11 Free Things to do in Denver

Sun addicts will love the Mile High City. Despite a reputation for endless snow storms, Denver’s biggest attraction may well be its 300 days of sunshine each year.

With the breathtaking Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Denver offers urban sophistication combined with outdoor adventure at an affordable price.

Learn about America’s western heritage, tour the the 150-year-old city’s unique neighborhoods and visit the unspeakably stunning Red Rocks Park — all for free.

1. 16th Street Trolley
   This trolley covers the 15 blocks of the 16th Street Mall. Its great to visit in the summer months where you can usually see entertainers on the street as well.
2. U.S. Mint
   Tours of the U.S. Mint are free from 8 am to 2 pm daily. You should reserve a spot on the tour online first if possible, depending on availability you may be able to go on a tour as a walk in as well.

   
   U.S. Mint | Photo by 26686573@N00

3. Tattered Cover Bookstore
   Visit this bookstore with its roots over 30 years ago as a small book shop. They have all the books you could want ranging from the popular titles to little known titles. They have plenty of places for you to enjoy the books on your own without having to make a purchase.
4. Brown Palace Hotel
   You can enjoy a free tour of this hotel on Wednesday or Saturday each week at 2 pm. The tour is about 60 minutes long and covers the history of the hotel as well as some history of Denver.
5. Red Rocks Park
   This is a one of a kind amphitheater created by the red rocks that are common in the area. From the top of the theater you will be able to see the entire Denver skyline. There are some free events throughout the year you maybe able to take advantage of depending on the time of your stay. If you are interested in hiking there are a bunch of trails that start from this location.

   
   Red Rocks | Photo by jim031956

6. Dinosaur Ridge
   A great place to take the kids or anyone interested in paleontology. Here you can view both large, small and everywhere imbetween sized dinosaur tracks that have become exposed on the side of the hogback.
7. Colorado History Museum
   This museum is free until March and then will be relocating, it is uncertain if it will continue to be free at the new location. The Museum is open 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and Sundays from noon until 5 pm.
8. Washington Park
   This park has fresh water lakes that any visitor is allowed to fish in free of charge. There are also gardens and paths to wander through.
9. City Park
   The city park has a central area that you can get to the Zoo and Museum of Nature and Science from.
10. Four Mile Historic Park
    This park was designed around an old wagon stop from the frontier days. It is always free to visit and is open from noon to four on Wednesday through Sunday.

    
    denverjeffrey

11. Hammonds Candies Tour
    On this tour you will learn how sugar melts to form different types of candies. Along the way you will get to taste some Hammonds Candies. The tour lasts 30 minutes and are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3pm.