Looking for free things to do in Denver? Here’s a list of FREE days found at popular attractions around the Mile High City, including the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Zoo, and Denver Botanic Gardens.

Editor’s Note: Special exhibit prices may apply. Dates and time are subject to change. Cancellations may be in effect due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Always double check before you visit. 

1. Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science fascinates all who visit. You’ll be sure to find an exhibit that sparks your interest. Museum admission is free for everyone on the following dates (2020) listed below:

• Monday, January 6
• Sunday, January 26
• Monday, February 10 (Darwin Day)
• Sunday, February 23
• Sunday, April 26 (Día del Niño)
• Sunday, May 31
• Wednesday, July 1 (Free Night- Admission free from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.)
• Wednesday, August 12 (Free Night- Admission free from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 2 (Free Night- Admission free from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.)
• Monday, September 21
• Sunday, October 11
• Sunday, December 6

2. Denver Zoo

Calling all animal lovers! Experience wild fun at Denver Zoo with a variety of extraordinary up-close and personal animal encounters. Mingle with the penguins, feed the giraffes, say hello to the sea lions, and so much more. Here’s a list of free entry days for 2020:

• Friday, January 10
• Saturday, January 18
• Sunday, February 2
• Thursday, April 9
• Tuesday, October 20 (canceled)
• Tuesday, November 10 (canceled)
• Saturday, November 140 (canceled)

Note: Additional costs may apply for special zoo experiences including animal encounters. Dates and time restrictions may also apply. Always double check before you visit. 

3. Denver Botanic Gardens York Street

Come and wander through a colorful collection of art, plants, and flowers at the Denver Botanic Gardens located at 1007 York Street in the Mile High City of Denver. Free days for 2020 are listed as followed:

• Monday, Jan. 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
• Monday, Feb. 17 (President’s Day)
• Sunday, March 22 (World Water Day)
• Sunday, April 19 (Earth Day)
• Tuesday, June 23
• Monday, July 13
• Tuesday, Aug. 11
• Wednesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)

4. Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms

Plan your next adventure at the Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms located at 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton. One attraction here is a seasonal butterfly house filled with hundreds of native butterflies including swallowtails, monarchs, mourning cloaks, and painted ladies. Free entry dates for 2020 are listed below.

• • Tuesday, Jan. 7
  • Tuesday, Feb. 4
  • Tuesday, March 3
  • Tuesday, April 7
  • Tuesday, June 2
  • Tuesday, July 7
  • Tuesday, Aug. 4
  • Tuesday, Nov. 3 (Election Day)

5. Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

There’s so much to discover at the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus. From wandering through a whimsical woodland play forest to climbing through “mountain scenery,” your kids are guaranteed to have a blast! FREE days are on the first Tuesday of every month from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

• Tuesday, January 7
• Tuesday, February 4
• Tuesday, March 3
• Tuesday, April 7
• Tuesday, May 5
• Tuesday, June 2
• Tuesday, July 7
• Tuesday, August 4
• Tuesday, September 1
• Tuesday, October 6
• Tuesday, November 3
• Tuesday, December 1