When visiting Winter Park, there's no need to break the bank by participating in expensive activities and events or eating out at expensive restaurants every night. There is a wide range of free things to do in Winter Park, CO! Take a look at some of our favorite free activities and events that you can join in while visiting.
If you are looking for a more comprehensive guide to visiting Grand County, visit our winter activities guide and summer activities guide! Both are full of fun, popular things to do around town all year round!
Top 6 Free Things to Do in Winter Park
Visit Hideaway Park
Hideaway Park is a great place to spend a sunny day in Winter Park. There's a playground for the kids, a skate park, and plenty of open spaces for picnics and games. You can also walk or bike along the Fraser River Trail, which runs right past the park. Besides the great spaces for activity in Hideaway Park, there are several city-hosted events that you can enjoy. Keep up to date with Winter Park events on the events calendar!
Hike Along the Fraser River Trail or in the Arapaho National Forest
The Fraser River Trail starts in Fraser, CO, and runs along the Fraser River for a little over 13 miles. It is a great place for a peaceful walk or bike ride, and you can even stop and fish along the way. There are also several parks and picnic areas, such as Hideaway Park, located along the trail. The trail is pet friendly, but be sure to bring a leash along!
Visitors can also explore the trails in the nearby Arapaho National Forest, which features a variety of hiking options ranging from easy nature walks to challenging summit hikes. With so many options available, the Fraser Valley is a hiker's paradise and a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors in Winter Park.
Fraser Picnic in the Park Live Show
If you happen to be visiting during the summer months, Fraser hosts a free concert event every Tuesday evening in Old Schoolhouse Park! The Fraser Picnic in the Park lasts from 6 pm to 8 pm and is the perfect free event if you are with your family. In addition to the live music, there are some food vendors in the park, so either bring your own picnic or try out some of the local food!
Go Stargazing
One of the best free activities anyone can enjoy is going stargazing! Especially if you are used to the heavy light pollution near large cities, a chance to get out to the more remote parts of Colorado will offer spectacular views of the heavenly bodies that you would otherwise miss out on.
Head to the top of Berthoud Pass to enjoy unobstructed views of the stars, or simply step outside on a clear night and look up. Winter Park is far enough away from major cities that light pollution is minimal, making it a great place to see constellations, shooting stars, and the Milky Way.
Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Lake, just 45 minutes from Winter Park, are also great places to go for incredible stargazing. Don't forget to check the weather before you go! And check out our blog about stargazing in Colorado to learn more about the best places to go!
Go Wildlife Watching
Wildlife watching is a popular free activity in Winter Park, Colorado. Visitors can spot a variety of animals, including moose, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and even black bears. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to go, with several wildlife viewing areas along the Trail Ridge Road, including the Forest Canyon Overlook and the Alpine Visitor Center. The Arapaho National Forest, which surrounds Winter Park, also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing on hiking trails and scenic drives along the Berthoud Pass.
Visit the Winter Park Ski Resort as Free Activity to Do in Winter Park
While skiing at the Winter Park Ski Resort can be expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do at the resort. Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain to enjoy the breathtaking views during Après hours, or head to the Winter Park Resort Village to window shop or relax by the fire pits. During the winter, they offer free mountain tours and give you a small free guided tour.
Enjoy Your New Home in Winter Park, CO
Sometimes the best free thing to do is just enjoy some personal time at home. If you're looking to buy a home in Winter Park, CO, don't let yourself get overwhelmed by the abundance of available properties in the area!
Leave it to our team of experienced realtors to help you pick the perfect home or help sell your Winter Park home if you decide to put it on the market. Check out our available property listings and contact us today!
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