When it comes to kid-friendly cities, Denver, Colorado ranks as one of the best. Whether your children enjoy burning off energy exploring the great outdoors, or prefer a more relaxed way to unwind, Denver is filled with tons of options and activities to keep the whole family occupied. But what if you don’t want to break the bank during your pursuit of fun? You’re in luck — besides having plenty to do, Denver offers a rich assortment of free events and locations to explore. Read on for some of the best free things you can do in Denver with your kids!

Work Out the Wiggles at City Park

 Best Free Things You Can Do in Denver with Kids: Toddler playing at the playground in urban park.

If your kids like to be active, let them run around to their heart’s content in City Park. This stunning park has everything parents and kids alike could ask for in a free day out. There are tennis courts, picnic areas, lakes that are perfect for all sorts of water activities, and a variety of different playgrounds. And be sure to keep an eye on the local calendar during the summer months — there’s an impressive series of live concerts that will be music to everyone’s ears! The park is located between East 17th and 23rd Avenues, right on the shores of Ferril Lake.

Crawl, Climb, and Slide at Apex Center Clubhouse

The weather may not always sync up with your plans, so when visiting Denver it’s a great idea to have a few indoor activities scheduled. Kids of all ages will love the Apex Center Clubhouse (and parents will adore the fact that it’s free). This indoor playground is a dream come true for active youngsters, who will adore crawling through tubes, climbing around the jungle gym, and playing in a safe and fun environment. After some time here, your kids will be ready for a long nap — giving mom and dad some much-deserved downtime!

Get a Sweet Treat at Hammond’s Candy Shop

Craving something sweet on your Denver vacation? Then pack up the whole family and take them to Hammond’s Candy Shop! This beloved local shop and factory could put Willy Wonka to shame; it has everything from chocolate and lollipops to cookies and the ever-popular ribbon candy. And don’t forget to sign up for a free tour! They run about 30 minutes, and provide a fascinating look at what goes into making these confectionary marvels (and there are plenty of samples to go around, too)! Just remember to grab some gift bags on your way out — you won’t want to head home empty-handed. The store is open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., while tours (every 30 minutes) are available Monday – Friday, 9:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. and Saturdays 9:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Binge on Baseball History at Ballpark Museum

For fans of baseball, the Ballpark Museum is a must-visit location Denver. This spot is packed with tons of cool memorabilia from the bygone days of baseball, offering a unique look at the past of America’s pastime. Kids will love learning and seeing all the old relics and discovering fun facts about their favorite sport. It’s $10 for adults, but kids get in free, making this a great choice for the sports-inclined family. The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. After your museum visit with the kids, make sure to swing by Coors Field to grab a snack and see where some truly unforgettable baseball games have been held over the years.

Let the Little Ones Learn at Littleton History Museum

Best Free Things You Can Do in Denver with Kids: little girl feeding sheep

If your family is looking to get their hands dirty and have fun at the same time, bring the kids over to the Littleton History Museum in Denver. While it may be called a museum, it’s actually so much more — a working farm complete with crops and livestock, all lovingly maintained from the 19th century. Kids can learn all about how a real farm works, and the innovations that have been made along the way. There’s also an interactive gallery where kids can play, three exhibition galleries, a lecture hall, and a research center. The hardest part will be deciding which activity to do first!

Do you have any other activity you can suggest to add to our list of free things to do in Denver with kids? Share them with us in the comments!

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