Mile High on the Cheap

Your local resource for Denver freebies, discounts and deals

Family Activities

See All 20 Marvel Studios Movies in IMAX For Just $2.50 Each

No super powers necessary for super fans to get super savings on super hero movies! Assemble your friends from Thursday, August 30 to Thursday, September 6 and celebrate the Marvel Studios 10th Anniversary Film Festival at Regal Cinemas.

The festival features all 20 Marvel Studios movies exclusively in IMAX. Available for purchase on the Regal mobile app, the pass is $50 — making each movie just $2.50! Given a single IMAX ticket usually sells for about $20, the savings are definitely worthy of any bargain-hunting super hero. Even if you can only make it to half of the screenings, the savings are still huge at $5 per screening. [Read more…] about See All 20 Marvel Studios Movies in IMAX For Just $2.50 Each

Harkins Theatres’ $5 Tuesday Night Classics

Movies, movie, filmHarkins Theatres’ Northfield 18 (8300 E. Northfield Blvd.) and Arvada 14 (5550 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.) are showing a classic film every Tuesday night at a classic price. (Many haven’t been shown on the big screen in years.) As of now, the schedule runs through September 25.

Relive your favorite films the way they were meant to be seen — on the big screen! The series can make for a fun night out with your spouse or partner, just like being on a first date again. Or grab a group a friends and watch them experience one of your all-time favorite flicks for the first time. There are just so many ways to enjoy the flicks with friends and family.

[Read more…] about Harkins Theatres’ $5 Tuesday Night Classics

Sign Up For Anschutz Women in STEM Summer Science Day

The Women in STEM group on the Anschutz Medical Campus is hosting its second Summer Science Day on Saturday, August 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is open to middle and high school girls. Children can attend without a guardian, but organizers encourage adult attendance as well.

This year’s theme is “Careers in Science”. Participants can take several lab tours and do fun science activities. Activities include jello brain surgery, building a model prosthetic, and chromatography. Refreshments will be provided.

More details including directions and parking information will be provided once you register. You can sign up here.

Free Community Runs from Shake Shack

Shake Shack is known far and wide for burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes. It is now offering a way to burn off some of those calories. Shake Shack Track & Field hosts FREE community runs on the second Tuesday of each  month beginning on August 14. The runs, which are open to all ages and abilities, take off from and return to two metro Denver Shake Shack locations — RiNo and Highlands Ranch. Upon return, the first beverage back at “the Shack” is FREE.

Click here to register, and then meet the group meet at the Shake Shack of your choice at 6:30 p.m. for the 3- to 4-mile loop led by Boulder Running Company. The RiNo Shack is at 995 Larimer St.. Denver, 720-543-8609. The south suburban Shack is at 1509 Park Central Dr., Suite 100, Highlands Ranch, 720-452-1007.

Hey, Parents! Send Kids To Bed With Free Message From Mickey & Friends

Zzzzzzz…Every parent knows getting kids to bed is no easy task, so any help in completing the nightly mission is much appreciated. (A recent study showed that 77% of parents are exhausted by the process of getting their kids to climb into bed and off to dreamland.) And who better to help than Disney, right?

Through August 31, families and fans can add a little Disney magic (at no cost) into the bedtime routine with the Disney Store’s new Sleep Shop Hotline. The toll-free number, 1-877-7-MICKEY (1-877-764-2539), has five special messages from Mickey Mouse (Press 1), Minnie Mouse (Press 2), Donald Duck (Press 3), Daisy Duck (Press 4) and Goofy (Press 5) to give kids something to look forward to at bedtime.

What kid wouldn’t love Mickey Mouse telling them, “Good night”? [Read more…] about Hey, Parents! Send Kids To Bed With Free Message From Mickey & Friends

August Forecast: Hot Savings at Denver Zoo, When Temps Hit 90+ Degrees

The savings are really heating up at the Denver Zoo. Animal lovers will want the weather to hit record highs in August, thanks to this wild promo. Throughout August, when Denver 7’s Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson predicts the Denver temperature to be more than 90 degrees during the 10 p.m. forecast for the next day, the Denver Zoo will host a Bodhi Bargain Day.

What’s a Bodhi Bargain Day? First, Bodhi is one of the Zoo’s most popular pachyderms (a.k.a. elephants.) Who doesn’t love watching elephants scamper and play in the summer sun, right? Next, the special day promises lots of frugal fun for families. The deal is a “rare species”, given the Zoo doesn’t offer many big discounts in the summer. (Plus, there are no FREE Days until November.)

Here’s what the elephant-size deal includes: [Read more…] about August Forecast: Hot Savings at Denver Zoo, When Temps Hit 90+ Degrees

Free Days at Museums & More in August

Museum-drawingSummer’s not over yet! There’s so much to explore and experience in Denver, thanks to all of our wonderful museums and attractions. Be prepared for large crowds and allow time to find parking. You might even consider making it a full day by taking public transportation. Frugal families looking for low-cost adventures in the Mile High City can start with this month’s FREE Days:

August 4 – Denver Art Museum

August 7 – Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus (from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

August 7 – Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms

August 10 – Four Mile Historic Park (from noon to 4 p.m.)

