the trail by having your group take turns imitating the animal and having the rest of your group guess which animal it is Expect giggles of delight with this game!

Here are five nature centers paired with a trail for your exploration Hours can vary by season; check each location’s website for the most up-to-date information

Niedrach Trail and Barr Lake State Park Nature Center (Brighton)

Parking: Barr Lake Nature Center (state park permit or daily pass required)

From the parking area, follow the trail southwest to a small bridge. Turn left and hike on the Barr Lake Loop trail a few steps to the sign for the Niedrach Trail. The Niedrach Trail makes a 0.5 mile loop. An observation deck allows for unobstructed views onto Barr Lake Approximate distance: 0 7 miles

The nature center has several historical exhibits and interactive coloring stations

*Image top right: Julie’s son at Mud Lake

Boy Scout Trail and Flagstaff Summit Nature Center (Boulder)

Parking: Flagstaff Summit East (road open May 1 to October 31, parking fee applies)

From the parking lot, follow the Boy Scout trail

0.4 miles to a junction. Turn right to hike 0.1 miles to May’s Point. This entire trail is rocky and the final 0.1 mile can be particularly fun for young children as they scramble over the rocks Enjoy views of Boulder Canyon and the continental divide Once at May’s Point, return back to the trailhead via the same route

Approximate distance: 1 0 mile

The nature center is a historic log building and is open Memorial Day through September Inside, explore animal displays and learn about the history of Boulder

Majestic View Park Trail and Majestic View Nature Center (Arvada)

Parking: Majestic View Park off West 72nd Avenue

From the playground parking lot, a paved trail proceeds 0.3 miles southwest to the Majestic View Nature Center The trail is flat and wide with expansive views of the foothills Once done at the nature center, enjoy extra play at the playground Approximate distance: 0 6 miles

This nature center features a simulated beaver den play area, interactive topographic maps and animals on display

Forest Loop Trail and Lookout Mountain Nature Center (Golden)

Parking: Lookout Mountain Preserve

From the parking lot, follow a trail to the right of the Lookout Mountain Nature Center to the Forest Loop Trail This trail makes a scenic loop through the grassy forest For a longer loop, add the Meadow Loop Trail for a total distance of 1 3 miles The Meadow Loop passes through a wide meadow Follow the trail back to the nature center Approximate distance: 0 7 miles or 1 3 miles

The Lookout Mountain Nature Center is an architecturally appealing building. Exhibits include antlers and fur to touch and areas for imaginative play.

Mud Lake Trail and Wild Bear Nature Center (Nederland)

Parking: Kinnikinnic Trailhead at Mud Lake (pit toilets only)

From the trailhead, follow the signs 0.1 miles to a picnic shelter. The lake emerges into view beyond the picnic shelter Follow the Tungsten Trail to make a loop around the lake (0 5 miles) There is a bench halfway Due to the higher elevation of this hike, expect snow through later spring Approximate distance: 0 7 miles Sadly, the Wild Bear Nature Center was destroyed in the October 2025 fire in Nederland A new facility is already in the works and is anticipated to open in 2026. Check wildbear.org for updates.

HAPPY

TRAILS!

Julie Fernie has a master’s degree in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University and works as a pediatric clinical exercise physiologist She has hiked all but a handful of trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Boulder County. Julie enjoys countless trail giggles and snacks while out hiking with her husband and young son.

*Image bottom left: Julie’s son at Lookout Mountain

THE IMPORTANCE OF

PLAY

Tby Lynne Milot

Foundress, Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppes

IN CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT

hrough a series of small discoveries, a newborn with fewer skills and survival techniques than a grasshopper ends their first year of life more advanced than any other non-human living organism. Because of this, it’s easy to respect the miracle of human life as we watch the drama of a child’s development unfold.

As children grow, play is learning and toys are their learning tools. When you consider how essential play is to a child’s development, you also realize the importance of an enriching environment and a careful, well-informed selection of their playthings.

Through play, children expand their intellectual abilities and creativity, while exploring their sense of self, as they begin to understand the world and how to express themselves individually within it

While each child shares the same developmental stages, they go through them in their own unique ways and timelines These stages are not clear-cut or well defined, and as parents and teachers, it’s our job to recognize, respect, and support each child as they master each successive developmental task

OPEN-ENDED PLAY

From the moment children start interacting with their environment, they learn through open-ended play According to Maria Montessori, ninety percent of brain development occurs from birth to age six, creating the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health She calls this sponge-like stage in a child’s development the Absorbent Mind Child-led, open-ended or unstructured play, has a focus on exploration rather than attaining a goal. Through this style of play, children are unconsciously mastering skills along with a foundation for future learning. Think of games like “house” or “school,” or building a fort or zoo. As kids play, they’re feeding their Absorbent Minds while building independence, solving problems, and developing a keen ability to focus

Open-ended toys support this style of play, as they are limited only by your child’s imagination Sturdy wooden blocks, for example, as well as magnetic

tiles and Legos are great examples of building toys that can be returned to repeatedly for years, for a variety of games. They have the added ability to allow for greater sophistication as your child ages. Other great examples of these kinds of toys include puppets, dress-up clothes, stuffed animals, Play-Doh, and trucks

THIS TYPE OF EXPLORATIVE PLAY:

Encourages creativity and imagination

Supports language development

Strengthens problem-solving skills

Develops fine-motor skills

Promotes physical development and large motor skills

Enhances social skills

Builds confidence and a sense of agency

Nurtures a positive attitude about learning

Develops neural plasticity

ENCOURAGE OPEN-ENDED PLAY BY...

Allowing time for independent play Young children need dedicated time each day to play independently Even with the busiest of schedules, it’s important to reserve blocks of time in the daily schedule to guarantee openended play is a priority for the family Providing open-ended materials. Basic toys such as blocks and capes and other costumes, as mentioned earlier, as well as “loose parts” like cardboard boxes, buttons, etc. can inspire children’s creativity and imaginations. These manipulatives allow children to use their creativity to develop their ideas while exploring their environment Creating a safe, enriched, and supportive environment Children need a play area where they can safely take risks and explore new things Ensure the space is free from hazards to allow children to express themselves freely Have toys and craft resources at child height, so it’s easily reachable and just as easily put away

Playing WITH your children While having fun, playing together will also strengthen your relationship During open-ended play, remember to join in without taking over Limit the amount of direction you offer Instead, encourage their imagination and creativity by letting them take charge of the activity.

Children naturally move from open-ended play to structured play as they grow. This type of play is adult-guided, goal-oriented, and rule-based. Think of board games, puzzles, or the steps required in following a recipe. Once a child has achieved a sense of self and agency, they are then equipped to participate in learning through structured play and its intrinsic lessons in discipline, logic, and teamwork Both openended and structured play work hand in hand to prepare kids to step into the community as healthy contributing adults

The staff at Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppes is on hand to support your efforts in seeking superior playthings to enhance your child’s development For a curated selection of toys, games, and books, please stop by our Boulder or Broomfield locations, or visit www grtoys com