46 free things to do and get in Denver and around the Denver area, including 23 attractions, 7 kids & family, 6 services.
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Daily, sunrise to sunset
Hudson GardensDenver
Hudson Gardens in Littleton is free to walk every day from sunrise to sunset: themed display gardens along the South Platte River. The welcome center and gift shop are open 9am–4pm. Some special events have their own times; check the garden's calendar.
Verified Oct 27 · hudsongardens.org
No catch
Daily, sunrise to sunset
Dinosaur RidgeDenver
At Dinosaur Ridge near Morrison you can walk the paved 1.1-mile Dinosaur Ridge trail on your own, from sun up to sun down, with interpretive signs at real dinosaur track and fossil sites. Parking is free. Guided bus tours ($21 adults) and the exhibit halls cost extra.
Verified Oct 27 · dinoridge.org
No catch
ID vouchers Tuesdays; birth certificate vouchers Mon–Thu
Metro CaringDenver
Metro Caring hands out state-funded vouchers (Colorado ID Project) that waive the fee for a Colorado ID, driver's license or birth certificate. ID and license vouchers are given out on Tuesdays and birth certificate vouchers Monday–Thursday during Fresh Foods Market hours, walk-in only, first come, first served, while supplies last. DMV2GO also visits on the first Wednesday of the month to issue IDs on site (bring your documents). Vouchers can't be used for reinstatement fees, and out-of-state documents aren't covered.
Verified Oct 27 · metrocaring.org
Catch: Only for: Colorado IDs, licenses and birth certificates (not out-of-state documents) · Doesn't cover reinstatement fees
Park daily, 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset; visitor center 8am–4pm (Nov–Feb)
Red Rocks Park & AmphitheatreDenver
Red Rocks Park is open to the public from an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset every day, with trails and the famous amphitheatre steps to climb when no show is scheduled. The visitor center at the top plaza has a Red Rocks museum on the venue's history, open 8am–4pm November–February. On concert days the amphitheatre usually closes to the public around 2pm.
Verified Oct 27 · redrocksonline.com
No catch
Open daily except Wednesday, 10am–5pm (Tuesday until 8pm)
Denver Art Museum
General admission to the Denver Art Museum is free for every visitor 18 and under on every day the museum is open, through the Free for Kids program. Adults pay regular admission. The museum is open 10am–5pm (Tuesdays until 8pm) and closed Wednesdays.
Verified Oct 27 · denverartmuseum.org
Catch: Only for: ages 18 and under (adults pay)
Tuesday and Thursday 10am–2pm, Saturday 9am–3pm
Broomfield Veterans Museum
The Broomfield Veterans Museum is free and open to the public, with nine exhibit rooms, a 3,000-book military history library and hundreds of recorded veteran interviews. Free docent-led or self-guided tours whenever it's open: Tuesday and Thursday 10am–2pm and Saturday 9am–3pm. Groups of six or more should schedule ahead.
Verified Oct 27 · broomfieldveterans.org
No catch
Mon–Thu 9:15–11:30am and 12:45–3pm (Tue also 6–7:30pm); closed first Thursdays
Metro CaringDenver
Metro Caring runs a free grocery store in Uptown Denver stocked with fresh produce, meat and dairy. Anyone can shop; no ID, proof of need or documents required. First-timers fill out an intake form online, then book an appointment online or call 303-860-7200 (one per household per month). The Grab & Go section needs no appointment, and you can get two free bus tickets when you visit. Closed the first Thursday of each month; upcoming closures Nov 5, Nov 26, Dec 3 and Dec 31.
Verified Oct 27 · metrocaring.org
Catch: Appointment required (one per household per month; intake form first visit)
Grounds open daily (Mon–Thu 6:30am–4:30pm, Fri 6:30am–6pm, Sat–Sun 8am–6pm); visitor center Wed–Fri noon–4:30pm, Sat–Sun 9am–4:30pm
Plains Conservation CenterAurora
Plains Conservation Center in Aurora is free to come in, hike the prairie trails, explore the visitor center and see the tipis and homestead village. It's run by Denver Botanic Gardens with the City of Aurora and is an eBird birding hotspot. Guided programs cost extra. Visitor center open Wednesday–Friday noon–4:30pm and weekends 9am–4:30pm.
Verified Oct 27 · botanicgardens.org
No catch
Tue–Fri noon–4:30pm, Sat–Sun 9:30am–4:30pm
Carson Nature CenterDenver
South Suburban's Carson Nature Center in Littleton lets kids see live animals and re-create the 1965 flood on an interactive river table, with naturalists on duty. Outside, South Platte Park has 880 acres of open space along the river, lakes and miles of natural-surface trails. Nature center open Tuesday–Friday noon–4:30pm and weekends 9:30am–4:30pm (closed Mondays and holidays); park sunrise to sunset.
