Let’s be real for a second…
Family outings add up FAST 💸😅

But what if you could take your kids to museums, zoos, and some of the coolest places in Colorado… for FREE (or close to it)?

Yep. It’s a thing. And once you know about it—you’ll never pay full price again 👀

This is your go-to guide for Free Days, hidden deals, and year-round free spots—plus some AMAZING options right here in El Paso County + Pueblo.

🏛️ 🎟️ DENVER AREA FREE DAYS (WORTH THE DRIVE!)

(These are gold for planning day trips or summer adventures)

💡 Most of these are part of SCFD Free Days → always double check before you go!

🦖 Denver Museum of Nature & Science

📅 Multiple free days throughout the year
💥 HUGE hit with kids (dinosaurs, space, hands-on exhibits)

🎨 Denver Art Museum

📅 Free days monthly
💛 BONUS: Kids 18 & under are ALWAYS FREE

🌿 Denver Botanic Gardens

📅 Select free days (Earth Day, summer dates, etc.)
🌸 Perfect for a slower, stroller-friendly day

🦁 Denver Zoo

📅 Select free days (ticket required in advance!)
💥 These go FAST—set a reminder!

🚂 Colorado Railroad Museum

📅 Limited free days
🚂 Train lovers = obsessed

🎭 Clyfford Still Museum

📅 Free + Pay-What-You-Wish days
👶 Kids 17 & under = always FREE

👉 These and MANY more rotating free days are available thanks to SCFD funding

🐝💛 EL PASO COUNTY FAVORITES (LOCAL WINS)

These are your easy YES days—no long drive required 🙌

🦒 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs)

💡 Not free BUT:

• Early morning / late afternoon = cheaper vibes

• Membership = worth it if you go 2–3 times

💥 One of the BEST zoos in the country (hands down)

🚀 Space Foundation Discovery Center

💡 You already know 😉
🎉 Hosts amazing events (like the one you just attended!)
✨ Keep an eye out for community/free event days

🌄 Garden of the Gods (ALWAYS FREE)

💥 This is your “why aren’t we here more often?” spot

• trails

• exploring

• kid climbing zones

🌳 Bear Creek Nature Center

💥 FREE + educational
🐾 Great for younger kids + nature days

🌿 Fountain Creek Nature Center

💥 Trails + exhibits + quiet exploring
💛 Underrated gem

🐾 PUEBLO AREA FAMILY FUN

🦁 Pueblo Zoo

💡 Not free daily, BUT:

• Discount days + seasonal deals pop up

• Smaller = easier with littles

🏛️ El Pueblo History Museum

💥 Affordable + sometimes FREE event days
✨ Great mix of indoor/outdoor learning

🌊 Pueblo Riverwalk

💥 FREE + perfect for:

• walking

• feeding ducks

• chill family time

💡 YEAR-ROUND FREE (HIDDEN GEMS)

These are your “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” spots 👀

• 🌄 Garden of the Gods

• 🏞️ Palmer Park

• 🌲 Fox Run Regional Park

• 🚶 Monument Preserve Trails

• 🌊 Palmer Lake

🧠 INSIDER TIPS (SAVE THIS!)

✔ Always check ahead—dates can change
✔ Many free days require online tickets
✔ Go EARLY (these get busy FAST)
✔ Pack snacks + water = happier kids 😅

🏛️✨ FREE & DISCOUNT MUSEUMS + HIDDEN GEMS IN COLORADO

(Plus insider ways to save 💸)

💛 Explore These Local Museums (Many FREE or Low-Cost!)

Ready to feel like you just unlocked a parenting cheat code? Because these spots are perfect for learning + fun without the big price tag 👀

🏛️ MUST-VISIT MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SPOTS

• 🏺 Aurora History Museum – FREE admission + rotating exhibits

• 🎖️ Broomfield Veterans Museum – small but powerful history experience

• 🏰 Castle Rock Historical Society & Museum – local history + charm

• 🎶 Colorado Music Hall of Fame – music lovers, this one’s for you

• 🎨 Foothills Art Center (Golden) – art + family-friendly exhibits

• 🏔️ Golden History Museum – interactive + great for kids

• 🌾 Heritage Lakewood – outdoor historical village vibes

• 🏡 Highlands Ranch Mansion & Historic Park – beautiful + educational

• 🌲 Hiwan Heritage Park (Evergreen) – rustic history + nature

• 🌸 Hudson Gardens (Littleton) – not a museum, but AMAZING + often free entry areas

• 🧺 Littleton Museum – living history farm (kids LOVE this one 🐐)

• 🪨 Mines Museum of Earth Science (Golden) – rocks, gems, and wow factor 💎

• 🏔️ Lucretia Vaile Museum (Palmer Lake) – hidden gem with local stories

💡 OTHER WAYS TO GET FREE OR DISCOUNTED ADMISSION

Because paying full price? We don’t do that if we don’t have to 😏

💳 Colorado EBT / SNAP Discounts

If your family has an EBT card, you may qualify for deep discounts (sometimes just a few dollars per ticket!) at participating museums and cultural centers.

👉 Here’s how it works:

• Show your EBT card at the ticket counter

• Discounts typically apply to general admission only

• Does NOT cover:

  • special exhibits

  • gift shops

  • food purchases

💥 Important:
EBT cards are used for verification only, not payment

🎟️ Where to Find Participating Locations

You can check current participating museums here:
👉 Museums for All Program (nationwide list)

Many Colorado locations participate—and the list updates often!

🐝 PRO TIP (THIS IS A GOOD ONE)

Stack your savings like a pro:

✔ Free Days + EBT discounts
✔ Membership swaps (some museums partner!)
✔ Library passes (Pikes Peak Library sometimes offers these 👀)

💛 WHY THIS MATTERS

These places aren’t just something to “do”…
They’re where:

✨ kids get curious
✨ families slow down
✨ memories sneak up on you

And the best part?
👉 You don’t have to spend a fortune to make it happen

💛 Conclusion

Here’s the thing…
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make amazing memories.

Some of the BEST days?
They’re the ones where you just show up, explore, and let your kids lead the way.

So whether you’re planning a big adventure or just need a “get out of the house” win…
👉 this guide has you covered 🐝✨

Want MORE guides like this + all the best local events each week?
👉 Head to The Buzzy B and find your family fun 💛