Contributor at Springs Daily · Writing since July 2026
Covering local news and community stories in Colorado Springs. Writes about parenting.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a stop-use warning on October 29, 2026 for two products from CHE-US: magnetic stick figure sets and magnetic fidget balls. If you own either product, the CPSC's instruction i
Daylight Saving Time ends tonight. At 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 1, 2026, clocks fall back one hour across most of the United States — including Colorado Springs. The change happens automatically on most phones and devi
Halloween is here. If your family is heading out to trick-or-treat tonight in Colorado Springs, there's not much left to plan — but a quick run through the safety basics can make the night easier for everyone, including
Tomorrow night, somewhere between the first house and the last, your kids are going to collect more sugar than most adults eat in a month. The average trick-or-treater hauls approximately three cups of sugar worth of can
The United States has recorded 4,588 confirmed measles cases so far in 2026 — the highest annual total since measles was declared eliminated from the country in 2000. That number, confirmed through October 22, is roughly
It's October 29. Halloween is in two days. And a new study finds that candy prices have risen roughly four times faster than general inflation over the past few years.
Halloween lands on Saturday this year, which means October 30 through November 1 is the most family-packed weekend of the fall in Colorado Springs. Whether you're chasing the full trick-or-treat experience, looking for d
Colorado Springs School District 11's $775 million bond measure is on the November 3 ballot — five days away. The voting logistics have been covered: drop boxes are open, the postmark deadline is November 3. What this ar
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning for Flyboss 3-in-1 Infant Bouncers: the product can collapse during use, creating a fall hazard for infants. If you have one, stop using it now.
At least 190 children died from influenza last season in the United States — one of the highest totals in recent years. Fewer than half of children (49.4 percent) received a flu vaccine. The American Academy of Pediatric
Halloween is Friday. The weekend after it, Colorado Springs families have a genuinely good option: the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is hosting a Día de Muertos celebration on Saturday, November 1
There's a practical barrier to voting that doesn't get talked about much: finding someone to watch the kids. A Colorado Springs daycare is trying to solve that problem. Tomorrow, Thursday October 29, they're offering fre
The District 11 bond measure is on the November 3, 2026 coordinated election ballot — one week from today. Colorado voters receive mail ballots automatically, which means your ballot for this election should already be i
Colorado Springs School District 11 has reached a milestone that hasn't been true in roughly ten years: no D11 high school is currently on the state's accountability watchlist. Mitchell High School, which had been in the
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a safety warning on Lucakuins infant bath seats, directing consumers to stop using the product immediately. The warning identifies drowning and entrapment as the pri
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled ONTHEWEI baby bath seats in October 2026. Approximately 2,000 units were sold on Amazon. The problem is tip-over instability — the seat doesn't hold its position reliably i
Halloween is six days away. The costumes are picked, the route is loosely planned, and the candy bags are ready. What's left is a five-minute safety check that most families skip — and probably shouldn't.
With Halloween six days away, there are still a handful of family events left on the Colorado Springs calendar before October 31 arrives. If your family is looking for something to do this week beyond the usual trick-or-
If you own the bblüv Grow high chair, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has a direct message for you: stop using it, do not sell it, do not give it away, and dispose of it.
Colorado Springs City Council votes Monday, October 27, on the 2026 Park System Master Plan — a document that sets priorities for how COS manages, maintains, and invests in its parks, trails, and recreational spaces over
If you've been quietly ignoring the "no more than two hours of screen time per day" rule for your school-age kids, you're not alone — and you're also now in the clear. The American Academy of Pediatrics replaced that gui
Not every CPSC recall makes the news. Two infant sleep products were recently flagged for serious safety hazards, and many parents and grandparents may not yet know about them. If you have an infant under 12 months and o
Colorado Springs School District 11 is asking voters to approve a $775 million bond on the November 3 ballot — and it would be the first new D11 bond since 2004. The vote is 10 days away, and if you live in D11 or own pr
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued recalls for three children's Halloween products on October 22 — one week before trick-or-treating. If any of these items are in your home, stop using them now and check
Fall break is almost over for thousands of Colorado Springs students. Both Colorado Springs School District 11 and Academy District 49 return to school on Monday, October 26, wrapping up fall break periods that gave fami
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its 2026–27 flu season guidance in August, and the message is direct: every child 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine as soon as possible, before the season peaks. Th
Fall break starts Monday for D11 and D49 families, and Halloween is less than two weeks away. COS has a solid mix of events through the end of October, ranging from free community gatherings to ticketed attractions that
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall on October 15, 2026, for approximately 2,100 Primark 101 Dalmatians faux leather coin purses due to phthalate levels that exceed permitted concentrations. The haz
If you've been trying to follow the old American Academy of Pediatrics screen time rule — two hours a day for kids over 6, none for kids under 2 — and finding it increasingly disconnected from how your family actually us
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled Papablic convertible bedside sleepers on October 15, 2026. About 248 units are affected. If you have one of these products, stop using it immediately.
