DENVER -- I just can't get enough of the freebies!

Let's talk about free places you can go and things you can do in the metro area.

The Botanic Gardens in Denver and at Chatfield both hold free days. In 2010, the Denver gardens will be free on February 15, April 22, July 22, August 25, September 26 and October 28. The Chatfield gardens will be free in 2010 on February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, August 6, November 5 and December 3.

February 21, 2010, you can visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for free. Explore the Museum’s exhibitions like Space Odyssey, Prehistoric Journey and Egyptian Mummies. You can also visit free March 1, April 18, August 8, August 30, September 13, September 19, October 3, October 18, November 14 and December 6.

What's the catch? Free admission applies to the museum only. Separate admission fees to Phipps IMAX® Theater and Gates Planetarium remain in effect during free days. (Free days are for Colorado residents only)

Here are more freebies around town you can mark your calendar for.

The Denver Art Museum has free days on March 6, May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6 and December 4.

The Denver Zoo will allow Colorado residents to visit free on February 16, October 13, October 21, November 7 and November 13.

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal used to make nerve gas and napalm. Now it's a National Wildlife Refuge. It's open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 7am-5pm. Call 303-289-0930. There are tram rides and wildlife programs, all for free. For details, visit the Arsenal's Web site.

You can smell the peppermint and learn about tea on the free tour at Celestial Seasonings in Boulder. Children must be 5 and older to go on the tour. There are even free tea samples in the tasting room.

While you're in Boulder, consider a stop at the Leanin' Tree Museum and Sculpture Garden of Western Art. Admission and parking is free. Some call it the best small museum in the state.

Need something fun to do with the kids? How about storytime? Several local libraries and even the Tattered Cover bookstore host storytimes for kids. And they're free.

Take a trip back in time with a history tour. The Brown Palace has free public tours every Wednesday & Saturday at 2 p.m. Reservations are required.

You can also see the exhibits (and run the stairs) for free at Red Rocks.

And while you're in Morrison, don't miss the dinosaur footprints on Dinosaur Ridge. It's free too.

Sandie, one of our readers, suggested another good free place to visit is the Littleton Historical Museum. Sandie said it's one of her family's favorites.

For a list of free events in Denver, visit the City of Denver's Free Events Web page.

And don't forget many libraries loan out more than books. You can borrow movies and video games at some local libraries for free.

If you see a deal, let me know! E-mail me, Debbie (Debbie@kmgh.com).