The great outdoors offers sunshine, amazing views of nature and --- best of all --- free admission. Many state parks welcome trailers and tents and have facilities including grills and bathrooms. Hiking trails through state and national parks are well maintained and can be accessed free of charge during daylight hours. Contact your local state parks department for details on parks in which you can camp and hike for free. Bring binoculars and bird watch during your trip. Borrow books on plant, bird and/or animal classification from the public library and identify different plants and animals you and your family come across on the hiking trail.
Historical and national landmarks are physical locations that are considered to have historic or national importance. The Manassas Battlefield in Manassas, Virginia and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are examples of historical landmarks and the Grand Canyon in Arizona is an example of a national landmark. These places are preserved by the government and are open for visitors unless they are temporarily closed due to renovation or other extenuating circumstances. Many historical landmarks are free to visit; all you need to do is put gas in the car and drive to them. Tourism companies and travel agencies should have detailed information on historical landmarks in your local area.
If you live near a body of water --- lake, river or ocean --- that is populated with fish and you have a fishing rod or two, bring your family to a dock or public beach and teach your children how to fish. Instead of idly passing the day sunbathing, fishing requires concentration, patience and ingenuity. Teach your children how to rise to the challenge of learning the mechanics of fishing, such as placing bait on the hook and casting the line. In addition, your children will learn patience while waiting to catch the fish. Once they do catch a fish, the sense of reward and accomplishment will make the wait worthwhile and create a lasting memory.
Many public museums have free admission some or all of the time. Museum visits are an educational way to spend an afternoon or even a full day. For example, the Travel Town Museum in Los Angeles, which features antique locomotives, steamers and trolleys from the 19th and 20th centuries, is informative and interesting for children and offers free admission. The Denver Art Museum, which has a special exhibit for children, is free on certain days on the month. Individual states have lists of their free museums.
