Billy, an Asian elephant, appreciates the cool waters since he waits to get a treat by zookeeper Dani Lints during a demonstration in the Denver Zoo on Aug. 12, 2018. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)

Wild and free

Monkey around with the family in the Denver Zoo this season, without breaking your budget. The wildly popular attraction welcomes guests for free on Nov. 9 and 12. (It’s been the drought, since the allure hasn’t offered free entry as February.) The zoo is on winter hours out of 10 Denver to 4 pm in Denver’s City Park. The grounds formally closed down at 5 p.m., so be sure to ’re throughout the gates p.m. Consider using public transportation or carpooling, for example finding a parking spot could be a stampede. If you overlook, you’ll have to wait until 2019 for another pair of free days. denverzoo.org

Find more free times in Denver’s ethnic hot spots .

This 2016 file photograph reveals Staunton State Park, south of Denver on Highway 285. (Kay Konz, The Broomfield Enterprise)

Parks and recreation

Rather than fighting the hordes of bargain seekers on Black Friday, venture into the fresh air for a healthy post-Thanksgiving adventure. Thanks to Great Outdoors Colorado, “non-shoppers” get free entry on Nov. 23 to some of Colorado’s 41 state parks. During Fresh Air Friday, snow and ice conditions permitting, enjoy ice fishing, subtropical ski, snowshoeing, sledding, skating, snowmobiling, hiking and wildlife viewing. It’s also the ideal means to find active and burn off some of those pumpkin pie calories. Cpw.state.co.us/Pages/Fresh-Air-Friday. aspx

Kids of all ages enjoy skating in the Southwest Rink in Skyline Rink on November 23, 2016 at Denver. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)

Ice follies

Strap on your skates to get some low-cost winter fun. Free ice skating yields to downtown Denver’s Skyline Park (in 16th and Arapahoe), as Downtown Denver Rink opens from Nov. 20 to Feb.3, 2019. Hours change, so check the rink’s website for the schedule, including programming and weather upgrades. Bring your own skates or rent a pair — $6 for children (12 and under) and $8 for everyone else. Major Waddles, the Parade of Lights mascot, will stop by the rink to skateplay and shoot photos on Nov. 23 & 30 and Dec. 1. In addition, Santa Claus will strap on his skates for special appearances on Dec.r 9, 16 and 23 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.. If you like a little music with your hockey skating, take a look at each Friday night from seven pm to 9 p.m. and slip to the tunes of DJ Chonz. downtowndenver.com

If you’re headed to Denver International Airport to pick up or drop off friends and family, take a few added hours to cool out for a little winter fun. Once more, DIA is launching an outdoor ice skating rink inside its own open plaza. Admission is free. The rink will be open from 9% to 9 p.m. every day from Nov. 23 to Jan. 6, 2019. It’s more festive for cheapskates because of the inexpensive skates — hockey skate rentals will also be free. Music, carolers and distinctive performances will also be planned for December. There’s a designated area for visitors to strap on skates, in addition to keep their private belongings and bag nearby. flydenver.com/events

The annual Olde Golden Christmas Candlelight Walk parades downhill on Washington Street through downtown to Clear Creek. (Denver Post file)

Night lighting

It is possible to ’t even hold a candle to the beauty of the annual family-friendly convention in Golden. Oh, waityou can. Olde Golden Christmas continues its tradition of a candlelight walk on Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m., together with countless candle-holding carolers strolling down their way Washington Avenue to Parfet Park. Bring your own candle or purchase one (or even a glow stick) for just $1. Collect at Foothills Arts Center (809 15th St.) in p.m. for pre-walk caroling, songs and pictures with Santa. It becomes brighter, as the big, jolly guy flips the switch on tens of a huge number of lights to light up the night across Clear Creek at the end of the year. Even the “Chamber Tree,” that a large Blue Spruce, will glow with two miles of lights. Stick around after the show. The Golden History Museum and Park will be open from seven p.m. to 9 pm, together with activities for the youngsters, roasted chestnuts, Christmas carolers and dancers. In addition, many regional retailers will contain holiday treats and amusement. visitgolden.com

The tree in the Outlets at Castle Rock in 2007. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)

Switch it up

People that have an early case of Christmas fever is going to want to head to Castle Rock, one of the first to illuminate the season. The Outlets at Castle Rock (5050 Factory Shops Blvd.) gets in the soul on Nov. 10 with its 13th-annual Tree Lighting Concert in 5 to 8 p.m.. The free family-friendly event comprises a concert including Country Music Television’s Listen Up Artist Tyler Rich and rising country star Dylan Schneider, complimentary hot cocoa, children activities and more. Directed by Santa himself, the festivities close with a center-wide countdown to the lighting of the 55-foot white weathered tree (with 8,000 bulbs) and a vacation fireworks show. Attendees can also enjoy a choice of food trucks with snacks and beverages for sale. outletsatcastlerock.com

Discount goals

Whenever the Colorado Avalanche score a success, everyone wins savings in Papa John’s. The afternoon after a triumph, lovers get 50 percent off regular-price menu things online using promo code AVS. The offer is not valid with any other coupons or discounts and only offered at participating Colorado and Wyoming places. The promo ends April 7, 2019. Hockey fans are almost always hungry for a win, reduction or not.  papajohns.com

Show stopper

Dinner and a series is a typical, albeit occasionally pricey, night on the town. But, bargain seekers don’t should remain home. Be “fancy and frugal” because of the Denver Center For The Performing Arts. DCPA has partnered with downtown restaurants to offer ticket holders deals, prior to or after a show. To find the savings, present your ticket from one of DCPA reveals to the wait staff — valid only the afternoon of the series. The prices vary depending on the restaurant, including complimentary valet parking, percent discount off your invoice along with a free beverage, appetizer or dessert. Currently, the following are participating: Corrine Restaurant, Hard Rock Café, array, STK, Rialto Café, Stout Street Social, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Rein Haus Denver, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Ocean Prime, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Palm and Sam’s No. 3. Review each restaurant’s provide at denvercenter.org/plan-your-visit/restaurants. Check back often, as new spouses and deals are added frequently.  

[related]

Be patient

One of the easiest ways to prevent a bout of influenza is to get immunized. Nevertheless, if you have insurance, it can readily be overlooked because of funding limitations. To help those in need, UCHealth is hosting a free flu shot clinic on Nov. 3 in Park Meadows Mall (8401 Park Meadows Center Dr.) from Lone Tree. By 11 a.m. to 1 pm, anybody ages 3 to 65 will be welcome to roll up their sleeve and get a complimentary flu shot. No insurance necessary. There are only 150 shots available, so plan accordingly. Follow the signage indoors near the escalators to find the practice.

Every month, Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez in MileHighOnTheCheap.com compile “Cheap Checklist” to help smart shoppers find freebies, discounts and deals. Send tips to [email protected] 14 to 21 days ahead of time.  More freebies, discounts and deals at MileHighOnTheCheap.com.

Reader service helps bring you quality journalism like this. Please think about becoming a subscriber. Your first month will be only 99 cents.

Buy Tickets for every event – Sports, Concerts, Festivals and more buytickets.com