Traveling and touring gives you those unforgettable memories, but when you’re on a budget, sometimes you need to get creative. People travel and explore to enjoy, to learn new things, and to see new places, cultures and communities, which is why Denver should be on the top of your list this year. But, how do you stretch your money as far as possible in Denver and have the best experiences possible while you’re in the Mile High City?
We know the importance of saving every penny possible in these uncertain times when searching for things to do in Denver. Denver is an amazing and super fun city here in the beautiful state of Colorado, and the Mile High City attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world each year because we have so many things to do in downtown Denver.
Knowing how tough it can be wanting to visit a place as attractive as Denver but not having enough money to do everything is what makes our free walking tour of Denver [JC1] such a fun, memorable experience. This free tour on foot of Denver gives everyone the opportunity to explore downtown Denver on foot and enjoy one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado.
But don’t stop there, red on for the top 10 best things to do in Denver...
1. Visit Denver’s Skatepark for Free:
This might seem like a strange one to kick off our list of the best free things to do in Denver, but read on and you’ll see why it made the list...
The Denver Skatepark offers visitors and locals of all ages the opportunity to engage in safe and adventurous trips down concrete lanes and our Denver Skatepark is considered one of the best concrete skateparks in the country with awesome views of downtown Denver. If you’re adventurous or have kiddos who are, then your top 10 things to do in Denver list definitely needs to include getting a skateboard or scooter, rushing for the ramps, and feeling the wind on your face.
No worries, even if you do not have any cool moves. The Denver Skatepark is a ticket to free Denver fun; designed to satisfy your adrenaline needs or a place for great people watching by the river and a great place to take in those amazing views of downtown Denver to the east and the river and The Highlands to the west. The park has well thought out curves and bumps, with a smooth “snake run” of rails, transitions, and ramps. The skatepark also brings in several food vendors, offering mouth-watering delicacies and refreshing drinks to cool you on a hot day.
2. Spend Some Time in one of our Tattered Cover Book Stores:
If you love reading and have always wanted to sit in those cozy reading nooks that can only be found in movies, then visiting the local Tattered Cover Book Store should be at the top of your free things to do in Denver list. Shelves laden with hundreds of old and new books, the Tattered Cover Book Store has a cozy corner where you can take a seat, pick out a book, and read to your heart’s content.
It also has free Wi-Fi, so if you need to connect or are worried about your companions being bored, they can sit about and enjoy some scrolling. The Denver Tattered Book Store is a dream come true for many bookworms, so if you are one, do not miss out on this, especially if you’re looking for something free to do in Denver on a rainy or snowy day!
3. The Money Museum; Believe it or not, it’s Free!
For a totally unique experience, one of the top 10 things to do in Denver, Colorado, includes visiting the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas’ Denver Branch, also known as The Money Museum.
Visiting is definitely a fun experience, you don’t need a lot of time and it’s right on Denver’s 16th Street Mall. This place is perfect for visiting if you really love finances (just kidding on that one… outside of accountants) or are looking for something unique to do in Denver, then this is where you can get the inside scoop on everything there is to money.
Kids (or adults channeling their inner child) can participate in interactive activities to spot counterfeit bills, and engage in other fun experiences. Plus, if you do join in on the free walk, it goes right by the Money Museum!
4. Soothe Your Sweet Tooth by Taking a Free Tour of Hammond’s Candies Factory!
If you have ever wished to be in those movies (Charlie’s Chocolate Factory, anyone?) and cartoons where you can eat every sweet within sight, then taking Hammond’s Candies Factory’s free tour is as close as you are going to get!
This free tour offers a view into how the delicious candies are made, and if you are looking for free things to do in Denver, this free tour never gets old and is a favorite, even for locals. Plus, did someone say ‘free samples’?! That’s right, at the end of the tour you’ll be able to grab free samples and then head into their store where lots of reasonably priced local candy is available.
5. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: A Cost-Free Outdoor Experience
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a beautiful stop to spread out a picnic blanket and munch on sandwiches while you take in the breathtaking red sandstone formations and the views of Denver’s skyline and cityscape in the distance. Plus, it’s only 20 minutes from downtown Denver and this one really should be 1 on your list of free things to do in Denver.
This would be perfect to do after a morning Denver walking tour, which will wrap up around lunchtime, so perfect timing for that picnic lunch. It’s so worth the time because you can explore the Amphitheatre, Colorado Music Hall of Fame, and even hike. Plus, at nighttime, you get to witness one of the most beautiful starry skies if there’s no concerts happening that night!
6. Connect with Nature at Washington Park
Washington Park (or Wash Park to locals) is home to gorgeous lakes and flower gardens, so if you want to connect with nature and spend a day in a flowery field, then visiting Wash Park is one of the best things to do in Denver. There’s tons of paths, tennis courts, basketball courts, open space, people watching and more. It’s THE place to be in Denver in the summers and on the weekends.
7. Check Out Art and Culture with Free Museum Tours and Experiences of Denver’s Golden Triangle
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver, the Golden Triangle is the hub for art and culture; the civic center has art museums and galleries, many of which offer free tours. The Golden Triangle is also a highlight and area featured in Denver's walking tours, as the free walks visit the Denver Art Museum complex, which also includes the Clyfford Still Museum, History Colorado Center and Denver Public Library.
A visit to the Golden Triangle is the icing on the cake for joining this free walking tour and enjoying the top things to do in Denver, and you get to come back home with an experience like no other if you visit a museum or two after your tour. Plus, many of the museums have free days each month, so check their schedules and calendars ahead of your Denver trip!
8. Rino Art District
Visiting the Mile High City’s Rino Art District is one of the top things to do in Denver regardless of whether you’re into art or not. The concentration of murals, graffiti, street art and gallery art from artists from all over the world, including painters, architects, designers, muralists, and media artists, makes this district the perfect place for an Instagram-worthy selfie and a free chance at learning art.
You could spend hours wandering the streets and alleys checking out the murals and snapping photos for free. If you want to do something unique, then the behind-the-scenes stories on some of RiNo’s best murals, the RiNo Street Art & Graffiti Audio Adventure Tour is a fun, budget-friendly option for less than the cost of a fast-casual lunch.
Not into art? No worries, as this is Denver’s hottest neighborhood, with tons of amazing bars, restaurants and shops on every block, in between the hundreds of colorful murals covering our RiNo building’s walls and alleyways.
9. Denver City Park – Amazing Views of Denver and Lots to Do
Denver City Park includes the Denver Zoo, a golf course and the Museum of Nature and Science, which is why it has been an attraction featured on several Denver walking tours and bus tours. If you want to explore, relax, see animals, or learn cool things about Science and Nature all at the same time – make a visit to City Park at the top of your best things to do in Denver list, without having your wallet break a sweat.
Plus, the views from the clubhouse at the golf course are amazing, especially at sunset, if you do want to relax with a drink or a bite to eat or you can just swing by and enjoy the views outside without having to spend any money!
Last but not least, in our list of top 10 things to do in Denver, Colorado is visiting the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Home to numerous diverse species of animals and birds like bison, bald eagles, deer, bears and owls, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal is a brilliant way to get closer to nature, learn all about the fascinating habits of animals and enjoy satisfying trails and tours-without having to spend a penny!
So, what are you waiting for?! Join in on a free walking tour of Denver or one of the other top free things to do in Denver, CO and save your money for other fun Denver experiences and things to do.