April is a great month to discover all that Colorado has to offer without spending a dime! As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, April is an excellent time to get outside and relish the beauty of nature. If you’re searching for cost-free experiences to enjoy, you’re not alone. Check out these free things to do in Colorado in April:
April 2, 10, 18 and 25: Stargaze in the North
Northern Colorado offers some of the best stargazing hot spots on the Front Range. The Northern Colorado Astronomical Society hosts public observation events where member volunteers provide telescopes and share their knowledge about stars, planets, galaxies and more. It’s a fun, cost-free way to learn more about the night skies, just make sure you make a reservation.
April 8: Attend the Steamboat Cardboard Classic
The Steamboat Ski Area is gearing up to host the 41st annual traditional rite of spring, a beloved event that never fails to amuse. Participants build their own cardboard boats using duct tape, markers, strings and balloons, and then race them downhill to a raucous finish. This one-of-a-kind spectacle attracts both tourists and residents, who relish the hilarity of it all. To cap off the event, prizes are awarded for the Most Creative, Best Costumes and Crowd Favorite categories.
April 19: Join the festivities on Bike Day by taking part in the Community Ride and Bicycle Parade
Grab your helmet and bicycle and hop on for this delightful 4+ mile ride through the heart of downtown Denver. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get outside, enjoy the company of fellow biking enthusiasts and revel in the fun of the parade.
April 1-30: Immerse yourself in American history by taking a free tour at the Denver Mint
More than 50 million coins are produced each year at Denver’s United States Mint. This behind-the-scenes tour details the history of money and the coin-stamping process, and what an important and unique role Denver plays in national coin production.
April 1-30: Enjoy one of Colorado’s wildlife refuges
The wildlife refuge system was created to conserve America’s fish, wildlife and natural areas across the country. Colorado is home to eight wildlife refuges, all which are free and open to the public. Most refuges have educational and nature activities for visitors to enjoy and of course you can’t forget about the wildlife you may encounter, everything from bison, to moose, to bald eagles.
April 1-30: Get moving on the Cherry Creek Trail
The 42-mile track starts in downtown Denver and winds through urban areas, the middle of town, near prairie grasslands and finishes up at Franktown, alongside Cherry Creek. Soak up some vitamin D while you bike, jog, run or walk this paved path and best of all, you can bring your dog.
April 1-30: Visit Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a must-see natural wonder in Colorado. It is a registered National Landmark with dramatic and breathtaking views. Visitors can explore the park with a free self-guided audio tour, explore one of the many hikes, or check out the Visitor and Nature Center, which offers several exhibitions.