Have fun. Save money. Denver free days and free things to do in Colorado.

Clear Creek History Park, Golden (always free)

Clear Creek History Park in downtown Golden is now free to walk through, sunrise to sunset every day.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge | always free

The free Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City, Colorado (near Denver) is a beautiful and pristine National Wildlife Refuge, representing an impressive cleanup and conversion of a former weapons and rocket fuel processing facility. The views of the mountains from this perfect spot on the plains are quite impressive.

Old Globeville Days and the Orthodox Food Festival (annually in July)

The Old Globeville Days Orthodox Food Festival celebrates Denver's international immigrant heritage with a diverse selection of free entertainment and international food. The music features outstanding performers of diverse folk heritage including an amazing Celtic performance. The incredible food selection is sample sized and you purchase tickets to try the samples. One of the best things to do in Denver on a warm mid-July weekend.

Manitou Springs Great Fruitcake Toss Festival (annually in January)

Colorado is known for it's goofy festivals and the Great Fruitcake Toss is certainly one of the headliners. This Manitou Springs tradition is held every year after the holidays in an effort to dispose of certain unwanted confections you may have acquired.

Some people prefer to launch their cakes by hand but many choose to build elaborate contraptions to give their fruitcakes the send off they deserve. There are various cake launching categories as well as competitions for the best and prettiest fruit cakes.

When:
The 2014 Great Fruitcake Toss festival has been cancelled. Hopefully it will be back in 2015.

Where:
In Manitou Springs at the Manitou Springs High School track. 
401 El Monte Place
Manitou Springs, CO 80829.

Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison (always free)

This park in Morrison, Colorado (southwest of Golden) is really an outdoor museum, where you can hike or ride a shuttle as you examine evidence of Dinosaur activity in Colorado. One of the popular Colorado attractions for kids.

Sunnyside Music Festival (mid-September)

The free Sunnyside Music Festival is a showcase of Colorado talent that takes place each year in Denver's Sunnyside neighborhood.

Movies In the Park

Looking for a popular Denver attraction for the kids? The free Denver Movies in the Park are one of the top things to do in Denver with the family, and not to be missed if you're in Denver with kids.

Golden History Center and Astor House (free days)

The Golden History Center, along Clear Creek next to the Golden Library, and the Astor House Museum, offer free days from time to time. The next free day is during the winter Candlelight Walk, December 5th, 2014.

 Details from the Golden History Museums web site: 

McLoughlin's Restaurant and Bar (Downtown Denver)

McLoughlin's is one of my go-to places when I'm craving happy hour specials in downtown Denver. 

Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys

For the dollhouse fan in every little girl at heart, the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys has a Community Day on the first Sunday of every month, from 1 pm to 4 pm.  

Denver Restaurant Week 2016 (Feb 26 - March 6)

For 2016, Denver will be celebrating Restaurant Week in February and March. Denver Restaurant Week features top downtown restaurants for a reduced price.

Liftopia Ski Discounts

Check out Liftopia: 

Colorado resorts offering substantial Liftopia ski discounts:
Arapahoe Basin.
Copper Mountain.
Durango.
Loveland.
Monarch Mountain.
Ski Cooper.
Sunlight.
Winter Park.

Some other resorts have discounts on Liftopia that really aren't discounts at all.

Check out Liftopia: 

Rentals
If you need to pick up rentals on your way to the mountain, my favorite super cheap rental shop is Maison De Ski in Idaho Springs.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science (free days)

One of the top things to do in Denver with older kids, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a hands-on educational museum that kids love!

Aurora History Museum (always free)

The Aurora History Museum is free and open every day except Monday and certain holidays. There is a permanent display of Aurora history as well as changing displays. This is a great Denver area free attraction, where you can gain a perspective on the real Colorado and the early days of settling this landscape.