CHEAP CHECKLIST:
Bowling, hot air balloons and more
Families can make a big splash on Father’s Day. On June 17, dads get in free at Water World (8801 N. Pecos St.) in Federal Heights, when accompanied by a guest purchasing a fullprice ticket. It’s the perfect opportunity to give its new attraction Glacier Run a “swim.” With more than 50 attractions on 70-plus acres, everyone in the family, from tots to adults, will find lots of fun in the sun. The park operates daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bring your own picnic and snacks to keep the summer entertainment budget in check. Frugal families will appreciate that parking is free, too. waterworldcolorado.com
BOWLED OVER
Summer is upon us, and parents will be looking for something to do with the kids. Punch Bowl Social has an answer to the what-to-do question. From June 18 to Aug. 29, every Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., kids 15 and under bowl free for one hour on a first-come, first-served basis. Even better, the bowling shoes rental is complimentary, too. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Besides bowling, the restaurant also offers foosball, ping pong, pinball, skee ball and more for friendly competitions. The offer is available at both Denver locations — 65 Broadway and 3120 N. Uinta St. punchbowlsocial.com
HOME PLATE
It doesn’t get much tastier than enjoying a good meal out, knowing you’ll have some for later at home. Carrabba’s Italian Grill is adding layers of savings for diners. From June 20 to July 1, order Chicken Bryan, Chicken Marsala or Pollo Rosa Maria and get a free order of Lasagne to take home. The offer is for dine-in only and not valid with any other, inactivities, cluding its daily specials. There are seven locations in Colorado, with four in the Denver metro area — Aurora, Lakewood, Louisville and Westminster. carrabbas.com/offers
HOT AIR
Frederick in Flight celebrates the many forms of flight with a hot air balloon lift, Glow Party and lots of high-flying free fun sure to lift the spirits of all who attend from June 22 to 25. On the 22nd, watch about 25 hot air balloons lift off at daybreak (approximately 6 a.m.) from Centennial Park (630 8th St.) in Frederick. The next day brings another balloon lift at daybreak. At 7 a.m., take a ride in the sky on a tethered balloon ride. To keep kids occupied while they wait their turn, there will be a variety show featuring magic, juggling and balloon twisting. Then, head to the Glow Party from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with live music, food vendors, a beer/wine garden, kids a bouncy house and hot air balloons all aglow in Centennial Park. On the final day, the free event wraps up with a final balloon lift at daybreak. frederickco.gov
BAR CRAWL
A popular boozy bargain is back. This summer, The Passport Program opens up a world of 2-for-1 drinks at 68 Denver restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries. Twenty-nine are new to the program. There is also a special section featuring 2-for-1 pizza slices. Each Denver Passport is $25, with a value of more than $300 in savings. The discounts are valid through Sept. 3. Buy a booklet at Judith & Joe, Woods Boss Brewing Co., Queen City General Store, Bellwether or The Perfect Petal. You can also purchase online, but there’s an additional $3.05 in shipping. Each passport is valid for one twofer at each establishment. There are also Passports for Boulder, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. However, they’re $20 each. As you drink up the savings, don’t drink and drive. thepassportprogram.com