Each first full weekend of the month means Bank of America customers can visit museums for FREE through its Museums On Us program. Just show your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit/debit card and photo ID on the first Saturday or Sunday of each month and get FREE admission to some of the most popular Mile High City museums and attractions. [Read more…] about Bank of America Cardholders: Free Museum and Botanic Gardens Entry
Search Results for: denver botanic garden
Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches Open In 2024
Corn mazes and pumpkin patches are abundant in September and October. Here’s a list of what we know is happening, along with any coupons or discounts. We’ve also included a handy map below , which should help you easily locate the attractions. Just click on the corn icon for more details. All attractions are open through October 31, unless otherwise noted. [Read more…] about Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches Open In 2024
Are Museum Memberships Worth It? We Break It Down For 12 Top Local Spots
Often we see yearly memberships to museums or cultural attractions and wonder if it’s worth it to subscribe, or simply pay the cost of admission. If you aren’t a local (or visit Denver on a regular basis) or only aren’t an attraction’s repeat visitor, chances are the membership isn’t for you. But, if you have kids, like to check out the latest exhibit, or can’t get enough of that soothing blue sea life, well…maybe paying a chunk of change for the membership will save you money in the long run. [Read more…] about Are Museum Memberships Worth It? We Break It Down For 12 Top Local Spots
Best Ways To Entertain Kids On The Cheap This Winter Break
For Denver area parents the holidays are a special time full of cookies, Santa, twinkling lights, and quality time with the kids. A whole lot of quality time in fact, since most school-age children are home for at least two weeks during the season.
While we may think getting presents and doing special holiday things would entertain them, any seasoned mom or dad or caretaker knows there comes a time when you just need to get out of the house.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy play parks in order to have fun. There are plenty of cheap, FREE and exciting things to do. [Read more…] about Best Ways To Entertain Kids On The Cheap This Winter Break
Get Free Attraction, Museum & Park Passes at Local Libraries
One more reason to love your local library? FREE passes to local museums and attractions. Many library districts offer some sort of pass that gives you FREE entry to every place from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Dinosaur Ridge to the Butterfly Pavilion and Denver Firefighters Museum. For a family of four, this can be a considerable savings and a way to explore a new or favorite attraction, without having to deal with the crowds of community-wide free days. [Read more…] about Get Free Attraction, Museum & Park Passes at Local Libraries
Free Day at Plains Conservation Center in Aurora
If the weather is fair, consider a visit to the Plains Conservation Center in Aurora. It offers six miles of hiking trails where diverse wildlife can be observed including: raptors, pronghorn antelope, insects, snakes and prairie dogs. You can explore the place for FREE during 2023 free days: January 19, February 23, March 11, June 15, July 15, August 17, November 18 and December 7. [Read more…] about Free Day at Plains Conservation Center in Aurora
Longmont Library Offers Free ‘Discovery Passes’ To Front Range Attractions
The Longmont Public Library’s book collection numbers in the tens of thousands, but knowledge is not found in books alone. To promote learning experiences, the Friends of the Longmont Library has partnered with many local museums and attractions to offer FREE daily passes to patrons through the Library’s website.
These Discovery Passes are a ticket to history, art, science, culture, and nature all along the Front Range, accessible with just a library card. The following destinations are currently participating, and the Library will be adding more attractions in coming months: [Read more…] about Longmont Library Offers Free ‘Discovery Passes’ To Front Range Attractions
What’s Open Right Now In Colorado
Face it folks, everything — restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters, casinos — is now closed for at least 30 days or about April 15, with no guarantee that closures won’t be extended. So the world situation has cancelled your weekend, not to mention, this week or even next month’s plans. Just because you’re avoiding crowds doesn’t mean you have to socially “isolate”, go stir crazy or resort to Netflix or Disney+ binges everyday (though Baby Yoda and The Mandalorian do give us hope). Staying active can even help you keep the coronavirus at bay, not to mention keep you from going bonkers when the walls start to close in. [Read more…] about What’s Open Right Now In Colorado
Always Free
Cheap is good, but FREE is even better, and some of our favorite Denver/Boulder area events and activities are always (or almost always) offered at no cost. Some are seasonal, some are on hiatus during holiday periods and others (including parades and fireworks, not listed here) are only connected with holidays. Click on any link that interests you for details, including hours and seasonal schedules. And if you have suggestions for others, please send them to info@japanla.site.
