30 Things to Do in Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado, the Mile High City, offers a stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains alongside a vibrant urban core packed with culture, history, and outdoor fun. While paid attractions abound, finding exciting free things to do in Denver, Colorado is surprisingly easy, allowing visitors to experience the city’s unique energy and natural beauty without straining their budget. From sprawling parks and scenic trails to captivating art districts and historic landmarks, the city provides numerous ways to explore affordably.
This guide points you toward 30 specific activities, sights, and experiences you can enjoy in Denver completely free of charge. Discover how to soak up the local atmosphere, enjoy breathtaking views, delve into art and history, and make the most of the city’s green spaces. Let’s uncover the fantastic free adventures waiting for you in Denver.
Parks and Outdoor Escapes
Explore City Park: Wander through Denver’s largest urban park, home to lakes, playgrounds, and stunning views of the downtown skyline against the mountains. Enjoy walking paths and vast green spaces perfect for relaxing.
Relax in Washington Park (Wash Park): Stroll around the lakes, admire the flower gardens, and enjoy people-watching in this popular south Denver park. It’s a favorite spot for locals enjoying walks, runs, and picnics.
Visit Cheesman Park: Explore this historic park known for its beautiful pavilion, wide lawns, and views. It offers a peaceful setting for a walk near the Denver Botanic Gardens (paid entry).
Walk or Bike the Cherry Creek Trail: Enjoy sections of this paved pathway running through the heart of Denver along Cherry Creek. It connects various parks and neighborhoods, offering a scenic urban route.
Explore Confluence Park: Visit the spot where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River near downtown. Watch kayakers navigate the whitewater features or simply relax by the water.
Stroll the South Platte River Trail: Discover parts of this trail system following the South Platte River. Enjoy natural scenery and connections to various parks south of downtown.
Sloan’s Lake Park Loop: Walk or bike the path circling Sloan’s Lake, Denver’s largest lake. Enjoy views of the water, the Denver skyline, and the distant mountains.
Red Rocks Park Trails: While concert tickets cost money, hiking the surrounding trails of Red Rocks Park near Morrison is free. Experience the stunning red rock formations and enjoy panoramic views from the park’s upper areas.
Government History and Landmarks
Tour the Colorado State Capitol: Take a free tour of the magnificent gold-domed Capitol building. Explore the legislative chambers, admire the architecture, and learn about Colorado’s history and government.
Visit Civic Center Park: Explore the grounds between the State Capitol and the City & County Building. Admire the fountains, statues, Greek amphitheater, and formal gardens in this central public space.
View the US Mint Exterior: Admire the historic building where US coins are produced from the outside. Located near Civic Center Park, it’s an impressive piece of federal architecture.
Explore Union Station: Step inside Denver’s beautifully restored historic train station. Admire the grand architecture of the Great Hall, browse the shops (window shopping is free), and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Stroll Larimer Square: Walk along Denver’s oldest block, known for its Victorian architecture, independent boutiques, and restaurants. Enjoy the charming atmosphere and window shopping under the canopy lights.
See the D&F Tower: Gaze up at this historic clock tower, modeled after the Campanile in Venice, located near the 16th Street Mall. It’s a distinctive piece of Denver’s architectural history.
Arts Culture and Neighborhoods
Denver Art Museum Free Days: Plan your visit during one of the museum’s free admission days (check schedule, often first Saturdays). Explore diverse collections spanning various cultures and time periods.
Clyfford Still Museum Free Days: Experience the works of this abstract expressionist painter during free admission days offered throughout the year (check their website for dates). Located near the Denver Art Museum.
MCA Denver Penny Saturdays: Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver for just one cent admission on the first Saturday of each month (Colorado residents). Explore cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions.
Explore RiNo Art District Murals: Wander the streets and alleyways of the River North Art District (RiNo). Discover an incredible outdoor gallery of vibrant murals and street art painted on industrial buildings.
First Friday Art Walks (Santa Fe Arts District): On the first Friday evening of each month, explore hundreds of galleries, studios, and creative businesses in the Art District on Santa Fe. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and browse diverse artwork for free.
Browse Tattered Cover Book Store: Get lost exploring the shelves of this beloved independent bookstore. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and discover new reads at one of their Denver locations (Cherry Creek, Aspen Grove, Westminster, Union Station).
Walk the 16th Street Mall: Stroll down this mile-long pedestrian mall stretching through downtown Denver. Enjoy people-watching, street performers, and architectural sights (the free MallRide bus also runs its length).
Explore Tennyson Street Cultural District: Wander along Tennyson Street in the Berkeley neighborhood. Browse the unique shops, art galleries, and enjoy the local neighborhood charm.
South Pearl Street Window Shopping: Stroll down the historic main street of the Platt Park neighborhood. Enjoy browsing the windows of boutiques, antique shops, and eateries on Old South Pearl.
Cherry Creek North Exploration: Walk the tree-lined streets of this upscale neighborhood. Enjoy window shopping at high-end boutiques, art galleries, and admire the modern architecture.
Unique Denver Experiences
Hammond’s Candies Factory Tour: Take a free factory tour (reservations often recommended) and see how classic candies like candy canes and lollipops are made. Enjoy the sweet smells and watch the fascinating process.
Great Divide Brewing Co. Brewery Tour: Take a free tour (check schedule, first-come basis) of the brewing facility in the Ballpark neighborhood. Learn about the brewing process, though beer samples require purchase.
Little Man Ice Cream Cone Structure: Visit the iconic 28-foot-tall milk can that houses Little Man Ice Cream in the Highland neighborhood. Admiring the unique structure and lively atmosphere is free.
International Church of Cannabis (Exterior/Public Hours): View the colorful psychedelic exterior of this unique building. Check their website for occasional free public viewing hours of the interior artwork (outside of private events/services).
Watch Skateboarders at Denver Skatepark: See local skateboarders and BMX riders practice their tricks at this large, free public skatepark located near the South Platte River downtown. It offers impressive displays of skill.
