The Arvada Center offers award-winning, professional regional theater (both plays and musicals); Denver's best children's theater; a wide variety of concerts; classical and contemporary dance performances; nationally recognized gallery exhibitions; a history museum; and over 600 arts and humanities classes each year for students of all ages.

First, of course, you have to get the kids to leave the fabulous playground! Designed by local artist Bill Gian (known for his metal sculptures in downtown Denver as well as his candle-holders at the Wynkoop Brewery), the 343-foot-long Squiggles is the focal point; the multi-colored, multi-textured concrete sculpture, its head raised, its body moving in and out of the earth is a magnet for climbers of all ages, and parents are especially grateful for the padded surface underneath!

Seven other sculptures keep Squiggles company when kids go home; three are concrete creatures' heads, which were completed during the construction of the playground.

The best surprise for newbies, though, are the talking trash cans, including a voice that says "Hey baby, it's hot down here" and a variety of animal sounds including pigs and horses.

When you finally get inside, check out the children's theater season, which features at least three productions each year, one of which is usually an original script commissioned by the Center.

Kids' classes include ArtStart, performing arts, music (instruments and theory), visual arts, ceramics, ballet, and more. Call 720.898.7200 for further information or to request a class catalog.

The Arvada Center also houses two gallery spaces - one upstairs and one downstairs across from the box office - that feature 12 to 15 exhibitions annually. The shows tend to focus primarily on contemporary art from local, national and international artists.

The Historical Museum may be visited by appointment. If you have a group, museum tours and accompanying participatory plays can be booked by calling 720.898.7255.

Watch for Family Arts Days, a great, affordable way to treat your family to an afternoon of arts experiences. Each Family Arts Day includes tickets to a family performance along with a backstage tour, gallery or museum tour, and/or a special, hands-on workshop. Kids must be five years or older and accompanied by an adult.

CMA specializes in music education for children. The curriculum focuses on age-appropriate activities designed to develop lifelong musical appreciation and aptitude. Skills presented include piano and keyboard playing, note reading, ear training, singing, harmony, rhythm, composition, ensemble playing, recorder, and guitar.

Christian Youth Theater offers classes in acting, voice, dance, improv, tech, and other specialty performing arts areas. Participants perform in three Broadway-style musicals each year. Summer camp programs are also offered at several locations in the metro area.

The Colorado Children's Chorale has been presenting professional concerts and offering educational opportunities for unchanged voices for more than three decades. The diverse repertoire ranges from fully-staged opera and musical theater, to standard choral compositions in classical, folk, and popular traditions.

The chorale annually trains 400 members between the ages of seven and 14 and performs by invitation nationally and internationally. Auditions are held each May and June.

The CYPB is a nonprofit music and dance performance organization dedicated to traditional Celtic music and dance arts. New pipers and drummers may visit any Monday evening (6pm-8pm; check the calendar) to see what it is all about.

Summer camp and classes are available. The Band is also available for special performances.

Dana Vachharajani Music offers private voice, piano, and violin lessons, choir, audition prep, college prep, and music theory. Students can develop life-long artistic skills and study with professional and highly-qualified instructors in a low pressure environment.

The DaVinci Center for Creative Arts offers programs in Suzuki and traditional piano, private and group voice classes, dance, art, acting, Spanish singing, guitar (jazz and classical), and martial arts. Creation Workshops culminate in theatre/musical productions, showcasing original student compositions.

Summer Camp programs and birthday party packages are also available.

The Denver Young Artists Orchestra (DYAO) was formed in 1977 under the auspices of the Denver Symphony Orchestra as a means for Colorado's most talented young musicians to rehearse and perform together under demanding professional standards. DYAO has operated independently since 1979, but has maintained a close relationship with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

Offering classes and instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, violin, brass, woodwinds, dance, and theatrical arts. Summer camps and programs are also offered.

Offering classes and instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, violin, brass, woodwinds, dance, and theatrical arts. Summer camps and programs are also offered.

The Flatiron Youth Chorale is a children's performing choir that takes a fun approach to a child's musical development.

In rehearsals, the choir explores music theory, vocal technique, social behavior, and ensemble behavior. Singers have the opportunity to learn to sing in different styles and languages as well as learning the value of sharing their talent with the community. No audition required.

The Front Range Youth Symphony Orchestras bring together talented young musicians from across the Front Range for a unique study and training in Orchestral repertoire. Developed from a merger of the former Golden Youth and Arvada Center Youth Symphonies in 1990, the program has three levels of participation.