Libraries
Cruise through the websites of local library systems and check their events calendars to find FREE lectures, films, storytimes, homework help, teen activities, language classes and more. Oh yes, they also loan books, eBooks, audio books, CDs and more. Anythink Libraries ♦ Arapahoe Library District ♦ Aurora Public Library ♦ Boulder Public Library ♦ Denver Public Library ♦ Douglas County Libraries ♦ Estes Valley Library ♦ Gilpin County Public Library ♦ Jefferson County Libraries ♦ High Plains Library District (Weld County) ♦ Lafayette Public Library ♦ Littleton-Bemis Public Library ♦ Louisville Public Library ♦ Longmont Public Library ♦ Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library (Broomfield) ♦ Lyons Depot Library ♦ Nederland Community Library ♦ Poudre River Library District (Fort Collins).
Museums
The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, comprising seven metro area counties, subsidizes FREE days at the Denver Zoo, the Denver Botanical Gardens and a slew of large and small museums. The SCFD’s events calendar lists all FREE days.
♦ Aurora History Museum. The only public, FREE museum in Aurora, is a community-based cultural center featuring changing history, natural history, culture, fine and decorative arts exhibits and programs. Open Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 15051 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora.
♦ U.S. Mint. Not a museum, but the fascinating “factory” that produces U.S. coins. FREE tours from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday. No reservations accepted. 320 W. Colfax Ave., Denver.
♦ Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus. Enjoy FREE play the first Tuesday of each month, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 2121 Children’s Museum Dr., Denver, 303-433-7444.
♦ The Denver Public Library at Civic Center Park boasts a museum-worthy collection of Western art.
♦ University of Colorado Museum of Natural History. Entry always FREE, and also free coffee and tea. Henderson Bldg., 15th and Broadway, Boulder, 303-492-6892.
♦ Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum is home to a real moon rock, as well as mineral specimens, fossils, gemstones, meteorites and historic mining artifacts, plus Miss Colorado’s bejeweled crown. 1310 Maple St., Golden, 303-273-3815. Entry is always FREE.
♦ The nearby Golden History Park features cabins and other buildings from the Pearce Homestead relocated to 3 acres near downtown Golden. Open sunrise to sunset. 1020 11th St., Golden, 303-278-3557.
♦ Estes Park Museum. Hours and days vary seasonally. 200 Fourth St., 970-586-6256. Also, Historic Fall River Hydroplant, 1754 Fish Hatchery Rd. and cabin ruins on Knoll-Willows Open Space behind Town Hall.
♦ Denver Art Museum is always FREE for children under 18. 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy., Denver, CO 80204, 303-604-4433.
♦ Littleton Museum is a located on 39 acres and includes two living farms, a lake, an indoor collection, and rotating exhibits. Entry is always FREE. Open Tuesday-Sunday, hours vary each day. 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton, 303-795-3950.
Art
First Friday. FREE evening artwalks with galleries showing fine and visual arts. displayed in the Golden Triangle Museum District (Broadway/Speer/13th Avenue; ). ♦ Art District on Santa Fe (Santa Fe Drive between 4th and 12th Avenues; also Third Friday). ♦ Tennyson Street Cultural District from 30th to just north of 44th Ave.). ♦ RiNo Art District (north of 20th St. between Larimer and Chestnut; also Second Saturday).
Food, Wine & Beer
See MHOTC’s page devoted to regularly scheduled FREE wine tastings all over the greater metro area. ♦ Big box stores like Costco and Sam’s Club set up food tasting stands, most prominently on weekends. ♦ Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmers Markets, Lucky’s Markets and Natural Grocers. Tastings and presentations vary by store.
♦ Celestial Seasonings. Guided 45-minute walk though pioneering herbal tea plant, including samples. 4600 Sleepytime Dr., Boulder, 303-581-1202.
♦ Hammond’s Candies Factory Tours, 30-minute guided tour. Daily except Sunday. 5735 N. Washington St. Denver, 303-333-5588.
♦ Redstone Meadery. 30-minute tours Monday to Friday, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Saturday, 12:30 p.m. Also, free tastings. 4700 Pearl St., #2A, Boulder, 720-406-1215.
Sports & Outdoors
Many metro area communities have FREE skate parks, with the Denver Skate Park being one of the largest and best in the entire country. Offers bowls for all levels of skating skill. Helmets required. Open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. 2205 19th St. (between Platte and Little Raven). Also, 2900 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, 303-441-3427; Cornerstone Park, 2500 S. Wheel Park Cir., Aurora; Trails Recreation Center, S. Buckley At Orchard Rd., Centennial; 12920 W. 72nd Ave., Arvada.
♦ Bass Pro Shops. Frequent classes and workshops in fly fishing, camping, hunting and other outdoor activities. 7970 Northfield Blvd., Denver, 720-385-3600.
♦ REI. Frequent classes, workshops, presentations and clinics in hiking, camping, snowshoeing, avalanche preparedness, family activities and other outdoor activities. Denver Flagship store (1416 Platte St., Denver, 303-756-3100) and also Boulder, Englewood, Lakewood, Westminster, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. The Denver Flagship and Boulder store have the best facilities for programs and the most events.
♦ Neptune Mountaineering. Travel and outdoor adventure presentations; snow safety programs. Table Mesa Shopping Center, 633 S. Broadway, Boulder, 303-499-8866.
♦ Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. FREE entry and activities, including naturalist-led bus tour on the fourth Saturday of each month. 6550 Gateway Rd., Commerce City. 303-289-0930.
♦ Little Thompson Observatory. Public Star Nights, third Friday of every month. Presentation and stargazing using their telescope. On the grounds of Berthoud High School.
♦ Cabela’s holds classes and events both at the Thornton and Lone Tree locations.
Health & Wellness
Area hospitals offering FREE health lectures by board certified physicians include Boulder Community Health, Lutheran Hospital, Longmont United Hospital, Swedish Medical Center and Porter Adventist Hospital (Denver). Some classes are on site at the hospital; others are off-site in hotel conference centers, other meeting facilities or recreation or senior centers.
♦ Walk With a Doc. Monthly Saturday health walks with physicians.
♦ Natural Grocers offers FREE community health and cooking presentations in their stores. Check each store for the current schedule.
Plants & Gardens
Hudson Gardens is not as well known as the Denver Botanic Gardens but is open to the public every day for FREE. In addition to plants, it has a wonderful garden railroad. 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. ♦ FREE gardening and plant-care classes and information abound at garden centers, nurseries and public parks.
Other Events & Services
FREE tours of the gorgeous State Capitol, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday (except major holidays). 200 E. Colfax Ave., Civic Center Park, Denver. ♦ Tattered Cover author readings. LoDo, Colfax and Aspen Grove stores. ♦ The Tesoro Foundation’s FREE historic lectures in the Gates Reading Room, Denver Public Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, and other metro area venues are approximately monthly (except in summer). Call 303-839-1671.
MHOTC Travel – 48 Hours in Pueblo: The Steel City
Story by Linda DuVal. When you think of Pueblo, perhaps you might think: blue-collar bars, great Mexican food and the Colorado State Fair. Well, you’d be right. But only partly right. Pueblo has evolved in recent years from an industrial burg into a pretty sophisticated city. We’re talking a lively arts scene, fine museums, a blooming Riverwalk and even a great upscale restaurant or two.
Today’s Pueblo has abundant theater, dance and public art, one of the best children’s museums in the nation, a symphony, a thriving local history museum and much more. And it’s eminently affordable. Isn’t it time you paid it another visit? [Read more…] about MHOTC Travel – 48 Hours in Pueblo: The Steel City
Want A Covid Vaccine? No Appointment Needed At 3 Sites. Here’s The Latest News You Can Use
If your head is spinning with all the changes, disruptions, cancellations and uncertainty to our daily lives, you aren’t alone. We at Mile High On The Cheap feel it, too. In fact, we’re working even harder to stay on top of what’s happening in the Denver-Boulder area and keep you informed in a timely manner. Though we post about things we think you’ll find of interest, sometimes we learn of something newsworthy that may not be worth a stand-alone post. But, we want to share. [Read more…] about Want A Covid Vaccine? No Appointment Needed At 3 Sites. Here’s The Latest News You Can Use