Summer Adventure 2026
Unearth an adventure this summer with PPLD’s summer reading program, Summer Adventure, presented by the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District! This year, anyone of any age can participate. All you have to do is spend 30 days reading, creating, and exploring to win prizes. To get started, read a book, participate in one of the Library’s programs, or use one of our activity ideas!
Dig into Summer Adventure early!
Sign up online only starting May 1, and pick up prizes on June 1 at any Library Location.
Prefer to Unearth a Story during the summer months?
Registration opens in person at all Library locations June 1! Sign up to begin logging your reading and activities on June 1 by logging onto ppld.beanstack.org with your username and password.
You can sign up for and start the program on Mon., June 1, 2026, on the Beanstack app or ppld.beanstack.org.
Sign Up for Updates
Receive a reminder email at the start of Summer Adventure and throughout June and July for summer programs, activities, and more. You can unsubscribe at any time.
How to Participate
Prizes
Complete Activities, Win Prizes
Participants receive an age-appropriate prize upon registration (ages 0 - 18) and another after completing 30 days of Read, Explore, and Create activities (all ages). Prizes are available until Fri., July 31 or while supplies last. Earn up to four additional entries into the grand prize drawings by completing bonus rounds of five extra days of activities each.
You can pick up your prizes at your favorite Library location. Prize options may vary as supplies last. Open hours and specific services may vary by Library location, so please check in advance.
Completion Prize:
Ages 0 - 3: A bath toy and entry into the grand prize drawing
Ages 4 - 12: A reading brag tag and entry into the grand prize drawing
Ages 13 - 18: A choice of book or journal and entry into the grand prize drawing
Ages 19+: A booklight or clip light and entry into the grand prize drawing
Registration Prize (ages 0 - 18 only):
Ages 0 - 12: A choice of book or stencil book
Ages 13 - 18: A choice of book or journal
Grand Prize Drawing
Thanks to our generous sponsors, we have some exciting grand prizes that will be awarded to our lucky winners this year!
The Broadmoor Cloud Camp – One night stay for two
Pikes Peak Region Attractions VIP Access Pass – Free and significantly discounted admissions to many great attractions in the Pikes Peak region!
- Skate City – 10-pack skate passes (skates not included)
- U.S. Taekwondo Center – Six-month beginner course, plus uniform
- YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region -Three-month family membership
- Bricks & Minifigs – COS South - $50 gift certificate
- Shake Shack -$50 gift card
- Hotel Polaris - $50 restaurant gift certificate
- Muse Comics - $50 gift certificate
- SCHEELS- $50 gift card
- Lost Realm – Mini Golf 4-pack
- Sertich Ice Arena – 5-Pack ice skating passes
- Manitou Spring Penny Arcade – TBD
- Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain – Family 4-Pack to the Summit
- Millibo Theater – Child’s First Show- Family 4-Pack
- Club Car Wash- Three-month unlimited car washes
Programs
Featured Program
Summer Adventure Celebration
Join us for family fun concerts as we celebrate Summer Adventure 2026 throughout June and July presented by Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District! There will be dancing, singing, and a whole lot of fun!
- Mon., June 1 | 2 – 3 p.m. & 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Library 21c and East Library - Sat., June 13 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
High Prairie Library - Fri., July 10 | 6 – 7 p.m.
Palmer Lake Library - Fri., July 17 | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. & 11a.m. - noon
Fountain Library - Wed., July 29 | 6 – 7 p.m.
Manitou Springs Library
If you have a group of 10 or more who wish to participate, please call the Library you plan to attend to confirm space before your visit or program participation.
Children's Programs
Children's Program
Summer Fun: Winnie the Pooh presented by Theatre Across Borders
Join Christopher Robin and that "Silly Old Bear," Winnie the Pooh, for a cozy adventure perfect for young audiences ages 0 - 12. We will search for honey, do some exercises, and take a balloon ride with Pooh Bear. Wigglers are welcome! Jacqueline Stone, director of last year's Peter Rabbit, adapts this beloved A.A. Milne classic. Ages 0 – 12.
- Sand Creek Library, Tue., June 9 | 2 p.m.
