Denver for Free

Author: Alex Tran

  • How to Get Free or Affordable Clothes in Denver

    How to Get Free or Affordable Clothes in Denver

    Need to update your wardrobe on a budget? We have some solutions for you!

    As someone who LOVES to shop, I’ve found creative ways to stay on trend while not breaking the bank.

    Here is our guide to shopping on a budget in Denver!

    #1 Shop at Goodwill

    Goodwill is a great place to shop! Many items will range from $1 to $30! Items are added daily to all Goodwill locations.

    Higher end brands are often taken and sold online via eBay or

    We LOVE the Archer store located on 21 S Broadway.

    #2 Attend a Clothing Swap

    A clothing swap is when you bring unwanted apparel to exchange with people who are looking for a wardrobe refresh! These events are typically setup by friends, community boards, and even by businesses.

    The Stanley Marketplace hosts a FREE clothing swap as part of their First Fridays.

    #3 Shop at a Flea Market

    Flea markets are great spots for people to buy what they want for less than retail, find unique items, and maybe high value antiques.

    You’ll often find both used and new goods at flea markets.

    We highly recommend the Mile High Flea Market and for antique goods, the Paris Street Flea Market.

    #4 Shop at Salvation Army Thrift Stores

    The Salvation Army has thrifts stores in Parker, Colorado Springs and Boulder. There are no locations in Denver.

  • Free Museum Days in Denver

    Free Museum Days in Denver

    Ready to get cultured in Denver?

    Here are the days that you can enter these popular Denver attractions for free!

    Denver Museum of Nature and Science

    Location: 2001 Colorado Blvd

    Admission is free on the following dates in 2025. No reservations are required.

    • Sunday, January 12
    • Sunday, February 2
    • Friday evening, March 7 (Girls & Science)
    • Monday, April 7
    • Sunday, April 27 (Día del Niño, in collaboration with the Mexican Cultural Center)
    • Monday, May 12
    • Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth)
    • Monday, August 25
    • Monday, September 15
    • Sunday, October 12 (Out! at the Museum)
    • Saturday evening, November 8 (Night at the Museums for Denver Arts Week)
    • Monday, December 8

    MCA Denver

    Location: 1485 Delgany St.

    The MCA is always free for teens and children 18 years and younger, and the first Saturday of every month is only a penny for Colorado residents.

    Denver Zoo

    Location: 2300 Steele St.

    The Denver Zoo holds a lottery for its free museum days. Check the website to see when the upcoming free day is and by what date you need to enter the lottery. These are the dates available:

    • Friday, January 10
    • Sunday, January 26
    • Sunday, February 9
    • Sunday, April 6
    • Friday, November 7
    • Saturday, November 15

    You can also visit the Denver Zoo for FREE on your actual birthday.

    Related: Denver Colorado Birthday Freebies

    Four Mile Historic Park

    Location: 715 S. Forest St. – Cherry Creek

    Four Mile Historic Park is dedicated both to preserving Colorado’s history and to creating new stories through exciting events and educational programs!

    General admission is free on the Fourth Friday of each month.

    Museo de las Americas

    Location: 861 Santa Fe Dr.

    Each First Friday at The Museo de las Americas is free for everyone. It’s also part of First Art Fridays on Santa Fe.

    The museum is always free for children 13 and under.

    Denver Art Museum

    Location: 100 W. 14th Avenue Pkwy

    Anyone under the age of 18 get in for free at the Denver Art Museum.

    For everyone else, we can drop by for free these dates:

    • Tuesday, January 14
    • Saturday, February 22
    • Tuesday, March 11
    • Tuesday, April 8
    • Sunday, April 27
    • Tuesday, May 13
    • Tuesday, June 10
    • Tuesday, July 8
    • Sunday, July 27
    • Tuesday, August 12
    • Saturday, September 6
    • Tuesday, September 9
    • Tuesday, October 14
    • Saturday, November 8
    • Tuesday, December 9

    You can make a reservation here.

    Clyfford Still Museum

    Location: 1250 Bannock St.

    Admission is free on the following dates in 2025:

    • Sunday, April 27: Día del Niño Celebration Program
    • Sunday, June 29: Denver PrideFest weekend
    • Sunday, July 27: Disability Pride (Americans with Disabilities Act) Celebration Program
    • Saturday, November 8: Night at the Museums (free between 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.)

    Reserve your tickets ahead of time. Tickets for free days go up a week before the date.

