Mile High Attractions for Under $25

Bored and broke? If you live in Denver, that's not a problem.

Colorado's capital has plenty to do, and most activities won't require you to break the bank. Here are a few fun things to do in the Mile High City for $25 or less:

1. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science. A bargain lover's paradise, this museum offers dozens of activities for all ages. The museum itself is full of permanent and rotating exhibits that cover everything from space exploration to the prehistoric age. Attached to the museum is Gates Planetarium, which offers shows exploring topics ranging from the weather to the mystery of black holes. If you need more to do, the museum is also home to an IMAX theatre that shows educational, visually-stunning films throughout the year.

The museum is located at 2001 Colorado Boulevard, in City Park. Admission prices for the museum range from free for members to $11 for the general public, with discounts for kids, students, seniors and military. Add admission to the planetarium and IMAX for just a few dollars more. For more information, visit www.dmns.org

Other museums that pack a lot of fun for very little money: The Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14^th Ave., features more than 60,000 works of art from all over the world, with admission prices ranging from free to $13. The Colorado History Museum in downtown Denver is also a great place to learn about Colorado's storied past at the bargain price of $7 for most people. Visit www.denverartmuseum.org and www.coloradohistory.org for more info.

2. Denver Zoo. Not far from the museum, the zoo is another affordable excursion for everyone, especially families with children. The zoo features more than 700 species and roughly 4,000 different animals, including zebras, gorillas, elephants and pandas. Kids will love the duck pond and, for $2, they can take a ride on the zoo's train.

Located at 2300 Steele St., the zoo is open daily. Check its web site - www.denverzoo.org - for hours, which vary according to the season. Admission ranges from free for children 2 and under to $12 for visitors between 12 and 64 years old.

Another kid-friendly attraction is the Children's Museum of Denver. Open daily, the museum, 2121 Children's Museum Dr., features 11 interactive "playscapes" and regular educational events. Prices range from free to $7.50; check out www.cmdenver.org for more information.

3. City Park. When you're done with the zoo and the museum, be sure to carve some time out of the day for City Park, which abuts both attractions. The 320-acre park has two lakes, walking and jogging trails, several playgrounds, picnic areas and a golf course. Spend a couple of bucks on a boat rental and cruise around the lake, or check out live music and a weekly farmers market in the summer.

Another park to check out - Denver's Washington Park. At 165 acres, it's much smaller than City Park but still offers plenty to do. Check out the park's two lakes, youth fishing pond, trails, recreation center and the city's largest flower garden. Denver poet Eugene Field once lived nearby, and his cottage is now located in the park along with a statue of Wynken, Blynken and Nod, the characters from his famous "Dutch Lullaby."

4. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts. In the heart of downtown Denver, this is the hot spot for all things performing arts. The center hosts most of the city's touring Broadway shows, the Denver Center Theatre Company, the Colorado Ballet, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Opera Colorado.

While ticket prices can sometimes be quite high, some range as low as a few dollars. Scout out matinee performances, performances discounted for Colorado residents and cheaper balcony seats to score a bargain on some great shows. For more information, visit www.denvercenter.org.

5. Old South Pearl Street and the 16^th Street Mall. Who needs money when window shopping is completely free? Check out unique and historic Old South Pearl Street for local shops, restaurants and special events - such as farmers markets, festivals and art walks. Eat an affordable lunch or dinner at one of the street's many local - and delicious - restaurants. Or stroll down the 16^th Street Mall for a mix of local and chain restaurants and stores. The free mall ride can shuttle you up and down the entire length of the mall.