Children's Hospital Colorado

The T(w)een Zone on Anschutz Medical Campus

The Patricia Crown Family T(w)een Zone is a safe, therapeutic and healing environment designed to meet the needs of our teen and ‘tween’ patients and their families. When patients are going through treatment, they deserve a space where they can fully be themselves. Our space helps them to engage in a variety of activities that allow them to have fun and socialize with other children their age — which is exactly what kids deserve.

This space is exclusive for teen and tween patients, their siblings and approved visitors who are 10 years or older and not on isolation precautions. There are also mobile makerspace carts to ensure that patients under isolation precautions can still engage in creative and relaxing activities from their hospital room.

A special spot for tweens and teens to be themselves

Under the guidance and expertise of our Child Life team, the T(w)een Zone is a special place that allows patients to be themselves and foster peer relationships. The T(w)een Zone at Children’s Hospital Colorado allows for kids to be kids and explore as they heal. In addition to traditional crafts, the space includes some high-tech craft-making tools thanks to a generous donation from the Panda Cares Foundation. The 3D printers, green screens and other digital instruments help patients learn how to use the technology to create something of their own and have fun doing it.

These technologies and activities are housed in a ‘maker space’ within the lounge. This space, known as the Panda Cares Center of Hope, fosters curiosity in our teen and ‘tween’ patients. The new technology, equipment and activities help to support the emotional and mental health of kids going through treatment. Features of the Panda Cares Center of Hope include:

  • Glowforge Laser Cutter
  • Five filament 3D printers; two resin 3D printers
  • Cricut crafting machine
  • Virtual reality gaming
  • Music recording station
  • Soldering station

The T(w)een Zone has space for patients to simply relax and enjoy themselves. Some other amenities include:

  • Craft and activity table
  • Pool table
  • Foosball table
  • Pop-A-Shot arcade basketball game
  • Three video game stations (Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation 5 Consoles)
  • Movie theater with access to Netflix and Disney+

T(w)een Zone location, hours and contact information

The T(w)een Zone is located on the second floor of our hospital in Aurora and is open for inpatients, outpatients, and siblings, 10 years and older, who are not in isolation. On weekdays, we are available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. On weekends, we are available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Please call the T(w)een Zone at 720-777-3209 if you have any questions.