Fall break starts Monday for D11 and D49 families — five days off school, and depending on your kids' ages and your schedule, that could mean anything from a well-timed vacation to a week of trying to keep everyone occup
Halloween is two weeks away. With trick-or-treat plans coming together and costumes already in the house for many families, now is the right time to do a quick run-through on safety before October 31. These aren't new ti
The 2026 Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival runs through Sunday, October 18, and this weekend's highlight is a free star party at Cheyenne Mountain State Park on Saturday night. If your family has been meaning to che
Two separate Consumer Product Safety Commission actions this week target common nursery and young-children's-room items that can pose serious risks to infants and toddlers. If you have an ONTHEWEI baby bath seat in your
Thursday, October 15, was the scheduled date for the football game between Coronado High School and Lutheran High School in Parker. The game never happened. Coronado didn't show up — and the forfeit, announced by Distric
El Paso County ballot drop boxes are open this week, and if you've received your D11 mail ballot, now's the time to return it. The November 3 election includes District 11's Measure 4A — a $775 million school bond that w
Halloween season at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo officially starts this Friday, October 16, when Boo at the Zoo opens for its 2026 run. The event is one of the most popular fall activities in Colorado Springs, and this year it
If you're a registered voter in El Paso County and a D11 family, your mail ballot for the November 3 election should arrive this week. On it is Measure 4A — a $775 million bond question that asks whether D11 should borro
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a stop-use notice for Mbabyjon padded crib bumpers, ordering families to stop using them immediately and remove them from their baby's sleep space. The notice, issued Oct
Two Colorado Springs school districts have now refused to play football games against Lutheran High School, citing concerns about racism that have not been formally resolved. District 11 announced Monday that Coronado Hi
Venetucci Farm is a historic, family-owned farm on the south end of Colorado Springs that has become one of the city's best-loved fall traditions. Their Pumpkin Fest runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Octobe
The $775M bond measure would fund improvements across District 11 facilities in several categories:
Water beads — the small, colorful orbs that absorb liquid and expand — have been at the center of multiple CPSC recalls in recent years. The danger is straightforward: if a child swallows a water bead, it can absorb flui
The Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival is an annual citywide event that celebrates science, technology, engineering, and math through accessible, hands-on events for families. It draws participants from across El Pas
District 49 fall break runs October 12 through October 19, with students returning on October 20. If you have kids in both D49 and D11, note that D11's fall break runs later: October 19-23, with students returning Octobe
If you bought a retractable mesh safety gate on Target.com in the past two years, it's worth checking the brand. Infant Innovations LLC, which sells under the BabyBond name, recalled approximately 280 retractable safety
Colorado Springs School District 11 students have fall break coming up in nine days. The break runs October 19–23, with kids returning to school on Monday, October 26. That's a full week to fill — and COS has plenty of o
Colorado Springs School District 11 families have a significant decision on the November 3 ballot: a $775 million bond measure that would fund a wide range of upgrades across the district's aging school buildings.
October is a strong month for family events in Colorado Springs, and Halloween programming kicks off this weekend with several options running through the end of the month. Whether you're looking for something free and l
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a consumer safety warning on October 1, 2026 about Mbabyjon padded crib bumpers. If you have this product in your home, the CPSC's guidance is to stop using it immediately an
District 49's school board meets tonight, Thursday October 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Creekside Success Center (3850 Pony Tracks Drive). The meeting runs through approximately 9:30 p.m. One of the central items on the agenda
The weekend weather is cooperating and Colorado Springs has a solid lineup of free and low-cost options for families. Here's what's worth showing up for between Friday and Sunday.
The American Academy of Pediatrics concluded its 2026 Annual Conference today in Washington, D.C., after five days of presentations, research sessions, and guideline updates. For Colorado Springs parents, three things fr
Academy District 49 families have a packed few days before fall break begins. The D49 Board of Education meets tomorrow, October 8. Parent-teacher conferences are Thursday, October 9. And fall break itself — a nearly two
October arrived this week, and Colorado Springs is ready for it. This weekend (October 2-4) has a strong lineup of family-friendly activities across the city — from free public art downtown tonight to pumpkin farms and s
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued urgent recalls for two magnetic toy sets this week, both posing a risk of serious injury or death to children. Parents should check their homes immediately for these
More than 1,500 Colorado Springs District 11 students are transforming Acacia Park in downtown Colorado Springs this morning, chalking sidewalks and creating large-scale murals as part of the district's annual Chalktober
If you've had a pediatrician's appointment lately and felt like you were getting different answers about which vaccines your child needs, there's a reason for that. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC are no l
Two baby bath seat models sold on Amazon have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to drowning and entrapment hazards. If your family purchased a baby bath seat on Amazon in the past two years, che
October in Colorado Springs hits a sweet spot that many families overlook: the summer crowds have cleared, temperatures are pleasant for hiking and outdoor events, and fall color season brings the region to life. For fam
There is genuine good news in the latest data on teen mental health — and genuine reason to stay engaged. The CDC released its 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey on September 21, and the headline numbers represent the most
One of the most beloved Colorado Springs Halloween traditions is back for its 31st year, and it kicks off this Thursday. The Ghost Stories of Old Manitou Walking Tours return October 2 and 3 at the Manitou Springs Herita
A Colorado Springs middle school opened a food pantry for families last week — and in just the first few days of operation, 22 families had already come through the door.
