There are many cool, free things to do in Denver, and you can enjoy this city without breaking the bank. Thankfully for you, I have lived in Denver for two years, and I know everything about the famous Mile High City. I am ready to share my knowledge.
Denver, the capital of Colorado, has seen a boom in tourism in the last few years. On average, over 17 million people now flock to Denver annually.
Many come to experience Colorado’s unparalleled mountain outdoor recreation. Others visit for special events, like an annual festival, or weddings, or a Denver bachelorette party.
Whatever the reason, Denver welcomes tourists with open arms, and it is one of the best places to travel alone.
While the city appreciates the revenue brought in by its visitors, it’s also nice to save a buck here and there while on vacation! Working on free activities for your Denver agenda is a great way to accomplish this.
So here are the best, completely free things to do in Denver CO.
For more ideas on what to see during your Colorado trip, read my post The Best Places To Visit In Colorado.
30 Completely Free Things To Do In Denver
Window shop and people watch on the 16th Street Mall
The 16th Street Mall is one of Denver’s most well-known attractions and one of the most fun free things to do in Denver.
It opened in 1982, is quite popular with tourists, and is generally busy year-round. It is a one-mile pedestrian mall with shops, bars/restaurants, street art, pop-up entertainment, and more.
Walking along the mall to window shop, checking out the street artists, and people-watching is free. And it makes for a wonderful time!
There also is the free MallRide bus – which is now fully electric – and which since 1982 has been chartering passengers from Union Street to Civic Center Station daily and stopping one every block.
Visit the Money Museum
The small but fun Money Museum is located inside the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Denver branch along the 16th Street Mall. It’s open Monday to Friday and free to visit.
The museum has a variety of exhibits on currency and other hands-on activities.
The free museum closed during the COVID-19 pandemic but plans to reopen its doors in 2024 after renovations. You can find more information on the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s official website and a few virtual exhibits.
Marvel at Denver Union Station
This is the local public transport hub for the light rail, the city buses, and the Amtrak heading all the way to California to the west or Chicago to the east.
You’d think it’s just a station, but inside, you’ll find a fabulous hotel and lots of cafés to grab food or a drink or simply sit around and get some work done while sipping a good cup of coffee – because of free Wi-Fi.
If you are traveling with kids, they will enjoy the massive fountain located outside the station.
Take a photo exactly One Mile High
When visiting the “Mile High City,” it doesn’t get more touristy than taking a photo exactly one mile high, which you can easily do while visiting Denver, completely free of charge.
Take the free 16th Mall ride bus to the south and get off at the Civic Center Station stop. From there, it’s a quick and easy walk to the Colorado Capitol State Building (you can’t miss its giant golden dome).
One of the steps in the Capitol stairs is engraved with the “one mile above sea level” moniker – for pointers, it will be the 13th step.
Stand here, smile, and snap a pic!
Visit the State Capitol Building
Since you are there already, you may want to visit the State Capitol Building.
Designed by Elijah E. Meyers to resemble the Capitol Building of Washington, DC, the Denver Capitol Building was first opened in 1894 and built in white granite, rose onyx, and marble – all sourced in Colorado. Its dome was completed in 1908, covered with over 200 ounces of gold.
During a (free) guided tour, you can admire the stained glass windows, the statues, and the portraits of US presidents.
The free Colorado State Capitol Building tour is on a first-come-first-serve basis. You can check out the state’s website for more information on the free tour.
Attend a free annual festival
Between beer, arts, music, and more, there’s quite the lineup of annual Denver festivals, most of which are free to attend!
A favorite for locals and tourists alike is the Taste of Colorado, which happens every Labor Day weekend. There’s no entry fee to get into the grounds, and the concerts are free. You’ll only pay for incidentals like food, drinks, and amusement rides/games – not a bad deal.
Another solid option is the annual Denver Chalk Art Festival in the iconic Larimer Square. This free festival features live music, vendors, and more than 200 artists, turning Larimer Street into a gallery of incredible chalk art pieces.
