When looking for your next budget-friendly travel destination, Denver might be just what you’re looking for. Not only are there plenty of low-budget activities, but there are also plenty of free things to do in Denver.
In Denver, you can stay on budget and find ways to occupy your time, whether you’re there for a work trip, relocating your family or testing out a new home base. Denver is also considered one of the best remote work travel destinations in the U.S.
With the Rocky Mountains nearby, there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Food and culture are also plentiful in Denver.
No matter how long you plan to stay, Denver has activities for all age groups. With access to free or cheap museums, nature and excursions, you’re sure to enjoy your time in Denver without stretching your budget.
Key Takeaways
- There are plenty of free and cheap things to do in Denver, perfect for solo travelers, families and couples. For the attractions that cost money, there are sometimes dedicated free admission days available.
- Situated by the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers plenty of natural beauty.
- Denver museums offer affordable learning experiences for all ages.
- Some of the unique attractions in Denver include the U.S. Mint and the Molly Brown House Museum. If you have a sweet tooth, the Hammond’s Candy Factory offers a behind-the-scenes look at how candies are made and offers samples, too.
- When staying in Denver, choosing a longer-term lodging option can give you more flexibility if you want to increase your stay with weekly and monthly rates.
- Staying at a hotel with amenities like in-room kitchens, free wi-fi and guest laundry you need can help keep travel even more affordable.
Free and Cheap Things to Do in Denver
Exploring a new area shouldn’t drain your bank account. Denver offers plenty of free and cheap things to do for people of all ages and interests. Before your next trip to Denver, use this guide to thoughtfully plan your experience.
1. Hike the Trails at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Located 20 minutes west of downtown, the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre offer a variety of cheap and free things to do in Denver. On days without ticketed events, Red Rocks is free to explore.
This park offers hundreds of acres of striking red sandstone formations and natural beauty. You can get your steps in on any of the hiking trails or get a workout in by climbing the steps of the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Whether you’re here on a work assignment or as a digital nomad, you can find balance and establish a routine. Wake up at sunrise and get a workout in at Red Rocks, all before logging on for the day.
2. Tour the Colorado State Capitol
If you enjoy history and architecture, add the Colorado State Capitol to your must-see list. This historic building offers free guided and self-guided tours Monday through Friday.
This is a great way to weave in educational enrichment for the whole family. There are also virtual tours available.
The Capitol building is Renaissance Revival style with Corinthian-style pillars outside. The gold-leafed dome on top of the building commemorates the Colorado Gold Rush.
3. Explore the Denver Art Museum
Exploring the Denver Art Museum is one of the best budget-friendly experiences in the city, offering a mix of world-class art and accessible pricing. General admission is relatively affordable, with tickets under $30 for adults and free entry for visitors under 18. This pricing structure makes it an especially appealing activity for families trying to minimize costs.
The museum also hosts multiple free admission days throughout the year, making this one of the best free things to do in Denver.
Inside the museum, you’ll find everything from Indigenous art and contemporary works to rotating exhibitions. No matter how much time you have allotted for this attraction, it offers an enriching way to experience Denver’s cultural scene without overspending.
Note: Some special exhibitions may require separate tickets.
4. See Bison at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Seeing bison at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most memorable things you can do in Denver. Just a short drive from downtown, this expansive, 15,000-acre refuge offers visitors the rare chance to spot a herd of American bison roaming open prairies.
The self-guided Wildlife Drive is free to access and lets you experience 11 miles of classic Colorado landscape from your car, making it easy and accessible for all types of travelers. Beyond bison, you might also see deer, coyotes, prairie dogs or bald eagles, adding to the sense of adventure without any added cost.
Kids can also earn their Junior Ranger badge at the Visitor Center, making it a fun way to entertain your little ones.
This is a perfect excursion for travelers looking to balance city exploration with nature, offering wide-open views and peaceful surroundings. For a low-budget trip, it’s hard to beat an experience that feels this iconic to Colorado.