Colorado Springs parents with young children should check their kids' pajama drawers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled Blossom OCC two-piece children's loungewear sets because the garments violate
For years, the two-hour rule was the standard answer. How much screen time is okay for school-age kids? Two hours a day. It was a clean number, easy to remember, and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
One of Colorado Springs' best fall traditions returns this Saturday. Rock Ledge Ranch hosts its annual Fall Harvest on October 3 from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, with wagon rides, pumpkin picking
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued two recalls on September 24 that parents in Colorado Springs should know about this week. One involves children's bicycle helmets that fail to meet the federal safety st
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released its influenza prevention and treatment recommendations for the 2026-27 flu season, and there's a key update that affects a significant share of families with young children
Academy School District 20 families are heading into a new school year with different leadership at the top of the board of education. Board President Amy Shandy resigned in August 2026 after her family relocated out of
District 49 recognized two standout honorees through its Fantastic 49 program at the September 24, 2026 Board of Education work session. This month's recipients — a middle school math teacher who stepped up when her scho
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for SHEIN Pull & Chew Montessori Teething Toys, and parents who purchased these products need to act now. About 644 units are affected. The hazard is serious
Every school in D49's Falcon Zone has earned the Colorado Department of Education's Purple Star designation — a recognition that means a great deal to the thousands of military families whose kids attend those schools.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released its 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine guidance, and the recommendation is consistent regardless of your child's prior vaccination history: one dose of the age-appropriate 2026-27
Colorado Springs families have another completely free afternoon to look forward to in October. The Family Fun Festival comes to Family Worship Center on Saturday, October 17, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free and th
October is becoming one of the best months in Colorado Springs for free family events, and Colorado Springs FamilyFest is a strong addition to the lineup. The event comes to 4845 List Dr on Saturday, October 10, from noo
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning on September 17, 2026, urging all consumers to immediately stop using Jocoevol 6-Drawer Dressers. The dressers violate the mandatory federal safety standard fo
Colorado is turning 150 years old in 2026 — and there are free family events happening right here in Colorado Springs to mark the occasion.
If you have a HARPPA Nordi Foldable Toddler Tower Stool in your home, stop using it now.
Academy District 20 has earned Colorado's highest district accreditation rating — "Accredited with Distinction" — for the 18th year in a row. The rating comes from the Colorado Department of Education and reflects the di
If your family has been looking for a fall sports program in Colorado Springs, registration is open now through the city's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) department. The fall season includes soccer, flag
New research published in the American Academy of Pediatrics' journal Pediatrics estimates that approximately 6.7 million children in the United States live in homes with a loaded, unlocked firearm. That's not a risk est
If you've ordered baby products from SHEIN in the past year, check your purchase history now. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for SHEIN's Pull and Chew Montessori Teething Toys, citing a c
One of the most-quoted parenting rules in recent decades — the two-hour-per-day screen time limit for children ages two and up — is officially gone. In January 2026, the American Academy of Pediatrics released updated gu
If you have a CooCooBaby Baby Lounger in your home, take it out of use right now. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a product safety warning on September 10 for the Classic and Deluxe models of this loun
If you're a military family in Colorado Springs and you haven't made it to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo yet this week, you've got three days left to take advantage of the Military Appreciation Week discount. The promotion runs
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released its updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for the 2026–2027 season, and for families in Colorado Springs, fall vaccine season is officially here. The new guidance was pu
The calendar is filling up fast this week in Colorado Springs, and a few of the best family events are free or already included in things you might already have planned. Here's what's happening — and why this particular
Two pieces of good news landed quietly for District 49 families at the start of this school year. The D49 Student Success Center opened two new early childhood classrooms in August, expanding access to preschool and the
This Saturday and Sunday, the skies over Colorado Springs are going to be very, very loud — and that's a good thing. The Pikes Peak Regional Airshow returns to Colorado Springs Airport on September 19 and 20, bringing tw
Colorado Springs families have a full week ahead. Between a historic zoo opening, military appreciation discounts, a pop-up playgroup this morning, and a major airshow on the horizon, there's no shortage of things to do
OKK Trading is recalling about 7,200 Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys because the water beads inside expand to a size that violates the mandatory safety standard for toys. If a child swallows one of these beads, the cons
Colorado Springs families, today's the day. The International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo officially opens at 9:30 AM this morning — and it's unlike anything the zoo has offer
Academy District 20 is heading into the fourth week of school with new leadership on its Board of Education.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for Uuoeebb Infant Walkers sold on Amazon by the seller BaoD. The walkers have been found to violate the mandatory federal safety standard for infant walker
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released its annual flu vaccine recommendations for the 2026–27 season, and the core message is unchanged: every child 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine, and the best
Military families in Colorado Springs have a reason to head to the zoo this week. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Military Appreciation Week runs September 13 through 19, offering 50 percent off base admission for active-duty se
If you have a Harppa Nordi Foldable Toddler Tower Stool in your home, stop using it now. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled 47,166 of these stools due to entrapment and fall hazards that pose a risk
Every school district in Colorado Springs is past the first month of the 2026-27 school year. D49 families have been in the new routine since August 3. D11 since August 12. D20 since August 17. By now, the first-day exci
One of Colorado Springs' largest family events of the fall returns next weekend: the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow runs Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, 2026, at the Colorado Springs Airport. If you plan to attend, bu
A second children's product recall was issued on September 10, 2026 — the same day as the Ricky Joy Sour Crush candy bottle recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled Cade California Electronic Finger Light
If the week has been a long one, the weekend offers two good options for Colorado Springs families to get outside together before the September chill becomes autumn in earnest.
If your child has Ricky Joy Sour Crush Rolling Liquid Candy Bottles at home, in their backpack, or at school, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking you to take them away immediately. The CPSC issued a recall o
Academy School District 20 has a full board again. The D20 Board of Education appointed Kelli Hawkins to fill a vacant seat on September 3, 2026, giving the district's governing body its complete roster heading into the
September is settling in, the back-to-school rush is officially over, and this weekend is an excellent one to get outside with your family. The weather in Colorado Springs this time of year tends to hold — sunny days, co
Depending on your district, Colorado Springs kids are somewhere between three and six weeks into the school year — and the honeymoon period is officially over. The excitement of new classrooms and fresh supplies has worn
There's still time to get to the dahlia fields — but not much of it. Gather Mountain Blooms is hosting Dahlia Days on September 12 and September 19, from 8 AM to noon each day, at 5210 S. U.S. 85/87 in Colorado Springs.
If your baby has a Skip Hop Sesame Street Elmo silicone teether in the toy bin, it's time to put it out of reach. The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall on September 3, 2026 for about 22,660 of these p
Rocky Mountain PBS KIDS is hosting KIDS FEST Colorado Springs at Panorama Park on Saturday, September 19, from 10 AM to 2 PM — and admission is completely free. The event brings educational activities, crafts, and PBS KI
Two separate dresser recalls were issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission this week — both involving 6-drawer units that can tip over and trap or crush children. If your family owns either the Gizoon Direct
Here's a statistic worth sitting with: according to a survey highlighted in AAP News, 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults has asked an AI chatbot for mental health advice. That means in a typical Colorado Springs high sc
Colorado Springs families have a free family outing to look forward to this Saturday: the annual Fiestas Patrias celebration comes to COS on September 12, bringing live music, cultural performances, food, and activities
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is running its Military Appreciation Week from September 14 through September 20, 2026, offering 50% off base admission for active-duty military, veterans, retired personnel, and all household depen
The Pikes Peak Regional Airshow returns to Colorado Springs on September 19 and 20, and with two weeks to go, families have just enough time to plan before tickets sell out. This year's lineup includes the U.S. Air Force
If you bought a Mainstays 9-drawer fabric dresser from Walmart between September 2023 and March 2026, stop using it now. The dresser has been recalled because it can tip over and trap or crush a child — and if you missed
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States. The CDC reports that more than 1,000 children ages 14 and younger were killed in vehicle crashes in 2023 — and 43% of them w
The morning balloon launches are the reason to come. At 7 AM each day, approximately 65 hot air balloons ascend from Memorial Park in a mass launch that fills the Colorado Springs sky. It's one of those free experiences
The week after Labor Day weekend, Colorado Springs hosts the Dot Days Community Festival — a three-day event built around science, culture, and the natural world. This year it runs September 9–11, with sessions designed
Colorado's Imagination Library just hit a remarkable milestone: 3 million books delivered to Colorado children since the program launched in the state. Governor Jared Polis handed out the milestone copy at the Early Conn
Families in east Colorado Springs looking for preschool options have a new reason to check with Falcon School District 49 this fall. D49 opened two new preschool classrooms at its Student Success Center to start the 2026
If you bought Cat & Jack toddler sandals at Target this spring, check the closet before your child puts them on again. The CPSC has announced a recall of approximately 211,000 pairs of Cat & Jack toddler girls' sandals d
Back-to-school checkups bring a recurring conversation for many families with school-age children: the HPV vaccine. And for parents who have wondered whether starting earlier makes the conversation harder, new research p
Labor Day weekend in the Pikes Peak region has no shortage of options — but for families who want a free, art-forward outing that works for all ages, the Commonwheel Artists Labor Day Art Festival in Manitou Springs belo
The honeymoon phase of the new school year is officially over. D49 families are heading into week four. D11 is in week three. D20 is wrapping up week two. That means the novelty of new supplies, new backpacks, and first-
Most Colorado Springs kids are two to three weeks into the 2026-27 school year. D11 families are in week three. D20 is in week two. D49 students are heading into week four. At this point in the calendar, the first-day ne
If you bought a Chillife 5-in-1 Montessori Baby Toy Set on Amazon at any point between July 2023 and April 2026, stop using it right now. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled more than 20,000 of these popu
The school year started weeks ago, but for families still figuring out before- and after-school childcare, there's good news: District 49's BASE49 program is still accepting enrollment for the 2026-27 school year.
