Need something different to do in Denver, but also something cost-effective? How about free? You’re in luck. Denver is filled with a variety of free activities. From babies on up to adults, Denver has something for your enjoyment. You don’t even have to look very far. There is something free to do in many areas of the Mile High City. Here are ten of the best free things to do while in Denver.
Free Denver Activities #1:
U.S. Mint
(303) 405 – 4761
320 W. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
http://www.usmint.gov
The U.S. Mint only has two locations, one of which happens to be in Denver. Residents and tourists of Denver can visit the mint and go on a guided 20 minute tour. This tour covers current as well as historical information on the U.S. Mint. The mint welcomes solo tourists as well as schools and other groups. All tours are free, however, reservations must be made. For those with disabilities, tours are wheelchair accessible and arrangements can be made in advance for a sign language interpreter.
Free Denver Activities #2:
Stiles African American Heritage Center
(303) 294-0597
2607 Glenarm Place
Denver, CO 80205
http://www.stilesheritagecenter.org/
The Stiles African American Heritage Center is what its name states and more. Here you will find cultural artifacts, classrooms, workshops, guided tours, cultural exhibits, memorabilia, research and reading materials, and much more. The center is strong in its belief of celebrating and emphasizing the positive contributions African Americans have made. In 2001, The Stiles African American Center helped to convince Denver Parks & Recreation to name a park in honor of Madame C.J. Walker. Admission is free. Hours of operation vary and sometimes change. It is best to contact the center at the above listed phone number for hours. Some days are by appointment only.
Free Denver Activities #3:
Bookbabies
Denver Public Library
10 W. Fourteenth Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 865-1111
http://www.denverlibrary.org
On Tuesdays, those with small children ages 0-23 months can enjoy Bookbabies at the Denver Public Library. Bookbabies is a language enrichment program for babies. It is an interactive program for infants to attend along with their parents or caregivers and is filled with language, music, and rhymes for baby to enjoy and learn. This special program, and others, can be enjoyed for free at various Denver Public Library branches.
Free Denver Activities #4:
Colorado Sports Hall of Fame
Invesco Field at Mile High
(720) 258-3888
1701 Bryant Street
Denver, CO 80204
http://www.invescofieldatmilehigh.com/
Located appropriately, at Invesco Field Mile High, the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame is a must-see for sports fan in the Denver area. Visitors to the stadium can view memorabilia involving past, as well as current Colorado players. Admission is free and free tours can be arranged for this as well. The Hall of Fame is generally open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. year-round, as well as two hours before Broncos games, but these hours are subject to change.
Free Denver Activities #5:
Colorado State Capitol
(303) 866-2604
Room 029, State Capitol
(near Colfax/Broadway)
Denver, CO 80203
http://www.milehighcapitol.org/
The Colorado State Capitol offers free guided historical, as well as legislative tours Monday through Friday. Families and individuals need not make reservations. However, daycares, schools, senior groups, and other groups will need to make reservations for the tour. The historical tour can vary but generally includes some history on Colorado, process of lawmaking, the gold dome at the top of the building, presidential portraits, and more. Educational materials are available for a small fee. Tour hours are seasonal. Call the capitol or visit the website for more information.
Free Denver Activities #6:
MallRide on the 16th Street Mall
(303) 299-6000
(from Union Station to Civic Center Station)
http://www.rtd-denver.com
The MallRide is a free shuttle/trolley service that runs the length of the 16th Street Mall daily. It’s a great way to get in a tour of the historical Denver outdoor mall that is about a mile long. Whether your tour is long or just a quick glance, the free MallRide can help. Just stand on any corner of the 16th Street Mall and wait. The MallRide stops at every corner. Hop on and either get off and have a look around or just ride it the length of the mall for a quicker tour. From business people, to tourists, to just the average person getting around Downtown Denver, you’ll see people of all walks of life on the free MallRide. It’s also a great way to get you closer to other downtown Denver sights. This free shuttle service runs from 5am – 1:35 am on weekdays, 5:30 am – 1:35 am on Saturdays, and 7:00 am – 1:35 am on Sundays.
Free Denver Activities #7:
Target Tuesdays
The Children’s Museum of Denver
(303) 433-7444
2121 Children’s Museum Drive
Denver, CO 80211
http://www.cmdenver.org
The first Tuesday of each month from 4-8 pm is free at The Children’s Museum of Denver. It’s a special playtime with free stories, fun-filled shows, and more. Target provides a generous sponsorship to accommodate this special event for children each month. This is a must-see for families with children.
Free Denver Activities #8:
West SouthWest Gallery
(303) 321-4139
255 Fillmore St
Denver, CO 80206
http://www.westsouthwest.com/
Located in the heart of Cherry Creek, in what Denver considers its premier art district, West South West art gallery features art from the west and also the southwest. Visitors can see handmade jewelry, pottery, sculptures, paintings, crosses, clothing, photography, Indian arts, and more. The owners take great pride in discovering artists to feature through their travels. Tours are free and the gallery is open daily.
Free Denver Activities #9:
Dinosaur Ridge
(303) 697-3466
16831 W Alameda Avenue
Morrison, CO 80465
http://www.dinoridge.org/
From educational programs to private tours, and even fireside chats, patrons of Dinosaur Ridge can expect an eventful day no matter the season. Ever seen a stegosaurus footprint up close? You can at Dinosaur Ridge, along with other fossilized evidence from the days dinosaurs walked the Earth. Colorado is well-known as once being a flourishing dinosaur habitat. Dinosaur Ridge is free, as are many of the activities. Some are offered at a nominal fee.
Free Denver Activities #10:
Native American Trading Company
(303) 534-0771
1301 Bannock St.
Denver, CO 80204
http://www.nativeamericantradingco.com/
At the Native American Trading Post, original arts from the homes, reservations, and Pueblos of Natives can be found. The Native American Trading Post also is a part of Golden Triangle’s First Fridays. Every first Friday of the month, a large group of galleries is open from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. For a special free tour, complete with a free tour bus ride.