August 13 – Denver Museum of Nature & Science

August 24 – Clyfford Still Museum (also, FREE every Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

August 29 – Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street

Check out our events calendar for easy planning. [Read more…] about Free Days at Museums & More in August

Filed Under: Family Activities

Golden’s Movies & Music in the Park in August

movies 2Though some outdoor summer movie series are wrapping up, the City of Golden is just getting started with its FREE Movies & Music In The Park series at Parfet Park (10th St. & Washington Ave.)

Each Friday night in August enjoy music and a family-friendly movie. The band takes the stage at 7 p.m. and the featured film, shown on a giant inflatable screen, starts at dusk — around 8:30 p.m.
[Read more…] about Golden’s Movies & Music in the Park in August

Free Ice Cream at Denver Modern Market

Modern Market is celebrating National Ice Cream Month with a cool giveaway.

On Friday, July 20, starting at 11:30 a.m., the first 100 visitors at the restaurant’s downtown location (900 16th St.) will receive a FREE scoop of ice cream. Even better, it’s not just any ol’ ice cream. It’s from one of Mile High City’s favorite local ice cream shops, Little Man Ice Cream.

Take note, the promo states “small scoops”, so we’re not exactly sure it’s worth a special trip (especially because of parking downtown.) Remember, the offer is only valid at the Downtown Denver location.

15 Ways to Save Big at Water World

swimAs the temperatures start to sizzle, a day at Water World (8801 N. Pecos St.) in Federal Heights is one of the best (and most fun) ways to cool off. Since opening in 1979 with the first two water slides in Colorado, the water park now boasts more than 50 water adventures.

For 2018, they’re introducing a new attraction, Glacier Run. In fact, they feature the largest variety of attractions in America. (Did you know the park has been rated as one of America’s top ten water parks by the Travel Channel?)

As one of America’s largest family water parks, the watery wonderland is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Denver on 70+ landscaped acres. However, the cost can create big waves in a budget, especially for families.

Here are 15 ways you can make a big splash at the park without causing your budget to sink. Dive in for more details… [Read more…] about 15 Ways to Save Big at Water World

Indoor Play Areas For Kids Around Denver

If the weather reports hold true, the coming days are going to be scorchers. Sure, I’m all for that fresh Colorado air and outdoor fun. But, when facing triple digit temperatures, maybe you need a cool escape. 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

AMC Theatres Offers 3 Movies Every Week For $19.95/Month

The membership is now available online. AMC Theatres just added a third tier to its loyalty program Stubs and it promises blockbuster savings for frugal film fanatics. Going to the movies can quickly become an expensive night out, when you add up the cost of tickets and concessions. However, the movie theater chain is changing the game for all.
[Read more…] about AMC Theatres Offers 3 Movies Every Week For $19.95/Month

7 Wild Ways to Save at Denver Zoo

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 at Denver Zoo

Filed Under: Family Activities

JeffCo Open Space Offers Free, Fun Nature & History Programs

JeffCo Open Space-logoConnecting with the natural world is easy in Colorado. All you have to do is head east to the plains or west into the mountains. FREE programs take place in a variety of Jefferson County Open Space parks, including Lookout Mountain Nature Center (LMNC) and the Hiwan Homestead Museum, throughout the year. The Center offers a variety of nature programs with topics that explore the diversity and richness of the foothills. Discover wildlife, plants, geology, astronomy and more. [Read more…] about JeffCo Open Space Offers Free, Fun Nature & History Programs

31 Places For Free & Cheap Movies This Summer

MoonAndStarsGoing to the movies is just a given in the summer for families looking for blockbuster fun, especially in an air-conditioned theater or, better yet, under a beautiful Colorado evening sky. The number of summer film series keeps growing and it can be a challenge to keep track of them all.

The following round-up of flicks being screened, indoors and outdoors, should be helpful for friends and families planning summertime activities. Most of the films are your typical family fare, namely animation and comedy — usually G- or PG-Rated. (Parents, take note, “Coco” is on many of the lists!) Not just for kids though, some line-ups include classic pop culture films from the 80s and 90s for adults.

Many offer family-friendly activities beforehand, so get there early. (Plus, the early bird gets the best seats. Don’t forget to bring chairs and/or blankets.) And, if you don’t pack your own picnic or snacks, most offer concessions for sale — everything from the usual movie snacks to beer and wine for adults.

Most are FREE, if not totally cheap. Showtimes vary — usually in the morning (around 10 a.m.) for the kids and at dusk (about 8:30 p.m) for grown-ups and families. Here’s what’s showing… [Read more…] about 31 Places For Free & Cheap Movies This Summer