Denver, CO is a great place to raise a family. There are dozens of accessible outdoor spaces, beautiful weather for much of the year, and other young families to build community. When you’re a parent in Denver, there are a few things you may have in common with other Denver parents. What are the hallmarks of raising a Denver family? The Gardner School’s preschool locations in Denver collected the top ten signs you might be a parent in the Centennial State. How many can you check off your list?
1. Your child can ski before they can walk.
When you live in Denver, skiing is a life skill, and training starts right away. We’ve seen children as young as two years old learning to “make a pizza” near the lodge. And once they’re adept, they might even be able to give themselves (and you) a pep talk that will make your day.
2. Layers aren’t a choice, they’re a lifestyle.
Yep, that t-shirt underneath a hoodie and a jacket is adorable, and it’s also essential! Denver parents know that with warm, sunny days and cold, windy nights, dressing your family in layers will keep everyone happy no matter what the thermostat does. Colorado parents also know exactly how long it takes to remove all the outerwear before buckling their child into a car seat. Make no mistake: Denver parents can do it in record time.
3. Everyone in your family has their own water bottle.
The low humidity in Denver is great… until your family’s throat feels as parched as the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Regular hydration staves off thirst and nosebleeds, so easily accessible water bottles are a must-have for every Denver family.
4. You enjoy our 300 days of sunshine a year!
D vitamins are part of a well-balanced diet, and Denver parents prefer to get theirs outside of the house. Getting out into the sunshine for most of the year keeps both parents and children happy. And with so many natural wonders in the state, there are enough family-friendly hiking trails to visit a new one almost every single weekend.
5. Your child knows sunscreen is part of the routine.
With those 300 days of sunshine, sunscreen is an essential part of your family’s daily routine. Even before you put several layers of clothing on your child, their true “base layer” is sunblock, and you have it in a drawer in every room in the house (as well as the stroller and the car).
6. Beanies are the most important staple in your child’s wardrobe.
When does beanie season start? When does it end? We like to think beanie season is all year round in Colorado. Is a little outfit really complete without a tiny beanie? We think not. Having one in red, yellow, blue, and green just means your child can practice color recognition skills while looking adorable.
7. Your Friday and Sunday evenings are spent traveling to and from the mountains.
Almost all Denver parents know that a weekend of memories in the mountains makes those long car trips worth it. Next time you find the mountains calling your family’s name, try child-friendly sing-a-longs like Raffi and Caspar Babypants to make the drive more entertaining.
8. Your little explorers already know the basics of fire safety and conservation.
Colorado families love the natural beauty surrounding them, so they’re committed to keeping it safe from wildfires. Even young children can learn about camping safety, why embers need to be doused in water, or how to “leave no trace” on a trail.
9. Your go-to event venue selection is the Red Rocks.
Whether it’s a parent’s night out or a family outing, it couldn’t be better spent than a night under the stars listening to incredible live music. The breeze is perfect, the sound system is on-point, and you get to spend time with one of your favorite people. What’s not to love?
10. You have a membership at the Denver Zoo.
Denver parents know that their local zoo is one of the best in the nation. That’s why children and adults alike enjoy spending a weekend day meeting some furry (or slithery) friends. We’d recommend the Elephant Encounter for the best views. Just be prepared to hear a lot of trumpeting at dinner that night!
The Gardner School: Denver’s Premier Preschool
The Gardner School has multiple preschool locations in the Denver area, and our relationship with local families is just one of the many reasons parents choose The Gardner School when looking for a preschool. To learn more about The Gardner School, schedule a tour today.