Hop aboard: Your little ones can take a ride on traincars tugged by Thomas the Tank Engine before meeting the controller of the railway, Sir Topham Hatt. When the train wheels stop, gather the whole family to explore the arts and crafts stations, watch a magic show, discover a furry friend at the petting zoo, and listen to live music. Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Colorado kids need to grab some bug nets because scientists across the country need their help. Little naturalists will learn about Monarch butterflies and how to properly tag them to help monitor migration patterns. By catching, tagging, and releasing these colorful creatures, youngsters will contribute to national research and conservation efforts—without graduating gradeschool.

Drop to your bellies and and discover that what slithers and slimes beneath rocks and inside logs isn't gross, it's fascinating. Through a range of experiments, from seeing how trees become soil to growing their own hair, little ones will learn that decay is a vital part of life. Mon 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Alexander should have just stayed in bed. Waking up with gum in his hair is least of his problems on this day of mean best friends and dentist appointments. By the end of this play, kids will realize that they aren't the only ones with a pile of lima beans on their dinner plate. Wed-Sat 10 a.m., noon. 

You don't even have to know how to walk yet for this race. With a stroller-friendly 5K, kids' course, toddler trot, and even an infant crawl, the whole family can take part in this "fitness extravaganza” that will be as fun to watch as it is to participate in. All proceeds benefit the museum's programs, exhibits, and projects. Sun 9 a.m.

Get lost in a cornstalk labyrinth. Don't worry if you can't find your way out on your own: Two 15-foot bridges give other bird's-eye views of the six acre field. There will also be pony rides and a mini maze for little ones. Fri 4-9 p.m.; Sat noon-9 p.m.; Sun noon-6 p.m.

Elitch Gardens’ Summer Concert series is finishing off 2012 with a bang. Not only is this 19-year-old a kids television star, appearing on hit shows like iCarly, Zoey 101, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Victorious, she is also a music sensation.

Drive-in movies are vanishing, but the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is bringing family movies back to a screen under the stars. Sprawl out on blankets to catch old favorites like Annie and a new robot flick Real Steel. Besides relishing in watching films in the fresh air, extra activities such as an Annie lookalike contest and a robot dance-off. Wed 7 p.m.

Discovering a passion for music can be both a trying and noisy event. Instructors from the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts (RMCMA), however, will use their expertise to ensure that it is a harmonious experience. Kids will be introduced to several instruments from each musical family and, after short introductions, will have a chance to try each out.