Denver For Free. Your time in Denver won’t require you to break the bank – far from it. There’s a myriad of activities in the Mile High City that won’t cost you a dime. Numerous museums, lush city parks and local landmarks all offer exciting and educational diversions that are perfect for penny-pinchers and bargains hunters. Here are just a few of the fun things you can do for free while you’re in Denver.
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The Coors Brewing Co. brewed its first beers in Colorado more than 130 years ago, and they’re still going strong today. They offer free tours that will walk you through the (surprisingly complex!) steps of the brewing process. Visitors over 21 can even enjoy three free samples of Coors products at the end of the tour.
(303)405-4757 Monday through Friday 8am – 3pm Visit Website
Find out how money is made without spending any of yours. More than five billion coins are made here each year and it’s also the second largest storing facility of gold bullion in the U.S., behind only Fort Knox. Being home to so much money, you can imagine security is extremely tight. You won’t be allowed to carry in purses, cameras, pens, lipstick, strollers, diaper bags, or cell phones. And in case you were wondering, no, the Mint doesn’t hand out free samples at the end of the tour.
(303)297-3111 Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm Visit Website
It may be a bit pricey to stay over night, but the tour is free! Get an insiders look at the Brown Palace, one of Denver’s oldest and grandest luxury hotels. During the hour-long tour, which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm, you’ll learn all about the rich history and breathtaking architecture of this downtown gem.
(303)866-2604 Monday through Friday, between Sept. and May, 9:15am-2:30pm; between June and August, 9am-3:30pm Visit Website
Take an informative, eye-opening tour of the historic Capitol Building, which covers the construction of this impressive piece of Colorado architecture, early Colorado history, the famous 24kt. gold dome and much more, including a stop at the Senate and House of Representatives’ chambers. A separate tour takes visitors to the top of the Capitol’s dome for an unparalleled view of the city and the Front Range. This is a popular tour, so reservations are recommended.
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Nearby Boulder is the home of this dream spot for tea lovers – the world’s most advanced tea production plant. Free hour-long tours, offered every day, will take you through the intricate processes behind Celestial Seasonings’ delicious concoctions. Of course, free samples are offered at every turn!
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Anyone with even the smallest sweet tooth will love this free tour, which gets you behind the scenes at Hammond’s, a company that has been making candy in Denver since 1920. You’ll come away with a newfound respect for the candy industry, plenty of free samples – and maybe a cavity or two.
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Red Rocks is famed these days for its blockbuster summer and fall concert series, but you can explore its amazing grounds for free year-round. Head to the Visitors Center to get your bearings first, and then take an hour or two to soak in the geological wonders that abound here.
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Admission to Hudson Gardens, a popular destination for adults and kids alike, is free from November through April. Late fall offers an abundance of autumnal beauty, while early spring offers delightful sights and smells as everything begins to bloom.
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The 165-acre park is one of Denver’s largest and consistently voted by locals as their favorite. Expansive lawns, manicured gardens and Smith Lake highlight the park with several trails, including one that goes around the perimeter of the park. This is an ideal setting for a picnic, tossing the Frisbee around or just hanging out in the sunshine.
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Denver’s history goes deep. Millions of years ago huge reptiles roamed the Front Range and today, you’ll find Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Allosaurus, Apatosaurus and Stegosaurus at Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison. Take a free, self-guided tour that includes 16 interpretive signs that describe the fossil remains and other fascinating features of the area.
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The first Tuesday of each month is free from 4pm to 8pm. The museum has 11 interactive Playscapes where children can shoot baskets, climb on an authentic fire engine, build toy railroads and go shopping in a mini-supermarket. This hands-on learning experience is an ideal destination for children ages 3 to 8 years old.
Located in Boulder, the always free Leanin’ Tree Museum is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Western art. It’s packed to the brim with thrilling depictions of cowboys, authentic Native American crafts and much more. If you’re a fan of the Wild West – both real and imagined – this is the place for you.
(303)893-4100 Visit Website
Keep your eye on the Denver Center for the Performing Arts website for a handful of free performances every season. Tickets are available at the box office on the day of the performance only, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Skyline Park comes alive in the summer with a series of free concerts featuring great local and national acts during lunch hour. Come out to enjoy the sunshine and the cool tunes.
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For the past 20 years, the bandstand at City Park has played host to some of Denver’s greatest live jazz performances – and they’ve all been completely free. Bring out your beach chair or picnic blanket and get ready for a foot-tappin’ good time.
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The vibrant Santa Fe Arts District is filled with art lovers every first Friday, when more than 30 galleries open their doors and display the best local, national and international works.
Remember, if you’re spending time in the downtown area, the 16th Street MallRide shuttle service is fast, frequent and always free. The shuttle operates every day as early as 5am on weekdays, 5:30am on Saturdays and 7am on Sundays/holidays. Service continues throughout the day with the last complete roundtrip every night at 1:35am starting at Union Station.