Free Things to Do With Kids in Colorado

Family days out add up quickly. These are genuinely free (parking aside) and good all year.

Get outside

Red rocks, bison and Flatirons views, all free.

Photo: Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Morrison

Free to explore on non-show days: short trails, giant sandstone formations and the famous amphitheater stairs.

Outdoor AdventureJefferson CountyFreeAges All ages

Photo: gardenofgods.com

Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs

Free city park with paved, stroller-friendly trails through towering red rock formations, plus a visitor center.

Outdoor AdventureColorado SpringsFreeAges All ages

Photo: fws.gov

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Commerce City

Free wildlife drive to see bison, deer and raptors minutes from downtown, plus easy trails and a visitor center.

Outdoor AdventureEast Metro & AuroraFreeAges All ages

Photo: bouldercolorado.gov

Chautauqua Park

Boulder

Classic Flatirons trailhead with a big lawn and playground — easy hikes for little legs.

Outdoor AdventureBoulder CountyFreeAges All ages

Libraries and downtowns

Storytimes, makerspaces and walkable downtowns with fountains and street performers.

Denver Public Library – Kids & Teens

Denver

Free storytimes, homework help, STEM programs and summer reading at branches across the city.

Tutoring & EducationDenver MetroFreeAges 0–18

Jefferson County Public Library

Arvada / Golden / Lakewood

Free storytimes, maker programs and online tutoring with a Jeffco library card.

Tutoring & EducationJefferson CountyFreeAges 0–18

Photo: arapahoelibraries.org

Arapahoe Libraries

Centennial / Aurora area

Library district known for creative kids' programming, makerspaces and free homework resources.

Tutoring & EducationEast Metro & AuroraFreeAges 0–18

Photo: Downtown Boulder

Pearl Street Mall

Boulder

Pedestrian mall with street performers, splash fountains and play boulders — easy family wandering.

Weekend ActivitiesBoulder CountyFreeAges All ages

Olde Town Arvada

Arvada

Walkable historic downtown with the Olde Town Square — a farmers market in summer, a tree lighting and skating in winter.

Weekend ActivitiesJefferson CountyFreeAges All ages

Photo: Denver Union Station

Denver Union Station

Denver

Grand train hall with treats and shuffleboard inside, and summer splash fountains on the plaza.

Weekend ActivitiesDenver MetroFreeAges All ages

Free this season

Holiday parades, markets and tree lightings.

Photo: Downtown Denver Partnership

DEC5Sat, Dec 5, 2026

9NEWS Parade of Lights

Downtown Denver · Denver

The 52nd annual parade of illuminated floats, giant balloons and marching bands through downtown. Free to watch; grandstand seats are sold separately.

Details →Festivals & FairsDenver MetroFree

NOV20Nov 20 – Dec 23, 2026

Denver Christkindlmarket

Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus · Denver

German-style holiday market with wooden huts, pretzels, crafts and live music, next to the 110-foot Mile High Tree. Free admission.

Details →Festivals & FairsDenver MetroFree

Photo: castlerock.org

NOV21Sat, Nov 21, 2026

Castle Rock Starlighting

Historic Wilcox Square & Festival Park · Castle Rock

A tradition since 1962 — carolers, entertainment and Santa downtown, then the star atop the Rock lights up followed by fireworks.

Details →Festivals & FairsDouglas CountyFree

Photo: National Western Stock Show

JAN7Thu, Jan 7, 2027

National Western Stock Show Kick-off Parade

Downtown Denver · Denver

Longhorn cattle walk through downtown Denver, followed by a western fair with ice skating and therapy horses at McGregor Square.

Details →Festivals & FairsDenver MetroFree