Every year, on set dates throughout the season, Colorado opens its national parks and world-class institutions to the public for free. Visit the Denver Zoo, Botanic Gardens, Art Museum, Museum of Nature & Science, State Parks, and the four National Parks in Colorado for free on a specific day or days.
Colorado is a great place to visit because of the abundance of free attractions. There’s no need to break the bank to enjoy a night under the stars or a climb to the top of the world. Also, if you can make it out of town on those certain dates, you can cut costs significantly by visiting otherwise expensive sights.
Free Days at National Parks
These can be used to gain entry to any of the 4 major parks in Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Great Sand Dunes National Park. Research the federal lands in the state of Colorado. It’s the same everywhere in the United States, in case you were planning on visiting Yellowstone or Glacier.
2023 Free Admission at Colorado National Parks:
- Monday, January 16: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Saturday, April 22: First day of National Park Week
- Friday August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- Saturday, September 23: National Public Lands Day
- Saturday, November 11: Veterans Day
Free Second Tuesdays at Denver Art Museum
On the second Tuesday of each month, the museum is offering free entrance. With the most recent addition of the Martin building and welcome center, as well as the main exhibition hall, the museum now has a lot to offer. The days in 2023 when entry will not be charged are listed below. Investigate the Denver Art Museum further.
2023 Free Admission at Denver Art Museum:
- Tuesday, December 13, 2022
- Tuesday, January 10
- Saturday, January 28
- Tuesday, February 14
- Tuesday, March 14
- Tuesday, April 11
- Tuesday, May 9
- Tuesday, June 13
- Tuesday, July 11
- Tuesday, August 8
- Tuesday, September 12
- Tuesday, October 1
- Tuesday, November 4
- Tuesday, December 11
Free Days at Denver Botanic Gardens
The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District allows for free entrance on certain days of the year so that more people can enjoy the gardens. In the middle of February, you can visit this attraction that’s open year-round because of its massive tropical dome. Find out what the Denver Botanic Gardens are all about.
2023 Free Admission at the Denver Botanic Gardens – York Street and Chatfield Farms:
1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206 | 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80128
- Monday, Jan. 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
- Thursday, Feb. 16
- Wednesday, March 15
- Saturday, April 22 (Earth Day)
- Tuesday, June 6
- Wednesday, July 5
- Tuesday, Aug. 15
- Friday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Friday)
2023 Free Days at Plains Conservation Center:
The Plains Conversation Center now offers free days due to a joint effort between the city of Aurora and Denver Botanic Gardens.
- Thursday, Jan. 19
- Thursday, Feb. 23
- Saturday, March 11
- Thursday, June 15
- Saturday, July 15
- Thursday, Aug. 17
- Saturday, Nov. 18
- Thursday, Dec. 7
Free Days at Denver Zoo
During the winter, the Denver Zoo’s Community Free Days are open from 10 am to 4 pm, while during the summer, the zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Park hours are extended by an additional hour on weekends. Over 650 different species of animals are shown at this large wildlife park. Explore the Denver Zoo and everything it has to offer.
2023 Denver Zoo Free Dates:
- Friday, January 6
- Sunday, January 22
- Sunday, February 5
- Sunday, April 9
- Saturday, October 7
- Tuesday, November 7
- Sunday, November 12
Free Days at Denver Museum of Nature & Science
There is never a bad time to visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Numerous free days and discounts for members are offered all during the museum’s open season. In close proximity to the Denver Zoo, this world-class science and wildlife museum features hands-on displays for visitors of all ages.
2023 Free Admission at DMNS:
- Monday, January 9th
- Sunday, January 29th
- Monday, February 6th
- Sunday, February 26th
- Sunday, April, 30th
- Wednesday, June 28th Free Night
- Wednesday, August 16th Free Night
- Wednesday, September 6th Free Night
- Monday, September 18th
- Sunday, October 15th
- Monday, December 4th
We appreciate you taking the time to look at our schedule of free museum days in Denver and elsewhere in Colorado. Prepare in advance for these once-in-a-lifetime events!