The program is offered as an enhancement to school music programs and all FRYS students participate in their school's instrumental music programs. Auditions are held annually in May. Auditions for openings that may exist are held throughout the year by appointment. Features of the orchestras include weekly rehearsals (September through April), at least three performances per season at the Arvada Center , professional section coaches/guest artists/master classes, summer camp, and local and national touring. Weekly rehearsals are held at the Arvada Center.

The Front Range Youth Symphony Orchestras bring together talented young musicians from across the Front Range for a unique study and training in Orchestral repertoire. Developed from a merger of the former Golden Youth and Arvada Center Youth Symphonies in 1990, the program has three levels of participation.

The program is offered as an enhancement to school music programs and all FRYS students participate in their school's instrumental music programs. Auditions are held annually in May. Auditions for openings that may exist are held throughout the year by appointment. Features of the orchestras include weekly rehearsals (September through April), at least three performances per season at the Arvada Center , professional section coaches/guest artists/master classes, summer camp, and local and national touring. Weekly rehearsals are held at the Arvada Center.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best party/playspace for little kids in Denver, Gymboree offers play, music, and art classes - in a brightly colored, tactilely exciting environment - for children ages newborn-five. Classes emphasize physical and social development (and peer support for parents), sneaked in under the guise of simply having a lot of fun. Prospective students are invited to check out a free trial class; call the location you're interested in to arrange or just drop in.

Play classes are divided up into age-appropriate groups that meet at different times. Children and their parents sing, make music, move, explore, and play with props like a parachute and a large ball, in an environment geared toward the age group's interests and abilities.

Music classes help kids learn about and explore music through age-appropriate songs and music play, instrument exploration, movement, and emphasis on melody, pitch, and rhythm and other music basics.

Art classes engage kids in a wide variety of arts experiences, with a focus on allowing kids to exercise their creativity.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Gymboree gives you a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and a Gymboree class. You have a chance to personalize the party by selecting a theme your child will appreciate.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best party/playspace for little kids in Denver, Gymboree offers play, music, and art classes - in a brightly colored, tactilely exciting environment - for children ages newborn-five. Classes emphasize physical and social development (and peer support for parents), sneaked in under the guise of simply having a lot of fun. Prospective students are invited to check out a free trial class; call the location you're interested in to arrange or just drop in.

Play classes are divided up into age-appropriate groups that meet at different times. Children and their parents sing, make music, move, explore, and play with props like a parachute and a large ball, in an environment geared toward the age group's interests and abilities.

Music classes help kids learn about and explore music through age-appropriate songs and music play, instrument exploration, movement, and emphasis on melody, pitch, and rhythm and other music basics.

Art classes engage kids in a wide variety of arts experiences, with a focus on allowing kids to exercise their creativity.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Gymboree gives you a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and a Gymboree class. You have a chance to personalize the party by selecting a theme your child will appreciate.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best party/playspace for little kids in Denver, Gymboree offers play, music, and art classes - in a brightly colored, tactilely exciting environment - for children ages newborn-five. Classes emphasize physical and social development (and peer support for parents), sneaked in under the guise of simply having a lot of fun. Prospective students are invited to check out a free trial class; call the location you're interested in to arrange or just drop in.

Play classes are divided up into age-appropriate groups that meet at different times. Children and their parents sing, make music, move, explore, and play with props like a parachute and a large ball, in an environment geared toward the age group's interests and abilities.

Music classes help kids learn about and explore music through age-appropriate songs and music play, instrument exploration, movement, and emphasis on melody, pitch, and rhythm and other music basics.

Art classes engage kids in a wide variety of arts experiences, with a focus on allowing kids to exercise their creativity.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Gymboree gives you a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and a Gymboree class. You have a chance to personalize the party by selecting a theme your child will appreciate.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best party/playspace for little kids in Denver, Gymboree offers play, music, and art classes - in a brightly colored, tactilely exciting environment - for children ages newborn-five. Classes emphasize physical and social development (and peer support for parents), sneaked in under the guise of simply having a lot of fun. Prospective students are invited to check out a free trial class; call the location you're interested in to arrange or just drop in.

Play classes are divided up into age-appropriate groups that meet at different times. Children and their parents sing, make music, move, explore, and play with props like a parachute and a large ball, in an environment geared toward the age group's interests and abilities.

Music classes help kids learn about and explore music through age-appropriate songs and music play, instrument exploration, movement, and emphasis on melody, pitch, and rhythm and other music basics.