    U.S. National Parks

    On the following days, free entrance will be allowed into all national parks:

    • January 20 – Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
    • April 19 – First day of National Park Week
    • June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
    • August 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
    • September 27 – National Public Lands Day
    • November 11 – Veterans Day

    Another great way to access state parks for less is to get the Keep Colorado Wild Pass. The next time you pay your vehicle registration, add on the pass for $29 (normally $80). The pass is not valid for National Parks.

    And before you head out, did you know that the Denver Public Library pass offers FREE entry to some of Denver’s most popular attractions?

    Check out this list of attractions offered to DPL members year round.

    Are we missing anything? Message us to let us know!

  • Denver Colorado Birthday Freebies

    Denver Colorado Birthday Freebies

    Firstly, we want to say congratulations on completing another trip around the sun!

    Next, you’re probably wondering where to get birthday freebies in Denver and the surrounding areas. If you’re a deal hunter like me, you’re likely looking up happy hours and food deals to help you save money while dining out.

    Here is a list of places you can get birthday freebies in Denver!

    To redeem your birthday freebie, simply sign up through the links provided below. The majority of the companies will send you a freebie, freebie with your meal, or discount on your birthday.

    We highly recommend signing up PRIOR to your birthday so you do not miss out on any freebies.

    Restaurant Birthday Freebies

    • A&W – Get a free A&W root beer float when you join their Mug Club
    • Adelitas – A free birthday shot OR sopaipillas dessert with your meal. They also have $2 Taco Tuesday!
    • Adrift Tiki Bar – Free mystery birthday shot or a gratis Lemon Leches Cake with your meal.
    • AMC – Free large popcorn
    • American Elm  – Free bubbly or dessert with your meal.
    • Applebees – Get a free dessert when you purchase an entree. Sign up for their E-Club.
    • Arby’s – Sign up for their emails and receive a coupon for a free roast beef classic sandwich with the purchase of a drink. You’ll also receive a special coupon on your birthday.
    • Auntie Anne’s Pretzels – Get a free pretzel when you download their Pretzel Perks app.
    • Ben & Jerry’s – Free single scoop of ice cream on your birthday. Sign up for their Flavor Fanatic program.
    • Benihana – Free $30 gift certificate with the purchase of a 2nd adult entree, Mon-Thur only
    • BJ’s Restaurants – Get a free Birthday Pizookie® when you sign up for their Premier Rewards Plus program.
    • Baskin Robbins – Get a free scoop of ice cream when you sign up for their emails. You can also redeem $3 off a cake.
    • Bonefish Grill – Get a free dessert when you join the BFG Insider.
    • Buca di Beppo – Receive a $15-20 gift voucher when you join the Buca E-Club. The certificate will go straight to your inbox on your birthday.
    • Buffalo Wild Wings – Get 6 free wings during your birth month when you sign up for their Blazin’ Rewards program.
    • Burger King – Free burger
    • California Pizza Kitchen – Free dessert with your meal.
    • Capital Grille – Receive a free dessert item when you dine in.
    • Caribou Coffee – Free drink when you sign up for their email.
    • Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Free appetizer when you join DineRewards.
    • CAVA – Free pita chips, dessert, or juice 
    • Charlie Brown’s – Free $30 tab on your birthday! Must be 21+.
    • Cheesecake Factory – Receive a free slice of cake or cheesecake for your birthday with any purchase. Must sign up for their rewards program.
    • Chik Fil A – Free dessert
    • Chipotle – This is one of my favorite deals! Get free chips and guacamole with any $5 purchase. You’ll need to download and sign up to use their app to redeem your birthday reward.
    • Cinemark – Get a free drink on your birthday.
    • Cinnabon – Get a special birthday treat when you join their Club Cinnabon.
    • Cold Stone Creamery – Free ice cream when you join My Cold Stone Club.
    • Corner Bakery Cafe – Free baked goodies when you sign up for their rewards program. Their pesto cavatappi is my favorite!
    • Crumbl – Free cookie
    • Curtis Park Deli – Free cookie
    • Dairy Queen – Special coupon (Join Blizzard Fan Club)
    • Denny’s – Get a free Grand Slam breakfast on your actual birthday! Just tell your server and be ready to show ID.
    • Dippin’ Dots – Free Dippin’ Dots when you join their Dot Crazy program.
    • Dunkin’ Donuts – Free beverage when you join their DDPerks program. You get 3x points on your birthday.
    • Dutch Bros – Free drink
    • Edible Arrangements – Sign up for their Edible Rewards program and they’ll send you an assortment of 6 free chocolate-dipped fruit for your birthday. 
    • Einstein Bros. Bagels – Get a free breakfast sandwich with a drink purchase. Join their SChmear Society.
    • Firehouse Subs – Free medium sub (Join Firehouse Rewards)
    • Flight Club – Free cocktail while you play a game.
    • Fogo de Chao – $25 off a churrasco meal
    • Golden Corral – Free meal on your birthday!
    • Huhot Mongolian Grill – BOGO meal on your birthday. Sign up for their rewards program.
    • IHOP – Get a free meal when you join MyHop and free pancakes on your birthday!
    • Jack in the Box – 2 free tacos with purchase.
    • Jamba Juice – Free small smoothie when you join their Jamba Insider Rewards program. Must have spent $10 in the past year.
    • Jersey Mike’s – Free regular sub & drink when you join their email club.
    • Jimmy John’s – Get a free 1/2 sandwich when you download and create an account on their Rewards App.
    • Joe’s Crab Shack – Free appetizer and birthday song. You’ll need to join Joe’s Catch E-club.
    • Kona Grill – $25 off (excludes alcohol) need to join their rewards program.
    • Krispy Kreme – Get 3 free doughnuts when you join the Friends of Krispy Kreme club.
    • LaMar’s Donuts – Free donut when you join their rewards program. 
    • Land of Sushi – A free drink on your birthday! Just show them this reel on your special day.

