Summer fun doesn’t have to break the bank—especially in Colorado, where there are plenty of free or affordable activities to keep kids busy and families smiling. Whether you’re looking for indoor entertainment, outdoor adventures, or dining deals, here’s a round-up of the best low-cost and no-cost options available this summer:
🎬 Movies & Entertainment
Regal Cinemas – Summer Movie Express
Enjoy $1 movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 AM from June 10 to August 6. Great selection of family favorites.
👉 More Info
Cinemark – Summer Movie Clubhouse
$1.75 per ticket for kid-friendly films every Wednesday at 9:30 AM. Runs June 2 – August 7.
👉 More Info
AMC Theatres – 50% Off Wednesdays
Starting July 9, AMC Stubs members get half off regular evening ticket prices every Wednesday.
👉 More Info
Kids Bowl Free Program
Kids bowl two games free each day, all summer long!
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Chuck E. Cheese – Summer Fun Pass
Game passes starting at $7.99/month with up to 250 games per visit and discounts on food.
👉 More Info
🎬 Free Movies in the Park
🏔️Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Morrison)
Experience iconic films under the stars at the renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Each event features live entertainment before the movie begins.
- June 9: 2001: A Space Odyssey
- June 23: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
- June 30: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
- July 7: Legally Blonde
- August 18: Shrek 2
Details: Gates open at 6:30 PM, entertainment starts at 7:00 PM, and films begin at dusk. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP seating.
More Info: Film on the Rocks
🎥 Infinity Park Movie Nights (Glendale)
Enjoy free family-friendly movies at the rugby stadium in Glendale.
- June 6: Road House – 8:30 PM
- June 16: Shrek – 7:00 PM
- June 27: The Fast and the Furious – 8:30 PM
- July 11: Armageddon – 8:30 PM
- July 25: The Incredibles – 8:30 PM
- August 8: Back to the Future – 8:30 PM
More Info: Infinity Park Movie Nights
🌆 Sunset Cinema at Sculpture Park (Downtown Denver)
An annual outdoor movie series featuring family-friendly films. Dates for 2025 are forthcoming.
More Info: Sunset Cinema
🎞️ Central Park MCA Outdoor Movie Series (Denver)
Community movie nights held at The Green in Central Park. Movie titles for 2025 will be announced soon.
- June 13
- June 27
- July 18
- July 25
- August 15
More Info: Central Park MCA Outdoor Movie Series
🍿 RiNo’s Free Outdoor Movie Series (Denver)
Free movies on the third Thursday of each month from June through October at 2631 Larimer St., next to The Denver Central Market.
- June 19: 8:30 PM
- July 17: 8:30 PM
- August 21: 8:00 PM
- September 18: 7:30 PM
- October 16: 7:00 PM
More Info: Visit Denver – Outdoor Summer Movies
🍔 Kids Eat Free (or Cheap!)
Red Robin – 50% off kids’ meals every Wednesday with promo code KIDSMEAL50
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Chili’s – Free kids’ meal with an adult entrée (Rewards members)
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Denny’s – Kids eat free Tuesdays 4–10 PM
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Smashburger – Kids eat free on Wednesdays
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IKEA Centennial – Two free kids’ meals with one adult entrée (Wednesdays)
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Texas Roadhouse – Northfield Blvd, Denver – 99¢ kids’ meals on Mondays
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Moe’s Southwest Grill – Free kids’ meal with adult entrée on Sundays
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Moe’s Original BBQ – Steamboat Springs – Kids eat free Tuesdays & Saturdays
👉 More Info
Chick-fil-A – Quebec St, Denver – Kids eat free Tuesdays from 5–8 PM
👉 More Info
🏞️ Free Local Fun
📚 Library Programs
Check out free summer reading programs, storytimes, crafts, and more at your local library (Denver, Aurora, Arapahoe, etc.). Here are a few:
Douglas County Libraries – “Don’t Bug Me, I’m Reading”
Dates: May 31 – July 31
Ages: All ages
Highlights:
- Set your own reading goals (suggested: 1,000 minutes).
- Earn prizes and giveaways as you reach your goals.
- Enter to win one of three $500 Southwest Airlines gift cards.
- Help the community reach a 10-million-minute reading goal.
- More Info: https://www.dcl.org/summer-reading
Arapahoe Libraries – “Spark Your Imagination”
Dates: June 2 – July 31
Ages: 0–18
Highlights:
- Explore STEAM concepts through reading and fun activities.
- Pick up a free activity guide, water bottle, and book (while supplies last).
- Join in both virtual and in-person events throughout the summer.
More Info: https://arapahoelibraries.org/news/coming-soon-summer-reading-2025
Bemis Public Library (Littleton) – Summer Reading Program
Start Date: May 27
Ages: All ages
Highlights:
- Pick up a reading log at the library or sign up online.
- Earn free books and other fun prizes for participating.
- Enjoy weekly entertainment like puppet shows, crafts, and storytimes.
More Info: https://www.library.littletonco.gov/Events-Programs
🔨 Home Depot & Lowe’s Workshops
Free kids’ DIY workshops the first Saturday of every month—hands-on fun and they get to take their project home.
🍃 Nature Centers
Explore the outdoors at:
- Morrison Nature Center (Aurora)
- South Platte Park (Littleton)
- Lookout Mountain Nature Center (Golden)
💦 Splash Pads
Cool off at:
- Great Plains Park (Aurora)
- Centennial Center Park
- Discovery Park (Wheat Ridge)
Whether you’re planning a staycation or just need affordable weekday ideas, these deals make it easy to enjoy quality time without overspending.
👉 Bookmark this post or share it with a fellow parent so you always have summer fun ideas at your fingertips!
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