{"id":29231,"date":"2025-12-03T13:00:48","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T20:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=29231"},"modified":"2025-12-11T07:27:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T14:27:09","slug":"free-days-at-denver-cultural-institutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/free-days-at-denver-cultural-institutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Free days at Denver’s beloved cultural institutions in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is one of Denver’s most popular attractions. Check it out on a free day. Photo courtesy of the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Did you know that you can visit some of Colorado\u2019s most beloved cultural institutions for free?<\/p>\n

Just plan to explore places like the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance<\/a>, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science<\/a> and the Denver Botanic Gardens<\/a> on a designated free day.<\/p>\n

Denver and surrounding counties have joined together to boost funding for cultural amenities through what\u2019s called the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District or SCFD<\/a>. And thanks to this funding, arts and cultural facilities, both big and small, provide free days, events and performances.<\/p>\n

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A girl holds two lorikeets. Photo courtesy of the Denver Zoo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here are some of the highlights for the biggest SCFD recipients.<\/p>\n

Free days and Denver zoo<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Are you a fan of wild animals? Then, the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is a great place to visit. You can see fan favorites like the elephants, giraffes and gorillas. Or, you can meander and see more unusual creatures like tapirs<\/a>, animals that some kids and adults refer to as an Oreo animal because it\u2019s half black and half white. Tapirs developed their unusual coloring to better blend into their surroundings in the wild. Another master of camouflage is the okapi<\/a>, which looks a little like a giraffe crossed with a zebra.

Explore other organizations across the metro area that offer free days through SCFD funding<\/a>.<\/div>\n

From lions to tigers and bears, the Denver Zoo offers hours of entertainment and is open every day of the year, including holidays. Since the Zoo now limits the number of visitors each day, reserving or purchasing your ticket online before you go is strongly recommended, even for people whose entry is free. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase at the zoo. If you\u2019re not comfortable reserving online in advance, call 720-337-1400.<\/p>\n

Because of the timed entry requirement, to get free tickets, you must register<\/a> for the Free Day Lottery (within the lottery registration period for that free day) to win day tickets. Zoo members can use their membership to reserve their tickets as usual if they’d like to visit on a scheduled free day.<\/p>\n

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The Denver Zoo’s gorillas are among its most popular animals. Photo courtesy of the Denver Zoo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When you arrive, ask about the daily zookeeper talks, where you\u2019ll learn wonderful tidbits about zoo residents like penguins, sea lions and grizzly bears.<\/p>\n

Before visiting on an SCFD free day, make sure you\u2019ve been awarded special lottery tickets in advance. And please be aware that free admission does not cover additional attractions at the Zoo, such as the 4D Theater and rides on the train and carousel.<\/p>\n

Here are the free days for the Denver Zoo in 2026:<\/strong><\/h3>\n