Art classes engage kids in a wide variety of arts experiences, with a focus on allowing kids to exercise their creativity.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Gymboree gives you a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and a Gymboree class. You have a chance to personalize the party by selecting a theme your child will appreciate.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best party/playspace for little kids in Denver, Gymboree offers play, music, and art classes - in a brightly colored, tactilely exciting environment - for children ages newborn-five. Classes emphasize physical and social development (and peer support for parents), sneaked in under the guise of simply having a lot of fun. Prospective students are invited to check out a free trial class; call the location you're interested in to arrange or just drop in.

Play classes are divided up into age-appropriate groups that meet at different times. Children and their parents sing, make music, move, explore, and play with props like a parachute and a large ball, in an environment geared toward the age group's interests and abilities.

Music classes help kids learn about and explore music through age-appropriate songs and music play, instrument exploration, movement, and emphasis on melody, pitch, and rhythm and other music basics.

Art classes engage kids in a wide variety of arts experiences, with a focus on allowing kids to exercise their creativity.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Gymboree gives you a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and a Gymboree class. You have a chance to personalize the party by selecting a theme your child will appreciate.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best party/playspace for little kids in Denver, Gymboree offers play, music, and art classes - in a brightly colored, tactilely exciting environment - for children ages newborn-five. Classes emphasize physical and social development (and peer support for parents), sneaked in under the guise of simply having a lot of fun. Prospective students are invited to check out a free trial class; call the location you're interested in to arrange or just drop in.

Play classes are divided up into age-appropriate groups that meet at different times. Children and their parents sing, make music, move, explore, and play with props like a parachute and a large ball, in an environment geared toward the age group's interests and abilities.

Music classes help kids learn about and explore music through age-appropriate songs and music play, instrument exploration, movement, and emphasis on melody, pitch, and rhythm and other music basics.

Art classes engage kids in a wide variety of arts experiences, with a focus on allowing kids to exercise their creativity.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Gymboree gives you a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and a Gymboree class. You have a chance to personalize the party by selecting a theme your child will appreciate.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best party/playspace for little kids in Denver, Gymboree offers play, music, and art classes - in a brightly colored, tactilely exciting environment - for children ages newborn-five. Classes emphasize physical and social development (and peer support for parents), sneaked in under the guise of simply having a lot of fun. Prospective students are invited to check out a free trial class; call the location you're interested in to arrange or just drop in.

Play classes are divided up into age-appropriate groups that meet at different times. Children and their parents sing, make music, move, explore, and play with props like a parachute and a large ball, in an environment geared toward the age group's interests and abilities.

Music classes help kids learn about and explore music through age-appropriate songs and music play, instrument exploration, movement, and emphasis on melody, pitch, and rhythm and other music basics.

Art classes engage kids in a wide variety of arts experiences, with a focus on allowing kids to exercise their creativity.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Gymboree gives you a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and a Gymboree class. You have a chance to personalize the party by selecting a theme your child will appreciate.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best party/playspace for little kids in Denver, Gymboree offers play, music, and art classes - in a brightly colored, tactilely exciting environment - for children ages newborn-five. Classes emphasize physical and social development (and peer support for parents), sneaked in under the guise of simply having a lot of fun. Prospective students are invited to check out a free trial class; call the location you're interested in to arrange or just drop in.

Play classes are divided up into age-appropriate groups that meet at different times. Children and their parents sing, make music, move, explore, and play with props like a parachute and a large ball, in an environment geared toward the age group's interests and abilities.

Music classes help kids learn about and explore music through age-appropriate songs and music play, instrument exploration, movement, and emphasis on melody, pitch, and rhythm and other music basics.

Art classes engage kids in a wide variety of arts experiences, with a focus on allowing kids to exercise their creativity.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Gymboree gives you a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and a Gymboree class. You have a chance to personalize the party by selecting a theme your child will appreciate.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best party/playspace for little kids in Denver, Gymboree offers play, music, and art classes - in a brightly colored, tactilely exciting environment - for children ages newborn-five. Classes emphasize physical and social development (and peer support for parents), sneaked in under the guise of simply having a lot of fun. Prospective students are invited to check out a free trial class; call the location you're interested in to arrange or just drop in.

Play classes are divided up into age-appropriate groups that meet at different times. Children and their parents sing, make music, move, explore, and play with props like a parachute and a large ball, in an environment geared toward the age group's interests and abilities.

Music classes help kids learn about and explore music through age-appropriate songs and music play, instrument exploration, movement, and emphasis on melody, pitch, and rhythm and other music basics.