Gallery hop in the Santa Fe Arts District
The Santa Fe Arts District is a local gem in Denver. It is home to hundreds of artists, art galleries, theaters, studios, art installations, and other creative businesses.
Visitors can plan their own adventure, hopping from shop to shop, completely free (unless you purchase a piece). Or, if schedules allow, come for the district’s signature event: First Friday Art Walks. The event spills from the galleries into the streets, with live music and street vendors.
If you’re into art and festivities, this is definitely one of the best cool free things to do in Denver.
Santa Fe Arts District is between Alameda on the south, 13th Street on the north, Kalamath to the west, and Inca to the east. Just hop on the light rail and get off between 10th and Osage to get there. Then, get on the shuttle that goes up and down Kalamath.
Spend the day at Confluence Park
Confluence Park is one of Denver’s most urban parks, easily accessible from downtown Denver.
The large park is popular amongst urbanites and those looking for a small slice of nature without going far.
There are also a lot of fun activities, including baseball and soccer fields, a dog park, and riverside trails.
You can pack a picnic and enjoy the day at the lovely park. You might even glimpse a kayaker going through the small rapids.
Go behind the scenes at Meier Ski Factory
Meier Ski Factory calls itself a “Craft skiery,” which is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to know behind the scenes of ski making.
You can come here to buy your own skis, fresh off the press, after you watch them make them.
If you don’t want to invest in winter sports, just sit at the bar and watch the ski-making process right before you! It’s a unique experience and one of the most fascinating bar/ski shops ever found.
Given the popularity of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado, it’s no surprise a place like this exists. But I’m sure happy it does!
Take a hike
Hiking is one of the best things in Denver, and hiking a 14-er is a must.
A 14-er is Colorado slang for mountains whose peak is 14,000 feet above sea level (or more), and there are 58 in the State!
With the Rocky Mountains as her backyard, it’s no wonder Colorado is an incredible vacation destination for outdoor recreation. Hiking is a way of life in Colorado. And luckily for tourists, there are plenty of options close to Denver.
Check out nearby Red Rocks Park (the most famous music venue in the area), Deer Creek Canyon Park, or the Chautauqua Trail in Boulder. All are within 30 miles driving distance of Denver.
Wanna go a bit further? Mt Bierstadt is the best 14-er for first-timers. You can also head to the area of Hanging Lake, where you will find plenty of hiking trails and stunning waterfall views.
For more ideas on hikes and nature, check out my posts, The Best Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park and The Best Hikes Near Denver.
Walk along Cherry Creek
I lived close to the Cherry Creek area during my years in Denver and it was my go-to place whenever I wanted to immerse myself in nature without living the city.
If you don’t feel like getting out of town, you can walk the Cherry Creek Trail. It’s a whopping 42-mile trail that starts in downtown Denver and goes to Franktown, going through Cherry Creek Reservoir.
You can jog, bike, or just take a relaxing walk.
Take a free brewery tour
Denver has a long-standing history with beer, so tasting beer is a must (and I promise you it is free!).
The world’s largest single-site brewery, Coors, sits just to the southwest in Golden. Denver and the surrounding metro area have over 150 individual breweries, many located in downtown Denver.
And many of these breweries are happy to open up their operations to curious visitors free of charge. Some even include free samples!
For free brewery tour options in Denver, check out one of the largest brewpubs at Wynkoop Brewing Company. Great Divide Brewing Company has a barrel bar and packaging facility in RiNo, and Avery Brewing is a local favorite near Boulder.
Drink tea at Celestial Seasonings
Celestial Seasonings is a tea factory with a strong focus on herbal teas and one of the coolest places to visit near Denver – and visiting is 100% free. I visited many times when I lived there, and I can wholeheartedly say that their herbal teas are the best I have ever had.
Once there, you can join a free guided tour through the factory and have free samples of their best teas. Watch out for the peppermint room – it’s incredibly balsamic and cleans your nose and lungs! And make sure to try the Lemon Zinger, Peppermint Tea, and Sleepytime.
Celestial Seasonings is located outside Boulder and a 40-minute drive from Denver. Tours are 100% free and last about one hour.
Don’t miss my post The Best Things To Do In Boulder.
Catch a free museum day
Denver has an expansive slate of amazing museums. It’s pretty much covered between large art museums, history and science, and boutique museums for a particular person or place.
And while these museums require income to run their operations most of the time, there are some times throughout the year when they open up for free visitors! Some of them have one or two free days a month.
Here is where you can find out if the free dates coordinate with your trip to Denver’s biggest and best museums: Denver Art Museum (free to visit every first Saturday of the month, but check the website for more details), Denver Museum of Nature & Science (for free days, check the website), the Clyfford Still Museum (free to visit every Friday after 5:00 pm) and the Denver Zoo.
Additionally, some smaller museums are simply free all the time. Explore options like Hudson Gardens, the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, or the Museum of Outdoor Arts.
Take your kids to the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Perfect for children from 0 to 8 years old, visiting this interactive museum is a lot of fun – and free (though continue reading to find out when).
It’s a space where kids can learn about science and more – for example, they can see how a fire station or hot air balloon works. Kinetics! is typically the favorite exhibit.
Visit Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens aren’t normally free to visit, but if you check their calendar, they regularly have days when visiting is free. If you are trying to save your purse, check beforehand!
Denver Botanic Gardens is a 23-acre park with a conservatory, themed gardens, and a sunken amphitheater that hosts concerts in the summer months.
Browse the Dikeou Collection
The Dikeou Collection is a fun collection of contemporary art where you can admire an exhibit of photos, drawings, sculptures, and more by 25 international artists.
This lovely art collection was established in 1998 by siblings Devon Dikeou and Pany Dikeou. It has stood the test of time and remains one of the best free things to do in Denver.
Check out Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is an internationally known outdoor amphitheater. Some would argue it’s the best outdoor amphitheater in the United States. And the rest would be wrong. But all jokes aside, it’s an incredible blend of mother nature with a little human intervention.
Visiting is one of the best free things to do in Denver.
Part of the city’s Mountain Parks collection, the park extends for 640 acres. Thanks to its configuration, the amphitheater has close to perfect acoustics.
And while catching a concert (which you’d have to pay for, I’m afraid) is certainly the best way to enjoy Red Rocks, it’s not the only way, or probably even the most common.
You can also visit any day of the week, snap pictures, hike in one of the many trails around the theater, and even work on the amphitheater’s steps (at designated times).
While there, make sure to also go to the Visitor Center for information about the park and check out the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
One of the coolest free things to do in Denver today is catching the Eastern sunrise service at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.
Go Willy Wonka at Hammond’s Candy Factory
Located north of downtown Denver, Hammond’s Candies has made handmade treats in Denver since the 1920s. And while they started as a small family business, they have since grown into an internationally distributed brand.
Are you someone who wonders how their favorite candies are made? Or would you like to compare taste between a piece that’s come fresh off the factory line? You can do all that and more during their free factory tours – they run every 30 minutes.
Because of the candy and fantastical atmosphere, this is one of the best free things to do in Denver with kids.
Please note reservations are required to guarantee tour availability.
See one of the last remaining US Mints
Currently, there are only four remaining active coin-producing US mints, and one of them is located in Denver. The Denver U.S. Mint produces billions of coins yearly for the United States.
And you can see how it all goes down with one of their daily free tours open to the public – it’s one of the most interesting free things to do in Denver Colorado.
Although the tour is free, tickets are required to manage tour capacity. The free tour tickets are available only on the same day at the “Tour Information” window near the gift shop entrance. The tour is quite popular, especially during peak seasons, so secure your tickets early!
You should book your tour in advance by sending an email to DenverMintTours@usmint.treas.gov.
Spot Denver’s Bison Herd
Did you know the County of Denver maintains its own bison herd? Only about 20 miles (32 km) west of the city, right off I-70, are the bison.
These bison are direct descendants of the United States’ last serving wild bison herd. They were brought from Yellowstone National Park to Denver in 1914.
To spot the bison, they’ll have to congregate near the highway, which isn’t always the case. However, it’s worth the quick drive for a chance to spot some friendly bison roaming in the wild. It’s definitely one of the most fun free things to do in Denver.
Visit the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
It’s hard to imagine that just a short distance to the northeast of Denver lies a 15,000-acre wildlife refuge. This land has been everything from farmland to housing manufacturing facilities, but since 1992, it has been designated as a national wildlife refuge land.
Entertainment options at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge include hiking trails, catch-and-release fishing, and more. But people come for the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Visitors can take a self-guided drive through the refuge to see more than 330 species of animals, including bison, deer, coyotes, ferrets, bald eagles, and more.
Browse around Tattered Cover Bookstore
This bookstore first opened in the 1970s, and since then, it’s become one of the largest independent bookstores in the United States. When I lived there, visiting was one of my favorite free things to do in Denver.
It’s where employees know their book, so you can ask for tips on what to read. It now has four locations around town, including inside a former theater on Colfax. There is a coffee shop to relax (with or without a book) and regular book presentations by authors.
If you visit with kids, they will love the toys and gifts section – unless you don’t want to sit and read a book with them.
Visit Denver Central Library
Speaking of books, you may want to pop into Denver Central Library. It has a fantastic Western History Collection and an art gallery on the seventh floor.
You can’t check out a book without a local I.D., but you can explore the several floors or browse some books there.
Take a free Denver walking tour
Did you know most major cities have a free walking tour you can participate in? Well, they do! It’s a great way to see the city (for free) and get local insider tips from your guide that you probably wouldn’t have learned otherwise.
I always recommend doing a walking tour in the first few days of visiting a new city. It’s a great way to learn about the city and get comfortable with your surroundings.
Denver Free Walking Tour departs daily (in the summer months) and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am from the front steps of the Capitol Building. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and takes you to Denver’s most important places of interest. While the tour is free, you still have to book your spot online and you will be asked to tip the guide at the end of the tour.
Hang out at Denver Skate Park
One of the best free things to do in Denver Colorado is uncovering the tricks of borders on the city’s largest skate park. Its 60,000 square feet is a vast park packed with ledges, rails, and more. Needless to say, if you are into skateboarding, you are more than welcome to practice!
Denver Skate Park is located between 19th and 20th Streets on Little Raven. You need to bring your gear.
Listen to jazz at City Park
If you are into jazz as much as I am, you will agree that this is one of the coolest free things to do in Denver. The City Park has a bandstand where, for the last 20 years, the best local jazz bands have performed.
This is a great community event with buzzing and hypnotizing energy. It’s a good place to meet locals or simply listen to fantastic music. On a regular night, there are between 8,000 and 12,00 people attending!
Concerts are held every Sunday from late June to early August, starting at 6:00 pm.
Browse the shops at Antique Row
Whether or not you are in the market for antiques, Antique Row in Denver is a very fun afternoon. It’s completely free, as long as none of the antiques call out to you to purchase.
Antique Row is right off I-25 and S. Broadway in Denver. You’ll find over 100 merchants spread out across seven blocks. You’ll find any type of antique under the sun.
Some argue this is one of the best spots for antiquing in the United States. I can only say that I furnished most of my apartment in Denver by looking at treasures hiding in shops in Antique Row.
You can easily walk the seven blocks and spend an entire afternoon exploring the shops that catch your eye. You’ll find old pieces of furniture, jewelry, portraits, decorations, books, and so much more.
Learn at Bluff Lake Nature Center
Bluff Lake Nature Center describes itself as a “place where people and nature coexist and thrive.”
This center is a unique, urban wildlife refuge. The community is focused on educating youth about Colorado’s wildlife and nature. You’ll find hundreds of different wildlife and plant species here.
The nonprofit organization also hosts several educational events that are completely free to attend, making this one of the best free things to do in Denver today for nature enthusiasts.
Blast to the past at Buffalo Bill’s Grave
Buffalo Bill was an American soldier, showman, and bison hunter. He is arguably one of the most well-known figures of the Wild West.
Buffalo Bill (William Fredrick Cody) earned his nickname as a bison hunter. It’s believed that he killed over 4,000 bison between 1867 and 1868. He went on to start his show, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. And from this, he became one of America’s first global celebrities.
People traveled worldwide to see his show, which supported women’s suffrage by offering equal pay and employed Native Americans in central roles in his show.
He was an impressive man who died in Denver in 1917, although his legacy remains.
You can visit his grave at Lookout Mountain for free. There’s also a museum about his life and legacy if you want to learn more. The museum offers free admission on designated days, so check the Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s website to see if you’re around.
Q&A About The Free Things To Do In Denver
Is there a free walking tour of Denver?
Several attractions in Denver provide free tours, such as Celestial Seasoning, the US Mint in Denver, and the Capitol Building, one of the most important historic sites in the city. But if you are specifically looking for a free walking tour, there’s also that!
Denver Free Walking Tour offers tours that depart at 10:00 am from the front steps of the Capitol Building – every day in the summer, Friday to Sunday the rest of the year. You’ll have to book your spot online and leave a small tip for the guide at the end of the tour.
Can I find free museums in Denver?
Yes, there are plenty of museums in Denver that are free to visit! First of all, there’s the Money Museum that is free to visit every day. Then, many other museums are free to visit on specific days too.
Denver Art Museum is free to visit on the first Saturday of every month. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has regular free days, and the Clyfford Still Museum is free to visit every Friday after 5:00 pm..
What are the best free things to do in Denver outdoors?
My absolute favorite free thing to do in Denver outdoors is to go on a walk, run or bike along the Cherry Creek Trail, but there are more options. For example, you can wander around many of the city’s parks such as Washington Park, Cheesman Park, City Park. Or you can go to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge which I mentioned before in this post.
Are there any free things to do in Denver at night?
Of course, you can find free things to do in Denver at night! When I lived in Denver, my favorite free thing to do at night was to simply go for a walk around Larimer Square.
If you are visiting Denver in the summer, make the most of the free outdoor movies at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Throughout the year, every Friday night you can enjoy a free art exhibit in Denver Art Walk – though it is only free if you don’t shop.
What are some budget-friendly hotels in Denver?
Denver is a very budget-friendly place to visit, especially compared to nearby destinations in Colorado like Vail and Aspen. As you have seen in this post, there are plenty of fun, free things to do in Denver. And if you want to save money, there’s also lots of affordable accommodation.
Here are some recommended hotels in Denver that won’t break the bank:
11th Avenue Hostel – This is the best hostel in downtown Denver. It’s within walking distance of the State Capitol, 16 Street Mall, and other great Denver attractions. It also has excellent decor and design, including dormitory rooms and private suites.
La Quinta by Wyndham Denver Gateway Park – La Quinta is your typical budget hotel in the United States, although this one seems slightly better. It’s spotless, modern, and only about 1.5 miles from Confluence Park. It also has a complimentary breakfast each morning.
Catbird Hotel – This hotel is a higher-end, budget-friendly option. The rooms are spacious, the food is good, and they even offer free bike rentals to guests.
Further Readings
Make sure to check out my other posts about the US:
- The Best Road Trips From Denver
- 40 Incredible Things To Do In New York City
- A Complete Guide To Visiting The Statue Of Liberty
- The Perfect Itinerary To See New York In 2 Days
- A Fabulous Itinerary For 3 Days In New York
- An Easy To Follow Itinerary For 4 Days In New York
- 5 Days In New York: An Easy To Follow New York Itinerary
- A Great Itinerary For 3 Days In San Francisco
- 15 Unmissable Things To Do In California
- How To Plan A Fabulous Trip To Miami
- 23 Unmissable Things To Do In Miami
- 15 Great Day Trips From Miami
- Seven Adrenaline Filled Things To Do In Yellowstone (With Kids!)
- Where To Get The Best Views In New York
- The 23 Best National Parks In USA
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