Fun, Affordable Fall Family Activities in Denver, Including Upcoming Free Days

Looking for affordable family fun in Denver without the high price tag? Fall is one of the best times to explore. As part of the city’s shoulder season, autumn (and again in spring, from March through May) offers lower prices, smaller crowds, and plenty of deals on attractions, activities, and events your whole family can enjoy.

Denver Preschool Program has rounded up a mix of fun, affordable activities and attractions to enjoy with your family this fall – plus a few go-to websites to help you discover even more family-friendly adventures year-round. 

Free Halloween Activities and Holiday Ticket Sales

Get into the spooky spirit this October with fun activities. Snag a few Boo at the Zoo tickets for this upcoming weekend, or enjoy a sensory-friendly outing on Halloween. Kids under 2 are free; kids ages 3-15 are $21; and anyone 16 or older is $28. 

On Friday, October 24th, Denver Parks and Recreation is hosting a free Trunk or Treat event from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at Cook Park Recreation Center. Featuring an inflatable obstacle course, a haunted house, and trick-or-treating, there’s something for everyone. Larimer Square in downtown Denver is hosting a free Trick-or-Treat Street from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 25th. Featuring a pumpkin decorating station, a free tote, and local shopping, the event is fun for all ages. 

Venture just outside of Denver to Edgewater from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Saturday, October 25th for trick-or-treating at the Edgewater Open Market. 

Mile High on the Cheap has rounded up additional Halloween events for all ages and budgets. Is Halloween not your favorite time of year? Check out these alternatives to trick-or-treating. 

You can also save on upcoming winter holiday fun by grabbing presale tickets early! Popular events like the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light et Trail of Lights open ticket sales for members in early November.

Discounted Admission Days for Families

If your schedule is flexible, take advantage of free or discounted admission on select days. For example, the Musée Clyfford Still offers free admission on Friday evenings and the last Friday of each month. Other attractions host special free days throughout the year, including October 14 at the Musée d'art de Denver, November 7 at the Denver Zoo, and November 23 at Friends of Crête des dinosaures.

Don’t forget that many great Denver attractions are free to explore year-round, including the Musée des Mines et des Sciences de la Terre, Littleton Museum, Hudson Gardens, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, et le Musée d'histoire d'Aurora. Denver Public Library cardholders can also reserve free passes once a month to popular spots such as the Pavillon des Papillons, Centre d'histoire des femmes du Colorado, et le Musée des pompiers de Denver, making it easier to explore Denver without stretching your budget.

Go-To Resources for Budget-Friendly Adventures

Looking for ways to make the most of family time without overspending? Denver offers plenty of free and affordable options, and several websites make it simple to keep track of what’s happening year-round. Bookmark these websites to help you stay up to date on free and affordable family fun in Denver:

• Un mile de haut à moindre coût is a top resource for Denver families, with daily, weekly, and monthly listings of children’s activities and events. You’ll also find helpful roundups of restaurants where kids eat free, grocery store specials, food pantry resources, museum free days, and more – making it easier than ever to plan family outings without stretching your budget.
• Le Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) is a great resource for finding upcoming free days at some of Denver’s most popular attractions. SCFD works with organizations across the metro area to compile a comprehensive calendar of free admission days and family programs. You can search by date to see what’s available, making it easy to plan ahead. Just keep in mind that some attractions, such at the Denver Zoo, require online reservations for free admissions – so be sure to check the details before you go.
• Denver CityPASS is a great way for families to experience some of the city’s top attractions at a lower cost. With savings of up to 45%, you can bundle admission to 3, 4, or 5 attractions of your choice, creating a customized experience that fits your family’s interests. Popular options include the Aquarium du centre-ville, Musée d'art de Denver, et Denver Zoo. Even better, passes are valid for seven consecutive days from your first visit, giving you plenty of flexibility to explore at your own pace. 

Stay in the know with Dépêche familiale, our monthly bilingual (English and Spanish) e-newsletter packed with family tips, upcoming events, helpful resources, and more (like this post on fun family recipes to try). Sign up today so you never miss an update!