21 Free Things to Do in Denver, CO

You won't have any trouble finding free and fun things to do in Denver, Colorado. Whether you're looking for a place to hike, jog or stroll, a place to explore rich history or a museum to gaze upon regional art, you'll find plenty of options in the Mile High City. Below is a robust list of 21 family friendly activities and attractions that you can visit without even taking out your wallet.

1. Take a guided tour of The Colorado State Capitol Building that stands proudly with its gold dome and grandiose architecture. Learn about the Coloradan materials that the entire building is composed of, some of which are completely unique to this masterpiece. Marvel at the beautiful stained glass depictions people and events related to the history of Colorado. Make your way up to the third floor rotunda view portraits of the presidents of the United States and other esteemed artwork. Learn about the legislature and how government works.
2. Explore Denver's vibrant art and culture at the Denver Art Museum. The art museum is free every day to all children under the age of 18 and general admission is free for all on the first Saturday of each month. These fun free days are the perfect time to enjoy the collection of more than 70,000 works of art dispersed throughout to the two buildings on the museum's campus.
3. Take a hike or a bike ride along the Cherry Creek Trail. The popular trail boasts a 40-mile stretch of mostly paved pathways that wind along a beautiful creek within the city and its surrounding towns.
4. Take a break from the trail with a stop at Cherry Creek State Park. This large and very popular is located along the Cherry Creek Trail. Settle in for a serene picnic in the natural prairie environment of gentle, rolling hills. Get active and try your hand at biking, walking, jogging, riding horses, and participate in unique activities like model airplane flying, horseback riding and even a family shooting range.
5. Head on over and frolic at the Children's Museum of Denver for its Target sponsored first Tuesdays from 4-8 pm. Children will love the interactive displays which teach them critical thinking and problem solving skills through play.
6. Seep into an industry that calls Denver home and embark on a Tea Tour at the Celestial Seasonings Factory, the largest specialty tea manufacturer in North America. Learn about the different varieties of blends, how they are made, packaged and shipped out to retailers. End your tour with a soothing treat of free samples of every variety they make at the factory.
7. Enjoy phenomenal views of the mile high city from City Park. This 330 acre park is the largest and most notable park in Denver. Enjoy lake time fun on one of the two lakes within the park, catch a free summer concert on Sundays throughout the summer, enjoy some recreation on the tennis courts, or meander along the peaceful walking paths.
8. For a small entry fee of five dollars, check out the Buffalo Bill Museum and Gravesite. Learn about the interesting life of William F. Cody, whose traveling Wild West shows awed audiences with tales from the Old West. Peruse the artifacts that are on display at the museum which include clothing items, antique firearms and artwork. Head up to the lovely Lookout Mountain Park and pay your respects at Buffalo Bill’s grave.
9. Denver offers Free Walking Tours. Experience the big city on foot and discover Denver's most extraordinary landmarks. The daily tour highlights the history, architecture, landmarks, quirky historic stories and the many thriving businesses of The Mile High City.
10. Learn how money is made at the The United States Mint. Take a free guided tour of the Denver facility that produces billions of coins every year. Learn about the process of coin manufacturing and the history of the Mint. Discover all of the ins and outs of the craftsmanship required at all stages of the minting process, from the original designs and sculptures to the actual striking of the coins.
11. Check out the Clyfford Still Museum on one of their many free admission days as part of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities Program. Trace the chronological history of Cyfford Still's 20th century abstract expressionist works in 4 separate galleries. Enjoy the stunning architecture filled with natural light throughout the gallery.
12. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science also offers free days in conjunction with the SCFD Free days. Marvel at the cosmos at the Gates Planetarium, get spectacular views of the city from rooftop telescopes, examine gems and minerals, interact in hands on exhibits in the Discovery Zone and come face to face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
13. Slide down a real fire pole and sit in a real fire truck at the Denver Firefighters Museum. Learn about the history of firefighting in Denver and how modern firefighters help to keep the people of the Windy City safe from fires every day.
14. Check out the eclectic Rockmount Ranchwear celebrity gallery and shop the racks at the store. Countless celebrities are highlighted in the gallery sporting these snap button rancher shirts and other accessories that are made in the USA. Pick one up for yourself and add a little bit of Denver style and the Old West to your wardrobe.
15. Immerse yourself in nature at one of the two locations of the Denver Botanic Gardens on Chatfield and York Streets. Explore the 3 acre garden the Mordecai Children's Garden on York Street. Here, families can interact with nature while learning about plants, hunting for bugs, and listening to stories. Get active on a family hike by explore nature trails at the Chatfield location. View wildflower gardens, visit a butterfly house, and learn about a historic farm nearby. The Botanic Gardens are part of the SCFD free days, so check out their websites for the best times to visit for absolutely free.
16. Grab your helmet and get moving at the Denver Skate Park, one of the most notable skate parks in the country. The illustrious park is filled with bowls for all levels of skating skill. If you are not a skater or a boarder, it is fun just to people watch those skilled on wheels perform all sorts of astounding tricks.
17. Explore the stories behind Denver’s historic landscapes and landmarks on an interactive, self-guided tour of the city via Denver Story Trek. This free, fun and interactive, self-guided tour of the city allows you to choose your own experience and you can walk, drive or even bike ride through the tour.
18. A trip to the Rockies wouldn't be complete without a tour of the largest single-site brewery in the world, Coors Brewery. Enjoy a free factory tour which highlights the multifaceted steps of the brewing process and visitors over the age of 21 can get free samples at the conclusion of the tour.
19. Visit beautiful, urban Cheesman Park and enjoy the wide expanses of grass, stunning deciduous trees, and the outdoor spirit is unique to the city of Denver. Settle in for a picnic or enjoy some exercise and recreation in this peaceful urban oasis of green space. Check out the gorgeous Parthenon-esque pavilion that overlooks the city skyline.
20. Get your fitness on in a variety of ways as you explore the plethora of Denver's Network of Trails and Pathways. Denver boasts more than 80 miles of multi-use trails within the city limits. These off-street trails offer opportunities for walking, biking, running, and roller blading to keep the community and its guests active and interconnected.
21. Venture a little outside of the Mile High City and get outside and active at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Located in nearby Boulder, explore this is a fantastic place for camping, enjoying wildlife, hiking, picnicking, and more. Walkers, bikers and hikers can enter the area for free or the cost of $1 for 3 days access depending on the time of the year. The area is typically open to vehicle traffic from June through October, contingent on the weather.