Verified Oct 27 · ssprd.org
No catch
Mon–Thu and Sat at branches (most 5:30–7:30pm); online Tuesdays 6–7pm
Denver Public Library (Plaza program)
Practice English for free at Denver Public Library's Plaza program: drop-in conversation groups for beginner and intermediate speakers, no registration needed. In-person sessions run Monday–Thursday and Saturday at branches including Hadley, Lena Archuleta, Athmar Park, Montbello, Virginia Village, Westwood, Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales and Green Valley Ranch (most 5:30–7:30pm; check the Plaza schedule for each branch's day). There's also an online group on Tuesdays from 6 to 7pm.
Verified Oct 27 · denverlibrary.org
No catch
Mon–Fri 11am–7pm, Sat 10am–4pm, Sun noon–4pm
Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
The Arvada Center's 10,000 square feet of galleries showing Colorado and western artists are free and open to the public. Reserve a free spot online or check in at the box office. Open Monday–Friday 11am–7pm, Saturday 10am–4pm and Sunday noon–4pm (until 7:30pm on some theatre nights).
Verified Oct 27 · arvadacenter.org
Catch: Free ticket: reserve online or check in at the box office
Daily 10am–5pm
Colorado History Museum (History Colorado Center)Denver
General admission is always free for kids 18 and under at the Colorado History Museum (formerly History Colorado Center) and every History Colorado museum. Adult tickets are $20. Open daily 10am–5pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. School and child care groups book separately.
Verified Oct 27 · historycolorado.org
Catch: Only for: ages 18 and under (adults $20)
Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
Clyfford Still MuseumDenver
The Clyfford Still Museum in Denver's Golden Triangle is free every open day for visitors 17 and under. Adults pay $15 (Colorado residents) or $18. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm.
Verified Oct 27 · clyffordstillmuseum.org
Catch: Only for: ages 17 and under (adults pay)
First Friday of each month, noon–9pm
Museo de las AmericasDenver
Museo de las Americas, the Latin American art museum on Santa Fe Drive, is free every First Friday from noon to 9pm, no tickets needed. Kids 13 and under and veterans are free every day. Regular admission is $8. Check the museum's calendar before you go, since it sometimes closes for private events.
Verified Oct 27 · museo.org
No catch
Fri, Nov 6, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
National Western CenterDenver
We Don't Waste's free mobile food market sets up at the National Western Center on Friday, November 6, 2026, 11am–1pm, with produce, dairy, protein, bakery and shelf-stable items to pick from. Open to everyone, with no ID or proof of income. Reserve a slot on the Plentiful app (opens 24 hours before); a few walk-up slots are available with a wait.
Verified Oct 27 · wedontwaste.org
Catch: Reservation on the Plentiful app (limited walk-up slots)
Sat, Nov 7, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is free all evening on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 5 to 10pm, for Denver Arts Week's Night at the Museums. No ticket or reservation is needed for general admission; just walk up. The planetarium, Infinity Theater and temporary exhibitions need a separate ticket.
Verified Oct 27 · dmns.org
Catch: Planetarium, theater and temporary exhibitions not included
Sat, Nov 7, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is free for everyone on Saturday, November 7, 2026, and stays open late until 10pm for Denver Arts Week's Night at the Museums. Free general admission covers the whole campus: the Hamilton Building, Martin Building and The Kirkland. Register online for a free ticket by picking November 7 on the museum's calendar. The ticketed DIVA exhibition isn't included.
Verified Oct 27 · denverartmuseum.org
Catch: Free ticket required: register online · Ticketed DIVA exhibition not included
Sat, Nov 7, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Westminster Fire Station #2
Certified car seat technicians at the Westminster Fire Department check your child's seat for the right size, correct installation, recalls and damage, and show you how to install it, free of charge, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Fire Station #2. By appointment only: slots run 8:30–11:30am; call 303-658-4500 to book. The department can't provide free car seats.
Verified Oct 27 · westminsterco.gov
Catch: Appointment required: call 303-658-4500
Sat, Nov 7, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space MuseumDenver
Wings Over the Rockies opens after dark and free on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 5 to 10pm for Denver Arts Week: aircraft including the restored Thunderbird F-16D, STEAM activities and a free shuttle between participating museums. Get a free ticket online. The flight simulator ride costs extra.
Verified Oct 27 · wingsmuseum.org
Catch: Free ticket required: reserve online
Wed, Nov 11 · check hours
Denver Zoo, City Park
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's community free day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Veterans Day). Free timed tickets are released online on October 28 and go first come, first served; book up to five per registration. There are no tickets at the gate and no walk-ups, and every guest needs a ticket, including children two and under.
