Family Fun That Won't Break the Bank

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

29 May 2009 07:16 PM

Taking a summer vacation with your kids doesn't have to put a major dent in your wallet. Simply take advantage of the free family-friendly events taking place across the country, and you can have fun without breaking the bank.

OKLAHOMA

If you are traveling through Oklahoma this summer, then you definitely have to make a pit stop in Bartlesville near Tulsa. That's where you will find the 19-story Frank Lloyd Wright Price Tower. It is the only skyscraper Wright ever designed, and is a building that's unlike any other in the world. The structure was inspired by a tree and contains an arts center and hotel. But you don't have to stay at the hotel to gawk at its soaring exterior. Admission to the arts center is free on the third Sunday of every month, and you can tour the gardens for free year round.

MISSISSIPPI

Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Greek revival beauty on Capital Street in Jackson, but now the city is back on its feet and showing off its historical landmarks. The building that housed the state legislature from 1839 to 1903 has been reincarnated as the Old Capitol Museum and admission is free. A tour of the building focuses on the state's early history and makes learning fun.

MONTANA

Summer is heating up in Butte as the city preps to host the National Folk Festival, which features performances and demonstrations from more than 250 musicians, dancers and craftspeople. The three-day event runs from July 10-12 and is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts and local partners.

NORTH CAROLINA

Racing fans start your engines, and head over to the Dale Trail in Kannapolis, where a 9-foot-tall, 900-pound bronze statue pays tribute to the town's favorite son, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. While there you can also tour Earnhardt's boyhood neighborhood of Car Town and stroll through race shops that welcome visitors to watch NASCAR vehicles being prepped for competition.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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