Housing. Gas. Food. All of this may be expensive, but sometimes the best things in life are free (or close enough). This is especially true in Boulder, where Mother Nature has outdone herself, offering tons to do without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for budget-friendly activities, consider the following:
Hiking
Hiking is about as cheap as you can get, since it’s free (outside of the few bucks occasionally spent on parking). Boulder and the surrounding areas offer hundreds of miles of hiking options, ranging from a laidback afternoon stroll to steep thrills on a Saturday morning. Some of the most popular spots in the city include Flatirons/Chautauqua, Eldorado Canyon, and Mount Sanitas Loop. Boulder Creek and Sawhill Ponds offer better options if you prefer your ambulation without the elevation.
Fiske Planetarium
Fiske Planetarium is located on the CU Campus and is one of the city's oft-underappreciated gems. Offering a wide variety of shows that range from the educational to sensational, it’s an ideal date night spot or weekend escape. Tickets are cheap, with discounts for students, veterans, and seniors. Some of the shows coming down the planetarium pike include those focused on black holes, Mars, the Colorado skies, and the solar system's moons. Upcoming music-themed shows include Tool, 21 Pilots, Bad Bunny, Beyonce, and, of course, Pink Floyd.
Pearl Street
Pearl Street is a stretch that defines Boulder. Toy stores, coffee shops, art boutiques, clothing stores, and sushi dens mix with the right amount of loveable weirdness to offer a charming way to spend the day. While some of the businesses are upscale and pricey, the wide range of options ensures you can find something within your budget. Besides, the people-watching experience, a huge allure of Pearl Street, doesn’t cost a thing.
Flagstaff Mountain
There’s lots to do on Flagstaff Mountain, including walking the trails, exploring, and dining at the Flagstaff House (an outing that is not kind to your wallet). One of the untapped adventures comes from behind the wheel. Driving Flagstaff Road offers a short, scenic jaunt with plenty of overlooks and panoramic vistas. You might come across some wildlife, or at least some wild bikers, too, so drive with caution and be careful around bends.
Boulder Farmers Market
It’s the most wonderful time of year to be a vegetarian (or just a lover of fruits and vegetables). The Boulder Farmers Market (13th and Canyon) reopens on April 4th and continues every Saturday through November 21st. Mid-day events start May 6th and take place every Wednesday until October 7th. Whether you’re looking for heirloom tomatoes for a family recipe, want to take a peek at leeks, or buying honeydew is on your honey-do list, this is a productive way to spend part of your day!
Spring offers plenty to do without falling into debt. The above are perfect ways to welcome warm weather while still saving for a rainy day.
The Habitat Apartments is located in Gunbarrel with convenient access to shopping in Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly perks, and multiple floor plans to choose from. Contact us today to learn why we’re the perfect place to set down roots.