A second children's product recall is on the radar for Colorado Springs families this week. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that Little Loves & Co. is recalling approximately 590 youth clothing s
If your household does oil painting or other art projects that involve paint thinners or solvents, take a moment to check what's in your supplies cabinet.
Two free events are happening at Acacia Park in Downtown Colorado Springs this weekend — and both are worth putting on the calendar before the school-year routine really locks in.
The start of a new school year brings a particular kind of financial pressure — supplies, fees, immunization records, childcare gaps, and the quiet logistics that stack up before September is even over. Colorado Springs
Late August in Colorado Springs has a particular kind of energy — summer's still showing up but the school-year rhythm has set in, and weekends feel a little more earned. This one has some genuinely good options, includi
Nearly half of all children in the United States are not consistently getting the sleep they need. That's the headline finding of the National Sleep Foundation's 2026 Sleep in America Poll, and it lands at a moment when
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for PIXLABBY Silicone Magnetic Fidget Sliders after one child was hospitalized following magnet ingestion. Approximately 860 units were sold on Amazon.com b
Colorado Springs School District 11 has a new co-location arrangement in place for the 2026-27 school year: Orton Academy, a D11 charter school, is now sharing space at Trailblazer Elementary. The arrangement was announc
One of Colorado Springs' most remarkable assets for families costs nothing and is open year-round. Garden of the Gods — the 1,341-acre natural park of red sandstone formations at 1805 N. 30th Street — is free to enter, e
If you have Goody King magnetic building cube sets in your home, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking families to stop using them immediately. Approximately 213,500 units have been recalled due to a magnetic
A major national survey of more than 5,000 parents reveals a clear and consistent finding: what families want most is not a better school, a different neighborhood, or a higher paycheck — it is more time. Specifically, m
August is running out of days, and Colorado Springs is still delivering the kind of weather and programming that makes late summer worth showing up for. This weekend offers a mix of free outdoor activities, guided experi
Colorado Springs School District 11 started its 2026–2027 school year on August 12, and today marks the beginning of week 3. With the early-year adjustment period largely complete, one calendar feature that can catch fam
In February 2026, the American Academy of Pediatrics officially retired the two-hour-per-day screen time limit for children ages 2 and up. The change reflects years of pediatric research showing that time-counting is too
Two CPSC recalls are in effect that Colorado Springs families with infants and toddlers should check immediately. The affected products — a baby lounger line and a line of infant walkers — both violate mandatory federal
District 49 families have a new resource this school year. The D49 Student Success Center is opening at the start of the 2026–2027 school year at the former Falcon Elementary School of Technology building in the Falcon a
With the school year now underway for all three major Colorado Springs districts — D49, D11, and D20 — the rhythm of after-school and weekend activities is settling in. For families looking for free and low-cost options
Most discussions about parental leave focus on the mother — the recovery time, the bonding time, the logistics of returning to work. But a growing body of research in 2026 is making a different argument: paid paternity l
Colorado Springs has a new preschool — one with a classroom unlike any other in El Paso County. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Little Paws Nature Preschool welcomed its inaugural class Monday, August 24, marking the opening
For most of the year, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a dog-free zone. This Wednesday, August 26, is one of the rare exceptions.
If your Sunday morning plans are still undecided, here's one worth knowing about: the Colorado Springs Sunday Market is open right now at Acacia Park, running until 2 PM this afternoon.
It's the last full weekend of August in Colorado Springs, and there's a lot worth doing — if you time it right with the heat. Here's your quick guide to what's happening and what to plan around.