- Library 21c, Thu., June 11 | 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
- Ruth Holley Library, Tue., June 16 | 10:30 a.m.
- Palmer Lake Library, Thu., June 18 | 10:30 a.m.
- Monument Library, Tue., June 23 | 10:30 a.m.
- Ute Pass Library, Thu., June 25 | 10:30 a.m.
- Manitou Springs Library, Mon., July 6 | 10:30 a.m.
- Cheyenne Mountain Library, Wed., July 8 | 10:30 a.m.
- Fountain Library, Thu., July 9 | 2:30 p.m.
- High Prairie Library, Fri., July 10 | 10:30 a.m.
- Calhan Library, Mon., July 13 | 10:30 a.m.
- Penrose Library, Wed., July 15 | 10:30 a.m.
- Old Colorado City Library (at Bancroft Park), Fri., July 17 | 10:30 a.m.
- East Library, Wed., July 22 | 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
- Mobile Library Services (at Wilson Ranch Park), Fri., July 24 | 10:30 a.m.
Children's Program
Summer Fun: Kids Dinosaur Yoga
Join us for kid-friendly yoga, where we explore mindfulness, breathing, stories, and songs in English and Spanish — all while moving. Ages 0 - 12.
- East Library, Wed., July 8 | 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
- Palmer Lake Library, Thu., July 9 | 10:30 a.m.
- Mobile Library Services (at Wilson Ranch Park), Fri., July 10 | 10:30 a.m.
- Manitou Springs Library, Mon., July 20 | 10:30 a.m.
- Ruth Holley Library, Tue., July 21 | 10:30 a.m.
- Cheyenne Mountain Library, Wed., July 22 | 10:30 a.m.
Children's Program
Summer Fun: Dino O’Dell
Come unearth a story with Dino O’Dell as we travel back in time 550 million years ago! We will explore the history of dinosaurs through music, stories, and animation. Ages 0 - 12.
- Calhan Library, Mon., June 22 | 10:30 a.m.
- Sand Creek Library, Tue., June 23 | 2:00 p.m.
- Penrose Library, Wed., June 24 | 10:30 a.m.
- Library 21c, Thu., June 25 | 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
Children's Program
Summer Fun: Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
Join the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center to learn more about the amazing creatures that roamed the Earth millions of years ago! Ages 0 - 12.
- Ute Pass Library, Thu., June 11 | 10:30 a.m.
- Monument Library, Tue., July 14 | 10:30 a.m.
- Sand Creek Library, Tue., July 14 | 2 p.m.
- Library 21c, Thu., July 16 | 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
Children's Program
Summer Fun: Drum Safari
Join us for a musical safari where you will learn about different animals from all over the world, each set to rhythm. There will be interactive songs, dancing, and, of course, drumming! Ages 0 - 12.
- Manitou Springs Library, Mon., June 15 | 10:30 a.m.
- Ruth Holley Library, Tue., June 16 | 10:30 a.m.
- Cheyenne Mountain Library, Wed., June 17 | 10:30 a.m.
- Fountain Library, Thu., June 18 | 2:30 p.m.
- Mobile Library Services (at Wilson Ranch Park), Fri., June 19 | 10:30 a.m.
Children's Program
Summer Fun: Rocky Mountain Wildlife
Join Nature’s Educators as we explore an incredibly diverse group of wildlife and their ecosystems. You will get to meet animal ambassadors that are native to the Rocky Mountain area! Ages 0 - 12.
- Monument Library, Tue., June 9 | 10:30 a.m.
- Old Colorado City Library (at Westside Community Center), Fri., June 12 | 10:30 a.m.
- High Prairie Library, Fri., June 19 | 10:30 a.m.
- Ruth Holley Library, Tue., July 7 | 10:30 a.m.
- Ute Pass Library, Thu., July 16 | 10:30 a.m.
- Fountain Library, Thu., July 23 | 2:30 p.m.
Children's Program
Summer Fun: Wishing Star Farm
Come to the Library to meet some friendly animals from Wishing Star Farm. These programs are held outdoors. Ages 0 - 12.
