Englewood, Colorado

Englewood, besides being home to 32,000 Coloradoans, is also home to a handful of community-oriented facilities and programs that build amiability among its residents and a healthy outlet for the town's youth.

"Sounds of Summer," the free concert series every Thursday evening, between June 22 and August 10 at CivicCenter Englewood Amphitheatre, showcases local bands from all genres. At the amphitheater, you can also catch David Taylor Dance (more on that later), kids' concerts, entertainment and special events, like this summer's "Dance to the Music," a free, multi-media performance presented and performed by the members of the Museum of Outdoor Arts. This summer, visitors and residents may also take part in the Englewood FunFest on August 26, an annual event that features a bungee jump, dunk tank, rubber duck races, a chili cook-off, giant bubble wands all set to live music.

David Taylor Dance, one of Metro-Denver's premier dance troupes, is based out of Englewood. Taylor's dancers perform seasonal classics — the Nutcracker for one — and other, specialized shows for children and adults often performed in bother Parker and Highlands Ranch.

Englewood's Malley Senior Recreation Center hosts activities for aging adults including knitting and crocheting workshops, beading classes and watercolor classes and daytime arts & crafts; jazz and modern dance class, ballet and even hosts Manhattan Swing Jam, an event in July for big band lovers.

The Englewood Civic Center hosts art shows to vocal concertos. For a more industrious entertainment, go to Belleview Park where Pirates Cove Water Park, a municipal water amusement park with water slides, and a lazy river; check out the miniature train for adventurous tikes or go to the children's farm.