Denver is a great city for college students — there are plenty of things to do that won’t break the bank. In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite free things to do in Denver. From hiking and biking in the beautiful Rocky Mountains to exploring the many museums and art galleries, there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re looking for a fun weekend activity or a way to escape the textbooks for a few hours, be sure to check out our list of free things to do in Denver!

Take a walk or bike ride around Wash Park

Washington Park in Denver is an oasis of nature right in the middle of the city. Stroll through the inviting 155-acre terrain, which features two idyllic lakes and two flower gardens — one of which is a replica of George Washington’s beloved Mount Vernon.

Whether you feel like going for a leisurely stroll or getting your heart racing with a bike ride, the park has something for everyone. With three miles of trails and adjacent Cherry Creek bike path, Wash Park is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy some of Denver’s beautiful sunshine. Plus, it’s free!

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, take a peaceful walk or exciting bike ride around Wash Park — it’ll be sure to put a smile on your face!

Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens is a must-see on your visit to Denver, and the best part is that it’s a free attraction!

Lush with every type of flower imaginable, the gardens provide visitors with an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Stroll through the tropical conservatory and admire exotic species events. Take a walk along the shore of the lake before traversing through multiple gardens featuring various types of cultures, climates, and growing conditions. Highlights include the rose garden and provocative think tank for those seeking creativity or who want to learn more about their environment.

Whether it’s a family outing or romance in the sights and smells of flora, a trip to the Denver Botanic Gardens should not be missed!

Check out the free art at the Denver Art Museum

An outing to the Denver Art Museum can be a great way to explore the local culture for free. This huge museum has some incredible collections of artwork, from indigenous American cultures to 19th and 20th century American art. There also a variety of special exhibitions featuring unique pieces from around the world.

With many interactive activities, educational programs, and larger-than-life sculptures throughout the museum grounds, there is something for everyone who visits the Denver Art Museum. Plus, it’s free! So make sure to check out this amazing cultural destination while you’re in town.

Spend an afternoon at one of Denver’s many parks

Denver is home to an abundance of green spaces perfect for a relaxed afternoon outdoors. From the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park to the sprawling Washington Park, explore breathtaking views and scenic trails at one of Denver’s many parks. Urban-dwellers can also find countless gardens and parks sprinkled throughout the city for a more modern, restaurant-filled experience.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The Rocky Mountain National Park is especially beautiful, with its snow-capped peaks and stunning views of the Front Range. Featuring diverse terrain from meadows to woodlands, lakes to glaciers, it’s an ideal spot for hiking and spotting animals. Plus, admission is free!

Wash Park

Denver’s Washington Park is a great option for an afternoon refuge. Pack a picnic and spend the day lounging by the lake, or explore the park’s history on one of their guided tours. Plus, the winter months bring ice-skating at Washington Park Lake if you’re feeling adventurous!

Cherry Creeks State Park

Cherry Creeks State Park is a great option for anyone looking for a more urban experience. With its network of trails, it’s an ideal spot to bike, jog, or walk and take in the sights of downtown Denver. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat nearby! Experience all or part of the 42-mile journey beginning in downtown Denver and taking you all the way to Franktown, with a stop at Cherry Creek Reservoir.

The city also has a variety of smaller parks, such as City Park or Cheesman Park, that are perfect for a picnic or a stroll. With their expansive lawns and classic features like pavilions and gazebos, these parks offer plenty of opportunities to relax in the open air.

With so many parks to choose from, you’ll never have to worry about running out of interesting things to do in Denver for free!

Take a tour of the Colorado State Capitol Building

Denver is a great place to explore and see some amazing sights, and one of the best places you can visit for free is the Colorado State Capitol Building. This building was designed in classical revival style and completed in 1908.

You will learn about the history of Colorado from knowledgeable tour guides while discovering all it has to offer including a self guided audio tour, where you can go at your own pace and listen to stories about those who have left their mark on the state.

Additionally, when you visit the Colorado State Capitol Building, you can take a photo or a selfie at exactly one mile above sea level. You can find the exact one-mile mark, on a moniker located on the 13th step of Capitol Building’s stairs, which reads “one mile above sea level.”

Window shop on 16th Street Mall

Exploring downtown Denver offers plenty of free adventures for those looking to make wonderful memories on a budget, and window shopping on the 16th Street Mall is the perfect place to start.

Located in the heart of downtown directly off of Lincoln Avenue, an afternoon of taking in the sights, indulging your taste buds at one of the many eateries along the way, and getting lost in quaint window displays is sure to occupy your time without emptying your wallet. Enjoy catchy street performers as you stroll up and down the shopping district with local favorites such as Tattered Cover Book Store or Urban Outfitter’s flagship location nearby.

Whether you’re looking for something specific or simply browsing until you find that great find, take a leisurely browse up and down 16th Street Mall for an unbeatable window shopping experience.

Visit the Santa Fe Arts District

The Arts District of Sante Fe stands as a local treasure in Denver, filled to the brim with hundreds of artists and galleries, numerous theaters and studios, spectacular art installations — all enveloped within an abundance of creative businesses.

The abundance of creative energy within this district makes it a must-see while in Denver. And with many galleries opening their doors to the public free of charge, a day spent getting inspired by some amazing works of art is always possible without breaking the bank. Hop on one of the Free MallRide buses to get there and explore away!

Stroll through the different neighborhoods

One of the best things about visiting Denver is getting to explore all of its unique neighborhoods, each with its own personality and vibrancy. From the hip, trendy vibe of LoDo to the free-spirited streets of RiNo or even the historical charm of Five Points, each part of Denver offers something new and exciting for everyone to enjoy.

LoDo is known for its night life, with plenty of places to grab a drink or some dinner, while RiNo is known for its art scene and street murals. Five Points is full of historic architecture that reflects the heritage of the city and its history, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.

Take a stroll through the streets, pop into some of the local shops or cafes, and experience something different each time — all without spending a dime! It’s the perfect way to explore Denver for free.

Visit Hammond’s Candy Factory

Hammond’s Candies is a great place to spend free time in Denver while having fun and satisfying those sweet cravings.

This candy factory has been making delicious treats since 1920. Best known for its ribbon candy and handmade chocolates, the factory offers free tours where visitors can learn about the behind-the-scenes process of creating these iconic candies. During the tour, visitors can also observe the unique candy-making process and sample some of the tasty treats that Hammond’s has to offer.

Visit the Denver Mint for free

The Denver Mint is an incredible place to visit, and the best part is that admission is free! This facility produces millions of coins each year for circulation throughout the United States.

During a tour, visitors can learn about the process of making coins and gain insight into the history of Denver’s minting industry. Each tour includes a visit to a press room to watch coins being minted and a view of the original 1894 building. Tours are available throughout the week, so make sure to book your visit in advance!

Conclusion

Denver is a great city to live in or visit, and there are plenty of free things to do. If you’re looking for something to do, take a walk or bike ride around Wash Park, visit the Botanic Gardens, or window shop on 16th Street Mall. You can also check out the free art at the Denver Art Museum or spend an afternoon at one of Denver’s many parks.

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