- Calhan Library, Mon., June 8 | 10:30 a.m.
- Penrose Library, Wed., June 10 | 10:30 a.m.
- East Library, Wed., June 17 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- Old Colorado City Library (at Bancroft Park), Fri., June 26 | 10:30 a.m.
- Palmer Lake Library, Thu., July 23 | 10:30 a.m.
- High Prairie Library, Fri., July 24 | 10:30 a.m.
Children's Program
Idea Lab: UV Kid
Use common materials and UV beads to create a UV Kid. Then explore ways (like sunscreen, foil, paper, and more) to protect your UV Kid (and yourself) from too much UV radiation. Ages 5 – 12.
- Sand Creek Library, Wed., June 17 | noon
- Cheyenne Mountain Library, Thu., June 18 | 2 p.m.
- Ruth Holley Library, Thu., June 25 | 1 p.m.
- High Prairie Library, Fri., July 17 | 10:30 a.m.
- Library 21c, Thu., July 30 | 4:30 p.m.
Children's Program
Idea Lab: Spider Sculptures
Create your own posable “Mama” Spider Sculpture based on the 30-foot-tall spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois. You will also learn some interesting facts on why you should love spiders. Ages 5 – 12.
- Ruth Holley Library, Thu., June 4 | 1 p.m.
- Fountain Library, Fri., June 26 | 2 p.m.
- Mobile Library Services (at Wilson Ranch Park), Fri., July 17 | 10:30 a.m.
Children's Program
Idea Lab: Pinch Pots
Pinch pots are a wonderful introduction to creating something with clay. Get a feel for working with clay and begin perfecting your technique. Ages 5 – 12.
- East Library, Tue., June 2 | 4 p.m.
- Library 21c, Thu., June 4 | 4:30
- Monument Library, Fri., June 19 | 4 p.m.
- Old Colorado City Library, Thu., June 25 | 3 p.m.
- Sand Creek Library, Wed., July 1 |10 a.m.
- Penrose Library, Thu., July 9 | 4:30 p.m.
- Cheyenne Mountain Library, Thu., July 16 | 2 p.m.
- Ruth Holley Library, Thu., July 30 | 1 p.m.
Children's Program
Idea Lab: Egg Drop Challenge
Learn a bit about gravity and resistance as you build a contraption to prevent your egg from “breaking” when it’s dropped. We will be using plastic eggs to minimize the mess. Ages 5 – 12.
- Ute Pass Library, Thu., June 18 | 10:30 a.m.
- High Prairie Library, Fri., June 26 | 10:30 a.m.
- Library 21c, Thu., July 2 | 4:30 p.m.
- Manitou Springs Library, Tue., July 14 | 3 p.m.
Tween Programs
Tween Program
Tweens: Fossilized Finds
Dig into the world of dinosaurs! In this introduction to paleontology, explore excavation techniques and learn about the habitats of these ancient creatures. Ages 9 – 12.
- Penrose Library, Thu., June 11 | 4:30 p.m.
- Sand Creek Library, Tue., June 16 | 1 p.m.
- Old Colorado City Library, Tue., June 23 | 3 p.m.
- Cheyenne Mountain Library, Thu., June 25 | 2 p.m.
- Library 21c, Thu., July 23 | 4:30 p.m.
Tween Program
Tweens: The Science of Ice Cream
Discover the science behind ice cream! Experiment with ingredients and learn the chemistry that brings us this delicious dessert. Ages 9 – 12. Registration for this event is required.
- Manitou Springs Library, Tue., June 9 | 3 p.m.
- East Library, Tue., June 16 | 4 p.m.
- Ute Pass Library, Thu., July 9 |10:30 a.m.
- Ruth Holley Library, Thu., July 16 | 1 p.m.
- Cheyenne Mountain Library, Thu., July 23 | 2 p.m.
- Penrose Library, Thu., July 23 | 4:30 p.m.
- Monument Library, Fri., July 31 | 4 p.m.
Tween Program
Tweens: Create-a-Comic
Learn about the elements of a graphic novel and techniques to bring your ideas to the page. Collaborate with other tweens to brainstorm, storyboard, and illustrate your very own short graphic novel. Ages 9 – 12.
