But there is still plenty to do in Denver and throughout Colorado. 

If you have preschool age children, you may already know that Dora the Explorer’s birthday is coming up this weekend.  Dora is turning 10 years old and there is a ton of celebrating to be done.

You can celebrate all week long with the help of www.nickjr.com .  Print off coloring sheets, make a special Dora inspired Spanish recipe, learn some special Spanish words.  Cap off your week of celebration by watching Dora’s all new movie “Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure” on Nickelodeon Sunday night.

You can be part of the celebration by heading to any local Super WalMart (that has a bakery) on Saturday, August 14th for Dora giveaways, cupcakes and party favors.

Or all this weekend you can head over to Elitch Gardens for KidsFest.  Dora will be on hand to sign autographs on Saturday, August 14th and Sunday, August 15th from 12 – 2 pm.  Her friend Spongebob will also be there from 3 – 5 pm.    Don’t miss out on two chances to win a family 4 pack of tickets, check out the post here on Colorado Moms and visit Macaroni Kid – Lakewood for another chance to win.

For those of you that don’t necessarily enjoy long lines and hot days, don’t miss out on the Perseid’s Meteor Shower.  If your kids are anything like mine, they love to see a falling star. 

What if you could guarantee that your kids would get to see one…possibly up to 60 an hour???  As long as the weather cooperates, you could see this!  The hourly rate on a “non-shower” night is approximately 6 meteors per hour, on this night, it could be as high as 68 per hour during peak time!  The best time for viewing, will be after midnight, but meteors should be visible earlier. 

When can I see this?  August 12 – 13, 2010 is the peak dates for this year’s.  You should be able to see them beginning around 8:30 pm and they will become more frequent into the early am.  Reports are already touting this year’s as a great one.  As there are some reports of 15 per hour already!

So, pack a snack, a blanket and some chairs!  Head out of the city lights and look towards the northeast sky.  (Information provided by Astronomy.com and Gena Morgan, MK Publishing Mom)

Another great way to enjoy the beautiful Colorado night sky is at to check out the outdoor movies at Aspen Grove  (7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO) this Wednesday night!  Seating starts at 5:00 pm and the movie will begin at dusk.