Cupid’s favorite holiday is as much for friends and relatives as it is for love-struck couples.
Parents, for instance, can take the whole family to the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum (7711 E. Academy Blvd., near East First Avenue and Spruce Street, 303-360-5360) Sunday for “Hearts of All Ages,” a cross-generational Valentine’s Day celebration.
Hundreds of participants, from newborns to grandparents, are expected to attend this event, now in its third year.
Craft tables will let kids make Valentines, toy rockets and glider airplanes. The local party band The Big Bang! will provide toe-tapping live music, and comfort food selections such as mac ‘n’ cheese, sliders and sweet potato fries will round out the menu.
“The kids will be making models of Goddard rockets, the first rocket ever built,” says Courtney Walsh, director of sales and corporate events for the museum. “They’re made of Styrofoam and rubber bands, and they can shoot them through hula hoops.”
Kids will also enjoy the “Fantasy of Flight” educational lab, where 12 computer stations, complete with yokes and rudders, allow for lifelike flight simulations. “They’ll be flying a Cessna 172, a small fixed-wing aircraft,” Walsh says.
Instructors will be on hand to assist kids (and parents), who can guide the simulated flight from a takeoff at Centennial Airport through a landing at Denver International Airport.
Some real aircraft cockpits on display at the museum also will be open to explore. Families can climb inside a Vietnam-era A7 jet, or sit inside a B57 Canberra, a Korean-era midrange bomber. And the newly opened “Cockpit Alley” exhibit includes simulated cockpits of a United 727 and DC10.
“There’s something for all ages,” Walsh says, “but kids really go crazy in the museum.” Tickets range from $50 to $150; proceeds benefit the University of Colorado’s cancer center expansion. Go to .
Here are some other family- friendly Valentine’s Day events around town:
Teddy Bear Tea
Children can take a favorite teddy bear or other toy out for tea. The Highlands Ranch Community Association hosts the “Sweetheart Teddy Bear Tea” Sunday at 2 p.m. Kids can share snacks, tea, cocoa, or juice with their stuffed friends. A kids music show follows at 2:45 p.m. $11/HRCA members, $15/guests. Ages 2 and older; Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road. 303-791-2500. .
Pinkies up
For a more adult tea party, big kids can enjoy the Valentine’s Tea at the Byers-Evans Museum, 1310 Bannock St., today from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event begins with a tour of the historic home, which has been restored to its early 20th century grandeur. Dainty tea sandwiches, scones, fruit and desserts are included. Tickets are $20/adults, $15/children 12 and younger, or $16 for History Colorado members. Reservations required: 303-620-4933.
Victorian Valentine
Families can learn all about the history of Valentine’s Day on Sunday between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Aurora History Museum. Kids 6 and older can make an old-fashioned, Victorian-style Valentine’s cards. $5 ($4 for Aurora residents), 15051 E. Alameda Parkway, 303-739-6666.
Get swept off your feet
Ballet Nouveau Colorado hosts “Love, an Internal Affair,” a special Valentine’s show this weekend, featuring new works created by the BNC staff. Dancers and choreographers will discuss the creative process after the performance. Today at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.; Tickets, $16-$42, available at bncdance or 303-466-5685. 3001 Industrial Lane, #12, Broomfield.
Hearts and crafts
At the WOW! Children’s Museum in Lafayette, kids can make special cards and Valentine’s crafts in the art room. Supplies are limited but free with the cost of admission. 110 N. Harrison Ave. 303-664-2424.
