Cheap Checklist
Grab a friend and head to Starbucks through Aug. 7. Between 2 and 5 p.m., the ubiquitous coffee café is offering a buy-one-get-one free macchiato — any size, hot or iced. Sip one of its new macchiatos on the menu, iced cinnamon almond milk or coconut milk mocha. However, the discount applies to all macchiatos. starbucks.com/promo/meet-for-macchiatos
BOTTLE SERVICE
Firefighters can always use more water. In this case, it’s not to fight fire, but to help those in need. On Aug. 5, Firehouse Subs is collecting bottled water, as part of its H2O For Heroes campaign. Customers who bring in an unopened case of bottled water (24pack) for donation will receive a free medium sub sandwich. Limit one sub per person, even if you donate more than one case. All of the water will be donated to local fire departments for distribution. The sub shop is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.
MUG SHOT
All good deals float to
Ethe top, especially during National Root Beer Float Day. On Aug. 6, A&W Restaurants are serving up a free small root beer float. New this year, the freebie is available all day, but requires the additional purchase of any item on the menu. Frugal families may want to treat the deal as a buy-one-get-one free — pay for one float, get the second free. The classic treat is served in a frosty mug filled with its “worldfamous” root beer and topped with vanilla soft serve. Grab a spoon and a straw to enjoy. awrestaurants.com/rootbeer
ALL ABOARD
Families are on track for an adventure back in time with this freebie. On Aug. 9, the Colorado Railroad Museum (17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden) is offering free admission from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. Rides cost extra at $4 for adults and $2 for children. Built as a replica of a 1880’s train depot, the museum houses thousands of rare photographs, artifacts and documents, highlighting the colorful history of Colorado railroads for more than 125 years. If you miss the
Estation on this one, you’re out of luck until 2018. This is the final free day for the year.
PRICE HIKE
What used to be one the best deals for senior hikers, nature lovers and history buffs is about to cost a whole lot more — $70 more, to be exact. While nature’s beauty is priceless, the National Park Service is increasing the cost of a Lifetime Senior Pass (62 and older) from $10 to $80, starting Aug. 28. If you qualify, don’t dawdle and buy your pass now. The savings are too good to pass up. Purchase at any federal recreation site in Colorado. (You can buy online, but there’s an extra $10 processing fee.) The pass is non-transferable. However, the senior pass admits the pass owner and up to three adult passengers per vehicle to any of the 118 of 417 NPS sites that have an entrance fee. Children under 16 are always admitted for free.