Water World goes to the dogs (literally) and more Denver-area deals starting Sept. 7

Watering hole

Pet parents can let their furry kids splash around in a big way this weekend. Water World is hosting its second annual Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day on Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Cowabunga Beach, Turtle Bay and Thunder Bay will be open for dogs to swim, splash and play. (Wally World will also be open, especially for pups under 25 pounds.) Proof of current rabies vaccination and waivers must be signed prior to entry. Owners will be wagging their “tails,” too, because admission is just $9.99 per dog, with humans getting in for free. (If you were a 2018 Splash Pass holder, the cost is only $4.99 per pooch.) Note: Attractions are not open and owners are not permitted to swim; only dogs will be allowed in the water. Don’t forget to bring lots of towels and doggie treats for the wet car ride home. waterworldcolorado.com/public/plan/DoggieDay.cfm

Benvenuto, all

Belmar (408 S. Teller St.) in Lakewood becomes Little Italy for the weekend. On Sept. 8 and 9, the shopping center hosts its 15th annual Festival Italiano starting at 10 a.m. both days. Known to attract more than 100,000 people, the family-friendly festival celebrates Italian culture with food, wine and artisan vendors. Kids can get purple feet at the grape stomp; families can enjoy performances by flag throwers (flown in from Florence, Italy); and anyone can toss a ball in the two-day open bocce tournament. Plus, culture fills the air with a full schedule of authentic Italian entertainment. Admission and parking are free. belmarcolorado.com/festival-italiano

Night at the museum

Do museums really come to life after dark? Now’s your chance to experience one of Denver’s most popular attractions after hours and find out for yourself. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science hosts one of its Free Days (more fitting, Free Nights) on Sept. 12 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free for all. The family-friendly evening includes face painting, a scavenger hunt and puppet show. Plus, kids of all ages can test their minds in themMuseum’s current exhibit, Mindbender Mansion — a quirky place full of puzzles, brainteasers and interactive challenges. (There is a charge for the VR Arcade, IMAX and planetarium.) Food and beverages (including alcohol) will be available for purchase, too. If the night doesn’t fit your schedule, they have three regular Free Days coming up: Sept. 30, Oct. 14 and Dec. 9. dmns.org

Stacked savings

It takes a village to eat lots and lots of pancakes … Village Inn, that is. All month long in September, the diner is celebrating its 60th birthday by offering all-you-can-eat pancakes for just $3.99. Reorders are served as a stack of two pancakes. The bargain pancake fest is for dine-in only; no sharing allowed. Even better, famished frugalists (with a sweet tooth) can combine the deal with the chain’s ongoing Free Pie Wednesday promo. Where else could you eat pancakes to your heart’s content and a slice of pie for under $5? The promo ends Sept. 30. villageinn.com

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. More freebies, discounts and deals at MileHighOnTheCheap.com.

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