Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum in Golden (always free)
If you are spending a day in Golden and looking for free attractions, The Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum has a large display of rare gemstones, and their mining display downstairs should not be missed! One of the main attractions at the School of Mines Geology Museum is a moon rock collected during the Apollo 17 lunar mission!
When:
Monday - Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm
Where:
1310 Maple St., Golden, CO 80401
The Museum is located in downtown Golden on the Colorado School of Mines campus, in the General Research Library building.
Check their web site for details: 
U.S. Mint at Denver Free Tours (Monday - Thursday)
Denver Mint Tours are closed for construction through February 27, 2014.
If you ever wanted to know where that change in your pocket comes from, the free Denver Mint Tours are the place to find out! Tours are free of charge Monday through Thursday at the United States Mint in downtown Denver. Reservations must be made in advance through the United States Mint Tour Reservation System
The Denver Mint building is highly secure, so you will need to pass through a security screening before your tour begins. Many common items are not permitted on the tour, such as purses, check their web site for a detailed list of prohibited items. The tour itself is very informative and interesting, discussing not only how new coins are made but also America's coin making history.
When:
Year-round, Monday - Thursday.
Reservations are required.
Be at the tour entrance 30 minutes prior to your tour time.
Location:
320 West Colfax Avenue
It's just off the southern end of the 16th Street Mall near Civic Center Park.
Visit their web site for tour details and reservations:
Free First Fridays Art Walk
On the first Friday of every month, art districts around Colorado open their galleries late for an evening of gallery hopping. Most districts will have great food, drinks, music and an all-around festive atmosphere.
Colorado State Capitol Free Tours (Weekdays)
The Colorado State Capital is one of the popular Denver Attractions, not only for the well known '5280 step' but also for the free tours inside.
Why take a Colorado State Capitol tour? I'll give you three reasons:
- The Colorado State Capital building in downtown Denver allows you to watch our state Legislature in action. As more people take an interest in the workings of our government, this is a great opportunity to see firsthand how the system works. The Colorado State Legislature is in session from early January to early May.
- The capitol building itself is awash in history and amazing architecture. It was built using Colorado materials as much as possible, such as Colorado gold for the dome, granite walls from Granite, Colorado, and Colorado's distinctive red onyx throughout the interior.
- The views from the Dome tour are some of the best in Denver!
Location:
Just head for downtown Denver and the 16th Street Mall, you can't miss the gold domed building beyond the southern end of 16th street mall. The steps on the western side are the most popular area to enter as the "1 mile above sea level" markers are there. The civic center park area has become very sketchy, expect to encounter quite a few homeless if you walk through the park.
Visitors to the state capitol are allowed to wander the public areas on their own, or you can take one of several guided tours:
Historical Tours:
All about construction of the building and early Colorado history, as well as some of the more interesting artifacts on display within the building. Reservations are not required unless you have a group of 10 or more. Tours are 45 minutes long and are available weekdays except holidays.
Historical Tour Hours:
10am - 3pm every Monday - Friday
Legislative Tours:
Legislative tours are a popular field trip for Colorado grade school students. When possible, you will make stops in the House and Senate galleries to see the legislature in action. This tour is only for school groups and reservations are required.
Legislative Tour Schedule:
Annually, early January through early May. Reservations are required.
Dome Tours (currently closed):
This tour climbs a long spiral staircase to an indoor observation area with amazing views of Denver.
Dome Tour Hours:
Daily from 9am to 2:30pm. Reservations are required.
Dome tours are currently closed until further notice due to dome renovations.
Mr. Brown's Attic:
This exhibit area illustrates Colorado's history and the legislative process, and includes a hands-on children's area. The attic is open 9am to 3pm on weekdays and reservations are not necessary.
For more information about Colorado State Capitol Tours, visit the Colorado Legislative Council Site:
Denver Firefighters Museum Free Days
The Denver Firefighters Museum free days are a fun way to learn about real Colorado firefighters and the history of fire fighting in Colorado.
Denver Botanic Gardens (free days)
Free days for Colorado residents are held throughout the year at both the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield.
Colorado Sports Hall of Fame (always free)
The free Museum at the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame at Invesco Field showcases the accomplishments of Colorado's finest athletes across many sports disciplines from the most popular spectator sports to little-known gems.
There are exhibits featuring many of the greatest triumphs in Colorado sports history, from the Broncos to Golf to women in sports, as well as an interactive Kid's Zone. There is also an exhibit honoring the National Sports Center for the Disabled and the Special Olympics.
Hours
September thru May: Thursday -- Saturday 10am to 3pm
June, July, August: Tuesday -- Saturday 10am to 3pm
Beware of special hours and closures before or during Broncos home games, contact the Museum to confirm hours.
Location
Invesco Field Gate #1 (western side)
For the latest info, check the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame web site: