Almost any day is perfect for a picnic in and near Denver, as long as it’s not raining or the temperature is below 50-degrees that is. Many parks offer swaths of plush grass, picnic tables, grills and even shelters in case the sun it beating down or one of those afternoon sprinkles happens. These 10 spots should be on your picnic list, and in case you don’t have time to whip up a basket of sandwiches, we added some quick stops nearby for food and supplies. [Read more…] about 10 Best Places To Picnic In And Around Denver
Indoor Play Areas for Kids Around Denver
When the kiddos are bored or the weather is being uncooperative (too hot or too cold) you may be looking for a place for them to play. This list of indoor play areas around Denver should come in handy.
I’ve included all sorts of activities, some free and some with an admission fee. For some of the pricier attractions, I noted if there’s a Groupon available (and you should always check Groupon yourself for those not marked, as new Groupons pop up from time to time). Also keep in mind memberships are a great way to save big.
This list is by no means comprehensive as there are a gazillion spots across the metro area. Know of something that should be in the list? Just email laura@milehighonthecheap.com. [Read more…] about Indoor Play Areas for Kids Around Denver
7 Farms and Orchards Where You Can Pick Your Own In 2025
Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Rocky Ford melons — Colorado grows a bounty of produce recognized nationwide. And, as anyone who has driven on the Eastern Plains can attest, we are a state that owes its heritage, at least in part, to hardworking farmers. While you can shop “Colorado Proud” in most grocery stores, you can also pick your own fruits and veggies. Some fields are open now, others hold off until later in the season. [Read more…] about 7 Farms and Orchards Where You Can Pick Your Own In 2025
Cool Off! How To Get Out On The Water Around Denver, Even If You Don’t Own a Boat
Colorado may be a landlocked state, but even if you don’t own a boat you can still jet around that cool city lake or paddle along the shores of a reservoir during the summer. There are an array of services and outfitters available right in and near Denver, from private boat owners and boat rental shops to marinas right by the water. [Read more…] about Cool Off! How To Get Out On The Water Around Denver, Even If You Don’t Own a Boat
9 Best Places to Go Swimming This Summer Around Denver
Summer is here and the water is calling. Even though Colorado is a land-locked state, there are plenty of places to take a dip, both in natural bodies of water and outdoor swimming pools. I’ve found 9 of the best places to swim in the Denver area, all with budget-minded water fans in mind. Make sure to double-check any pool schedule before going for any changes. [Read more…] about 9 Best Places to Go Swimming This Summer Around Denver
Ways To Volunteer In Denver
Give back to the community by donating time and helping out at one of these many charities and public service organizations. The best part, volunteers can aid in areas that speak to them, be that with kids, animals, feeding people and so on, and sometimes get access to events and shows as well.
This list is meant to provide information on many of the local groups looking for volunteers, but keep in mind it’s always best to check in and find out what they need. [Read more…] about Ways To Volunteer In Denver
Best Places For Outdoor Ice Skating In & Around Denver
Get out on the ice and skate around this winter. Plenty of places across the Front Range have outdoor ice rinks, perfect for gliding, twirling, or, if you’re a first timer or haven’t done it in a while, holding on for dear life while children zip by you.
Many of these places offer skate helpers for little kids, and all have skate rentals available. Of course, feel free to bring your own skates. At some locations donning your own laces means FREE skating. [Read more…] about Best Places For Outdoor Ice Skating In & Around Denver
Where to See Sunflowers Near Denver and Pick Them Too
With all the rain this year, the Colorado growing season has been a bit wonky. But, it’s finally time to enjoy a bright burst of sunflowers. Best part, sunflower season starts now and goes until late August or early September.
While plenty of these golden beauties can be found along the roads as you drive toward the eastern plains or towards the southern areas of the state, make a plan to visit a field of sunflowers either for an epic photo shoot or just to get a little fresh flower magic in your life. [Read more…] about Where to See Sunflowers Near Denver and Pick Them Too
Animal Encounters: Where To Visit Elephants, Donkeys, Sharks, Tarantulas And More
This article contains affiliate links. When you click on them and make a purchase, we might earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read full disclosure here.
