The first time I flew out west and saw the Rocky Mountains in person for the first time, it was hard to express my awe! The mountains closer to the East Coast are impressive, but the scope and scale of the Rockies is difficult to put into words. For that reason, it’s a popular spot for many travelers, and because of the climate and the natural beauty all around, there are so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Best of all, there are great ways to explore this area without breaking the budget! Today I’m sharing my top 25 free things to do in Colorado Springs, several of which were shared with me by a Southern Savers reader (thanks, Tanya!).
Top 25 Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs
Explore the Garden of the Gods
This amazing outdoor experience has free admission as long as you drive yourself (there is a cost to use a shuttle). You can spend hours here taking pictures and exploring nature!
Tour the Air Force Academy
The academy is free to tour, although you may need to provide your drivers license at the gate as well as expect a trunk inspection. There may be some restrictions at times due to events, so make sure you call ahead if you want to plan a tour.
See the swans at the Broadmoor Historic Hotel
This huge hotel is free to walk around and take pictures. They even provide free valet parking! There is a beautiful lake in the back with swans, and you can’t beat the views.
Play horseshoes at Bear Creek Regional Park
In addition to a horseshoe pit, there is also a playground and fields where you can play different kinds of sports. Pack a picnic for a frugal outing!
The Chick-fil-A game cows are back! Starting today, 7/15, play the Code Moo game and race for weekly food rewards, while supplies last.
You can download the app and complete a new mission every Tuesday! Last year prizes included free nuggets, fries, drinks, and more!
Start playing today, Tuesday, July 15th!
See more freebies.
If you’re sending someone off to college, you may want to grab this deal at Walmart!
Get the Zinus Spa Sensations Green Tea Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper 1″(Twin) for $14.97 (reg. $28.98)
Other sizes are also discounted:
Full: $19.97 (reg. $33.98)
Queen: $24.97 (reg. $38.99)
King: $29.97 (reg. $44)
Join me in just a few minutes for our weekly Monday Night Q&A session, starting at 8:30 pm.
It’s officially time for Back to School sales! I know it feels like summer just started but, like Christmas, stores always want to get started as soon as they can. There are lots of ways to save and some huge deals you can get, so join in as we discuss everything back to school tonight.
Feel free to bring any other money saving questions you have too!
You can watch and ask questions right here, or head to facebook and watch/comment there. Whatever is easiest for you.
Grab this Victorinox Swiss Army Evolution 14 for $37.28 (reg. $52) at Amazon right now. This makes a great gift!
This knife is perfect for everyday use. It features a comfort grip and locking blade.
Get the deal:
Victorinox Swiss Army Evolution 14 – $37.28 (reg. $52)
See more deals at Amazon.
This gorgeous sofa is now on sale at Walmart! Get the Pioneer Woman Laurel Tufted Sofa in Cream or Jade for $547 (reg. $678)!
This velvet sofa adds warmth and texture to any room, and the high-density foam cushions provide exceptional comfort and support.
Here’s the deal:
Pioneer Woman Laurel Tufted Sofa – $547 (reg. $678)
See more deals at Walmart.
Head to Walmart to score a Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer for just $34.96! They are stunning!
There’s no code needed and the price is marked.
Get the Deal:
Drew Barrymore 3-Quart Air Fryer – $34.96 (reg. $39.96)
available in two colors at this price
This offer is good for a limited time only. Shipping is free for Walmart+ and on orders $35+.
See more deals at Walmart.
Here are some Publix meal plans ideas that are based on the sales starting on 7/16!
Look through the Publix weekly ad to see all the current deals.
Note: All images used are from the original recipe creators.
Publix Meal Plans:
photo via carlsbadcravings.com
Pork Tenderloin Medallions in Mushroom Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
- Publix – GreenWise Organic White Mushrooms, 8 oz, B1G1 at $3.69 ($1.84)
- Publix – Prairie Fresh Pork Tenderloin, 18.4 oz, $6
- Publix – Publix Idaho Russet Potatoes, 5 lb, $3.99
photo via skinnytaste.com
Chicken Tenders Parmesan
Pasta
- Publix – Publix Boneless Chicken Breast Tenderloins Skinless, $4.99 lb
- Publix – Mueller’s Pasta, 12-16 oz, B1G1 at $1.87 (93¢)
(Excluding Veggie, Noodles and Lasagna) - Publix – Prego Italian Sauce or Meat, Cheese or Alfredo, 14.5-24 oz, B1G1 at $2.92 ($1.46)
photo via ohsweetbasil.com Read More→
A great way to save on large Back to School purchases is waiting for tax free weekends. If you live in an area that is offering 2025 back to school tax free weekends make sure to mark the dates on your calendar now!
Check out the list of 2025 Back to School Tax Free weekend dates for each state.
Whether you want to shop locally in-store or online you’ll get all items tax free during the dates for your state. Sales tax will be calculated based on where your order ships.
Savings Tip: If your area is not running a tax free weekend, shop online and have items mailed to family in other states to get it tax free on their state’s weekend.
2025 Tax Free Weekends
Alabama: 7/18-7/20
Clothing ($100 or less), Computers ($750 or less)
School supplies ($50 or less), Books ($30 or less)
full details here
Arkansas: 8/2-8/3
Clothing ($100 or less), School Supplies and Textbooks
full details here
Florida: 8/1-8/31
Clothing ($100 or less), School Supplies ($50 or less)
Computers ($1500 or less)
full details here
Iowa: 8/1-8/2
Clothing & footwear ($100 or less)
full details here
Maryland: 8/10-8/16
Clothing & Footwear ($100 or less), Backpack (first $40)
full details here
Massachusetts: 8/9-8/10
First $2500 of personal property
full details here
Mississippi: 7/11-7/13 (*already over*)
Clothing, School Supplies & Footwear ($100 or less)
full details here
