More Free Family Fun from Coast-to-Coast

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

16 May 2009 10:24 PM

Why spend thousands of dollars on a summer getaway to some far-off locale when you can have a blast in the good ol' U.S.A. for free?

Check out these sizzling hot summer attractions for families that don't cost a penny to visit:

ALABAMA

During the month of June local Alabama dignitaries will be leading walking tours of the state's historic districts for free. The 60-minute tours weave through 30-plus communities and highlight local landmarks. In addition, the local luminaries share their own memories of growing up in sweet home Alabama.

ALASKA

The 49th state is sparkling this summer thanks to a new addition to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. A portion of the Rapuzzi Collection, which includes an estimated 450,000 historical objects from the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, is on display at the park's visitor center and museum. Admission is free, as are ranger-led walks through town.

CONNECTICUT

From June 13-17, the city of New Haven (home to Yale University) is hosting the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. The free event features hundreds of performances and forums on everything from civil liberties to Slavic Soul, mixed with a blend of "fiery Balkan brass and hip-grinding American soul."

DELAWARE

You don't need to drain your wallet when visiting Delaware this summer. If you are looking for free family fun head to the Dover Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base. The building is dedicated to airlift and air refueling history and features a variety of artifacts and vintage aircrafts, including a C-47A that flew during the 1944 D-Day invasion. In addition, future pilots will have a field day taking the controls of a free flight simulator.

IDAHO

Beginning May 30, your family can tour the Ketchum Ski & Heritage Museum for free. The multi-acre attraction includes a building dedicated to ski history in Sun Valley, including ski fashion and a display on Gretchen Fraser, the first American skier to win an Olympic gold medal. In addition, there is another building, which houses an exhibit on Ernest Hemingway, a frequent valley visitor who called the area home from 1958 until his suicide in 1961.

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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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