The Space Foundation Discovery Center hosts activities for the entire family.
Thursday, Jan. 26
Fire Ecology in Colorado: Come out to the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center for a fun day full of archaeology. Stations will be set up around the Visitor Center for kids of all ages to explore pottery, rock art, corn grinding and so much more. Throughout the day, presentations on specific archaeological topics ranging from lost structures in the park to ancient tools will take place in the Red Rocks Room. This day will be interactive, educational and free. 2-3 p.m. Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N. 30th St. Information: gardenofthegods.com or 634-6666.
Friday, Jan. 27
Teen Astronomy Club: Discovery Center Astronomy Club provides a unique space for teenagers ages 15 to 18 to meet like-minded individuals, practice science presentation skills and learn about current astronomy and physics research while receiving guidance for college preparation and the steps toward a future STEAM career. Free. 5-6 p.m. 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Information: discoverspace.org or 576-8000.
Family Star Party: Learn about how ancient cultures around the world used astronomy to tell time, guide agriculture and build mythologies. Look through multiple telescopes and learn about the objects in our night sky from Colorado Springs Astronomical Society outreach guides and Discovery Center educators. Free. Half-price admission for indoor activities. 6-8 p.m. Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Information: discoverspace.org or 576-8000.
Colorado Convos: Join Susan Fletcher, novelist and director of history and archives for the Navigators, for a historical lunch and learn. Topics include local history, as well as the history of Glen Eyrie, Garden of the Gods, the Civil War and Colorado. Afterward, join Susan in the café for a Q&A. 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N. 30th St. Information: gardenofthegods.com or 634-6666.
Saturday, Jan. 28
Great Fruitcake Toss: Join in on the fun of tossing leftover fruitcakes. Fruitcake will be available to rent for $1 or a donation. The Heritage Center, 517 Manitou Ave., will be open and serving hot cocoa and snacks. 1-3 p.m. Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave. Information: manitousprings.org/events/fruitcake-toss or 685-5089.
Great Fruitcake Bake-off: Bake your favorite fruitcake and head over to the Great Fruitcake Toss to put your skills to the test. Winner will receive a prize valued at $75 from Collin Street Bakery. 1-3 p.m. Drop off cake 1-1:30 p.m. Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave. Information and sign-up: manitousprings.org/events/fruitcake-toss or 685-5089.
Fruitcake Follies: Inspired by the Manitou Springs Great Fruitcake Toss, Fruitcake Follies is a local talent show of fun, funny and hilarious acts, song and dance and fruitcake inspired comedy. This show is intended for mature audiences only. Recommend no one younger than 18. Minors must be accompanied by a parent. $10. 8 p.m. Iron Springs Chateau, 444 S. Ruxton Ave. Information: ironspringschateau.com or 685-5104.
Wednesday, Feb. 1
Homeschool Day — Moon, Mars and Artemis: Take a deep dive into NASA’s planned return to the moon, how astronauts will stay there and how humans will go to Mars. $5 materials fee. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Information: discoverspace.org or 576-8000.
Friday, Feb. 3
Kids Night Out — Full Moon: Caregivers can drop off children ages 7-12 for an evening spent celebrating the (almost) full “Snow Moon” with a night hike, fun activities and a craft. Dinner included. $25 per child or $20 per member child. Prepaid registration required. 5:30-9 p.m. Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. Information: www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 7
Little Space Explorers — Mars and Astronauts: Small Steps, Giant Leap engages little space explorers with interactive and creative storytelling. The program strives to celebrate creative engagement and the job of reading. Includes a presentation and a craft. Cost included in regular admission. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Information: discoverspace.org or 576-8000.
Saturday, Feb. 11
Puppet Theatre Matinee: The Bear Creek puppet pals have a story to share. Hear the final season of “As the Bear Creek Flows” and meet the obnoxious omnivores. Puppet show to be followed by a craft. $2 suggested donation per person. 1-2 p.m. Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. Information: www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 14
Nature’s Classroom — Winter Adaptations: A puppet show, hike and interactives stations will highlight the adaptations of local animals in winter. Geared toward grades 1-3. Prepaid registration required. $4 per person. 1-3 p.m. Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. Information: www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com.
To submit calendar listings, go to the Colorado Springs Independent website, click on the green rectangle at right and fill out the form.