This week’s events in alphabetical order.
Adams County Fairgrounds
SA|A variety of antique and collectible toys will be offered at the 17th annual “Toys Along the Rockies” featuring more than 150 dealers. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.|$4, children are free|9755 Henderson Road, 303-347-8252|BRIGHTON
American Mountaineering Center
SA|Michael Forsberg will give a presentation on his new book “On Ancient Wings,” 5 p.m. Forsberg is known for his photographic work on sandhill cranes|Free|710 10th St., call 303-786-8001, ext. 28, for reservations|GOLDEN
Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month
-MAY 31|The Colorado Archaeology Society, Colorado Historical Society and several government agencies are presenting a variety of programs to celebrate Colorado’s history and legacy. Call 303-866-2395 or visit www.coloradohistory-oahp.org for a schedule.
Ballpark Market
SA|An outdoor European-style flea market offering antique and vintage furnishings, art, collectibles and more. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The market is offered monthly. The next date is June 11|Free admission|Historic Ballpark Neighborhood located on Larimer Street between 21st and 22nd streets, www.ballparkmarket.com
Boulder County Fairgrounds
SA|The fifth annual Furry Friends Festival and the 12th annual Walk for Animals begins with a continental breakfast and music by Mojo Mama at 8:30 a.m. The Walk for Animals begins at 9:30 a.m. Activities, following the walk, include paw print painting, pet merchants, demonstrations and more. Mitch Jelnicker of KMGH-Channel 7 will host the fundraiser for the Longmont Humane Society. To register, visit the Longmont Humane Society at 9595 Nelson Road in Longmont or visit www.longmonthumane.org|9595 Nelson Road, 303-772-1232, ext. 64|LONGMONT
El Jebel Shrine Temple
|”An Old Fashioned Date Night” is the theme for a benefit concert and dance featuring Lannie Garrett and her AnySwing Goes band. A special VIP/Patron party begins at 6:30 p.m. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.|$50, patron tables are available for $1,000. Proceeds benefit Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Denver, a non-profit organization that helps homeless families|4625 W. 50th Ave., 303-623-1532, www.interfaithhospitality.org
Fat City Entertainment Center
SA|Game Crazy and Fat City video game stores are sponsoring a benefit video game tournament beginning at 1 p.m. Participants must at least 10 years old|$8 at the door, $5 in advance, proceeds benefit the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation to help seriously ill children|9670 W. Coal Mine Ave., 303-463-1986, www.gamecrazy.com|LITTLETON
Holiday Inn
-SU|More than 40 national dealers will be featured at the Rocky Mountain Stamp Show. “How To” and specialized seminars are also offered for beginners through advanced. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday|$1.50 for all three days, free children 16 and under|John Q. Hammons Trade Center, I-70 and Chambers Road, www.rockymountainstampshow.com|AURORA
Johnson & Wales University Events Center
SA|Colorado Heritage Camps presents “Spring Fling: A Celebration of Cultures” offering international foods, a cultural market, entertainment, crafts, games and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.|Admission is free, tickets are needed for food and events. Proceeds benefit camp activities|18th and Olive streets, www.heritagecamps.org
Monument
TH|The Historic Monument Merchants Association is presenting the 2005 Art Hop, 5-8 p.m. Five downtown galleries and several merchants will feature presentations, dining and more|719-481-3108|MONUMENT
North Jeffco Senior Center
SA|The third annual Arvada Cultural Performing Arts Festival offers music, dance and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Duke Street Kings will perform at 2:30 p.m.|Free|6842 Wadsworth Blvd., 720-898-7400, 303-421-2243|ARVADA
Tramway Building
SU|The Denver Center Theatre Academy is presenting a “Family Fun Forum” offering a variety of interactive events, noon-2 p.m. As families participate in activities, they can earn tokens to be redeemed for face painting, balloon animals, food and more|Free, reservations required|1101 13th St., 303-446-4892, www.denvercenter.org
NATURE
Audubon Society of Greater Denver
SA|Offering a Pawnee Grasslands Tour with naturalist Kevin Cook, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The tour begins at the Crow Valey Campground near Briggsdale. The cost is $30-$35 each|Call 303-973-9530 to register and for more information.
