cheap checklist
Health club
No membership or money required for this freebie at Sam’s Club. Resolve to be healthy on Jan. 9 from 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. with free health screenings for members and non- members alike. The “cheap” check- up is available at all locations with a pharmacy. The tests ( valued at $ 150) include the following: blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL ( good cholesterol), glucose and bodymass index ( BMI). Vision and hearing checks are also included at select stores. ( Did you know no membership is required either to have prescriptions filled at the Sam’s Club pharmacy anytime?) All tests are performed by a licensed professional. samsclub. com
Animal instincts
The animals are ready for frugal families. Bundle up and go wild at the Denver Zoo for free on Jan. 9, 21 and 31. The zoo is on “winter hours”, open daily from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. in Denver’s City Park. Grounds officially shut down at 5 p. m., so be sure you’re through the gates by 4 p. m. Be warned, parking can be its own animal, so you’re encouraged to take the bus, carpool or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, bike. For those who plan ahead, the remaining Free Days for 2016 are Feb. 1 and 18; Nov. 4, 7 and 17. denverzoo. org
Get smart
Tuition was never this cheap. The Academy For Lifelong Learning ( 8081 E. Orchard Rd. in Greenwood Village) is opening minds ( not wallets) by offering its One- Day University for free. On Jan. 13, choose from a morning sampler of four 45- minute classes. Learn about the rise of China, the environment, “Islam Then and Now” and female jazz singers. Classes run from 10 a. m. to 1 p. m., with a free light breakfast served. Parking is free, too. For more information, call 303- 770- 7086.
academyll. org Use your noodle, parents, and dine at Noodles & Company to save a few bucks. The familyfriendly restaurant is letting kids ( 10 and under) eat free on Jan. 14, 21 and 28. From 4 p. m. to 8 p. m., get a free kids meal with the purchase of any regular entrée at participating locations. The kids menu includes spaghetti & meatballs, mac & cheese, buttered noodles and grilled chicken breast, as well as a drink and two sides. The restaurant is also planning oodles of fun for the little ones during the same hours.
noodles. com
Chock- full of chocolate
If you’re a chocolate fanatic ( and who isn’t?), you know that Godiva produces some of the finest. Chocoholics can join its Godiva Chocolate Rewards Club for sweet rewards and offers. Once members have spent $ 10, they
Oodles of savings receive a free piece of chocolate every month at one of its boutiques, free standard shipping for one online order, a special birthday gift and exclusive offers every month. Plus, when they spend $ 20, members get a free gift the following month. Membership is free. Fill your sweet tooth and sign- up at one of two local Godiva Boutiques— Cherry Creek Shopping Center or Park Meadows Mall.
godiva. com/ get- rewards
Health matters
Many make New Year’s resolutions to become healthier, which largely means improving one’s diet. Finding deals at the grocery store takes a little work, but also knowing what to buy for a healthy ( or restricted) diet can be a challenge. King Soopers is making it easier for customers looking for ways to get healthy, with staff dietitians on staff. The team of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists offers free in- store events, including classes and store walk- throughs. To learn more, contact them at dietitians@ kingsoopers. com or call 303- 778- 3023. king soopers. com/ healthmatters
Every Saturday, Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez at MileHighOnTheCheap. com compile “Cheap Checklist” to help smart shoppers find freebies, discounts and deals. Send tips to info@ milehighonthecheap. com 10 to 14 days in advance.