If your Saturday morning is still unplanned, here's an easy one. Bear Creek Nature Center's 50th anniversary "Bear-thday Party" is happening today through 2 PM at 245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs. There's no cost to
If you have LED tea lights or seasonal light-up accessories in your home, it's worth taking two minutes this morning to check them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled two products — JINHEZO Mini Wat
North Pole — Santa's Workshop is open this weekend, Friday through Sunday, at 5050 Pikes Peak Hwy in Cascade. If you've never taken your kids there, or if it's been a few years since your last visit, here's everything yo
Today is the last day of D20's first full week of school. If your household is still finding its rhythm — lunches forgotten, bedtimes pushed, mornings that feel like organized chaos — that is genuinely normal, and you're
If you've been through the NICU, you know that the hardest part isn't always the weeks inside the hospital. It's the months and sometimes years afterward — the anxiety that doesn't go away, the vigilance that becomes you
For Academy District 20 families, this week was the real beginning. After a staggered start that split the district's return across two days, D20 is now in full swing — and today is Thursday of the first complete week.
The weekend is almost here, and COS has a few genuinely good options for families. Here's what's happening — with dates, times, prices, and the ages it actually makes sense for.
Toddler tower stools — those step-up wooden helpers designed to bring small kids to counter height in the kitchen — have become popular in family homes across Colorado Springs and the country. If yours is the HARPPA Nord
RSV season in Colorado typically begins in late October, with peak hospitalizations in December and January. That puts the start of this season roughly 10 weeks away. Now that all three Colorado Springs school districts
As of today, all three Colorado Springs school districts are fully in session. D49 opened August 4, D11 opened August 12, and D20 completes its two-day staggered start this morning with grades 1–5, 7–8, and 10–12. The fi
The CPSC recalled approximately 213,500 Goody King Magnetic Building Cubes and Blocks on August 13, 2026. Two children swallowed magnets from the sets and underwent surgery to remove them. There were 27 additional report
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued an urgent safety warning on August 13, 2026, instructing families to immediately stop using Wenzhou Yidian Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd. Model WPX-4 indoor/outdoor slide
Academy District 20's two-day staggered start wraps up today. Grades 1 through 5, 7th and 8th grade, and 10th through 12th grade begin the 2026-27 school year this morning. Yesterday's opener covered preschool, kindergar
Tomorrow morning, Academy District 20 students in Colorado Springs will start their 2026-27 school year. If you have been following the district's staggered opening, you already know the schedule — but here is everything
August has been an active month for CPSC recall announcements affecting families. COS Parenting has already covered the Taleco Gear baby jumpers and swings (August 15), the PIXLABBY magnetic fidget sliders (August 8), th
D20 starts tomorrow. The summer schedule is officially giving way to the school year. But Colorado Springs has a full week of family activities before fall routines take over — and most of them are free or low-cost.
Colorado Springs is getting a preschool unlike anything else in El Paso County. Starting Monday, August 24, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will open Little Paws Preschool — a state-accredited early childhood education program
The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidance on children's screen time, and the new framing is more nuanced than the simple time limits most parents grew up hearing. The focus has shifted from "how many mi
TESSA's annual Pasta in the Park fundraiser takes place tonight in Colorado Springs. The event begins at 6 PM at the Myron Stratton Home on the south side of the city. This year's theme is "Shelter from the Storm," and t
Academy District 20 opens the 2026-27 school year in two phases this coming week. Not every student starts on the same day — the district is using a staggered schedule that separates transition-year students from returni
A major 2026 study has put some of the most specific numbers yet on the relationship between children's screen time and mental health — and the findings give parents a clear reason to revisit how screens are used in thei
Academy District 20 families have this weekend to finalize their back-to-school preparations. School starts Monday, August 17 — but not for everyone at once.
It's a full weekend in Colorado Springs, and we've rounded up the best picks for families. Whether you're into rodeos, sunflowers, soccer, or a free scavenger hunt in one of the most beautiful parks in the state, there's
D11's first day is today, and for a lot of Colorado Springs households, this morning probably involved some combination of nerves, rushed breakfasts, and at least one person (not necessarily the kid) feeling more anxious
The American Academy of Pediatrics has published its recommendations for influenza prevention and control in children for the 2026–27 flu season. The core recommendation is the same as in prior years, and it's direct: al
Bear Creek Nature Center is turning 50, and Colorado Springs families are invited to help celebrate. El Paso County Parks and Recreation is hosting a free Bear-thday Party on Saturday, August 22, from 10 AM to 2 PM at th
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued recalls for three infant walker brands and a stop-use warning for an infant swing model this month. If you have a baby walker or infant swing purchased on Amazon or Walma
Today is the first day of school for every K–12 student in Colorado Springs School District 11. Wednesday, August 12 marks the official start of the 2026–27 school year for D11's full enrollment, following Jumpstart Day
Tomorrow, Wednesday August 12, is the first day of school for all Colorado Springs School District 11 K-12 students. Today, Tuesday August 11, was Jumpstart Day — a shorter orientation-style day for students in transitio
For years, the dominant advice to parents about children and screens has centered on limits: two hours a day, no screens before bed, no devices at the dinner table. The American Academy of Pediatrics has now shifted its
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC return to Weidner Field this Saturday, August 15, with a USL Championship home match against Birmingham Legion FC. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM, and tickets start at $14 — making this one of
If you're looking for a way to mark the end of the first week of school with something the whole family can enjoy, the Pioneer Rodeo has you covered. The annual event returns to Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Sp
If you bought a portable bed rail on Amazon anytime between July 2024 and May 2026 and it looks like the Liuqibax BR-11, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission wants you to stop using it immediately.