- Library 21c, Thu., June 25 | 4:30 p.m.
- Old Colorado City, Tue., July 7 | 3 p.m.
- East Library, Tue., July 21 | 4 p.m.
- Sand Creek Library, Thu., July 30 | 4 p.m.
Teen Programs
Teen Program
Teen Glow Extravaganza
Calling all teens! Join us for our Teen Glow Extravaganza, the glow-in-the-dark party for teens! Demonstrate your dance skills, rock out to music, engage in glow crafts and games, and enjoy refreshments in a glowing wonderland lit by black lights. We encourage you to wear white or neon to really glow! For ages 13 - 18, no registration is required.
- East Library, Sat., June 27 | 2 - 5 p.m.
Teen Program
DIY Fidget Toys
Fidget toys are all the rage! Learn to create your own fidget toys using a variety of different materials and techniques. All supplies will be provided to make three unique fidget toys. Ages 9 – 15. Registration is required.
- Ruth Holley Library, Wed., June 24 |noon.
- Palmer Lake Library, Wed., July 8 | 3 p.m.
- Sand Creek Library, Tue., July 21 | 4 p.m.
- Fountain Library, Tue., July 28 | 2 p.m.
Teen Program
Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bags
Transform a t-shirt into a customized tote bag—no sewing required. Learn about upcycling and sustainability while decorating and designing your own stylish bag! Ages 9 – 15. Registration is required.
- Ute Pass Library, Sat., June 6 | 3 p.m.
- Monument Library, Thu., June 4 | 4 p.m.
- Cheyenne Mountain Library, Fri., June 12 | 1 p.m.
- Penrose Library, Tue., June 16 | 1 p.m.
- Fountain Library, Sat., June 20 | 2 p.m.
- East Library, Wed., June 24 | 5 p.m.
Teen Program
DIY Chainmail
Are you a fan of historical fiction and fantasy novels? Learn a new skill as we teach you the historic European 4-1 pattern (the most common pattern used in chainmail) to make a fun, slip-on chainmail cuff bracelet. All supplies will be provided. Ages 16 – 24. Registration is required.
- Manitou Springs Library, Wed., June 3 | 4 p.m.
- Mobile Library Services (at Wilson Ranch Park), Fri., June 12 | 2 p.m.
- Sand Creek Library, Tue., June 16 | 4 p.m.
- Monument Library, Thu., June 18 | 4 p.m.
- Penrose Library, Tue., June 23 | 1 p.m.
- Ute Pass Library, Thu., July 2 | 4 p.m.
- High Prairie Library, Thu., July 9 | 3 p.m.
- Old Colorado City Library, Fri., July 10 | 1 p.m.
- Library 21c, Mon., July 13 | 3 p.m.
- Calhan Library, Sat., July 18 | noon
- Ruth Holley Library, Fri., July 24 | 2 p.m.
- Fountain Library, Fri., July 24 | 2 p.m.
Teen Program
Library Scented Candle Making
Celebrate our Summer Adventure Reading Program by bringing the cozy smell of books, reading, and libraries home with you as we make Library-scented candles! All supplies will be provided for you to make your own scented candle. Ages 16 – 24. Registration is required.
- Ruth Holley Library, Sat., June 13 | 2 p.m.
- Fountain Library, Tue., June 23 | 2 p.m.
- Library 21c, Mon., June 29 | 3 p.m.
- Monument Library, Mon., July 13 | 4 p.m.
Teen Program
Pikes Peak or Busted Colorado Mafia Game
Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the State of Colorado as we play the Mafia-inspired game, Pikes Peak or Busted! Ages 13 – 18. Registration is required.
- Mobile Library Services (Bonforte Park), Sat., July 25 | 10 a.m.
- Library 21c, Mon., July 27 | 3 p.m.
Teen Program
Coding: Encryption
Learn to understand how and why encryption plays a role in our lives every day on the Internet in this one-hour coding program. Participants will learn what goes into making a strong encryption and think about how powerful computational tools can be used to crack it. Ages 13 – 18. Registration is required.
