Free Family Fun from Coast-to-Coast

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

15 May 2009 10:50 PM

Just because the rough economy has you pinching pennies doesn't mean you can't have fun in the sun this summer. There are hundreds of free family-friendly activities waiting for you to take advantage of this season.

Take a look at just a few:

ARIZONA

Gather the clan at head out to the Sonoran Desert for a night of stargazing. The Kitt Peak National Observatory, located about 60 miles southwest of Tucson on the Tohono O'odham Reservation, is home to the world's largest collection of optical research telescopes. The observatory is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, the visitor center has self-guided walking tours and downloadable audio tours free of charge.

CALIFORNIA

If your idea of a great summer night includes cool beaches and hot music, then check out the Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach event being held from June 19-September 4, at the Santa Cruz bandstand near the boardwalk. The sizzling summer line-up includes The Fixx, Loverboy and Scandal.

COLORADO

Calling all dinosaur lovers (and their parents), the city of Morrison, located about 20 miles from Denver is a home away from home for ancient creatures such as the triceratops, allosaurus, apatosaurus and stegosaurus. The real-life Jurassic Park at Dinosaur Ridge boasts dozens of fossils and bones from the mighty monsters that roamed the planet thousands of years ago. Admission to the visitors center is free, as are the trails that lead you to the amazing artifacts.

ILLINOIS

Treat your kids to a hands-on history lesson in Springfield this summer without spending a single dime. The former home of Abraham Lincoln is celebrating the late president's 200th birthday this year with a bicentennial party to remember. Lincoln's modest two-story structure is a National Historic Site run by the National Park Service, and is free to the public. The site is packed with Lincoln attractions, including a library and the former president's onetime law office.

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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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