School’s out, summer’s in! Here are the best free and affordable children's activities to keep your kiddos active and entertained this summer.
Free | Ages 11-21 | Registration: now through May 21
This eight-week summer program from local nonprofit The Wezesha Dada Center supporting BIPOC women and youth will give Denver/Aurora children and teens hands-on experience launching and operating their own businesses, complete with career coaching, peer support, and actual revenue generation.
Free | Ages 8-12 | Registration: now open
This brand new city-run kids day camp from Denver Parks & Rec will offer weekly themed activities Monday through Friday from June 10 to August 9 at select local rec centers.
Free | Ages 8-18 | Registration: now open
With a free MY Denver Card, Denver kids and teens have unlimited access to local rec centers, libraries, swimming pools, and cultural facilities year-round. The program’s summer offerings will include special drop-in classes and events Monday through Friday, June 10 to August 9 that pair perfectly with the aforementioned Summed Rec Kidz camp 👆
The City of Denver offers a variety of affordable youth camps for the summer season, spanning music, art, dance, sports, hiking, and more. Prices (Free-$50), age range (5-17), and duration vary by activity. Registration is open now.
Though far from free, if you have the funds to spare, most of Denver’s most popular cultural institutions, like the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, History Colorado, the Butterfly Pavilion, and the YMCA, offer youth summer camps that any kid is sure to love. Our friends at Mile High on the Cheap have an exhaustive roundup.
- Pro-tip: Many of these places offer member discounts or scholarships and grants to help with the cost.
☀️ Psst! There are SO many ways to make the most of a Mile High summer — this is just the start! In fact, I’m building a Denver Summer Bucket List to share soon. So slide into my DMs with your fave summertime activities 👇
