Sometimes, we forget about the treasures right in our own backyard. If you’ve ever wondered how to make money or have visitors in town, Denver has one of the best experiences right in its back pocket. Established in 1863, the U.S. Mint of Denver produces 50 million coins a day, each one stamped with a little “D.” FREE tours show every step in the process of turning dull, blank metal slugs into shiny pocket change. [Read more…] about Money-Maker: Free Tours of the U.S. Mint of Denver
Family Activities
Harkins Theatres: $5 Tuesday Night Classics Film Series
Harkins Theatres is showing a classic film every week at a classic price with its Tuesday Night Classics film series. Relive your favorite films the way they were meant to be seen — on the big screen! The series can make for a fun, inexpensive night out with your spouse or partner. It’s just like being on a first date again for some couples, given many of the titles are from the 80s. [Read more…] about Harkins Theatres: $5 Tuesday Night Classics Film Series
Indoor Play Areas For Kids Around Denver
In case you find yourself trapped with some rowdy young ‘uns, you may need some fun places for the kiddos 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).
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
Free Days at Museums & More in January
Twenty-twenty is here! And January is the perfect time to ring in the new year with lots of family-friendly adventures for FREE, thanks to the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District and community donors.
As always, there’s so much to explore and experience in Denver on the cheap, thanks to our city’s generous FREE Days at museums and attractions. Because of their popularity, be prepared for large crowds and allow extra time to find parking. Consider carpooling or taking public transportation. [Read more…] about Free Days at Museums & More in January
Cheap Fun With Kids in Denver and Boulder
Denver and Boulder are paradise for families. No matter the season, there’s always something to do with your kids in Denver for free or on the cheap. We won’t even go into the outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, skiing or whitewater rafting. You know about all that stuff.
But how about holding a live tarantula in the palm of your hand? Stepping into the tracks of a Stegosaurus? Sitting in the cockpit of a Star Wars X-Wing Fighter? Watching as millions of pennies, nickles and dimes are produced? Seeing a tornado form right in front of you? We have it all. Here are 14 top free or cheap things to do with the family in Denver, Boulder and beyond. [Read more…] about Cheap Fun With Kids in Denver and Boulder
7 Wild Ways to Save On Denver Zoo Admission
The Denver Zoo is the best place in town for a wild day of family fun and adventure. With so many wonderful exhibits and creatures, there is much to do, see and learn for all ages. However, the popular attraction is not known for offering many discounts.
As a result, it can be an expensive journey for many. For a family of four, the cost can be as high as $80 for daytime admission, during the summer months. Our cheap “safari guides” tracked down a few wild ways to save money at the ticket booth. [Read more…] about 7 Wild Ways to Save On Denver Zoo Admission
Sweet Deal: Take Hammond’s Candy Factory Tour For Free
Hammond’s Candies has been making delicious candies since 1920 and they still do it the old-fashioned way in small batches. FREE factory tours run Monday through Saturday every half-hour and are a great way to entertain the entire family. The tour shows the candymakers hand-pulling and hand-twisting oversize candy canes, as well as ribbon candy, lollipops and chocolate. And everyone gets a free candy sample. Sweet!! [Read more…] about Sweet Deal: Take Hammond’s Candy Factory Tour For Free
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Is there anyone who attended school in metro Denver who has not been to the remarkable Denver Museum of Nature & Science in City Park? On weekday mornings during the school year, a fleet of yellow buses is parked outside while youngsters explore the dinosaur skeletons, the brilliant minerals, artifacts from space exploration or a myriad of other collections.
FREE days are scattered throughout the year. Do note that while admission is free on these days, it does not include the Planetarium or IMAX. [Read more…] about Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Celestial Seasonings’ Free Tea Factory Tour
Ya gotta love a place whose address is on Sleepytime Drive. So no surprise Celestial Seasonings offers FREE tours of its Boulder-based tea production plant. After a 13-minute video intro to the history of tea and close-up view of tea processing, you’ll get to walk through the largest, most modern tea factory in the United States. The highlight: a whiff of the Mint Room — guaranteed to clear the sinuses or your money back… oh wait, you didn’t have to pay for this tour! [Read more…] about Celestial Seasonings’ Free Tea Factory Tour
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver Offers Membership For Only $1.95/Month
There’s something about being a member of a cultural organization that makes you feel “fancy and special.” Well, being a member of a museum is not just for the elite or wealthy, thanks to this “cheap” membership opportunity from the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver at 1485 Delgany St. Everyday people can enjoy the perks of membership with its MCA Denver Broke Heart Club. The art may be contemporary, but the price for this membership level is from the past. [Read more…] about Museum of Contemporary Art Denver Offers Membership For Only $1.95/Month
Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches 2019
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. Be sure to check out our Halloween Haunted Houses list for a more ghastly experience. All attractions are open through October 31, unless otherwise noted. [Read more…] about Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches 2019
Upcoming Free Days at Museums & Attractions
We know frugal families are well-versed on the FREE Days at museums and attractions across the city. Therefore, rather than posting each one individually, we created a comprehensive list of all the FREE days for easy one-stop “shopping.” Most of the free days are funded, in part, by taxes collected through the Science and Cultural Facilities District. Others are funded by corporate sponsorship. We’re lucky to live in a city with so many wonderful institutions to explore without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to note that the FREE Days are very popular. (Translation: Be prepared to deal with large crowds and allow time to search for a good parking spot.) To review our page, click here. Of course, if we find a FREE Day of note because of some special attraction or exhibit, we’ll post it for you.
Game On! Deals & Discounts at Dave & Buster’s
Game on! Families looking for lots of fun-packed action should head to Dave & Buster’s. The entertainment complex has it all — sports bar, restaurant and arcade. Now, this is not your typical arcade. For those old enough, it’s not Pac-Man, Centipede or Frogger anymore. Now, everything is much more high-tech and interactive.
The destination offers some of the most cutting-edge video games, many based on hit movies. On the flip side, they also offer many “carnival” arcade games for those who prefer their gaming a little more traditional, but still lots of fun. (On the arcade games, players earn tokens for high scores, which can be redeemed for some really cool prizes.) [Read more…] about Game On! Deals & Discounts at Dave & Buster’s
Carousel of Happiness Rides Cost $2; The Happiness is Free
The Carousel of Happiness is Nederland’s magical menagerie featuring 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer ban organ. Rides are only $2. Visitors to the Carousel can also enjoy picnicking at Barker Reservoir, hiking the trails of the Mud Lake and Caribou Ranch open space areas and the Indian Peak Wilderness Area. [Read more…] about Carousel of Happiness Rides Cost $2; The Happiness is Free
Check Out Colorado State Parks Pass at Libraries
How many of Colorado’s 42 state parks have you visited? Now you and your family can visit any or all of them for FREE. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has teamed up with the Colorado State Library to offer the Check-Out Colorado program. Each of 287 libraries (including public, military and college/university libraries) has two seven-day hang-tag park passes good for entrance to all Colorado state parks, and they can be reserved and checked-out just as books can. [Read more…] about Check Out Colorado State Parks Pass at Libraries
