Ongoing. The Children’s Museum of Denver’s “3, 2, 1 … Blast Off!” exhibit is back for an encore presentation featuring revamped hands-on activities and a new gallery space. Children ages 4 to 8 can explore the principles of flight and aerodynamics by building and launching their own rockets, planes and hovercraft during this event sponsored by the United Launch Alliance. Find the exhibit in the museum’s newly installed second-floor gallery, where it will run until next summer. 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. For museum hours and admission call 303-433-7444 or visit
Behind the music
Sunday. Children ages 6 and younger can experience an orchestra from the pit — “where the magic happens” — during the “Tiny Tots Inside the Orchestra”family event hosted by the Lone Tree Arts Center’s Passport to Culture program. The 45-minute performance is specially crafted to introduce youngsters to the art form. Performances will be held at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. Tickets are $5 online at or call 720-509-1000.
Tea for two
Sunday.”Nutcracker Tea,” Ballet Nouveau Colorado’s annual holiday tradition, is being held in a new venue this year, the Aloft Hotel in Broomfield. Guests can enjoy a tea party complete with finger sandwiches and scones alongside characters from “The Nutcracker.” Hear a recited rendition of the story and see excerpts from the ballet performance. Cameras and autograph requests are welcome. Tickets are $30 per adult and $25 per child. 2-4 p.m., 8300 Arista Place, Broomfield. Purchase tickets by calling 303-466-5685 or visitbncdance.com.Sheba R. Wheeler, The Denver Post
