Spring break is a welcome reprieve from the grind of college classes and exams, and we know you’re excited for it! And sure, it would be great to hop on a plane and head somewhere warm to flee this crazy Colorado winter. (Can anyone say “bomb cyclone?”). But for those of us who don’t have the funds for a plane ticket, rest assured, there’s still inexpensive fun to be had.
Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy your spring break on a budget:
Go For a Few Hikes.
On days when the weather cooperates, taking an early spring hike might be just what you need. You live in a beautiful place, after all, and there are lots of amazing options within an hour’s drive (or less!) of the Denver metro area. Head over to AllTrails.com or DayHikesNearDenver.com to find the right one for you.
Hit the Dollar Theaters.
Catch up on last year’s blockbusters by seeing them at the “second-run” theaters. Check out Elvis Cinemas around Denver for $3 moves before 6:00 p.m. (and $4 after 6:00 p.m.). Or call up your favorite neighborhood theater to see if they offer discounts for matinee shows.
Make It a Museum Week.
With a whole week off from school, you could feasibly hit a museum each day. And if you’re not too choosy, many smaller metro-area museums have free admission or frequent free days—like the Golden History Museum, the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, the Money Museum, the Museum of Outdoor Arts’ outdoor galleries, and Hudson Gardens.
Sleep In.
OK, this may sound a little boring, but if you’ve been burning the midnight oil this semester, sleeping in seven days in a row could be really good for you. Catching up on those Zs will give your brain the boost it needs—and your mood. By the time school is back in session, you’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Plan a Tasting a Day.
Listen up, foodies. Maybe you can’t afford to eat out every night of spring break, but you can plan some at-home food tastings. Pick a nightly theme (e.g. chocolate, coffee, cheese, or bread) and invite a few friends over for a fun, laidback time. Make it a potluck to share the cost, and then one person doesn’t have to provide all the goodies.
Explore Free Beverage Tastings.
If you’re 21 or older—and a getaway to Napa Valley isn’t in the cards this spring break—you can still take advantage of some free wine tastings around town. Uber over to Argonaut Liquor’s (Denver), Davidsons Liquor’s (Highlands Ranch), or Amore Vino (Englewood), which all offer free weekly tastings.
No matter what you decide to do this spring break, remember: Relax! You’ve been working hard this semester and have earned the break. Even if you have a little school work to do, make time to do something enjoyable each day. It will do your brain and body good, and get you into the right frame of mind to finish the school year strong!