Bear Creek Nature Center
SA|”Geocaching: High-Tech Treasure Hunting,” 10 a.m.-noon. $10. Reservations required|$4|245 Bear Creek Road, 719-520-6387 |COLORADO SPRINGS
Butterfly Pavilion
Tropical conservatory for butterflies and other invertebrates. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily|$7.95 adults, $5.95 seniors and Westminster residents, $4.95 ages 4-12|6252 W. 104th Ave., 303-469-5441|WESTMINSTER
Castlewood Canyon State Park
This week’s programs include “International Migratory Bird Day,” 7-10 a.m. Saturday; “Archaeology and Engineering of the Castlewood Canyon Dam,” 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday; “Wildflower Walk,” 9-11 a.m. Sunday|Reservations required for all programs. $5 daily pass required on all vehicles entering the park or annual State Parks pass|2989 S. Colorado 83, 303-688-5242; www.parks.state.co.us|FRANKTOWN
Clear Spring Ranch
This El Paso County park offers a variety of habitats|Take Exit 123 off Interstate 25, 719-520-6745|COLORADO SPRINGS
Colorado State Parks
More than 300 miles of marked and unmarked affordable winter trail recreation for cross-country skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers at 39 parks throughout the state|$3-$5 per car|303-866-3203; www.coloradoparks.org
Denver Botanic Gardens
M|Free day for Colorado residents. “The Plants of Lewis & Clark” on display through July 31. Twenty-three acres featuring more than 32,000 plants from such distant places as Australia, Africa and the Himalayas. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Tuesday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday|1005 York St., 720-865-3500, www.denverbotanicgardens.org
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
The nature preserve offers nature trails, wildlife observation area, display gardens, educational exhibits, a historical farm, a 19th century one-room schoolhouse and more|8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, 303-973-3705|LITTLETON
Denver Zoo
The zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, representing 750 species. Visitors can experience an indoor rain forest in Tropical Discovery, sea lion show, gorilla, big cat feedings and more. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, admission gates close at 5 p.m.|$7-$11, free ages 3 and under|City Park, 303-376-4800, www.denverzoo.org
Discovery Science Center
Hands-on science museum with more than 110 interactive exhibits, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday|703 E. Prospect Road, 970-472-3990|FORT COLLINS
Eldorado Canyon State Park
TH|Free children’s program exploring the natural world with Ranger Mary, 10-11 a.m. Ages 3-5|Park entry, $5 per vehicle|Call for reservations, 719-520-6387|ELDORADO
Florissant Fossil Beds
SU|A discussion on the geologic history of the Front Range and how the Rocky Mountains’ building and erosional cycles of the last 300 million years impact our weather, recreation, economy and the way we work, play and live in Colorado, 1 p.m. Off-Season Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 719-748-3253 |$3 park only|Teller County Road #1, 2 miles south of town|FLORISSANT
Fountain Creek Nature Center
This week’s programs include a “Sunset Wildlife Walk,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. today. $2. Reservations required|2002 Creek Crossing, 719-520-6745 |COLORADO SPRINGS
Garden of the Gods
Nature walks offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily; various nature presentations offered daily; visit the center and find out how the rocks got there; junior ranger program for children 7-12. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily|1805 N. 30th St., 719-634-6666|COLORADO SPRINGS
Gates Planetarium
10 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily|Combination museum and planetarium tickets available during the day: $13, $9 ages 3-18 and 65 and over; evening tickets: $8, $5.50 ages 3-18 and 65 and over|Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 303-322-7009; www.dmns.org
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Campfire program every Friday and Saturday night, guided hikes, slide shows, children’s programs, historical programs and more. Parks pass required for all vehicles entering park|Located 15 miles west of Golden, 303-582-3707|GOLDEN
Larimer County Open Lands
Offers guided nature hikes and park ranger campground programs. Park entrance permit required |719-679-4561; www.larimer.org/parks|LOVELAND
Lookout Mountain Nature Center