Verified Oct 27 · denverzoo.org
Catch: Free timed ticket required: released online Oct 28, limited · No walk-ups
Wed, Nov 11, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Colorado History Museum (History Colorado Center)Denver
On Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the Colorado History Museum gives free admission to veterans and their families, up to five people. The museum is open 10am–5pm. Regular adult admission is $20.
Verified Oct 27 · historycolorado.org
Catch: Only for: veterans and their families (up to 5 people)
Fri, Nov 13, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Lalo Delgado CampusDenver
We Don't Waste brings a free mobile food market to the Lalo Delgado Campus in southwest Denver on Friday, November 13, 2026, 11am–1pm. Shop for produce, dairy, protein and bakery items at no cost; everyone is welcome and no ID is asked. Reserve a time on the Plentiful app 24 hours ahead; limited walk-ups.
Verified Oct 27 · wedontwaste.org
Catch: Reservation on the Plentiful app (limited walk-up slots)
Sat, Nov 14 · check hours
Denver Zoo, City Park
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's community free day on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Free timed tickets are released online on October 31 and go first come, first served; book up to five per registration. There are no tickets at the gate and no walk-ups, and every guest needs a ticket, including children under two.
Verified Oct 27 · denverzoo.org
Catch: Free timed ticket required: released online Oct 31, limited · No walk-ups
Sat, Nov 14, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Plains Conservation CenterAurora
Denver Botanic Gardens' free day at Plains Conservation Center in Aurora on Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10am–3pm, is themed around the Indigenous peoples of the plains. Register for the free day through Denver Botanic Gardens.
Verified Oct 27 · botanicgardens.org
Catch: Free registration required
Mon, Nov 16, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
General admission to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is free on Monday, November 16, 2026. Walk up anytime; no ticket needed for the wildlife halls and permanent exhibitions. The planetarium, Infinity Theater and temporary exhibitions need a separate ticket.
Verified Oct 27 · dmns.org
Catch: Planetarium, theater and temporary exhibitions not included
Any day
City of Denver recreation centers
Denver kids and teens ages 5 to 18 can get a free MY Denver Card, which gives free access to city recreation centers and swimming pools plus some cultural facilities, and doubles as a Denver Public Library card. Sign up online through the city's service center or at a Denver recreation center, then stop by a rec center to take a photo and pick up the card (cards aren't mailed).
Verified Oct 27 · denvergov.org
Catch: Only for: Denver residents ages 5–18 · Sign-up and in-person photo pickup at a rec center
Any day
Denver Public Library (Museum and Cultural Passes)
Denver Public Library cardholders can reserve free museum and cultural passes to places like Butterfly Pavilion, the Clyfford Still Museum, Colorado History Museum, Forney Museum of Transportation, Four Mile Historic Park, Molly Brown House and Denver Botanic Gardens. Many passes admit a party of up to four (check each pass). Each pass can be reserved once a month (Botanic Gardens twice a year). Reserve online, then print or show the pass; the cardholder may be asked for ID.
Verified Oct 27 · denverlibrary.libcal.com
Catch: Permanent Denver Public Library card required · Reserve ahead; each pass once a month
Any day
Arapahoe LibrariesDenver
Arapahoe Libraries cardholders can reserve free Exploration Passes to metro Denver attractions such as Butterfly Pavilion and Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Book up to 30 days ahead, two passes at a time; each pass covers two or more visitors. Help booking: 303-542-7279.
Verified Oct 27 · arapahoelibraries.org
Catch: Arapahoe Libraries card required · Reserve ahead; two passes at a time
Any day
Jefferson County Public Library (Culture Pass)Denver
Jefferson County Public Library cardholders can book two free Culture Passes a month to places like Butterfly Pavilion, Bear Creek Lake Park, Buffalo Bill Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum, Colorado Railroad Museum and Clear Creek Makerspace. One pass per place per month; passes become available at noon and are valid only on the date booked.
Verified Oct 27 · jeffcolibrary.libcal.com
Catch: Jefferson County Public Library card required · Two passes a month; book ahead
Any day
Denver Public Library branches
Denver Public Library runs free technology classes (from using a mouse to building a website, no registration), drop-in tech help sessions, in-person tech help appointments, and Digital Navigators who help with phones, online safety and finding low-cost internet and devices. Call 720-865-3446 or email dignav@denverlibrary.org to reach a Digital Navigator.
Verified Oct 27 · denverlibrary.org
No catch
First Thursday of each month, 4–7pm
Molly Brown House MuseumDenver
The Titanic survivor's Capitol Hill home is free on the first Thursday of every month from 4 to 7pm for residents of the seven SCFD counties (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson). No reservations; first come, first served. The museum asks for a donation based on your ability, but it isn't required.
Verified Oct 27 · mollybrown.org
Catch: Only for: residents of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas or Jefferson counties
