Despite what you may have heard, having fun in Denver doesn’t have to break the bank. Yes, some things can definitely cost a lot of change, however there are still a variety of fun and free things to do in the city that can be a fun way to spend an afternoon. So, coming from a Denver local, I’m excited to share the best free things to do in Denver, Colorado!
Hang out in Washington Park
When the weather is nice, I love to hang out in Washington Park. This park is one of my favorites in Denver because there are a number of activities you can do, especially when it’s hot. The park is quite large and has two lakes that you can walk around.
You can also bring a blanket and just kick back and hang out with friends or have a picnic. There are benches you can relax on, bike paths if you want to cycle, and a rose garden you can walk through. During the summer months, you can also pay to rent bicycles, water bikes, and pedal boats to ride around the lake.
Tour the Mint
Another fun and free thing to do in Denver is to tour the Denver Mint! They offer free tours Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
During the tour, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the facility and learn how money is printed and made, along with the history of the US Mint. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are something unique! and fun to do in Denver!
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Hike the Cherry Creek Trail
The Cherry Creek Trail runs through downtown Denver. The trail is paved and great for biking, rollerblading, jogging, or walking. It runs along a stream and is a great way to enjoy a bit of nature without leaving the city. The trail also features beautiful murals painted on the walls and passes under the busy streets of Denver.
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Visit the Rocky Mountain Armory
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal is a free wildlife sanctuary located northeast of Denver. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm and is free to visit. At this 15,000-acre outdoor wildlife sanctuary, there are a number of activities that visitors can engage in.
For example, take an 11-mile-long wildlife drive that takes you through grasslands, wetlands, forests, and pastures with a series of signposts. Along the way, you’ll be in a prime position to see a variety of wildlife. You can also hike the armory, bird watch, see wildlife, as well as fish and release for $3 a day.
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free zoo day
A couple of times a year, the Denver Zoo offers free admission. As a way to give back to the community and make the zoo accessible to everyone, the zoo announces a handful of dates each year that anyone can enter.
The Denver Zoo is a fun day for everyone and you will get to see a variety of animals. From sea otters, elephants, giraffes and exotic birds. The zoo is quite large and is home to a wide variety of different animals that are always exciting to see and learn about.
Free Museum Days
Denver has a variety of museums that also offer free admission a couple of times a year, be sure to check their websites to see when those dates are. You can visit museums like the Museum of Nature and Science that have specific dates that are free admission.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) offers free admission for anyone under 18 and healthcare workers, and admission is one cent on the first Saturday of every month.
The Denver Art Museum offers free admission to children 18 and under and has a variety of free days for adults throughout the year.
The Museo de las Américas, which is a museum of Latin American art, offers free admission on the first Friday of each month.
Visit the Hammond Candy Factory
Hammond’s Candy Factory, located just outside of downtown Denver, offers free tours Monday through Saturday. On the tour you will learn about and see how sweets are made and the history of Denver. You will also receive a sweet treat to take home at the end of the tour.
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Downtown Denver Walking Tour
If you want to explore Denver and learn in detail about the city’s history, you might want to take a free walking tour. The tour takes approximately 2-2.5 hours, is 1.7 miles long with many stops, and takes you right into the heart of downtown.
On the walking tour, you will see a variety of important buildings and parks. You’ll pass the Capitol, Civic Center Park, the US Mint, Larimer Square, 16th Street Mall, and more.
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Feel like taking a tour on your own time? Click here to learn more about taking a self-guided audio tour in Denver!
Visit the farmers market
You can find a variety of Farmer’s Markets in Denver usually between April and October, depending on which Farmer’s Market you want to visit.
Not only will you find fresh, locally grown produce, local restaurants, and food trucks selling breakfast or lunch, but many of the farmers markets have live music and activities for the whole family.
You don’t have to spend money to go, you can hang out and enjoy the festivities and free entertainment as a fun and free thing to do in Denver.
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Tour the Governor’s Mansion
Located in downtown Denver, the Governor’s Mansion offers free tours to the public. The elegant mansion serves as a home that the current Governor can choose to live in, as well as a space where the Governor can work.
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16th Street Mall storefront
16th Street Mall is a popular tourist area in downtown Denver. The shopping center is full of large and small shops, restaurants and cafes. It has shuttles that run up and down the street, and sometimes there are pianos or chess sets available to play.
16th Street Mall can be a fun place to walk and window shop. Walking into unique shops or just enjoying the beauty the street has to offer, it’s definitely a free and fun way to spend an afternoon in Denver!
Ending
Denver, Colorado has a variety of activities that are perfect for any budget. As someone who lives in Denver, I’m excited to share the best free things to do in Denver, whether you’re on vacation or someone who lives in the city and is looking for something free and fun to do. I hope you enjoyed this guide and enjoy the Mile High City! Happy travels!
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