The 110-acre park offers naturalist-guided programs|910 Colorow Road, reservations required: 303-526-0594; www.co.jefferson.co.us|GOLDEN
Ocean Journey
Re-creations of river and ocean journeys offering 500 species of fish, birds, invertebrates and mammals, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily|$14.95; $12.95 seniors; $6.95 ages 4-11|700 Water St. 303-561-4450; www.oceanjourney.org
Roxborough State Park
Several hiking trails are available; no bikes or pets|Daily park pass $5 or $50 annual pass, required for all vehicles |4751 N. Roxborough Drive, 303-973-3959 |LITTLETON
Royal Gorge Park
Offers panoramic views of the Gorge from the world’s highest suspension bridge that hangs 1,053 feet high and spans a quarter-mile across the canyon| 888-333-5597; www.royalgorgebridge.com|CAÑON CITY
TOURS
Actually Quite Nice Ltd. Brew Tours
6703 Grandview Ave., 303-431-1440|
ARVADA
Antique District Tour
Explore Denver’s Broadway Antique District on a double-decker bus |303-744-0281
Bear Creek Horse and Carriage
Old West carriage and hayrides|3033 S. Estes St., 303-980-6130|LAKEWOOD
Celestial Seasonings Tour
Free guided tours. Tea tasting, art department, production. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, hourly|4600 Sleepytime Drive, 303-581-1202|BOULDER
Cherokee Ranch and Castle
A tour detailing the castle’s history, architecture and collection of art and antiques, 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon Thursdays |$12|Afternoon tea and tour, 2 p.m. Thursdays|$30 ages 12 and over |303-688-5555|SEDALIA
Colorado Sightseer
Half- and full-day van tours of Denver, the foothills and Pikes Peak area. Call for times and dates|$30-$70 |303-423-8200
Coors Field
Seventy-five-minute walking tour of the ballpark offered 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday on nongame days, through September; 10 a.m. and noon on evening game days; no tours afternoon game days. All proceeds benefit the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club Foundation. Group tours of 25-100 by appointment|$4-$6|20th and Blake streets, 303-762-5437
Denver History Tours
Choose from the “Golddust and Traildust Tour,” the “Victorian Denver” tour or the “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” tour|$20 adults, $15 seniors, $5 ages 12 and under, reservations required|720-234-7929
Hammonds Candies
Free guided tours, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; Reservations for 10 or more|4969 Colorado Blvd., 303-333-5588; www.hammondscandies.com
Invesco Field at Mile High
Offers 75-minute walking tours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday-Saturday every hour. Group tours require reservation. Tickets available at the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum, Gate No.1 on the west side|$5-$7, children under 2 free
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
Offers free guided tours of its facilities, Learn about LASP’s history and its current missions, visit the engineering labs, clean room and mission operations| 1234 Innovation Drive, 303-735-5814; www.lasp.colorado.edu|BOULDER
Molson Coors Brewing Co.
M-SA|Free tours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. year-round |13th and Ford streets, 303-277-2337|GOLDEN
Pepsi Center Tours
Tour facilities, including press box and locker rooms. 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Saturday|1000 Chopper Circle, 303-405-8556
Rockies Brewing Co.
Tours and beer tastings, 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday Free|2880 Wilderness Place, 303-444-8448|BOULDER
Stephany’s Chocolates Factory
Free tours of a working chocolate factory for all ages. Monday-Thursday. Reservations required|6770 W. 52nd Ave.,303-421-7229, ext. 111|ARVADA
Tours with Phil Goodstein
SA & SU|”Fairmount Cemetery,” 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, meet in the front of the Ivy Chapel. The cemetery is located at Alameda Avenue and South Quebec Street; “Alamo Placita,” 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, meet at the benches at the southwest corner of Ogden Street and Fourth Avenue in Alamo Placita Park|Most tours are $10, packages of four are available for $30|303-333-1095
U.S. Dept. of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Visitors can explore renewable energy and energy efficiency concepts through an interactive exhibit hall and reading room. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday|15013 Denver West Parkway, 303-384-6565, www.nrel.gov|GOLDEN
