14 W E S T W O R D S u m m e r G u i d e 2 0 2 6 westword.com Bucket List Bargains TEN CAN’T-MISS ACTIVITIES IN METRO DENVER THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK. BY A BIGA I L BL ISS We all dream of a relaxed, carefree summer — but it’s hard to stay loose as costs start to rack up. Still, you might be surprised at how affordable some metro area attractions remain; a few bucks at these can buy you some serious fun. From nostalgic experiences and clas- sic events to outdoor adventures and ice cream, there are plenty of ways to soak up the season without overspending. Here are the top ten things to include on your budget-friendly bucket list. Lakeside Amusement Park 4601 Sheridan Blvd. 303-477-1621 lakesideamusementpark.com Generations of locals have made summer memories at this longstanding amusement park, where the Tower of Jewels has stood since 1908. Rides are both historic and new, and their lines are seldom long. Catch thrills on the Wild Chipmunk roller coaster, enjoy the Ferris wheel and circle Lake Rhoda aboard the steam train. Lakeside entry is just $5 and ride coupons are 50 cents each (attractions cost up to six coupons). Un- limited rides on weekday evenings are $25, while all-day access is $35. Funnel cakes and other carnival fare also come cheap. 88 Drive-In Theatre 8780 Rosemary St., Henderson 303-287-7717 88drivein.net Another nostalgic gem, the 88 Drive-In Theatre is the last of of its kind in the metro area. This summer marks the drive-in’s fi f- tieth season, and little has changed over the years; sound is still broadcast from an FM radio station. Double features are screened outdoors nightly for just $10 per person, and children under the age of twelve are free. Stocked with buttery buckets of pop- corn and classic concessions, the snack bar helps keep tickets cheap. To pack in your own picnic, buy a $10 food permit from the box offi ce (or, in a time-honored drive-in tradition, just smuggle it in...the way you do those extra auto occupants). Colorado Rockies at Coors Field 2001 Blake St. 303-292-0200 mlb.com/rockies/ballpark Once again, the Rockies standings aren’t looking too promising. But still, crowds of hopeful fans and casual beer-drinkers will fi ll the stadium this season. For the cheapest entry, visit the Rockpile ticket of- fi ce near Gate A two hours prior to a game. Admission is fi rst-come, fi rst-served, but as low as $4 for adults and $1 for children and seniors. Secure your seats, along with a hot dog and a cold Coors, then clamber up to the sunny centerfi eld bleachers for a classic summer experience. Washington Park Adventure Hub 701 S. Franklin St. 720-865-0680 denvergov.org Bike and boat rentals have returned to Wash Park this season, with an enterprise now managed by Denver Parks & Recreation. The beloved swan pedal boats remain, offer- ing a whimsical ride around Smith Lake for $35 an hour. Alternatively, pairs can climb aboard one of the park’s new pink fl amin- go-shaped pedal boats for an hourly fee of $25. Canoes, tandem kayaks and surrey bikes go for the same rate, and paddleboards are just $15 an hour. Snag one without a reservation and enjoy an afternoon at the lake without leaving the city. Adventure West 2920 Brewery Lane, Littleton 423 Tenth St., Golden 720-722-1645 adventurewestco.com Beat the heat this summer at the metro area’s top tubing spots. By providing both rentals and transportation, Adventure West grants easy access to the thrilling Golden whitewater park. This local outfi tter also operates along a lazy stretch of the South Platte River: Float for a couple of hours, then end right next to the Breckenridge Brewery location in Littleton. All-day tube rentals start at $22, and tickets for two shuttle rides are $15 per person. Packages for both services cost between $37 and $42. Yoga at the Gardens 1007 York St. 720-865-3500 botanicgardens.org With its blooms at their most vibrant, sum- mer is prime time to visit the Denver Bo- tanic Gardens. Avoid the crowds and save on admission costs by booking one of the sunrise or evening yoga sessions. Priced at $14, these one-hour guided practices welcome all abilities to fi nd their fl ow in a serene setting. Otherwise, you can visit this Cheesman Park attraction for $22. It also hosts fun silent disco yoga classes and a series involving vinyasa, live violin music and a group picnic — bring your own wine! Ride coupons at Lakeside Amusement Park cost just 50 cents. BRANDON JOHNSON
