There are a lot of free things you can do in a state like Colorado. You can camp under the brightest stars or hike up the highest peak, without ever dropping a dime.
And if you remember these dates, you can save some money on seeing these normally paid attractions. From national parks to world-class museums, Colorado offers complimentary admission on regular dates throughout the season, each and every year. Get free entry all day at the Denver Zoo, Botanic Gardens, Art Museum, Museum of Nature & Science, and Colorado’s four National Parks.
Dates are subject to change. Here are the Free Days in 2021 at Denver Area Attractions:
Free Days at National Parks
These are good for all National Park Service entrance fees, including national monuments, forest day-use areas and the major four parks: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde and Rocky Mountain National. Learn more about Colorado’s federal lands. It the same across the country, in case, you’ve been looking to check our Yellowstone or Glacier.
Free Admission at Colorado National Parks:
- January 18: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- April 17: First day of National Park Week
- August 4: One Year Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- August 25: National Park Service Birthday
- September 25: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Free First Saturdays at Denver Art Museum
The museum generally offers complimentary days each first Saturday, sponsored by Target and the citizens who support the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. There’s a lot to see here, including nine departments ranging from Western art to New World. Learn more about the Denver Art Museum.
Free Admission at Denver Art Museum:
- Sat, January 2
- Sat, February 6
- Sat, March 6
- Sat, April 3
- Sat, May 1
- Sat, June 5
- Sat, July 3
- Sat, August 7
- Sat, September 4
- Sat, October 2
- Sat, November 6
- Sat, December 4
Free Days at Denver Botanic Gardens
Tickets are free for Colorado residents thanks to funding from the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. This year-round attraction features a huge tropical dome, so you can see lush greens in the heart of February. Learn more about the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Note: Due to COVID-19 concerns, Denver Botanic Gardens is temporarily suspending its free days.
Free Days at Denver Zoo
The zoo free days allow access during normal admission hours from 10 am to 4 pm in the winter, and 9 am to 5 pm in the summer. The park stays open one hour past these times. This massive wildlife attraction spotlights around 4000 animals and 650 species. Learn more about the Denver Zoo.
Note: due to COVID-19 restrictions, you will need to enter their lottery system beforehand to get your free tickets. Free days will be announced one at a time. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for updates.
Free Days at Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Any day is a good day to explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Throughout the year the museum holds many free days, along with special member pricing and discounts. Located beside the Denver Zoo, this world-class nature and science museum provides interactive exhibits for all ages.
Free Admission at DMNS:
- Monday, January 4
- Sunday, January 24
- Monday, February 8 (Darwin Day)
- Sunday, February 28
- Sunday, April 25 (Día del Niño)
- Sunday, May 23
- Wednesday, June 30 (Free Night)
- Wednesday, August 11 (Free Night)
- Wednesday, September 1 (Free Night)
- Monday, September 20
- Monday, October 4 (LGBTQ Community Day)
- Monday, December 6
Other Free Admission Days at Denver Area Museums
There are many other Denver museums that host free days. Others charge very little or are free to start. Here are a few more free admission dates at Denver Metropolitan museums.
Free Admission at Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus – Free play is from 4 to 8 pm the first Tuesday of each month.
Note: The Children’s Museum is currently closed with plans of a phased reopening beginning January 7th. Be sure to check their website for further details about new hours and free days.
Free Admission at Clyfford Still Museum:
- Thursday, January 21
- Tuesday, February 16
- Saturday, March 20
- Sunday, April 25
- Wednesday, May 19
- Saturday, June 19
- Sunday, July 25
- Friday, August 13
- Monday, September 10
- Tuesday, October 12
- Thursday, November 18 (CSM’s 10th anniversary)
- Wednesday, December 8
Free Admission at Colorado Railroad Museum — TBA. Boulder County residents with proof of address get additional free days on TBA.
Thanks for checking out our list of free admission days around Denver and beyond in Colorado. Plan ahead for these rare occasions!
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