Free and Cheap Summer Things to Do in Denver
25 Fun Activities Under $25 in 2026
Photo: Summer Sessions in Denver
Ready to have the best summer ever without draining your bank account?
Let's be honest—Denver isn't exactly known for being cheap. In fact, Colorado was recently rated as the 4th most expensive state to live in.
Between rising housing costs, expensive restaurants, and inflation affecting just about everything, having fun can start to feel like a luxury.
The good news? You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy everything the Mile High City has to offer.
So if you’re wanting to have fun on a budget this year, then this is the list for you.
I’ve compiled the perfect list of 25 budget-friendly Denver activities that includes both free things to do in Denver and others that will just cost a few bucks.
There’s actually a lot of cheap things to do in Denver. Try to see if you can do all of them!
Free Things to Do in Denver
Photo: Tubing Clear Creek
1. Sunrise Hike to Carl’s Point
Kick off your summer with one of the coolest local hikes on South Table Mountain and watch the sun rise over the Denver skyline. I used to live in this area and the sunrises here do not disappoint. It’s a short easy hike only 20 minutes away from Denver, so you don’t have to wake up super early.
Use this AllTrails link to learn about the hike details: Table Mountain via Ancient Palms Trail
You’re not going to want to miss this free Riverfront concert series. Avoid paying for expensive concert tickets and go to these three shows instead. Bring a picnic blanket, some friends, and get ready to jam out to some talented local artists. The series kicks off on June 6 and you can learn all about it in the link in the title.
Not a night owl, but still wanting to party? Espresso Sessions has you covered. Listen to free House Music on a Saturday morning hosted by a different coffee shop every month. Follow their Instragram page to view their schedule.
Name a better way to cool off this summer. I can’t think of any other way than floating down the crystal clear waters of Clear Creek in Golden, only 20 minutes outside of Denver. There are companies you can rent from, but if you own your own tube, you can do it for free!
5. Yoga in the park
Did you know there are multiple places that hold free yoga events in and around Denver every week? That’s right! Just bring yourself, your own yoga mat, and some water and show up to any of these free outdoor locations to reset, stretch, and strengthen your core. Your body will thank you after.
-Sloans Lake-Denver: Every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30pm
-Huston Lake Park-Denver: Every Thursday at 6pm
-Arvada: Every Saturday morning at 9am
-Golden: Every Saturday morning at 8am (at the Eddy—incredible views)
This is one of the highlights that happens weekly on Sundays during the summer. Bring a picnic basket filled with your favorite charcuterie and enjoy free jazz music in one of Denver’s most beautiful parks. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of sweet music.
Photo: Free concert series in Denver
7. Picnic at Commons Park
Commons Park is the place to be after work and on the weekend to just relax and hangout outdoors. Have a picnic, bring a book, or just hang out in the sun.
8. Hike or Bike Clear Creek Canyon
This is the most popular trail near Denver–and it just got longer. If you haven’t checked it out yet, make sure it’s on your summer bucket list. This trail starts in Golden and takes you deep into the canyon along Clear Creek. It’s completely paved, making it pretty accessible, and has a bunch of really cool bridges along the way. Everything You Need to Know about the Peaks to Plains Trail.
9. Disc golf
I just learned about disc golf and it’s such a unique way to spend time outdoors. If you’re unfamiliar, there are free disc golf courses scattered across Denver and the surrounding area where you throw frisbees at targets along the course. It’s a great way to spend time outside after work or a weekend afternoon. All you need to do is bring your own discs.
Who doesn’t love candy? At Hammond’s Candy, not only do you get to watch how candy is made, but you get to leave with some too! Reserve a free factory tour on their website.
11. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Drive the 11 mi trail for free through one of the largest urban wildlife refuges. See bison, deer, prairie dogs, and more just a few minutes outside of Denver. This is a great option to see wildlife without hiking or going on a long drive into the mountains.
12. Sunset hike to Lichen Peak
Go for an after work hike near Denver on North Table Mountain and watch the sun set over the Front Range from Lichen Peak. Unbelievable views only 20 minutes away from Denver.
Use this AllTrails link to learn about the hike details: Lichen Peak Trail
$10 or less
Photo: Little Man’s in the Highlands
13. Trivia night
Trivia nights are great because there’s no cover fee and all you need to really buy is a drink. It's such a fun way to meet up with your friends and put your knowledge of random facts to the test. A few places I’ve enjoyed trivia at are Improper City, Stoney’s Bar and Grill, and the Golden Mill.
14. Music Bingo
Denver Beer Co. on Platte St. hosts music bingo every Tuesday night at 6pm. If you prefer music related trivia and name that tune style games over traditional trivia nights, then you have to check this out in Denver.
You can’t NOT have ice cream nights during the summer, and this is THE place to go to in Denver. Their hard serve ice cream is homemade and they always have unique rotating flavors that you have to keep going back to in order to try them all. Hands down the best place to get ice cream in downtown Denver. Make sure you go to the one in the Highlands neighborhood next to the 28 foot tall milk can.
16. Grizzly Rose
Looking for a fun night out of country dancing? Then you have to go to Grizzly Rose at least once. There’s just a $10 cover to get in on Saturday and Sunday nights.
17. Visit a Food Hall
Denver is known for its Food hall style restaurants. It’s exactly how it sounds–a hall with a bunch of different small restaurants to choose from inside. It’s a great destination if you’re traveling with a large group and you can’t decide where to eat. There’s something for everyone. The most popular in Denver are:
18. Beach day at a State Park
There are several state parks in Denver that have beaches you can swim in. If you purchased a state park pass when you registered your vehicle, then you should get in for free. Entrance fees for non-pass holders range from $10-$12. Colorado state parks in Denver with beaches:
$25 and under
Photo: Rockies game at Coors Field
19. Ace Eat Serve
Ace Eat Serve is a restaurant that incorporates both casual bites, drinks, and ping pong. You can actually play for free on weekdays from Tuesday-Friday. During prime times and on the weekends the price ranges between $15 to $25 to reserve a table for an hour.
20. Moodswing
Pickleball is the casual sport that everyone’s doing. If you’re looking for a fun place to play you’re going to want to check out Moodswing, a restaurant and bar that has pickleball courts you can reserve for $20. Make new friends, grab a bite to eat, and play pickleball.
There are two awesome botanical gardens in Denver: Chatfield Farms and the Denver Botanic Gardens on York St. Tickts range from $7 to $18 depending on location and your age.
22. Paddle Board Big Soda Lake
This place is popping every weekend in the summer. Make sure you get to Bear Creek Lake Park early to claim a spot. It costs $15 to purchase a day pass to enter the park on weekends, or $10 during the week. Bring your own paddle board or rent one from Rocky Mountain Paddleboard.
23. Aqua Golf
Add this to your list of fun summer Denver date ideas. Aqua gold is like a driving range, except you hit golf balls into the water instead of on the green.
24. Flight Club
Flight Club Denver is such a fun activity any time of the year. Round up your friends to play darts and have a fun night out. Reservations are just $15 per person.
25. Rockies game
Did you know you can purchase Colorado Rockies baseball tickets for as little as $15? This is such a fun budget friendly summer activity in Denver. Even if you’re not a fan of baseball, it’s fun just to hangout around the ball field.
