Sizzling Hot Summer Fun for Free

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

24 May 2009 07:15 PM

I grew up in Hawaii, so the last place I want to spend the summer months is in the nation's southern states where the mercury reaches blistering hot highs. Of course, there are many people who flock to scorching hot states, such as Florida, Nevada and Georgia looking for family fun while the kids are out of school.

If you are a member of a hot-loving clan, the consider visiting the following kid-friendly attractions where having fun won't cost you a penny:

FLORIDA

Tens of thousands of "Top Gun" fans flock to Pensacola's National Naval Aviation Museum each summer for good reason. The world's largest naval aviation museum boasts 150 restored military aircraft and offers free guided museum tours, outdoor trolley rides and the chance to handle cockpit trainers of F-14 Tomcats, A-6 Intruders and more. If you have children, then consider visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday, when the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron rehearses in the skies above the museum.

GEORGIA

Baby boomers and their children will delight in touring BabyLand General Hospital. If you owned a Cabbage Patch Kid when you were younger, then you know that this is where all the magic happens. The Kids are turning 25 this year and to celebrate BabyLand General Hospital, located about 90 miles north of Atlanta, is offering free tours of the facility. About 120 million Cabbage Patch Kids have been adopted since the dolls debuted in 1983.

HAWAII

Honolulu is teeming with free attractions for visitors from gorgeous parks filled with breathtaking waterfalls to sugar-sand beaches with world-class surfing. However, if you are looking for free cultural activities, then head to the revitalized Chinatown. The area not only provides a glimpse into Oahu's diverse heritage, it's a hotbed of hip galleries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and on the first Friday of each month you can enjoy free outdoor concerts.

NEVADA

Forget about burning a hole in your wallet at the city's many casinos; instead travel to tiny Lovelock (pop. 2,381), located about 90 miles east of Reno on I-80. The town sports a charming tradition encouraging couples to place padlocks - some engraved with their names - on chains at stations behind the Pershing County Court House. You can also write your love story on the town's website for free.

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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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