You have to really go out of your way to have a bad time in Colorado. Between the mountains, the Mile High City, the Wild West culture and all the events (Colorado boasts the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and hosts the Great American Beer Festival), there’s fun to be had around every corner. Fortunately, if you’re on a budget, you don’t have to go out of your way to find low-cost or no-cost things to do. And it’s easy to keep the littles entertained, too. From getting a bird’s eye view of Breckenridge to playing paleontologist at Dino Ridge, here are 10 free family-friendly things to do in Colorado.
What Can Families Do for Free in Colorado? Try These Free Family-Friendly Activities!
1. Go for a Gondola Ride in Breckenridge
While Colorado has some of the country’s best snow, skiing here isn’t cheap. But if all you want is a lift up the mountain to take in sweeping views of the Centennial State, head to Breckenridge where the gondola is always free. It will take you from downtown, elev. 9,600 ft., up to the base area which tops out at nearly 13,000 ft. Back in town, stop by the Breckenridge Welcome Center where you can get recommendations for more free things to do in the area as well as check out its hands-on interpretive museum.
Nearest KOA:
Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday
2. Walk Among the Gods
While Colorado’s National Parks aren’t free, its most-visited National Natural Landmark doesn’t cost a dime. The aptly named Garden of the Gods is just an hour’s drive from Denver in Colorado Springs, and it’s open year round. It’s here that you’ll find some of the world’s coolest geological formations that were formed by erosion more than 600 million years ago. You can learn all about it through the exhibits at the Visitor and Nature where kids can also sign up for the park’s Junior Rangers Program.
Nearest KOA:
Colorado Springs KOA Holiday
3. Drive the Million Dollar Highway
You don’t need a million dollars, just a tank of gas, to drive this 25-mile scenic stretch of road running between the historic mining towns of Ouray and Silverton. When it was built in the 1920s, this section of the San Juan Skyway Colorado Scenic Byway reportedly cost a million dollars. But the views? They’re billion-dollar views, especially if you come in late September or early October when the aspen trees form a citrus-colored sea.
Nearest KOA:
Ouray KOA Holiday
4. Count the Bison at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Refuge
Thanks to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Refuge, Denver has more bison per capita than any other city in the world. This 15,000-acre urban oasis is home to dozens of bison as well as other wildlife including deer, coyotes, waterfowl and raptors like the bald eagle. For the best songbird watching, visit in the spring when the migrating species are in town. Of course, this is also the time to visit if you want to see any bison calves.
Nearest KOA:
Denver East / Strasburg KOA Holiday
5. Visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame in Vail
Whether your family is full of skiers, snowboarders or both, they won’t be bored at the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame in downtown Vail. Admission is always free, and in addition to honoring the state’s best snowsports athletes in its hall of fame, the museum includes exhibits on everything from the mountain troopers of WWII (didn’t know there was such a thing, did you?) to ski fashions throughout the last century. The museum also has, on loan, the Tom Sims snowboard James Bond made famous in “A View to A Kill.”
Nearest KOA:
Carbondale / Crystal River KOA Holiday
6. Travel Back in Time in Boulder
If your adventures in Colorado bring you to Boulder, it’s worth stopping by The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History located on campus. It’s always free to visit, and the museum has five exhibition galleries devoted to showcasing interactive ways to experience natural and human history in Colorado and beyond. The museum does a good job of offering family-friendly programming, and there are plenty of hands-on exhibits and activities to keep the kids entertained.
Nearest KOA:
Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday
7. See Where Money Comes From
If you’re always telling your kids (or partner) that money doesn’t grow on trees, you must take them to the U.S. Mint in Denver to hammer home your point. Free 45-minute tours that show where the country’s billions of coins come from are offered Monday through Thursday. Note: tickets are required, and you can pick those up at the Tour Information Window between Colfax Avenue and West 14th Avenue on Cherokee Street. There are also lots of things you can’t bring in with you, so see the list here first.
Nearest KOA:
Denver East / Strasburg KOA Holiday
8. Tour the State Capitol
While you’re in Denver, take advantage of the free guided tours at the Colorado State Capitol located high up on a hill in the city’s Civic Center. In fact, if you stand on the 15th step leading up to the Capitol’s front doors, you’ll be exactly at 5,280 feet above sea level, hence Denver’s nickname “The Mile High City.” Tours must be booked in advance (book here) and last approximately an hour. The experience culminates in a climb to the dome which was recently restored.
Nearest KOA:
Denver East / Strasburg KOA Holiday
9. Go Hot Springs Hopping
While Colorado’s most popular hot springs are now commercialized, there are still plenty of primitive places where you can go for a soak without having to get out your wallet. Penny Hot Springs, which is found along the Crystal River just outside of Carbondale, is a favorite as is South Canyon Hot Springs, located about 15 minutes from downtown Glenwood Springs. And if you’re willing to go a bit off the beaten path (i.e. hike in) you’ll find many more to choose from.
Nearest KOA:
Carbondale / Crystal River KOA Holiday
10. Follow Some Pretty Big Footprints at Dinosaur Ridge
If you’re wondering where the first stegosaurus was discovered, look no further than Dinosaur Ridge located about a 20-minute drive west of Denver. While you have to pay for a guided tour and to enter the exhibit hall, it’s free to walk the 3-mile out-and-back mostly-paved trail yourself. Dogs are even allowed (although the asphalt gets quite hot in the summer months). Along the trail, you can get up close to some of the country’s most well-preserved dinosaur fossils and footprints from the Jurrasic and Cretaceous periods.
Nearest KOA:
Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday
Katie Jackson is a writer and media specialist based in Montana’s Big Sky Country. Living and working everywhere from New York to Nicaragua, Katie is no stranger to adventure. When she’s not traveling the world (or writing about it!) she’s busy chasing after a Leonberger named Zeus. Follow Katie’s travels on Instagram @katietalkstravel.