    • Maggiano’s – Get $10 off when you join their E-Club.
    • MAKfam – Free birthday shot with your meal
    • Marco’s Pizza – Free small 1-topping pizza.
    • McDonald’s – Kids ages 5-12 receive a free Happy Meal on their birthday. A form from the restaurant must be completed and sent in prior. Free McCafe pastry or fries if available.
    • Melting Pot – Redeem a box of 6 chocolate-covered strawberries with any $60 purchase. Must join their Club Fondue program to redeem.
    • Nothing Bundt Cakes – Free bundlet cake for your birthday. 
    • Noodles & Company – Free crispy treat when you join their EClub.
    • Old Chicago – Free Pizza
    • Olive Garden – Free appetizer with the purchase of 2 entrees. Join their eClub to redeem.
    • Orange Julius – Get a free drink when you join the Julius League.
    • Outback – Free dessert with entree purchase. Just sign up for their email offers.
    • P.F. Chang’s – Free dessert or dim sum (Join Preferred Rewards program)
    • Panera Bread – Free pastry on your birthday. Must Join MyPanera. 
    • Panda Express – Free small side
    • Park Burger – Free milkshake
    • Peet’s Coffee – Get 25 points on your birthday. A shot of espresso is 25 points. Sign up for their Peetnik Rewards program to receive your perk. 
    • Pinkberry – Free small yogurt
    • Pizza Hut – Free cinnamon sticks.
    • Popeyes – Free dessert pie
    • Potbelly Sandwiches – Free cookie on your birthday when you join their Potbelly Perks program. They also offer a free sandwich deal after you make your first purchase through their Perks program.
    • Pretzelmaker – Free order of Birthday Bites (Sign up for email)
    • Qdoba – Get a free treat when you join their Qdoba Rewards.
    • Red Lobster – Free dessert (Join Fresh Catch Club)
    • Red Robin – Get a free birthday burger with fries when you join the Red Robin Royalty program.
    • Regal Theaters– Get a free small popcorn. It used to be free admission.
    • Rita’s Italian Ice – Get a free birthday treat when you join their Birthday Club.
    • Texas Roadhouse – Free dessert, appetizer or ribs.
    • Romano’s Macaroni Grill – Free dessert when you sign up for their email.
    • Sbarro – Free slice of pizza
    • Sharetea – Free milk tea with boba
    • Sizzler – Free birthday treat when you join their eclub.
    • Snarf’s – Free whole birthday sandwich during the month of your birthday. Must sign up for their rewards program. I LOVE Snarf’s!
    • Sonics – Free slushy
    • Starbucks – Receive one free drink any way you want it. Get any size, with unlimited modifications and add-ons. Get 15% off at their Starbucks store. Join their Starbucks Rewards program and scan the app to redeem your birthday gift.
    • Subway – Free 6″ sub sandwich & drink when you sign up for their Rewards Program. Free cookie on your birthday.
    • Taco Bell – Free Baja Blast
    • Taco Uprising – Free churros or churro cookie with ice cream or chocolate sauce with your meal. Their tacos are DELICIOUS!
    • The Original – Free hot fudge sundae.
    • Ted’s Montana Grill – Free dessert with your meal.
    • TCBY – Free yogurt item when you sign up for their emails.
    • Tropical Smoothie – Free 24oz smoothie
    • Uno Pizzeria – Free appetizer with purchase of entree. They have my FAVORITE deep dish pizzas.
    • Wendy’s – Get $1 off a combo when you join their WendyMail. Free frosty on your birthday.
    • Wetzels Pretzels – Free pretzel
    • Yardhouse – Free dessert with purchase.
    • Yogurtland – Free 3 oz. treat, 5 oz. treat, or 16 oz. treat depending on your current rewards level when you join their Real Rewards program