At its developer conference on June 8, Apple announced something it hadn't done before: a formal partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics to bring AAP guidance into device settings. iOS 27 — releasing this fal
District 49 is heading into the 2026-27 school year with nine more campuses carrying the Colorado Department of Education's Purple Star School designation. That brings D49 among the leaders in El Paso County for recogniz
While D11 families are getting ready for Wednesday, Academy District 20 families have a full week before the first bell. D20's staggered start puts preschoolers, elementary students, incoming 6th graders, and incoming 9t
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced two more product recalls on August 6 for the same hazard: coin and button batteries that children can access, in violation of Reese's Law.
The National Weather Service out of Pueblo issued a Heat Advisory for El Paso County on Monday morning. It runs from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM MDT today, with Colorado Springs forecast to reach 95°F. This is the fourth consecu
District 49 is expanding its early childhood education options this fall, opening two new classrooms at the Student Success Center in east Colorado Springs. The program serves children from age three through kindergarten
Two new CPSC product recalls this week target toys and infant products that may be in homes right now — and one of them already resulted in a child being hospitalized.
If your D11 student is starting kindergarten, moving to middle school, or heading to high school for the first time this year, their first day isn't Wednesday — it's Monday.
On Wednesday morning, Colorado Springs parents will be doing two things at once: dropping off their D11 kids for the first day of school, and navigating roads where a significant new state law just went into effect.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is about to unveil the largest change to the zoo in years, and the timing — arriving just as the back-to-school season begins — makes it a perfect destination for a family outing before the routine
Nearly four out of five toddler food products sold at grocery stores are ultra-processed, and almost half fail at least one World Health Organization nutritional recommendation for young children — those are the central
Colorado Springs District 11 families have four days before school begins. Tuesday, August 12 is the first day of the 2026-27 school year for most D11 students — and there are a few things worth knowing before the weeken
A fidget toy sold on Amazon for about $10 has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission after a child was hospitalized following the ingestion of two small magnets. Colorado Springs parents who purchased th
If your family bought a Heartwarming Hugs Bear from Build-A-Bear Workshop earlier this year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking you to stop using it now.
The August back-to-school countdown is real — D11 starts Wednesday, August 12, and D20 follows the week after. That makes this weekend a natural bookend to summer: one of the last fully free weekends before the school-ye
With school back in session for D49 families and starting next week for D11, after-school and evening activities that are free, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable become more valuable. The Colorado Farm & Art Market at
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled approximately 70,000 GOPO Toys Pull String Teething Toys on June 19, 2026, after three reports of the product's silicone strings reaching the back of young children's
Colorado Springs District 20 families: if you had August 13 written on your calendar as the first day of school, erase it. The official start dates for D20 have been updated.
The Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education voted Wednesday evening to approve ballot language for a $775 million bond measure, placing the decision before voters in the November 2026 coordinated election.
If you have a baby at home — or if you know someone who does — there are active Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls on infant sleep and support products that every family should check right now. The CPSC has issue
If you're looking for one more big family event before summer is officially over, the Pioneer Rodeo has you covered. It's back August 14–16 at Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs — two nights of rodeo, a demo
District 11 families have eight days until the first bell of the 2026-27 school year rings on August 12. For more than 14,000 of the district's K-8 students, one item on the back-to-school list is already handled: their
Academy District 20 families: the first day of school is not August 13. That date was incorrect and has been circulating in some community channels. The confirmed, correct start dates for D20 are August 17 and August 18.
Tomorrow evening, the District 11 Board of Education will vote on whether to place a $775 million bond measure on the November 2026 general election ballot. The board meeting is Wednesday, August 5 at 5:30 PM.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled 116,908 TOMY Boon PIVOT Collapsible Toddler Tower Kitchen Step Stools due to a tip-over and fall hazard that poses a risk of serious injury or death. Families with
Tuesday marks the first full day of school for District 49. After Monday's staggered start brought kindergarteners, 6th graders, and 9th graders in first, every remaining D49 grade reports today for the official beginnin
School starts and the screen time conversation starts with it. Structured days create a clear before and after, and suddenly "homework vs. YouTube" becomes a daily negotiation that didn't exist two weeks ago. If you've b
Wednesday evening, District 11's Board of Education decides whether to send a $775 million bond measure to Colorado Springs voters in November. It's a vote that most D11 families won't cast themselves — the board meeting
After the supply lists, the new backpacks, and the first-day-eve countdown, Monday is finally here for District 49 families. Today is the first day of school — but not for everyone at once. D49 is using a staggered start
For D49 families, this is it — the last free weekend before the school year starts Monday. If you're looking for a way to close out summer, two solid options are within reach today and tomorrow, plus a lower-key backup i
Three new consumer product safety actions from the CPSC cover items that may be in Colorado Springs homes right now: a stroller sold through a major online retailer, children's robes sold at a well-known department store
The Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education votes August 5 on whether to place a $775 million bond measure on the November 2026 ballot. That vote is four days away, and for families across central Colorado
A correction to the COS back-to-school calendar, and an update worth sharing if you have children in Academy District 20.
