More Free Family Fun in the Great Outdoors

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

30 May 2009 07:31 PM

If you get off the couch and out of the house this summer, you'll find that there are a host of exciting events just waiting for your family to enjoy. Not only will you get the chance to have fun in the sun, but all of the following family-friendly attractions are free:

MARYLAND

Ocean City is making summer fun for kids and their parents with an array of free activities, from movie nights, concerts and storytelling around a bonfire to shows and demonstrations at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Don't miss Tuesday night "Beach Olympics" where you can go head-to-head with other families during the sand castle building contest.

KENTUCKY

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in southeastern Kentucky near Corbin is opening its gates to night owls this summer. The park is running free moon viewing parties, when the moon is full (and two days before and after). If the conditions are right, a lunar rainbow, or moonbow, appears in the mist of an almost seven-story waterfall, which calls the park home. You can also visit the new astronomy center to view the night sky at any time of the month, free of charge.

LOUISIANA

If you want to spice up your summer vacation, then head to Avery Island in the marshy heart of Cajun country. That's where you will be able to smell the Capsicum frutescens, the fiery ingredient that gives Tabasco Pepper Sauce its signature kick. The tiny red pepper isn't native to the area, but it has been manufactured on the 2,600-acre private island for 141 years. Free factory tours include a short film and a look at bottling and packaging operations.

NEW YORK

Britain's Prince Harry played polo there this weekend, and now you can visit too for free. I'm referring to Governors Island, which is located a half-mile off the southern tip of Manhattan in New York Harbor. It is accessible by ferry on summer weekends, and offers more than five miles of car-free biking.

Related Articles:

Educational Summer Fun on the Road

Super Summer Fun for Kids

Edible Sand Castle and Other Summer Fun for Kids

Serious Summer Fun

Fun and Affordable Family Activities

Ways to Have Fun on a Budget

Family Fun for Less

Saving Money on Summer Fun

How to Have Fun Without Breaking the Bank

New Fun Family-Friendly Attractions at Disney World

How to Have Even More Fun at Disneyland and Disney World

Traveling With Children-Learn From My Mistakes

Flying with Children: Layover or Not?

Tips To Remember When Traveling With Children

Flying With An Infant

Avoiding A Bumpy Flight

Even More Tips To Remember When You Travel With Kids

More Tips To Remember When You Travel With Kids

Traveling With Young Children: More Dos and Don'ts

Traveling With Young Children: Dos and Don'ts

In Flight Diaper Changing Etiquette

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.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger