Six Free Things to Do in Denver

Tour the U.S. Mint, Ride Pretty Bike Paths, Go to Outdoor Festivals

Feb 10, 2008

Denver skyline, Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

No need to spend a mint when you visit Denver, Colorado, since some of the best activities and sightseeing in the Mile-High City are absolutely free.

Here are six free sightseeing activities or outdoor pursuits you can enjoy on your next vacation in Denver, Colorado:

Ride the 16th Street Trolley. The 16th Street Pedestrian Mall is the main thoroughfare in downtown Denver. Its 15 blocks are lined with dozens of shops and restaurants, and especially in the warm-weather months, there's often streetside entertainment going on--from impromptu jugglers to musicians strumming guitars. The trolley that runs up and down the mall is free, so take a ride to get an overview of what's along the mall, or to get from one end to another in a hurry.
Tour the U.S. Mint. Find out how money is made at Denver's U.S. Mint building. Tours are free, offered on the hour from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Make a reservation on the Mint's website; reservations are highly recommended, though you can take a chance that there will be availability for a walk-up tour.
Teach your kids at the Denver Art Museum. Families who visit the newly expanded Denver Art Museum can ask for Family Backpacks, filled with activities, games and puzzles to do in several galleries, or Art Tubes, little mini-activities if you don't have time tour the entire museum. Tweens and teens will love the free Digital Gallery Games that are played on Game Boys you can borrow for free. Also, Colorado residents get free admission to the DAM every first Saturday of the month.
Play at a park. Denver has more than 200 of them! Take a jog or ride your bike around Washington Park, with its pretty flower gardens in the summer. Bring the children to the swings and slides at Cheesman Park. Go fishing in Sloan's Lake Park.
Hit the trails. With more than 850 miles of off-street bike paths, it's no wonder Denver residents are among the fittest in the nation! Make like the locals do on this vast urban trail system, and bike, walk, run or roller blade along the popular paved paths that follow Cherry Creek or the Platte River.
Find a free festival. Throughout the Mile-High City, you can enjoy many outdoor fests that are totally free, such as the Cinco de Mayo Celebrate Culture Festival (May 2-4, 2008) or the Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 4-6, 2008). December brings the annual, free Parade of Lights through downtown Denver (December 5-6, 2008). Browse the local events calendar and find out what sorts of events offer free admission.