Free Things to Do in Denver

The iconic amphitheatre's 315 steps across 69 rows are one of the most popular free workouts in Colorado. Runners and fitness enthusiasts climb the stairs year-round with 145 feet of elevation gain from stage to plaza at 6,450 feet above sea level. The Trading Post Trail is a 1.4-mile family-friendly loop, and the full Red Rocks Trail offers a 6-mile loop with 1,300 feet of gain. Stairs are closed during concerts and events.

Ten lighted hard courts in the heart of Washington Park, free and open to the public seven days a week. First-come, first-served with a one-hour courtesy limit when others are waiting. The surrounding park has a 2.6-mile jogging loop, a lake, and plenty of shade. One of the most popular free tennis spots in Denver.

A 40-mile paved multi-use trail running from Confluence Park in LoDo southeast to Cherry Creek State Park and beyond to Franktown. The most popular urban section is the 11-mile stretch from Confluence Park to the reservoir — flat, scenic, and heavily used by cyclists, runners, and inline skaters. Connects to the Platte River Trail at Confluence Park for a 100+ mile network.

Denver's second-largest park at 284 acres built around the city's largest lake. The 2.6-mile paved perimeter trail is flat and popular with runners, walkers, and cyclists. The park has public tennis courts, full-sized basketball courts, multi-use soccer fields, two playgrounds, and access to kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake (non-motorized boats allowed).

An 18-acre urban park at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River in Lower Downtown. Home to the 16th Street Wave, a man-made whitewater feature for kayaking, river surfing, and standup paddleboarding. Confluence Kayaks (2301 7th St) rents kayaks, SUPs, and tubes nearby. Free to visit; rental costs vary.

A well-maintained neighborhood park with outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, a walking/biking path, soccer and softball fields, and a children's play area. The basketball courts are lighted and free to use. One of the better-kept public court setups in southwest Denver.

Denver's largest urban park at 330 acres with a crushed-gravel 5K jogging loop, public tennis courts, handball court, soccer and football fields, softball diamonds, and horseshoe pits. The park also features two lakes, a boathouse, and views of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. Home to the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Free to enter.