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Top Free Summer Activities For Kids In Denver

Dragon Boat Races(credit: CBS)
With the kids out of school, you're probably looking for some educational and entertaining ways to fill up all those lazy summer days without totally breaking the bank. You can only go to so many movies, or visit the theme parks so many times before your wallet gives out. Instead, here are five exciting ways to have tons of summer fun with the whole family for free this summer. From free summer films to a giant festival and even a trip to a real, working farm, you just might be amazed at how many different ways there are to entertain the kids without spending a dime.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
Sloan's Lake Park
1700 N. Sheridan Blvd.
Denver, CO 80212
(303) 953-7277
www.cdbf.org

Dates: July 18-19, 2015

The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is a fantastic annual event that celebrates Asian cultures in Denver. Now in its 15th year, the festival centers around the beautiful boats racing around Sloan's Lake, but there is so much more than racing at this great event. The kids area, called Dragonland, brings together volunteers from the Denver Art Museum and the Girl Scouts to teach about Asian culture through the creation of dragon masks, origami, children's performers, storytelling and more. Then, when the kids are ready to move on, enjoy the races as a family, purchase some incredible Asian foods or shop the different marketplaces to bring home some fun souvenirs. The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is always a fun family-friendly event in Denver, and a wonderful way to celebrate all the diversity within the Mile High City.

City Park Jazz
City Park
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 744-1004
www.cityparkjazz.org

Every Sunday through August 9, 2015

One of the best free events every summer is City Park Jazz. For more than 29 years, City Park Jazz has been offering free summer concerts for anyone and everyone that enjoys jazz music. The concerts happen rain or shine, as families show up with picnics, blankets and kids ready to dance away the evening as their parents relax under the warm summer sun. There are always plenty of food trucks around, or you can bring in your own food, and feel free to bring your pets as everyone can enjoy these totally free concerts. Planned performers include The Sam Mayfield Blues Revue, the Ellyn Rucker Trio, the Lynn Baker Quartet, the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts and many more. All shows start at 6:00 p.m. so head down to City Park with the whole family for a free evening full of music and entertainment.

Related: Top Summer Art Activities For Kids In Denver

The Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave. Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 865-5000
www.denverartmuseum.org

When the weather heats up and you're looking for an indoor adventure for your children to enjoy, you'll love the latest announcement from The Denver Art Museum. Now, all children are able to enjoy the museum free of charge. Adults still pay the regular rate, but it's a bargain when you get so much amazing, free entertainment and education for your kids. Take the children through the museum, explore the different periods of art, and take advantage of the many interactive kids areas, which always offer fun ways to create their own art, or take some arts supplies home for more artistic enjoyment. Free access to the Denver Art Museum used to be reserved for once a month, but now all children can get in free any day of the week. Plan ahead, bring the kids and prepare for a truly enlightening and enjoyable day.

Free Movies At Infinity Park
950 S. Birch St.
Denver, CO 80246
(303) 692-5799
www.infinityparkatglendale.com

On select Monday evenings this summer, you can bring the kiddos out for a free family-friendly movie at Infinity Park. On July 13 you can introduce your children to the magic of "The Princess Bride" or wait until July 27 for "How to Train Your Dragon." The event wraps up on August 10 with "Remember the Titans." It's always free to enjoy, so bring a big blanket, pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the cool summer night as you all cuddle together under the stars. Sure, you can watch a movie at home, but it's always better when you get to experience it outdoors, with the rest of your neighbors and friends.

Related: Top Cheap Activities To Do With Your Kids In Denver

Berry Patch Farms
13785 Potomac St.
Brighton, CO 80601
(303) 659-5050
www.berrypatchfarms.co

Colorado is still full of real, working farms, and children always love the experience of getting to see how one works. You can visit Berry Patch Farms for free, then head out on the farm to pick your own berries, apples, cherries, plums, flowers, basil and more. You pay for what you pick, and depending on when you show up, you'll find a lot of different fruits and veggies available for picking. Late July is the perfect time for cherries, and raspberries are in season when August and September roll around. You'll be amazed as the children run around the farm, learning about agriculture while picking their own healthy food. They won't even realize how healthy and educational the whole experience really is.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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