Fun doesn’t have to cost a thing.
Denver is full of fun , but the occasional budget adventure can be a refreshing modification of pace . If you ’re looking for some entertainment — perhaps watching a motion-picture show , checking out artwork , or pass off in the cherubic scent of seasonal heyday — that wo n’t glow a hole in your wallet , this list is for you . The opportunity to spend is still there , whether it ’s at the Denver Botanic Gardens talent shop or the taco hand truck posted up for First Friday , but each of the stick to proposition provides the chance for free playfulness in and around Denver . And yes — hike is on there ( obviously ) .
Catch a free movie at Edgewater Public Market
The darling solid food hall ’s pop Monday Night Movies series is still run low secure , and will be through October . The series , which runs throughout the summertime and into spill , exhibit a admixture of classics and modern favorites , plus theme movie nights ( likeHocus Pocusin October ) . Bring your favored blanket and cozy up for a few hours of Monday night playfulness .
Appreciate Denver’s public art
In addition to being an extremely artsy city , Denver also has multiple pockets where street art and sculptures are bountiful and a day can be well spent walk around and admiring it all . From theSanta Fe Arts Districtto RiNo ( River North ) and several spots in between , you could see for yourself the color and endowment beautify the Mile - High . There are even some suggested routes and interest pointsyou can see well onlineif you ’re not sure where to start .
Take advantage of free museum days
Denver is full of unbelievable artistic production and history museums , and many offer free entry on certain days throughout the year . Be sure to checker the calendar for innocent days at theDenver Art Museum , theDenver Museum of Nature and Science , and theClyfford Still Museum , to name just a few .
Go for a hike
This one ’s pretty self - explanatory , particularly for Denverites — but in case you did n’t know , there are like , a long ton of mountains , forests , and waterfalls to explore right on next to our city . Even if you are n’t looking for a recollective drive or challenging hike , there ’s truly something for everyone who needs a fleck of a nature bathing tub . Unless you ’re enter a country or national car park , in which case there is potential some variety of entranceway fee , you could wander the Rockies to your mettle ’s content for no price at all .
Check out Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Who says you have to give hundreds of dollar to chew the fat Red Rocks ? If you ’re game for give-up the ghost when there is n’t in reality a concert happening , it ’s still a worthwhile sojourn . Walk around the famous theater , take a peek at the Red Rocks and Colorado Halls of Fame , or venture off into the manyhiking and biking trailssurrounded by the vibrant Front Range scene .
Take a trip to the zoo
While there is a little mo of sweat and luck involved in get into theDenver Zoo ’s lotteryfor its free days , there are a material amount of dates offer for those who deliver the goods each year . If choose , hop on over to see your favored denudate , spotted , or camouflaged friend for a free day of merriment for the whole fam .
Go skating, blading, or something else that gets you moving
In summation to Denver ’s many fleeceable parks , there are also several skate park that are spare to visit . Whether you ’re a skater , blader , or biker , grab whatever your wheels are and head to theDowntown Denver skatepark , Central Park skate park , or about a half - XII more .
Make every first Friday of the month memorable
Denver has a lot of unequalled attractor , events , and things to do , one being First Friday Art Walks . What started with the Sante Fe Art District ( which is still the turgid First Friday locus ) has since grown to include several streets in RiNo , Tennyson Street , and a smattering of other location where businesses and galleries stay open late , solid food trucks foregather , and gang of masses descend to savour the first Friday of every month with art , music , solid food , and the fellowship of others .
Hammond’s Candies factory tour
If you ’ve ever marvel about the instauration of all your pet mellifluous treats and have a morning or afternoon available , consider heading to Hammond ’s Candies for a fun and family - friendly manufacturing plant enlistment . All you necessitate to do beforehand is reserve a bit for your group , and the relief is made easy once you ’re there . Watch the beauty of melted chocolate , spun taffy , and so much more transform into the conversant candies you know and eff . ( And , if you ’re willing to part with a couple of bucks at the end , take a souvenir or two habitation . )
Wander the Botanic Gardens
candid year - round ( weather condition permitting ) , there ’s really never a bad time to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens . And throughout the year , there are specific solar day when you’re able to visit for free . Be sure to assure out the Gardens ’ calendar to see which days are no charge , then simply arrive and be flummox by the ravisher of all things botany . ( Fair warning : The gift workshop may charm you out of your budget . )
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Itching to see some wildlife and feel like you ’re bring out of the city ? Just north-east of Denver is theRocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge , where you’re able to custom-make your trip based on how much time you have to visit . get , boost , or wheel along the routes here and keep an eye out for various types of wildlife , depending on the season : Bison , coyotes , and birds of fair game are just a few of the incredible creatures you might spot .
Read a few pages at Tattered Cover or the Denver Public Library
Denver ’s own indie bookshop chaindoesn’t cost anything to confab ( unless you walk out with a few new reads , of course ) , but is a smashing way to spend some time , specially if the conditions is less than idealistic . From its Littleton outpost to its two - floor McGregor Square emplacement , each has the same cozy bookshop vibe with a unique manner . Similarly , any of the numerousDenver Public Librarylocations are free to visit , and a well way to discover your next book , get some work done , or merely have some peace and quiet .
Pack a picnic and head to a park
Got some collation at abode but require a alteration of scenery ? Denver boasts more than 250 urban parks , which admit off - street trails , historical parkways , and green spaces too . Pack your favorite out-of-door mantle , something delicious , and a good book or play list , and head out to Wash Park , City Park , Sloan ’s Lake Park , or any other of the many howling , peaceful parks in the city for a daylight of relaxation and playfulness .
Courtesy of Monday Night Movies
Denver Art Museum
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Denver International Airport
Hammond’s Candies since 1920
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
