Library Pass Programs

Colorado libraries offer one of the best-kept secrets for free admission to museums, zoos, gardens, and state parks. All you need is a free library card — no income verification or assistance program enrollment required. These passes work independently of SNAP/EBT discounts, making them available to everyone.

Stack your benefitsSCFD Free Days, and EBT discounts, you can visit most Denver cultural venues multiple times a year for free or near-free.

Denver Public Library — Museum & Cultural Passes

DPL cardholders can reserve free admission passes to cultural institutions through the LibCal online reservation system. A Denver Public Library card is free to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Denver.

Participating Venues

How It Works

1. Go to denverlibrary.org and log in with your library card number
2. Navigate to the Museum & Cultural Passes section on LibCal
3. Book up to 2 weeks in advance
4. Print your confirmation email or bring the digital confirmation to the venue
5. Present it at the ticket desk for free admission

Important Notes

• The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has the longest cooldown — once every 182 days (about 6 months)

• All other passes reset every 30 days, so you can visit a different museum each month

• Passes are first-come, first-served and popular dates book up fast

• Some venues require timed entry tickets in addition to the library pass — read the confirmation email carefully

• Link: denverlibrary.org — Museum Passes

Arapahoe Libraries — Exploration Pass

Arapahoe Libraries cardholders (serving the south Denver metro / Arapahoe County area) can reserve an Exploration Pass for free admission to 18 participating metro-Denver attractions. Passes can be booked up to 30 days in advance, with a maximum of 2 passes booked at one time.

Participating Attractions

How It Works

1. Visit arapahoelibs.libcal.com/passes to browse and reserve
2. Book up to 30 days in advance
3. Maximum of 2 passes booked at the same time
4. Each pass covers 1 or more visitors — check the specific pass for group size
5. Bring your confirmation (print or digital) to the venue

Important Notes

• Reserving a pass does not guarantee entry — check with the venue directly for closures or special events
• Need help booking or canceling? Call 303-542-7279 (303-LIBRARY)
• A free Arapahoe Libraries card is available to anyone who lives in the Arapahoe Library District

State Parks Pass

Arapahoe Libraries also loans Colorado State Parks backpack passes — place a hold in the catalog, check it out for one week, and use it at any of Colorado's 42 state parks. Includes wildlife and outdoor guides.

• Link: arapahoelibraries.org/explore-colorado

Westminster Public Library — Adventure Pass

Westminster cardholders get access to one of the most detailed library pass programs on the Front Range, covering 15 venues including recreation centers and a golf course. Passes can be booked up to 6 weeks in advance, and each pass can be used once per 365 days per venue.

Participating Attractions

How It Works

1. Go to the Adventure Pass reservation system
2. Reserve your pass (up to 6 weeks ahead)
3. You'll receive an email with a "Print Pass Now" link
4. Print or show the digital pass at the venue
5. Some venues (Clyfford Still, Museo) require an additional timed-entry reservation on the venue's website — use the promo codes listed above

Important Notes

• Each venue can only be visited once per 365 days per library card

• State Parks backpacks must be picked up in person at the library and returned to the same branch

• The state parks pass cannot be used for summer weekend/holiday entry at Eldorado Canyon State Park

• Questions: call 303-658-2604 or email wpl-intouch@westminsterco.gov

• Link: westminsterco.gov/adventurepass

Broomfield Library — Experience Pass

Broomfield Library cardholders can reserve free passes to a growing list of cultural attractions.

Participating Attractions

How It Works

1. Visit the Broomfield Library's reservation system to browse and book
2. Bring your confirmation to the venue
3. Some venues require timed-entry reservations on their own website in addition to the library pass

• Link: broomfield.org — Experience Pass

Colorado State Park Passes (Library Check-Out)

Over 100 Colorado public libraries participate in the Colorado Parks & Wildlife "Check Out a State Park" program, allowing you to borrow a state park backpack pass just like a book.

What's Included

• A vehicle day-use entry pass valid at any of Colorado's 42 state parks
• Colorado outdoor guides to wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and birds
• Activity ideas for wildlife observation and fishing basics

How It Works

1. Search your library's catalog for "state park pass," "CPW backpack," or "Check Out Colorado"
2. Place a hold (these are extremely popular — expect a wait)
3. Check out the backpack for 7 days
4. Visit as many state parks as you want during the checkout period
5. Return the backpack to the same library branch

Which Libraries Participate

Nearly every library system on the Front Range, including:

• Denver Public Library

• Arapahoe Libraries

• Westminster Public Library

• Broomfield Library

• Jefferson County Public Library

• Douglas County Libraries

• Boulder Public Library

• Poudre River Public Library District (Fort Collins)

• High Plains Library District (Greeley)

• Pikes Peak Library District (Colorado Springs)

• Link: Colorado Parks & Wildlife — Library Backpack Program

Other Front Range Library Systems

Lafayette — Museum & Experience Passes

Lafayette Public Library loans passes to local and Denver-area cultural institutions.

• Link: lafayetteco.gov — Museum Passes

Nederland Community Library — Experience Passes

Nederland's library offers experience passes covering local and Front Range attractions.

• Link: nederland.colibraries.org/experience-passes

Jefferson County Public Library

Jeffco's library system offers museum passes and state park backpacks. Check their catalog or ask at any branch.

• Link: jeffcolibrary.org

Douglas County Libraries

DCL offers cultural passes and state park backpacks. Search the catalog for "museum pass."

• Link: dcl.org

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Library Passes

1. Get cards at multiple systems. If you live near the border of two library districts, you may qualify for a card at both. This effectively doubles your free pass opportunities.
2. Book early. Popular passes (Denver Zoo, Botanic Gardens, DMNS) book up fast. Set a reminder to reserve as soon as the booking window opens.
3. Check for timed entry. Some venues (Clyfford Still, Museo de las Americas, Denver Zoo) require a separate timed-entry ticket on their website in addition to the library pass. Read your confirmation email carefully.
4. Stack with other programs. Library passes are independent of EBT discounts and SCFD Free Days. Use all three programs strategically to visit venues throughout the year.
5. State park passes have waitlists. Place a hold as early as possible — you may wait weeks, but it's worth it for a free week of park access.
6. Library cards are free to Colorado residents. Even if you never check out a book, the card pays for itself with one museum visit.

Sources:

• Denver Public Library — Museum Passes
• Arapahoe Libraries — Explore Colorado
• Westminster Public Library — Adventure Pass
• Broomfield Library — Experience Pass
• Colorado Parks & Wildlife — Library Backpack