Think Denver is all about expensive ski trips and mountain adventures? Think again. The Mile High City offers a treasure trove of free experiences that showcase its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and unique character—without costing you a single dollar. From world-class museums to breathtaking outdoor spaces, Denver proves that the best things in life really can be free.
Ready to explore Denver without emptying your wallet? Here are the top 10 free things to do in Denver that you won’t want to miss.
1️⃣ Visit Museums on Free Days
🎨 Culture Without the Cost
📍 Where? Various locations throughout Denver
💡 Best for: Art lovers, history buffs, families looking for educational experiences
Denver boasts several world-class museums that offer regular free admission days throughout the year. Thanks to Denver’s Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, you can enjoy some of the city’s best cultural institutions without spending a dime.
🟢 Why you need to go:
- Denver Art Museum offers free days every month
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science has scheduled free days throughout the year
- Denver Botanic Gardens opens its doors for free on select days
- History Colorado Center hosts special exhibitions like “Where is Denver’s Chinatown?”
⚡ Pro tip:
- Check museum websites or local listings for upcoming free days
- Arrive early as free days tend to be more crowded
- Plan your Denver trip around these dates to maximize savings
🚀 Must-do: Don’t miss the Denver Art Museum’s newly remodeled space, which visitors say is absolutely incredible.
2️⃣ Explore the 16th Street Mall
🛍️ Denver’s Downtown Hub
📍 Where? 1001 16th Street Mall, Downtown Denver
💡 Best for: People watchers, shoppers, urban explorers
The 16th Street Mall is a mile-long pedestrian promenade running through the heart of downtown Denver. While shopping might cost you, exploring this iconic strip and riding the Free Mall Ride shuttle costs absolutely nothing.
🟢 Why you need to go:
- Free Mall Ride shuttle runs the length of the mall
- Excellent people-watching opportunities
- Rotating activities like public chess, piano playing, and seasonal ice skating
- Perfect way to get a feel for downtown Denver
⚡ Pro tip:
- Walk one way and ride the shuttle back
- Visit in the evening when the street is illuminated
- Scooters and bikes are banned, but wheelchairs are welcome
🚀 Must-do: Hop on and off the Free Mall Ride to explore different sections of downtown at your leisure.
3️⃣ Tour Local Breweries
🍺 Sips of Mile High Flavor
📍 Where? Various locations around Denver and Golden
💡 Best for: Beer enthusiasts, social gatherings, learning about local craftsmanship
Colorado is known for its craft beer scene, and many breweries offer free tours and tastings. Coors Brewery, located in nearby Golden (about 30 minutes from Denver), is one of the largest beer breweries in North America and offers popular free tours.
🟢 Why you need to go:
- Learn about the beer-making process
- Sample locally-crafted beers without spending money
- Experience an important part of Colorado’s culture and history
- Tours often include behind-the-scenes access
⚡ Pro tip:
- Check brewery websites for tour times
- Some popular tours like Coors require reservations
- Consider using public transportation if you plan to sample multiple breweries
🚀 Must-do: Visit Coors Brewery in Golden, which has been producing some of America’s most popular beers since 1873.
4️⃣ Discover the 40 West Arts District
🎭 Creative Community Vibes
📍 Where? West Colfax Avenue, Lakewood
💡 Best for: Art enthusiasts, photographers, cultural explorers
Just a bus ride up Colfax Avenue, the 40 West Arts District in Lakewood has become one of Denver’s fastest-rising arts destinations. Many of Denver’s greatest galleries relocated here after being priced out of the city.
🟢 Why you need to go:
- Numerous art galleries to explore at no cost
- Free audio tours including artist interviews
- Home to acclaimed galleries like Next, Edge, Pirate: Contemporary Art, and the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council
- Experience Denver’s evolving arts scene
⚡ Pro tip:
- Take public transportation along Colfax Avenue to reach the district
- Visit during opening nights for a livelier atmosphere
- Combine with the 40 West ArtLine for a full day of free exploration
🚀 Must-do: Walk the 40 West ArtLine, a four-mile cultural journey through three parks featuring over 100 art installations.
5️⃣ Enjoy Denver’s Parks and Outdoor Spaces
🌳 Urban Nature Escapes
📍 Where? Throughout Denver
💡 Best for: Nature lovers, families, fitness enthusiasts, picnickers
Denver boasts an impressive network of parks and outdoor spaces that offer free recreation opportunities year-round. City Park is one of the most popular, with stunning mountain views and wide open spaces.
🟢 Why you need to go:
- Beautiful mountain views from many parks
- Walking and biking trails
- Picnic areas and open spaces
- Seasonal activities and events
⚡ Pro tip:
- Visit City Park early morning for the best mountain views
- Pack a picnic to enjoy al fresco dining
- Check local listings for free concerts and movies in parks during summer months
🚀 Must-do: Visit City Park on a clear day to see both the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains in one panoramic view.
6️⃣ Visit the State Capitol Building
🏛️ History and Spectacular Views
📍 Where? 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver
💡 Best for: History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, photographers
The Colorado State Capitol building, with its gold-plated dome, is an iconic Denver landmark that offers free self-guided tours. It’s also exactly one mile above sea level, giving meaning to Denver’s “Mile High City” nickname.
🟢 Why you need to go:
- Stand exactly one mile high on the Capitol steps
- Marvel at the gold-plated dome
- Explore the historic building’s architecture
- Learn about Colorado’s governmental history
⚡ Pro tip:
- Visit on weekdays when the building is open to the public
- Check for special guided tours that might be available
- Combine with a visit to nearby Civic Center Park
🚀 Must-do: Take a photo at the “One Mile Above Sea Level” marker on the Capitol steps.
7️⃣ Experience Joy Park at Children’s Museum (Free Nights)
🧒 Playground Paradise
📍 Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211
💡 Best for: Families with children, playful adults, evening activities
While the Children’s Museum of Denver typically charges admission, Joy Park (the museum’s incredible playground) offers free entry on certain evenings throughout the year.
🟢 Why you need to go:
- One of the coolest playgrounds around
- Open 4:30 pm – 8 pm (or dusk) on free evenings
- Perfect for young explorers
- Bathrooms available (though the main museum is closed)
⚡ Pro tip:
- Mark your calendar for 2025 free nights: May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, and September 19
- Arrive early as popular features can get crowded
- Bring water and wear comfortable clothes for active play
🚀 Must-do: Let kids explore all the unique playground features that make this space so special and memorable.
8️⃣ Stroll Through Denver Central Library
📚 Bookish Beauty
📍 Where? 10 W 14th Ave, Denver
💡 Best for: Book lovers, architecture enthusiasts, quiet seekers
The Denver Central Library is not just a place to borrow books—it’s an architectural gem with stunning interiors, art collections, and peaceful reading spaces.
🟢 Why you need to go:
- Beautiful architecture and design
- Art collections on display
- Quiet reading spaces with mountain views
- Free Wi-Fi and computer access
⚡ Pro tip:
- Check the library’s event calendar for free programs
- Visit the Western History Collection for fascinating local archives
- Combine with a trip to the nearby Denver Art Museum
🚀 Must-do: Find a window seat on the upper floors for a peaceful reading session with mountain views.
9️⃣ Walk the Denver Arts District
🎨 Street Art and Galleries
📍 Where? RiNo (River North) and other arts districts
💡 Best for: Photography enthusiasts, art lovers, urban explorers
Denver has several arts districts where you can enjoy vibrant street art, murals, and gallery hopping without spending a dime. The RiNo district is particularly known for its colorful outdoor art.
🟢 Why you need to go:
- Colorful street murals perfect for photos
- Free gallery browsing
- Vibrant neighborhood atmosphere
- Constantly changing art installations
⚡ Pro tip:
- Create your own self-guided walking tour using online maps
- Visit during First Friday art walks for special events
- Morning light is best for photography
🚀 Must-do: Snap Instagram-worthy photos in front of RiNo’s famous murals and street art installations.
🔟 Attend Free Community Events and Festivals
🎭 Seasonal Celebrations
📍 Where? Various locations throughout Denver
💡 Best for: Culture seekers, music lovers, foodies, families
Denver hosts numerous free events throughout the year, from cultural festivals to concerts and art shows. Check local listings for current offerings during your visit.
🟢 Why you need to go:
- Experience Denver’s diverse community
- Enjoy free entertainment and performances
- Seasonal events like summer concerts and fall festivals
- Community gathering spots
⚡ Pro tip:
- Check local event websites like Eventbrite for up-to-date listings
- Bring a blanket or portable chairs for outdoor concerts
- Arrive early for popular events to get good spots
🚀 Must-do: Catch a free summer concert in one of Denver’s parks or public spaces for a truly local experience.
Final Thoughts: Explore Denver Without Breaking the Bank
Denver proves that you don’t need deep pockets to experience the best of what the Mile High City has to offer. From cultural institutions and outdoor adventures to urban exploration and family fun, there’s something for everyone—all for free.
✅ Expand your mind at museums on free days
✅ Ride the Free Mall Shuttle down 16th Street
✅ Taste local brews on free brewery tours
✅ Immerse yourself in art at the 40 West Arts District
✅ Relax in Denver’s beautiful parks
✅ Visit the golden-domed State Capitol
✅ Let kids play at Joy Park on free evenings
✅ Explore the impressive Denver Central Library
✅ Photograph street art in Denver’s arts districts
✅ Join in free community events and festivals
So lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to discover why Denver is a budget traveler’s dream destination!
👉 Have you discovered any awesome free activities in Denver? Share your favorite no-cost Mile High experiences in the comments!
