You know the old saying: The best things in life are free! And, luckily for you, there are tons of free things to do in Denver. After all, it’s a city surrounded by majestic national parks and home to more than 250 public gardens. There are also several free, world-class museums, a dynamic downtown historic walking district, and more – Denver can deliver a memorable vacation without breaking the bank.
Here are some of the best free things to do in Denver.
1. Confluence Park
If you’re looking for free things to do in Denver, look no further than its incredible urban park system. Denver’s Confluence Park is just one of hundreds of free parks scattered throughout the city.
Confluence Park is unique because visitors can experience Colorado's beauty without leaving Denver’s city limits. This park boasts over 40 acres of spectacular views and is great for outdoor recreation or a relaxing stroll. Explore its hidden pathways, picnic under majestic cottonwood trees, or dip in one of the park’s swimming holes.
2. Red Rocks Amphitheater
Red Rocks Amphitheater, located 10 miles west of downtown Denver, is a sight to behold. The theater is an open-air venue built between two monolithic sandstone rocks. And it has jaw-dropping screensaver-like views of the mountains and colorful surrounding terrain.
While concerts at this venue are not free, simply visiting is. Anyone can take a trip to Red Rocks to take in the views at no cost. On concert days, the amphitheater will close early. But otherwise, it’s open every day during daylight hours.
3. Free Days and Free Nights at Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a mecca for the exploration and discovery of our oceans, our planet, and our universe! The museum is home to a planetarium and a rotating exhibition schedule that features everything from the life of bugs to the exploration of the deepest parts of the ocean.
And each year, the museum has 11 free days. That means you can enter without buying a ticket and get your science fix at no charge. Free days are listed at the beginning of each year here.
4. Street Art in the River North Art District (RiNo)
The Mile High City is known for its dynamic and colorful street art scene. The River North Art District, RiNo, is a bastion brimming with captivating graffiti and murals. This district was formerly the city’s warehouse and industrial center. And since industry has left the city, it’s been replaced by an unparalleled arts scene.
While you can pay for a street art walking tour, you can just as quickly guide yourself – for free!
Grab a camera and get inspired by the bright colors and amazing designs of Denver’s RiNo District.
5. Tour the Colorado State Capitol Building
The Colorado State Capitol Building in Denver is a unique attraction – and one you don't have to break the bank to experience! The state government offers free guided tours Monday through Friday, so you can get your culture fix for the cost of nothing more than a bit of your time. The tour is a wonderful way to explore this historic building, learn about its significance in politics, and soak in all the awe-inspiring art inside – no less, with an expert to explain why it's all worth seeing.
6. Visit the Denver Mint
We all know that money doesn’t grow on trees. But where does it come from, then?
From the Denver Mint, of course!
Did you know that your money is made, or minted in one of four locations in the U.S.? They are Philadelphia, San Francisco, West Point (NY), and, you guessed it, Denver! And you can visit this branch of the U.S. Mint – the world's largest producer of coins – and get a tour all for free. The Denver Mint struck its first coins in 1906 and has been churning them out for your spending pleasure ever since.
7. Tour the Great Divide Brewing Co.
Denver is known for its many great breweries. And you can get a tour of one in downtown, the Great Divide Brewing Co., for free. Learn how beer is made and check out their impressive facilities.
8. Union Station
Pay a visit to the iconic Union Station located in downtown Denver. The grand station opened in 1881 and has been free to enter ever since. It was once the pulse of Denver, brimming with the railroad hustle and bustle and connecting the city with the rest of the nation. Today Union Station is a shadow of the hub that it once was. But it's taken on a new role as the city's dining and entertainment source.
9. Genesee Mountain Park
Genesee Mountain Park is only 30 minutes from downtown Denver, but it feels like a world away. This park is a beautiful place to hike and take in views of the surrounding mountains. It’s also a prime location for viewing wildlife. Genesee Mountain Park is home to wild bison as well as elk.
10. Walk the Cherry Creek Trail
Make sure you’ve packed a sturdy pair of sneakers for this one.
Denver's Cherry Creek Trail is the perfect way to experience the Mile High City for free. This 40-mile path (yes, you read that right – 40 miles!) takes visitors across downtown Denver and offers a variety of views – truly a tour de Denver. It runs from Confluence Park downtown to Franktown, a small suburb at the southernmost reaches of the Denver metro area.
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Denver today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets.