Fun and Free Things in Denver
Let’s face it — even if you’re living large in some of the best student housing Denver, CO can offer, the fact remains that you’re still a student. A hallmark of the student experience is being short on cash, so if you want to have a great time, you’ve got to get creative. And even if you’re flush with funds, there’s no reason to spend money when you don’t have to, no?
With that in mind, we’d like to present you with a robust (but by no means exhaustive) list of free things to do around the city that will provide just as much excitement as any paid activities. You’ll be able to have a great time out, and your wallet will thank you once it’s all said and done.
See the Sights at Red Rocks
Most know the Red Rocks Amphitheatre for its amazing concerts and events, which, naturally, you’ll need to pay for. Checking out a performance isn’t the only way to enjoy this marvelous natural wonder, though. You could just as easily come and lounge about, take some photos, and enjoy the atmosphere of being in one of the area’s most scenic locations.
If the thought of simply relaxing doesn’t do enough to get you going, though, remember there’s also plenty of hiking and biking to be done around Red Rocks Park. Beyond that, there’s plenty of room to get a workout in, from participating in some group training sessions (like yoga) to taking a beautiful jog around the premises.
Conquer Cherry Creek Trail
Along the banks of gorgeous Cherry Creek lies the Cherry Creek Trail. It’s particularly notable for covering quite a bit of ground:
“The Cherry Creek Trail is a 42-mile long paved pathway that travels from Downtown Denver, past Cherry Creek Reservoir, through Parker and ends at Franktown to the east of Castle Rock.”
It’s not just about the length of the trail, though. Cherry Creek takes you past all sorts of varied “points of interest,” including Confluence Park, Sunken Gardens, and Challenger Regional Park. No matter which stretch of the trail you take, it’s a view hunter’s dream. Just bring your camera and/or a friend and enjoy the sights as you go.
Enjoy a Picnic and Some Booze at Almost Any Park
Did you know that Denver’s park system encompasses some 20,000 acres of land? That’s a lot of space to set up shop and enjoy the outdoors on a great day. Take a look at this map of city parks and you’ll start to get a good idea of what we mean. Check out some of these photos from the various recreation areas and you’ll get an even better idea of what we’re talking about.
The point is there are a lot of green spaces. What do you do in a lovely park on a fabulous day? Break out a blanket, have a seat, and kick back, of course. You can bring along a hand-crafted meal and a cooler full of brews, and watch the hours roll on as you relax in the comfort of the (well-maintained) outdoors.
Tour the US Mint of Denver
You might have already known that the US Mint has a facility in Denver. What you might not have known, however, is that said facility offers free 45-minute tours from Monday to Thursday:
“Learn the rich history of the United States Mint and how we produce billions of coins each year for the American public with a free, guided tour of the Denver facility.”
You’ll have to get a ticket in advance, but you won’t have to pay anything for it. Just head to the Tour Information window located at the Gift Shop entrance gate on Cherokee Street, grab your ticket, and enjoy your tour.
A few details to note, however, is that there are a limited number of tickets distributed daily, and it’s a first come first serve deal. You’ll also want to avoid peak visiting dates, which are from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Winter Break (unless you like taking crowded tours with lots of people).
See the Wonderful Colorado Wildlife
If you like to check out the animals, you can do so when you head to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge just outside Denver. The visitor center alone will give you plenty of information about the wild and wonderful animals that call Colorado home, and the trails will grant an opportunity to see them doing what they do best. It’s a nature-lover’s dream, and one you’ll want to take advantage of.
And did we mention the Refuge holds the occasional amateur photography contest. If you fancy yourself an up-and-coming wildlife shooter and want to get your works seen by the masses, this is a great way to gain some exposure and enjoy the wonders of the Refuge all at the same time.
Enjoy a Free Brewery Tour
No talk of Denver would be complete without mentioning the love of beer. Did you know you can join in that love with free tours of the Coors Brewing Company? It’s a Colorado staple, a national icon, and you can get a crash course on how the “golden nectar” is produced, from the ones who craft it themselves.
After the tours, you can enjoy some samples of the good stuff yourself in the hospitality lounge, provided you can prove you’re over 21. That shouldn’t be too difficult with ID, so be sure to bring yours along and enjoy the brewery in all its glory.
Don’t Forget About All the Fun the Student Housing in Denver, CO Can Provide
If you think the only place to engage yourself is out on the town, think again. Even if you opt for a night in, fabulous communities like Colab make it easy to have a great time. From the ample lounging areas to the well-equipped gym, you’ll have everything you need to chill out, get fit, or anything else that fits your fancy. Be sure to check out everything this upscale urban masterpiece has to offer and inquire about making it your new Denver home today.