District 49 families have a new building opening on Monday — the same morning that thousands of D49 students return to school for the 2026–27 year. The Student Success Center is opening at the former Falcon Elementary Sc
Back-to-school season is a natural moment to do a quick check of the gear in your home, and this summer the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued or confirmed recalls on five children's products that are worth kn
Colorado Springs School District 11 is weighing its largest bond measure in more than two decades. The D11 school board meets August 5 to vote on whether to place a $775 million bond measure on the November 2026 ballot —
If you've been to a pediatric well-child visit in the past decade, there's a good chance your child's doctor asked about reading — whether you're reading aloud at home, what books are in the house, and whether your child
If your family missed the July 25 Backpack Bash locations, there's one more chance this weekend. The Backpack Bash Central location is happening Saturday, August 1, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and it's the final Backpack Bas
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a safety warning for Mikrdoo brand children's pajamas. These pajamas fail to meet the federal flammability standard for children's sleepwear — a mandatory safety r
As of July 27, the Aspen Acres Fire has reached 101,879 acres and is 61% contained. That containment figure represents significant progress on a fire that has become the ninth largest in Colorado history by acreage. More
Fall sports season starts earlier than most families expect. Youth soccer practices in Colorado Springs are set to begin the week of August 10 — that's before D11 schools open on August 12 and before D20 students start o
If you bought a pair of Cat & Jack brand toddler girls' sandals at Target between January and May 2026, check your child's shoe rack. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued recall #26-629, covering
Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876. This Saturday, August 1, 2026, marks exactly 150 years since Colorado entered the Union — the sesquicentennial of statehood. Colorado Day is a state holiday, and Colorado Spring
Colorado Springs families have fewer than three weeks until the 2026-27 school year begins. Here are the confirmed first-day dates for each of the three main Colorado Springs-area districts.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Colorado Springs and the surrounding El Paso County area below 7,400 feet. The advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. MDT today, July 26. The forecast hig
Trails and Open Space Coalition, a Colorado Springs nonprofit with more than 40 years of regional parks advocacy, launched a free interactive guide to the outdoor spaces of the Pikes Peak region this week. The guide is c
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled two pull-string teething toy sets sold on Amazon on July 23, 2026. Both products pose a choking and respiratory hazard to infants and should be stopped immediately.
The Colorado Springs Sunday Market returns to Acacia Park today, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is free to attend and brings more than 60 vendors to downtown Colorado Springs each week, selling Colorado-grown
Colorado Springs is hitting 84 degrees today, and the kind of summer heat that makes staying inside feel like a waste. If you've been looking for a reason to get the family outside and cooled off, this weekend is it.
The next time you take your child to a well-child visit, your pediatrician might ask about more than reading. Colorado Governor Jared Polis has joined five other governors in urging the American Academy of Pediatrics to
Two separate product recalls announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission affect items that many Colorado Springs families may have purchased in the last year. Both involve products used with young children,
The 88th annual Bronc Day Festival takes place this Saturday, July 25, in Green Mountain Falls — a mountain community approximately 20 minutes west of Colorado Springs on U.S. Highway 24. Admission is free for the entire
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is launching a state-accredited, nature-based outdoor preschool called Little Paws Preschool, with its inaugural class beginning Monday, August 24, 2026. Registration is open now, and class sizes ar
Rosemont Reservoir has been in the Colorado Springs news cycle most of 2026 — first for the city council's approval of an expanded recreation agreement with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, then for the aspirational July 4 o
With the new school year starting August 3 in District 49, families who have been waiting for more details about the new Student Success Center now have something concrete to plan around. The center — housed in the forme
If you've been following children's health news this year, you may have noticed something unusual: the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are no longer recommending the same
This week includes a strong lineup of outdoor and nature-focused family events in Colorado Springs — and Friday, July 25 in particular stacks up nicely if you're looking for options. Here's what's worth your attention th
If you've spent years feeling like you're losing the battle against screen time — counting minutes, setting timers, arguing about one more episode — the American Academy of Pediatrics has some news that might actually he
Colorado Springs is home to a 100-year-old zoo that just received one of the highest rankings in the country. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo celebrates its centennial in 2026, and USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards named i
Summer still has several weeks left, but the first day of school is closer than it feels for Colorado Springs families. Here are the 2026 back-to-school dates for the three main COS districts, along with what to check of
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