History Adventures 2026

History Adventures helps young explorers understand the experiences of people from the past who have called Colorado home through hands-on activities and instruction from expert historical interpreters. The Littleton Museum summer programs have been a tradition for over 50 years! 

These day-long activities are open to 12 children per session and require prior registration to attend. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.  

All sessions are from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and cost $50 per day per child. 

A benefit of Friends of the Littleton Library and Museum membership is early registration and a 10% discount. 

Registration Open Dates: 

Sessions

Tuesday, June 16 & Wednesday, June 17, 2026: Life on the Farm 

Ages: 8 – 12/ Fee: $100 

Experience the day-to-day work that went into running a 19th-century farm! From early settlement in what was then Kansas Territory in the 1860s to the family farm of the 1890s in Littleton, children will step back in time to learn about the skills needed for farm life in Colorado.

They will learn to care for the animals, prepare a historic recipe, build a fire, and attend a lesson in Littleton’s first schoolhouse. Participants will record their thoughts in their pioneer journals and come away with a greater understanding of a farm life in the 1800s. 

Tuesday, July 7 & Wednesday, July 8, 2026: Along the Trail 

Ages: 13 – 16/ Fee: $100 

The journey west could take two to three months! The pioneers tried to pack enough provisions for this journey; however, sometimes supplies could be scarce and creativity was needed to find supplies along the trail. Nature became their market. Products like food, medicine, writing implements, or flint for fire starting could be found if they knew what to look for. Campers will discover some of the plants and animals essential to the pioneers along the trail. 

Campers will create a quill using a pen knife, make ink from berries, sew a “possibles bag” out of animal hide, create cordage from cattails stalks, and design a powder horn. In addition to exploring items found along the trail, campers will visit the blacksmith shop and learn how to start a fire using flint and steel. All items campers create are taken home at the end of camp. 

Tuesday, July 21, 2026: Cow Camp 

Ages: 8 – 12/ Fee: $50 

This session will focus on western cattle culture and the jobs that cowboys, cowgirls, and vaqueros have done for hundreds of years. Not many people realize that one of the major cattle trails ran through Colorado. The Goodnight/Loving Trail, established by Texas cattleman Charlie Goodnight, passed through Pueblo and Denver.  

This session will teach the skills that cowboys, cowgirls, and vaqueros had to learn in order to manage a large herd traveling across the open plains. Participants will learn to rope, cook camp biscuits, compose cowboy poetry, sing cowboy songs, and even ride in a barrel race with a stick horse they make themselves. 

Tuesday, August 4, 2026: Art and History  

Ages: 7 – 11/ Fee: $50 

Step back in time to create unique works of art and learn about some of the most influential artists who visited Colorado in the 19th century. As we discover the stories surrounding these artists, kids will participate in painting, drawing, and crafting projects.  

At the end of the day, children will take home a portfolio of their work as well as short biographies of the artists that inspired their projects. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should my child bring their lunch? 

• Yes, please send a nut-free lunch with your child. We have a refrigerator to store their lunches in. We have water fountains.
• Please make museum staff aware of any food allergies or other pertinent allergies prior to your child’s participation.  

What should my child wear? 

• Participants must wear closed-toed shoes to prevent possible injury from nails, wires, and other debris often found on the farmyards.  
• We strongly recommend a hat and sunscreen, as many areas on the farms where the activities take place are in direct sun. 

When and where is drop off and pick up? 

• Drop off is at the Education Wing door to the Littleton Museum (the doors to the left of the big rock wall as you look at the Museum). A volunteer will be there to check your child in.
• Please arrive by 9 a.m. Pick up is in the same spot, at 3 p.m. 

Will my child be riding a horse at Cow Camp, or touching the animals up close?

These camps do not involve riding any animals. We will be looking at and talking about the livestock and perhaps feeding them part of their daily diet. For visitor safety, there is no petting, touching, or feeding the livestock.

My child has particular needs I'd like to discuss.

Please email Ryan Badger, Curator of Education & Interpretation, at rbadger@LittletonCo.gov or call at 303-795-3711.

What if my family has a change of plans?

The cutoff date to receive a full refund is June 10, 2025.

You will receive a 50% refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before your camp session begins. Email Ryan Badger at rbadger@LittletonCo.gov.

What if I register as a Friends member during the Friends-Only period and it turns out I am not a current member?

Please note - From March 3 until March 10 at 9 a.m., only current members of the Friends of the Littleton Library & Museum are eligible to register camp slots. If a registration is made without a current membership during that period, that registration is not guaranteed and may be canceled and refunded.