5. Walk or Bike the Cherry Creek Trail
Walking or biking the Cherry Creek Trail is another inexpensive thing to do in Denver. This paved trail runs for miles through the city, connecting Cherry Creek State Park to Downtown Denver.
Trail access is free, but Cherry Creek State Park has a separate entrance fee. Whether you’re renting a bike for a few hours or just heading out on foot, the trail offers a relaxed way to explore at your own pace.
Along the way, you’ll pass small shops and natural landscapes, giving you the perfect mix of nature and city. It’s perfect for travelers who want to stay active without spending much, or anyone looking for a break between bigger attractions.
With mountain views in the distance and plenty of spots to stop and unwind, it’s a simple but rewarding way to stay active during a longer stay.
6. Take a Free Tour of the U.S. Mint
Touring the U.S. Mint is another fun free thing to do in Denver. Denver is one of only four cities in the country where you can watch coins being made, so this is a must-see stop on your Denver trip.
The U.S. Mint offers free guided tours and has a gift shop to purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Make sure you have your government-issued ID with you before you visit.
7. Stroll the First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe Drive
On the first Friday of every month, Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District opens dozens of galleries and studios for a free art walk. You can admire art and listen to live music or buy food from food trucks.
This is a great way for digital nomads to socialize and connect with the nearby creatives, as well as a great way for families and couples to enjoy an evening outing and entertainment.
8. Visit the Molly Brown House Museum
For those who love history or the Titanic, the Molly Brown House Museum is a must-see and cheap thing to do in Denver. The home was once owned by Margaret “Molly” Brown, a human rights activist, philanthropist and survivor of the RMS Titanic.
This house stands as a representation of the turn of the 20th century in Denver, and preserves history of that time period.
For less than $25, visitors can get a guided or self-led tour through her restored Victorian home. Discounted tickets are available for ages 6-18, seniors, residents, military members, teachers and college students. Tours are free for children ages 5 and under.
9. Browse the South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market
The South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market is free to browse and the perfect opportunity to pick up some local produce to stock your hotel kitchen and support local vendors.
This farmer’s market is held on select Sundays in the Platt Park neighborhood and includes produce stands and handmade crafts.
10. Catch a Free Summer Concert at City Park Jazz
Most Sunday evenings in the summer, City Park hosts a free live jazz concert near Ferril Lake. Visitors can bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy music with the Denver skyline as the backdrop. Locals have considered this one of Denver’s best free traditions for over 20 years.
11. Tour Hammond's Candy Factory
Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, Hammond’s Candy Factory offers free 30-minute behind-the-scenes tours. This factory has been around since the early 1900s, and tour attendees also get the chance to try free candy samples.
This is a fun free thing to do in Denver for both kids and adults. Tour spots fill up quickly, so we recommend securing a spot early by making a reservation.
12. Explore Denver's Free Museum Days
To immerse yourself in the history and culture of Denver, you can take your family to experience Denver’s free museum days. There are plenty of museums and tourist attractions available for free admission on select days throughout the year, funded by Denver’s Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.
Depending on what you’re interested in, there are plenty of attractions available through this program:
Attractions for animal lovers:
- The Denver Zoo
- The Denver Museum of Nature and Science
- Nearby National Parks
Attractions for history lovers:
- The Museo de las Americas
- The MCA Denver
- The Four Mile Historic Park
Attractions for art lovers:
- The Denver Art Museum
- The Clyfford Still Museum
Start Planning Your Denver Adventure
Denver is a dream destination for budget-conscious travelers and digital nomads thanks to its balance of urban energy and easy access to the outdoors. There are plenty of free things to do in Denver, like hiking in the Red Rocks or catching sunset views over the Rockies.
One of the biggest factors in keeping your trip affordable is finding the right place to stay. Securing budget-friendly lodging can make a major difference, especially for longer stays.
At Extended Stay America, you save more with practical amenities like in-room kitchens, on-site guest laundry and free wi-fi. With these amenities, affordable weekly and monthly rates and military hotel discounts, it’s the perfect place to book as your home base during your next trip to Denver.
