Thousands of parks, whether city or national parks, are located all over the United States. City parks are open to the public and don't charge entrance fees. Entrance to some national parks is free, but others charge day use fees for parking for as low as $3 and charge user fees for use of the facilities. Playing sports, taking your dog for a walk, playing in the playground and jogging or walking are fun things to do in a park. Fun activities in national parks vary but may include auto touring, biking, boating, camping, rock climbing, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. Other activities are hunting, snow skiing, swimming and wildlife viewing.
As of 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists a total of 6,005 beaches in the country. Beaches are located from Maine to Hawaii and include coastal and lake beaches. Public beaches don't charge fees, though some may charge for parking. Most state beaches charge day use fees for parking and charge user fees for use of the facilities. Some of the fun things that you can do in beaches are fly a kite, make sand castles, go swimming and beachcombing, and enjoy different kinds of water sports.
You'll find 289 Bureau of Reclamation project areas that have developed recreation facilities. These include national recreation areas where you can enjoy fun activities like camping, boating, fishing, hunting, sightseeing, hiking, bird watching, photography, wind-surfing, sailing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and swimming. Some national recreation areas don't charge entrance fees, while others may charge a vehicle entrance fee of as little as $5. However, user fees are charged for the use of facilities or attending programs.
The American Association of Museums estimates that there are about 17,500 museums in the United States. You'll find different kinds of museums where you can have fun, from art to children's museums to science and history museums. Museums not only feature exhibits to look at but fun hands-on exhibits, programs and special events. According to a survey conducted by the AAM in 2006, the median cost for museum admission is $6 and over one-third charge no admission at all. You'll even find some museums that are free of charge on certain days of the week.
