Hi Highlands Ranch,
We finally had winter, and it came in went in one week. Looks like the summer weather is back for the weekend.
In this week’s Scoop:
✨Nora’s story — A Highlands Ranch Mother & Co-Founder of Denver Metro Racing
🚂Colorado Railroad Museum — Free today
🌳Scoop Brief — 197 acres officially added to the Ranch
I’ve been excited to start sharing something new—stories about the people who shape this community in meaningful ways.
First up: Nora.
A mom of three, a competitive runner, and co-founder of a women’s racing team here in the area. Her story is about building something while showing up fully for yourself and those around you—and it happens to land on a week where there’s a local Mother’s Day 5K which feels fitting.
More of these stories to come.
Let’s do this thing.
Running in the Ranch
🌿Weekend Outing Ideas
Mother’s Day Open Hours – Highlands Ranch Mansion
🗓️ Sunday, May 10 (11am-4pm)
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A really easy Mother’s Day option—free open hours at the Mansion with self-guided tours through the historic home. Pack a picnic for the lawn, grab a mimosa on-site, and take your time wandering. One of the more relaxed (and very “Ranch”) ways to spend the afternoon.
HRCA Mother’s Day 5k – Cresthill Middle School
🗓️ Saturday, May 9 (9am)
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A family-friendly 5K to kick off Mother’s Day weekend—runners, walkers, strollers and dogs all welcome. Pancake breakfast after, plus a hidden kettlebell on the course (find it and it’s $100). Another example of wellness in the Ranch.
Second Saturdays at Zuma’s – Littleton
🗓️ Saturday, May 9 (7-9pm)
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Live music, mountain views, hay rides, and rescue horses — Zuma’s 90-acre sanctuary is bringing back its monthly summer music nights. Bring lawn chairs, snacks, and drinks for a laid-back evening under the stars. A relaxing weekend evening you won’t regret.
Bug Safari with a Park Ranger (Free) – Toepfer Park
🗓️ Saturday, May 9 (10:30am-12pm)
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Hands-on nature experience for kids of any age at this Bug Safari pop-up led by a Metro District park ranger. The interactive program explores the world of insects—how they pollinate plans, break down waste, and support the entire ecosystem. An engaging way for the littles to explore nature.
Free Day – Colorado Railroad Museum
🗓️ Thursday, May 7 (9am-5pm)
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Free admission for SCFD Day, with optional train rides through the grounds (paid, but worth it for kids). This one’s gotten popular—tickets now require advance reservation. A fun, slightly off-the-beaten-path pick if you’re up for a short drive.
Spring into Gardening (Managing Japanese Beetles) – Highlands Ranch Library
🗓️ Saturday, May 9 (10:30-11:30am)
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Learn how to spot and manage Japanese beetles before they take over your yard. Led by a CSU Master Gardener with simple, research-backed tips for Colorado landscapes. A practical one as you get the lawn ready for summer.
Protect Your Home from Wildfire – Douglas County Fairgrounds
🗓️ Saturday, May 9 (10am-1pm)
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With wildfire risk trending higher this year, this open house offers practical, real-world guidance—from defensible space tips to insurance insights—with local experts on-site. A great way to level up your knowledge on fire safety.
🌳Park of the Week
Diamond K Park (8/26)
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Tucked away—this neighborhood park feels like a bit of a hidden gem—easy, quiet, and perfect for a quick reset with a playground, fields, and room to explore.
Did you catch the park name clue this week? At one point, Highland Ranch (without an “s”) was renamed to Diamond K Ranch when Frank Kistler bought the Ranch back in the day.
➜Curious about the full story? We linked a quick history note from the Mansion.
🌲26 Park Challenge: Visit all 26 with us over the next 26 weeks—join anytime. You don’t even have to go in any particular order. It’s not that strict.
☁️🤔Park Giveaway: Guess the park correctly on Instagram, Facebook or email. Increase your chances of winning a Colorado getaway.
🍽️Weekend Brunch
Brunch Pick – ViewHouse Centennial or Littleton
🗓️ Sunday, May 10
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A go-to for a reason—big patio, solid brunch menu, and easy for groups or great for two. One of the simpler ways to round out the day with friends or for Mother’s Day.
📰Early Next Week
Free Day – Denver Art Museum
🗓️ Tuesday, May 12 (10am-8pm)
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Free general admission across the full campus—Hamilton, Martin + Kirkland buildings included. One of the easier “worth the drive” days if you’ve been meaning to go. Register before you go.
Onus IV Reopening – Free B12 shots + 500 Giveaway (Don’t Miss This One)
🗓️ Tuesday, May 12 (12-2pm)
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Quick reminder—if you’ve been meaning to enter the $500 Onus IV giveaway, don’t wait on this one.
They’re reopening their Highlands Ranch location with an open house (free B12 shots, local businesses, giveaways + more) and the big play here is getting your name in before the deadline.
➜ Enter by commenting “Onus IV” on Instagram, Facebook or by replying to this email
🗓️ Giveaway deadline: Sunday
🗓️ Looking Ahead
🎥Film on the Rocks
June 8th — Princess Bride
June 22nd — Sinners
July 13th — Little Miss Sunshine
August 3rd — Bridesmaids
August 10th — Jurassic Park
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A classic Colorado summer night happening Monday evenings—movies under the stars at Red Rocks, with doors at 6:30 p.m., live entertainment at 7 p.m., and films starting around 8:30 p.m. Tickets are now available.
📬 Before You Go
We’re grateful you’re a part of the Ranch Scoop!
Final Reminders:
🔥Stage 1 fire +💧Stage 1 drought restrictions in effect
🧺Farmer’s Market runs every Sunday
If you’re enjoying this, share it with a friend or neighbor—it helps more than you know. If I missed something or you have a suggestion, just reply—I’d love to hear from you.
For now, that’s the Scoop, y’all. Enjoy the sun this weekend!
— Grace
Editor, The Ranch Scoop