Denver has plenty of free activities to keep both kids and parents entertained. Whether you are looking for indoor fun or a way to enjoy the abundant sunshine in the Mile High City, here are 20 ideas for activities that won’t put a dent in your budget. Did we miss one of your favorite free activities? Let us know in the comments!
1. Check out the Children’s Museum
Visitors to the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus can explore activities for free on the first Tuesday of every month from 4-8pm. The museum completed a renovation in 2015, and guests can now watch and collaborate with an artist-in-residence, summit a three-story indoor climbing structure and zip line in the outdoor Joy Park.
When: The first Tuesday of every month from 4 to 8pm.
2. Browse seasonal produce
In the summer several farmers’ markets open their stalls in Denver to display fresh produce, flowers and local wares. Stroll through one of the markets on a warm summer or fall morning. The bustling Cherry Creek market is a good one to start with.
When: Weekly May through October; hours vary.
3. Head for the hills
Go for a scenic drive or hike in the mountains near Denver—you can reach the foothills by driving about 30 minutes west of the city. Good destinations include Lookout Mountain or Lair o’ the Bear Park.
When: Year round.
4. Explore Red Rocks
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, located just west of Denver, is a famous outdoor concert venue that has hosted bands like U2 and The Beatles. The venue still holds concerts on summer evenings that aren’t free, but the park and amphitheater has free admission to the public when events aren’t being held. Check out the towering sandstone rock formations in the amphitheater or walk a hiking trail in the park.
When: On non-event days Red Rocks opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour after sunset. On event days, the park closes earlier.
5. Learn how money is made
Kids who are curious about money can get a peek at how it’s made at the United States Mint in Denver. Take a free, 45-minute tour to learn about the history and current coin production methods at the Mint.
When: Monday to Thursday from 8am to 3:30pm (excluding federal holidays).
6. Visit Union Station
Denver’s Union Station underwent an extensive renovation that was finished in 2014. Watch trains go by and wander amongst the eclectic seating and intricately recreated chandeliers in the main hall, or play in the pop-up fountains outside the building in warm weather.
When: Year round.
7. Appreciate some art
The Denver Art Museum offers free admission to kids 18 and under every day, and the whole family can visit for free the first Saturday of every month. Visit one of the kid-focused activity centers that are often inspired by current exhibits, or check out a family backpack that contain games and puzzles to help kids explore the exhibits.
When: Free admission the first Saturday of every month.
8. See the animals
The Denver Zoo offers some free admission days throughout the year. Say “hi” to the tigers and tapirs, and then take a break at one of the small playgrounds or picnic spots located throughout the grounds. You may also be able to catch one of the rotating art exhibits the zoo sometimes displays—a past exhibit featured animal sculptures made of Legos!
When: Select days throughout the year. Visit the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District website to see the days for the current year.
9. Explore dinosaur bones
Take kids who love science to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on one of the free days throughout the year. Check out the dinosaur bones and space exploration activities, and then head to the Discovery Zone area where kids can watch a puppet show or dig for dinosaur bones.
When: Select days throughout the year. Visit the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District website to see the days for the current year.
10. Do a gallery walk
Several neighborhoods in Denver offer free art walks on the first Friday of every month. Explore an eclectic range of art while nibbling on snacks and drinks. Head to the Santa Fe art district to see one of the bigger First Friday events in the area, or sample the galleries in RiNO, a trendy neighborhood that also has colorful murals decorating the buildings. You can see a longer list of neighborhoods that participate on the Visit Denver website.
When: The first Friday of every month in the evening.
11. See how candy is made
You don’t need a golden ticket to embrace your inner Willy Wonka at the Hammond’s Candies Factory tour. Watch how treats like ribbon candy and candy canes are made in the factory that has been operating since 1920.
When: Tours run every half hour on weekdays from 9am to 3pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.
12. Explore a park
Enjoy one of the many sunny days in Denver by heading to a park. City Park is an expansive option that includes a playground and free Jazz concerts on some Sundays in the summer. Washington Park, which features a boat house and colorful flower beds, is another good spot to explore.
When: Year round.
13. Check out some books
Catch up on your reading at one of the several library locations located throughout Denver. If you’re having trouble choosing, the Denver Central Library located near the Denver Art Museum is a good starting point. The library hosts rotating book-related exhibits and offers free story times throughout the year.
When: Open daily; hours vary.
14. Tour the Capitol
Colorado’s State Capitol sits exactly one mile above sea level (or more precisely, the 13th step outside the building sits at exactly 5,280 feet). The building features a prominent dome that is covered in 24-karat gold leaf. Take a tour to see where the Colorado legislature meets and learn more about the history of the building.
When: Public tours are offered hourly Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. Reservations aren’t required for groups of less than 10 people.
15. Catch some seasonal blooms
The Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street has 24 acres of property for families to explore. Visit the seasonal blooms and ponds stocked with lily pads and fish in the main garden, and then head to the dedicated children’s garden area where kids can splash in a river and climbing a small hiking path.
When: Select days throughout the year. Visit the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District website to see the days for the current year.
16. Enjoy some public art
Exploring some of Denver’s public art installations is also a good way to see different parts of the city. Look for the 40-foot tall blue bear that playfully peeks into the convention center or the 60-foot willowy statues that dance on the lawn of the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Art aficionados can complete a full walking tour of different sites.
When: Year round.
17. Cross the Millennium Bridge
It’s not as expansive as the Brooklyn Bridge, but Denver’s modern Millennium Bridge is still worth venturing across. Walk from the Platte Valley District near Union Station across the bridge to the Lower Highland neighborhood. Pause to take in the impressive view of downtown Denver and then visit some of the local shops or restaurants in Highland.
When: Year round.
18. Get festive
Denver has several free festivals throughout the year that offer a good chance for free fun. Head to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival for a collection of art, food, and music every July, and enjoy music in the fall at the Oktoberfest celebration in Larimer Square.
When: Various times throughout the year.
19. Catch an al fresco movie
You can watch an outdoor movie for free at many Denver locations in the summer months. Past sites have included Skyline park downtown, Founders Green Park at Stapleton and Civic Center park.
When: Various nights throughout the summer.
20. Browse a bookstore
While the locations have changed throughout the years, the popularity of the Tattered Cover bookstore has remained strong since the first store opened in 1971. Browse books or attend author signing event at the popular independent shop. There are four locations throughout the city now, including two in the downtown area.
When: Open daily; hours vary.