10 of the Best Free Things To Do In Denver, CO

10 Fun, Free Things To Do in Denver, CO

I am proud to be a Colorado girl!  I have lived in Denver, Colorado for 9 years, and I absolutely LOVE the area! We all love free things–especially when entertaining our kids!  I am thrilled to be sharing 10 of my favorite places to visit in Denver, Colorado–on the cheap!

1.  Red Rocks

Although Red Rocks Amphitheater is known for its amazing outdoor concerts, Red Rocks is one of my absolute favorite places to visit!  In fact, every year on my birthday, my family goes to Red Rocks for breakfast, and we watch the sun rise over Denver. It is gorgeous! There are plenty of hiking trails and rock climbing nearby and lots of beauty to explore.

 2.  The Denver Zoo

Who doesn’t love the zoo?! I think the lions and tigers are our favorite animals to visit here. The Denver Zoo offers several free days throughout the year. Kids 2 and under are always free. Here are the free days for 2025.

3.  Belleview Park

Belleview Park is located just south of Denver, and it is definitely one of our favorite parks to visit!  There is a petting zoo, wading area by the creek, and a miniature train! The train is $2 a person, but it is definitely worth it!  The train is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and we are already looking forward to it!

4.  The Denver Children’s Museum

Every third Friday of the month the Denver Children’s Museum is free from 4:30-8pm. There is a fabulous play area for babies and toddlers downstairs, with plenty of hands-on activities for older kids upstairs. As a former first grade teacher, I love the idea of learning by doing.

5.  Littleton Historical Museum

We actually just made a trip to the free Littleton Historical Museum this very week! This “museum” does have an indoor area, and Little Man’s favorite area is the play kitchen!  But our favorite part is the huge farm outside.  There are animals to see, and wagons, tractors, historical homes to explore. Set on a lake, the scenery is gorgeous!  I love all of the open spaces for the kids to run and play.

6.  Tiny Town

Tiny Town is perfect for kids!  Nestled in the mountains, there is a whole tiny town for children to explore. There is also a 10-minute train ride that kids absolutely love. Kids under age 2 are free with adult ticket purchase. Kids ages 2-12 are $4 and adults are $5.

7.  The Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street has flowers in bloom year-round! (No small feat considering Colorado’s surprise snow storms.) I could just drink up the beautiful surroundings here. There are classes available for kids as well as a children’s garden. The gardens have several free days throughout the year.

8.  Chatfield Botanic Gardens

On the other side of Denver is the Chatfield Botanic Gardens. It’s a 700 acre nature preserve and farm! There are several nature trails, and kids love the play tree house. One of our favorite times to visit the Chatfield Botanic Gardens is in the fall. There is a fall festival and this is where we go to pick pumpkins. Admission is $13 for an adult and $7 for a child. Kids 2 and under are free.

Typically, a few times a summer admission is free to Chatfield Farms.

9.  Denver Firefighters Museum

Kids love fire engines and firefighters, so this is another spot that is sure to please! Adult admission is $9, kids 3 -12 are $7, and kids 2 and under are free. Museum is closed on Sunday.

10.  The Butterfly Pavilion

Open just in the spring and summer, I absolutely adore the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. Tickets are affordable, and worth every penny! There are insects to explore indoors  with some fun classes. The pavilion is full of gorgeous butterflies to see and explore. A must-see! Kids 2 and under are free.

• Park Meadows Mall
• Denver Art Museum
• Hudson Gardens
• Downtown Aquarium
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys

Thanks, Jamie, for letting me play tour guide today! I loved sharing my hometown with you!