It’s not everyday you get to pet a goat, feed a giraffe or hold a furry tarantula. But when these animal encounters do happen, it’s pretty special. Lucky for us, there are plenty of ways to get close and personal with a variety of creatures. From petting farms to unique zoo experiences to a place to pet kitties, here are some of the best ways to get some quality time with animals, especially ones that aren’t always found in the home. [Read more…] about Animal Encounters: Where To Visit Elephants, Donkeys, Sharks, Tarantulas And More
The Best Places For Free Wine Tastings In Denver & Boulder
Colorado in general and the Denver area in particular have become known for great microbrews and brewpubs, but this is also a place where locals know and love their wine. Colorado passed a law years ago allowing wine and liquor stores to conduct in-store wine tastings.
Customers may taste four 1-ounce samples (4 ounces total per tasting) of wine, beer or spirits. Many shops pride themselves on carrying small-batch wines that may not be available elsewhere in the metro area. [Read more…] about The Best Places For Free Wine Tastings In Denver & Boulder
10 Best Easy Hikes Near Denver
With hiking weather officially here, it’s time to tie on your sneakers and take to the trails in and around Denver. Whether your weekend hike involves little kids and newly-minted walkers, friends recovering from an injury or someone who just can’t hike a 14er (yet), these easy Denver-area hikes are the perfect way to get out in nature without overdoing it. [Read more…] about 10 Best Easy Hikes Near Denver
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
How To Have A Romantic Valentine’s Day in Denver On The Cheap
As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air. But just because you ♥ someone the most, that doesn’t mean one has to break the bank. There are plenty of cheap, free and fun ways to celebrate the day of romance, from photo opportunities to inexpensive tasting menus to something sweet. Read on for tips and tricks, and some good deals worth making googly eyes over. [Read more…] about How To Have A Romantic Valentine’s Day in Denver On The Cheap
$2 Kids’ Meals at Mici, Yes Please!
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As a family of four, going out to eat gets real pricey, real fast. Worst part, half the time my 9-year-old is still hungry after that $10 (or more) kids’ plate. But now with Mici’s new $2 kids’ meal deal, not only can we afford to eat out as a family, but there’s plenty of delicious Italian food on the plate to satisfy the hungriest of children. [Read more…] about $2 Kids’ Meals at Mici, Yes Please!
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
The Butterfly Pavilion Is The Perfect Escape For Bug Lovers & Insect Curious
Bug lovers and the insect curious should head to The Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. Not only can one frolic with arthropods, which includes insects, spiders, centipedes, crabs and barnacles in water (to name a few), but learn all about them at the same time.
The non-profit zoo has been running since July 1995, and while it’s changed over the years the institution still holds a lot of joy for insect fans. Programing changes often, so even if favorite residents remain, there’s something new to see too.
[Read more…] about The Butterfly Pavilion Is The Perfect Escape For Bug Lovers & Insect Curious
Save 37% Off! Christmas In Color: Drive Through An Extravaganza Of Animated Holiday Lights
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The lights! The music! The pure Christmas joy! These are all things you may think while cruising through Christmas In Color, an outdoor extravaganza of animated holiday lights that you can see right from your car. The event runs until January 1, 2024, in three spots in the Denver metro area. [Read more…] about Save 37% Off! Christmas In Color: Drive Through An Extravaganza Of Animated Holiday Lights
Holiday Shows In The Denver Area – Concerts, Plays, Movies, Dancing & More
Amid the lights, feasts, parties and seeing Santa this holiday season, there’s also the live shows to consider. For example, a period-perfect rendition of A Christmas Carol, children singing holiday songs, and a variety show all about Santa. Book a ticket for a holiday concert, festive play, dazzling dance performance, larger-than-life Christmas movie and more.
We have already covered the Nutcracker and how to save on this iconic ballet.
Some shows are a bit pricey, but worth the splurge. We’ll keep looking for ticket deals, but you should always the venue’s web sites for last minutes discounts. You can save money by becoming a member or getting theater subscriptions. Many places also have discounted children’s tickets. [Read more…] about Holiday Shows In The Denver Area – Concerts, Plays, Movies, Dancing & More
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance occupies 80 acres in City Park and houses more than 3,600 animals, representing around 650 species. Some, like the grizzly bear and big horn sheep are native to our Rocky Mountain backyard, while others come from far away. These include species such as the Asian elephant, lion, Komodo dragon, greater one horned rhino and western lowland gorilla.
The zoo is open every day save for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Bonus, there are FREE days scattered throughout the year.
Photo: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
The zoo is one of Denver’s longest-running venues and opened up in 1896. But it wasn’t until 1918, with the opening of Bear Mountain, that the Denver Zoo really flourished.
Featuring artificial rock formations modeled from the natural cliffs near Morrison, Colorado, the exhibit launched a new way of seeing animals at a zoo, without bars and fences.
In fact, Bear Mountain became so iconic, it’s now on the National Register of Historic Places and can be seen right across from the train depot at the zoo. The bears, however, have a much bigger home over in Harmony Hill now, but often a porcupine can be seen wandering the famous enclosure.
Courtesy: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance/Joan Reedy photo
Over the decades the entire zoo has evolved to featured habitats that replicate each animal’s native land. Predator Ridge is a recreated African savanna.
Primate Panorama is built for monkey acrobatics where the primates swing from trees.
Tropical Discovery hosts not just rainforest and tropical weather loving creatures such as golden frogs, howler monkeys and green tree pythons, but stunning tropical plants too.
Toyota Elephant Passage has been called “the crown jewel of Denver Zoo.” It features two miles of interconnected trails on 10 acres of varied terrain.
This large and complex habitat houses Asian elephants, greater one-horned rhinos and Malaysian tapirs, all who rotate among five unique, abundant habitats with mud wallows, scratching trees, shade structures and more than one million gallons of water for swimming and bathing to ensure active and healthy animals.
Photo courtesy: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Other zoo attractions include the 22,000-square-foot Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital, Stingray Cove where, for a fee, you can feed stingrays, and a 4D movie theater.
There’s a little natural gas-powered train chugging under 100-year-old trees, and an enchanting carousel with endangered species bouncing along instead of horses.
Check the daily online schedule to catch one of the animal shows. The playful seals and sea lions are always a hit.
Courtesy: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance/Scott Dougherty photo
Try to time your visit around feeding times, during which staff not only showcase the zoo’s residents, but give talks about them too. Guests can also feed giraffes by hand and see an array of daily animal encounters.
While seeing the animals definitely is the highlight, the zoo is more than just a place to learn about and enjoy these creatures.
It is committed to the management of the environment and its wealth of natural resources and biodiversity.
The Department of Conservation & Research has supported more than 600 projects, both in the wild and at the zoo, since 1996. While striving to help animals around the world, the Denver Zoo also plans on expanding its own space, with new and improved habitats opening almost yearly.
Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver, 720-337-1400
Photo: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
How To Save at the Denver Zoo
- Buy a membership
- Pack food to take in
- Look out for free days
Hours
Open every day of the year, save for Christmas and Thanksgiving. In extreme weather it may close.
The Zoo opens at 10 a.m. daily. Closing hours vary by date so check the ticket system for entry times.
General Admission Prices
Currently, you MUST buy all tickets online in advance and reserve a day and time.
Adults: $26
Ages 65+: $23
Ages 3-11: $19
Under age 2: Free
Members: Free
SNAP/EBT Explorer card holders can get $3 admission for up to 10 guests.
American Museum of Western Art
The idea behind the American Museum of Western Art (AMWA) is to showcase the American West and what made it such an amazing and important part of history. All through art of course.
The museum features The Anschutz Collection, which consists of over 600 paintings, drawings and sculptures spanning the 200 years of Western expansion. Of these works, more than 180 artists are represented, and showcase the American West from the early 19th century up to today. [Read more…] about American Museum of Western Art