If you are itching to get out there and enjoy the Mile High City this winter, but are low on cash, don’t fret. From learning a little history, to being active, to getting cozy, there are a wide variety of things to in Denver this winter without even opening your wallet. Check out this list of 9 free activities that provide loads of fun without breaking the bank.
1. Lace up your skates and zip around Southwest Rink at Skyline Park.
You can ice skate for free at this outdoor rink until February 14th this winter. Bring your own skates if you have them, or you can rent skates there for $6-8. Find the fun at the intersection of 16th St. and Araphahoe, Denver, CO 80202.
2. Learn that money really doesn't grow on trees with a free tour of the U.S. Mint.
Adults and children (ages 7 & up) can go to the Denver branch of the U.S. Mint to learn the rich history of how money is made and how they produce billions of coins each year with a free guided tour. Tickets are available the day of the tour at the Tour Information Window of the gift shop beginning at 7 a.m. You'll want to get there early, as this tour is extremely popular and tickets are in high demand during peak times. Those seeking tickets are known to line up as early as 5 a.m. to secure tickets. Find the U.S. Mint at 320 W. Colfax Ave. in Denver, CO 80204.
3. Warm up with a cup of tea on a Celestial Seasonings Tour.
If you're willing to take a little road trip to Boulder, you can get a first-hand look at the wonderful world of tea with a free tour of Celestial Seasoning's tea manufacturing facility. Tours are offered on the hour and tickets are first come, first served. You can find them at 4600 Sleepytime Dr., Boulder, CO 80301.
4. Hit the slopes at Ruby Hill Rail Yard.
Don't want to pay for a lift ticket or the gas to get up to the mountains to ski or snowboard? Check out Ruby HIll Rail Yard right here in Denver. This urban terrain park offers ten rails and boxes designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced snow riders. The hill is maintained by about 30 volunteers and is open daily from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. through late February. You can give this hill a try at the intersection of Platte River Dr. and Jewell Ave. in Denver, CO 80203.
5. See how the magic happens at Hammond's Candies.
Get a front row seat to watch how Hammond's Candies are twisted, shaped, and packaged by hand with a complimentary tour. The tours last approximately 30 minutes and begin every half hour. Find Hammond's at 5735 N. Washington St. in Denver, CO 80216
6. Try some new locally crafted brews.
Get a behind the scenes look at Denver's thriving beer scene by taking a free tour of one of the many local breweries. Great Divide, Wynkoop and Coors (just to name a few) all offer tours at no cost. We can all raise a glass and "cheers" to that!
7. Learn more about Colorado history with a free tour of the Colorado State Capitol Building.
This prominent, gold-domed feature of downtown Denver is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for tours where you will get an up close and personal look at the interesting details of this beautiful neoclassical building.
8. Get lost in a book at Tattered Cover Book Store.
Even though the iconic Tattered Cover is a large indie book store, you still get that cozy, small book store vibe when you find a great book and plop down in one of their comfortable chairs. The historic LoDo location is at 1628 16th St. in Denver, CO 80202. There are also Tattered Cover Book Stores on Colfax, at Union Station, and in LIttleton.
9. First Friday Art Walks
This signature event of Denver's thriving art district on Santa Fe brings in thousands of locals who want to get an up close and personal experience of this creative community. The First Friday Art Walks are offered year-round (rain or shine) from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
What are some fun winter activities that you would add to this list of free things to do in the Mile High City? Please share in the comments below.
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