Art classes engage kids in a wide variety of arts experiences, with a focus on allowing kids to exercise their creativity.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Gymboree gives you a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and a Gymboree class. You have a chance to personalize the party by selecting a theme your child will appreciate.

Kamp Kutandara is a cross-cultural program providing kids an age-approriate, hands-on experience exploring a wide range of music, dance, and art from Africa in a day camp setting. Kids play and learn by ear and build their musical confidence on all levels.

Kindermusik's flexible, gently structured program is designed to foster creative expression through musical learning through developmentally appropriate music and movement instruction for children in the early stages of development. Since a parent or caregiver must attend each session, it's also a nice way to meet other parents and find new playmates for your child.

Many sessions, ranging from one to 15 weeks in duration, are available for children ages 18 months to seven years in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. There is a materials fee of approximately $20 per session for a CD or tape plus handouts. See the website for details about locations, class schedules, and fees.

Free Kindermusik preview classes are available for new students.

Kindermusik's flexible, gently structured program is designed to foster creative expression through musical learning through developmentally appropriate music and movement instruction for children in the early stages of development. Since a parent or caregiver must attend each session, it's also a nice way to meet other parents and find new playmates for your child.

Many sessions, ranging from one to 15 weeks in duration, are available for children ages 18 months to seven years in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. There is a materials fee of approximately $20 per session for a CD or tape plus handouts. See the website for details about locations, class schedules, and fees.

Free Kindermusik preview classes are available for new students.

The Littleton Youth Symphony Orchestra is open to string, brass, woodwind, and percussion players that are currently enrolled in their school's orchestra or band program. Students are selected for membership based on auditions held at the beginning of the school year. Practices are held weekly at Ken Caryl Middle School.

The Littleton Youth Symphony Orchestra is open to string, brass, woodwind, and percussion players that are currently enrolled in their school's orchestra or band program. Students are selected for membership based on auditions held at the beginning of the school year. Practices are held weekly at Ken Caryl Middle School.

The Mizel Center is east Denver's arts destination. The Wolf Theatre Academy's year-round drama classes for grades pre-K through 12 offer opportunities to work with theatrical professionals who are also experienced educators. The summer art academy for grades one through ten brings an amazing variety of one- and three-week classes that stimulate students' creativity and imaginations. Finally, the Denver Children's Theatre, named "Best Children's Theatre" by the Rocky Mountain News in 2004, offers performances for school groups and families.

Music Together is a nationwide educational program founded on the belief that all children are musical, and that music is a perfect way for even the youngest child to learn, create, communicate, connect, and grow.

Kids and their adult companions sing songs and chants together, do lap songs and tickle games, dance, and play drums and other instruments in an informal, creative, supportive, and fun atmosphere.

Classes are limited in size and typically meet for 45 minutes, once a week. Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend classes are available throughout the Denver metro area.

Special baby classes are available for infants up to eight months. Free demonstrations classes are available at the beginning of each session. There are four sessions each year.

Music Together is a nationwide educational program founded on the belief that all children are musical, and that music is a perfect way for even the youngest child to learn, create, communicate, connect, and grow.

Kids and their adult companions sing songs and chants together, do lap songs and tickle games, dance, and play drums and other instruments in an informal, creative, supportive, and fun atmosphere.

Classes are limited in size and typically meet for 45 minutes, once a week. Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend classes are available throughout the Denver metro area.

Special baby classes are available for infants up to eight months. Free demonstrations classes are available at the beginning of each session. There are four sessions each year.

Music Together of Boulder provides quality, research-based music and movement classes for children from birth through five years and the adults who love them. Classes are taught in a non-performance oriented, playful classroom. Several locations throughout Boulder County host classes. Visit the website for more information.

P'zazz (ages 9-12) and Dynamix (ages 13-15) are audition-only vocal ensembles for children who want to learn how to sing beautifully and how to perform professionally. Repertoires include Broadway show tunes, vocal jazz, and pop standards, performed 10 to 20 times annually in the Denver metro area.

Parlando School for the Arts offers music programs for all ages, from early childhood through adult. The curriculum includes private and small group lessons for all orchestral and band instruments, as well as voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, hammmered dulcimer, and percussion, through a broad spectrum of music classes. Students may begin lessons at any time during a semester. The program is based out of The Dairy Center for the Arts in Boulder. At-home lessons are also offered.

Celebrate a musical birthday with Parlando School for the Arts. Faculty members can provide an engaging and entertaining music program for party guests while Parlando provides the venue, tables, and chairs.

Summer camp programs are also offered.