Denver Museum and Zoos Entertain Daily

By Steve Graham

The school year is wrapping up for many folks who are unexpectedly home schooling. While that might bring some relief, it also raises the question of how to fill all those long summer days with few camps or activities, and limited places to go.

Even though Colorado’s biggest zoos and museums remain closed for now, their activities will come to you. Check out the virtual experiences now available at some of Colorado’s top attractions. At the very least, they can fill some chunks of summer family time. And if you’re not careful, you may learn something before it’s done, as Fat Albert said.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Like most facilities that draw large crowds, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is closed indefinitely. But the website is still open, of course. And many staffers are still working. Museum fans who miss the dinosaurs and dioramas can virtually have lunch with the educator performers as they whimsically discuss some of their favorite science topics, from snake oils to space burps. The videos are live-streamed and archived for later viewing.

“This is meant to be a funny and engaging way to explore unexpected science topics over the lunch hour,” said Tina Martinez, director of experiences and partnerships at DMNS.“Our staff are curious and love science. We love inspiring curiosity in others.”

She said the lunchtime programs will continue through at least June. The museum will also continue a Virtual Science Academy, with live, interactive projects, and monthlyScientists in Action question-and-answer sessions. During the pandemic, both have moved from in-classroom programs to direct streaming into students’ homes.

Denver Zoo

Zoos have been getting at least as much attention, if not attendance, during the pandemic as during more normal times. The Denver Zoo made national news when a zookeeper took flamingos on a tour of a facility devoid of human visitors. And new baby animals have been digitally viral sensations for a public desperate for both entertainment and good news.

The zoo is also providing plenty of educating and entertaining content. The virtual safari page is packed with videos, lessons, science experiments and fun family projects, including DIY popsicles. The animal care staff has been making daily live videos while they continue working with the animals at the zoo. They are choosing the most interesting and charismatic zoo residents, said Jake Kubié, director of communications for the zoo.

“A lot of times the animals have been making the decision for us,” he said. “We are blessed with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to content.”

Kubié said the zoo will contribute to at-home summer enrichment by transitioning from a virtual safari page to a virtual classroom full of animal demonstrations and more.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has always taken creative approaches, from giraffe feeding to the budgie encounter. Not surprisingly, the Colorado Springs institution also is taking a different and more personalized approach to pandemic-era activities.

In addition to a series of free “abnormally normal” animal videos, Cheyenne Mountain is trying to maintain a revenue stream by providing a unique set of personalized virtual experiences.

Satisfy your kid’s endless curiosity (and make someone else answer all the questions) by scheduling an animal interview. A 30-minute session costs $40.75 and includes a close-up animal visit, feeding and a chance to help with training.

Parents can also make a safer-at-home birthday more memorable (or at least less disappointing) with a virtual custom shout-out. For $25.75, a zookeeper will send a personalized 5-minute video for any occasion.

Available animal ambassadors, which typically travel the area in the ZOOMobile for birthday parties and classroom visits, include newts, owls, pythons and turtles. There’s even a skunk, which you thankfully can’t smell through the screen.

Remember that all these facilities need to keep the lights on, and they need to continue supporting both staff and animals throughout the pandemic. Until they return to normal operations, consider a donation or membership.

“Before we open, we are extremely grateful for any donations,” said Kubié from the Denver Zoo. “It means a lot to us for people to share our passion and support us.”