Monday, July 30, 2012

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Winter Park-Fraser Valley


Those who believe nothing comes for free just haven't visited Winter Park-Fraser Valley recently. From concerts to art, fitness, nature walks and more, here are the top 10 freebies in The Valley.

1. Winter Park Play Free: Through October 31, book a minimum of two nights at any participating lodging property in the Winter Park Play Free promotion and receive $50 on a Winter Park Key Card for your choice of play.

2. Group mountain bike rides: Dallas Timms leads these intermediate rides every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. as part of the offerings of Mountain Bike Capital USATM. Meet at Totally Wired Cyclery in Fraser.

3. First Fridays Art Walk, Bike or Drive: Visit various galleries and restaurants for an evening of culture in the mountains. Aug. 3, Sept. 7 and Oct. 5.

4. Fitness in the Park: Sundays and Thursdays in Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park. Enjoy Pilates, yoga and Zumba in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. 

5. Free Concerts: Fraser Tuesday Picnic in the Park from 6-7:30 p.m. and High-Note Thursdays at Hideaway Park from 6-8 p.m. Also, check out other locations for free concerts: Cooper Creek Square, Granby Ranch and Winter Park Resort. 

6. Granby Ranch: Enjoy free chairlift rides Thursdays through Sundays during bike park hours. Also, take in the free mountain biking clinics from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays to learn the right way to negotiate obstacles, stay safe, and make the most of your riding opportunities.

7. Snow Mountain Ranch - YMCA of the Rockies: Tons of free family activities from square dancing to hawk viewing.  

8. Cooper Creek Square family fun: Activities include ice cream socials, juggling, comedy and magic stage shows, street performers, face painting and crafts & much more! 

9. Winter Park Resort: Events include Supersized Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Star Safaris after sunset on Saturdays, Coca-Cola® Family Movie Night each Friday night after sunset, and Cowgal Singalong & S'mores on Tuesdays starting at 4 p.m.

10. Fishing in the Lions Club Ponds: No license is needed for kids under 18 years of age! Inexpensive rod rentals are available across the street at the fly shop.

For more information visit www.PlayWinterPark.com.