- Penrose Library, Sat., June 13 | 1 p.m.
- Manitou Springs Library, Wed., July 1 | 2 p.m.
- East Library, Sat., July 11 | 2 p.m.
- Ruth Holley Library, Wed., July 15 | noon
Teen Program
Laser Tag
Come play laser tag at the Library! Ages 13 – 18. Participants must have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian. Registration is required.
- Library 21c, Mon., June 15 | 3 p.m.
- Penrose Library, Fri., July 24 | 1 p.m.
Adult Programs
Adult Program
DIY Coaster Quartet
Join us for a hands-on craft program where you will make a set of four distinct coasters to take home, perfect as small gifts or to add personality to your own table. All supplies will be provided. Ages 18 and up. Registration is required.
- High Prairie Library, Mon., June 8 | 3 p.m.
- East Library, Wed., June 10 | 10 a.m.
- Calhan Library, Wed., June 10 | 11 a.m.
- Ute Pass Library, Mon., June 22 | 3 p.m.
- Penrose Library, Wed., June 24 | noon
- Palmer Lake Library, Wed., July 1 | 11 a.m.
- Sand Creek Library, Wed., July 15 | 4 p.m.
Adult Program
Adult Escape Room: Escape Nikola Tesla’s Secret Lab
The year is 1899, and you have found yourself locked in engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla’s experimental lab right here in the Pikes Peak region! You have an hour to break into the top-secret box to find the key to safety in this escape room-like challenge. Band together and solve the clues to find your way out! Ages 18 and up. Registration is required.
- East Library, Sat., June 13 | 10 a.m.
Adult Program
Tea Blend Workshop
Learn about and experiment with different tea leaves and ingredients to create personalized summer tea blends. Take your custom tea blend home and enjoy. Ages 18 and up. Registration is required.
- Fountain Library, Mon., June 15 | 3:30 p.m.
- Cheyenne Mountain Library, Mon., June 22 | 10 a.m.
- Manitou Springs Library, Mon., July 6 | 4 p.m.
- Monument Library, Sat., July 11 | 11 a.m.
- High Prairie Library, Mon., July 20 | 3 p.m.
- Calhan Library, Wed., July 29 | 11:00 a.m.
Adult Program
Paper Marbled American Flags
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States by creating an American Flag from paper using a marbling technique. All supplies will be provided. Ages 18 and up. Registration is required.
- Mobile Library Services (Village at the Bluffs Senior Residence), Mon., June 8 | 11 a.m.
- Library 21c, Wed., July 1 | 2 p.m.
- Ruth Holley Library, Tue., July 14 | 2 p.m.
- Ute Pass Library, Fri., July 24 | 3 p.m.
Adult Program
Indie Author Basics
Ready to take control of your publishing journey? Indie Author Basics is a hands-on workshop designed for writers who want to publish their books with confidence. Learn how to prepare your manuscript, navigate publishing platforms, build your author brand, and market your work effectively. Whether you are finishing your first draft or ready to hit “publish,” you will gain the tools, strategies, and insider tips you need to become a successful independent author. Join us and start turning your writing dreams into a thriving author career! Ages 16 and up. Registration is required.
- Library 21c, Sat., June 13 | 11 a.m.
Adult Program
How to Start (and run) a Critique Group
Want to improve your writing and connect with other serious writers? A well-run critique group can sharpen your skills, boost accountability, and provide valuable feedback. In this workshop, you will learn how to start, organize, and sustain a productive critique group. We will cover everything from setting expectations and finding members to running effective meetings and giving (and receiving) constructive criticism. Leave ready to launch your own thriving writing group! Ages 16 and up. Registration is required.
- Cheyenne Mountain Library, Sat. July 11 | 1 p.m.
Intergenerational Programs
Intergenerational Program
Life-Size Battleship
Play Battleship like never before —life-sized! All ages are welcome. Registration is required.
- Mobile Library Services (Remington Park), Sat., June 20 | 2 p.m.
- East Library, Sat., July 18 | 2 p.m.
Presenting Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Prize Sponsors
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