    Retail Birthday Freebies

    • Ace Hardware – $5 off any purchase over $5. Spend $750 in the past year and up the reward up to $10.
    • Aveda – Free gift valued at $23 on your birthday! Must join their rewards program for a one time fee of $10.
    • Bath and Bodyworks – Free gift valued at $9.90 or under.
    • Cinemark – Free concession with ticket purchase.
    • CVS – Coupon for $3 ExtraBucks Rewards to use on any purchase 
    • Denver Zoo – Free admission on your birthday!
    • Frontier Airlines – Free carry-on for your birthday! (Valued at $60+)
    • MAC Cosmetics – Get a free makeup sample in stores.
    • Old Navy – Free birthday surprise.
    • Sephora – Get a free birthday makeup gift when you sign up for their Insider Rewards program in stores. A phone number or e-mail is required. You get your choice of skincare, makeup, or haircare freebie.
    • Southlands – Free $10 gift card on your birthday! Register here.
    • Trader Joe’s – Free flowers! Just ask any staff member to redeem the freebie.
    • Victoria’s Secret – $10 off towards your purchase. Must join their rewards program.
    • Cost Plus World Market – Free birthday surprise of $10 credit and 15% off. Must join their rewards program.
    • Yankee Candle – When you join Fragrance Family, you’ll get a free birthday gift. If you’ve earned more than 1,000 points, you can get a “premium gift” on your special day.
    free birthday gift from Sephora beauty

    Free birthday gift from Sephora

    Other ways to get FREE food or Discounts

    Another way we’ve been able to get free food and discounts to restaurants is by liking a business’s Facebook pages or by checking in through the Yelp App to activate coupons that you can then use.

    There is also an app called In Kind that offers 20% off at many restaurants in Denver including Sap Sua, Death & Co, Forget Me Not, Jax Fish House and MUCH MORE. This app ROCKS and saves me a lot of money when I eat out.

    Join In-Kind

    Check Out Our FREE FOOD Giveaways

    I also host and run giveaways with various Denver restaurants and small businesses. It’s a great opportunity to enter and win free food and services!

    People participate and win all the time. And you get to hang out with me! 🙂

    Check out our giveaways on Instagram and follow the hashtag #agggiveaways for giveaway announcements and updates.

    Enter Our Giveaways!

    We attempt to update this list once or twice a year, so please let us know via DM if anything has changed.

    Have an amazing birthday!

  • How to Get Around Denver for Free

    How to Get Around Denver for Free

    Getting around Denver doesn’t have to be expensive!

    Here are some inexpensive ways you can get around town!

    Walk

    We love walking around Denver!

    Downtown Denver is entirely walkable until you start going to other cities. Be sure to wear a hat and sunblock when it’s sunny outside!

    RTD Bus or Train

    RTD (Regional Transportation District) is Denver’s bus and train system. It’s pretty reliable and affordable.

    There are various ways to help you save even further on RTD costs.

    An RTD bus ticket will cost you $2.75 and last you two hours.

    If you are low income, the cost is only $1.35. You will need to get approved for their RTD LiVE low income program. You’ll receive a card that gives you access to the low rate.

    The train ride to the airport is normally $10 and includes all day rides around town on RTD, but with RTD Live the cost is only $1.35 which is SIGNIFICANT in savings.

    For the entire months of July and August, RTD offers FREE train and bus rides as part of their Zero Fare for Better Air initiative.

    And lastly, RTD’s free Metro Ride program is back! This free bus takes you from Union Station to Civic Center for free and runs year round.

    Lime Bike Low Income Program

    Lime bikes can be found almost anywhere in Denver.

    The low income program (Lime Access) allows you to ride Lime bikes for up to three times per day for 30 minutes at a time.

    You’ll have to apply online here and get verified.

    Bird offers a similar program but at reduced rates.

    Use UberX Share

    We love riding UberX Share! You typically share an Uber ride with up to 3 persons and the savings are significant!

    We LOVE using this rideshare option to get around town.

    Sign up for UberX Share here.

    Have you discovered some inexpensive ways to get around Denver? Tell us over at @Denverforfree!