Today's guest is Dana Freeman, editorial director of Find & Go Seek, an insider's guide to kid-friendly fun in the Champlain Valley of Vermont. Here she shares five fabulous free things to do with kids in and around Burlington, Vermont. 

Maple Open House at Shelburne Farms: Shelburne Farms is a dairy farm and nonprofit education center on the shores of Lake Champlain in nearby Shelburne, Vermont. Throughout the year, the farm hosts many free and nearly-free family activities and events. One of the best takes place at the end of every March, when Shelburne Farms hosts a Sugar-on-Snow event that is free and open to the public.  Park your car at the barn and hike up the hill behind it. There, set back in the woods, you'll find a steaming sugar house. Inside you'll learn how the sap turns into syrup. Outside you can sample sugar-on-snow —hot maple syrup drizzled on snow and served with the traditional side of pickles! Then continue on a scavenger hunt along the wooded trails to find "tree cookies" which kids can collect and trade in at the barn for maple candies. Should you get cold while you are hunting, there is an outdoor campfire to warm up your hands. This is a great way to spend the morning sampling Vermont's tasty treats and getting a little exercise too. (Maple Open House dates: 9:30am-2pm, March 27-28, 2010)

Island Line Trail: This spectacular 12-mile walking-and-biking path is absolutely the best in all of Northern Vermont. It is so unique, beginning with a paved section that skirts Burlington's waterfront and ending with a packed gravel stretch that juts out on the Colchester Causeway three miles into the middle of the lake. You actually get the feeling that you are walking on water. Along the way there are public beaches and scenic views that take in all of the natural beauty of Vermont, with the lake and mountains surrounding you.  Because the trail is so flat, kids of all ages can bike or walk it with ease and small ones can be pushed in a jogging stroller. There is not much shade, if any at all, so remember your sunscreen, as well as snacks and water. (In downtown Burlington, take Main Street west toward the waterfront. Follow the road past Battery Street as it curves to the right, then turn left on College Street. To go straight to the Colchester Causeway, take Route 127 north and turn left onto Porter's Point Road. Turn left onto Colchester Point Road. Airport Park will be on the right, with parking and trail access.)

Bristol Falls Swimming Hole: In the summer, there is nothing better than a Vermont swimming hole.  Located alongside Lincoln Road with convenient parking, Bristol Falls is one of the prettiest. It starts with a waterfall that leads into a small canyon of slow moving water. Though the rocks can be slippery (water shoes are a great idea), you can swim to the far side and walk along the rock edge and actually stand right underneath the waterfall. A couple of hundred feet out, the water level is really shallow and is ideal for younger kids. There are places along the shore for picnicking and relaxing.

Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival: It's no wonder the Vermont Chamber of Commerce picks this as a top 10 summer event. Although the festival charges admission for the evening launches, the morning launches are all free. To see the balloons being blown up on the fields is truly a colorful feast for the eyes. Some of the balloonists will even let the kids go inside the balloons for a close-up look.  When all the balloons finally launch, it is a magical moment for young and old alike. (Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival dates: July 9-11, 2010)

Thursdays at the Intervale: While there are many great places to hike in Vermont, the Intervale is just superb. This family-friendly trail can be enjoyed all year round for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing, and it is very close to downtown Burlington. In the summertime, there is a great free program called Thursdays at the Intervale. Families gather at the Community Barn for food, live music, kids' activities, and educational programs. You can bring your own picnic dinner or buy slices of pizza from one of Vermont's favorites, American Flatbread. 

Our guest blogger today is Jody Halsted, a mom who shares family travel tips and destinations in her blog, Family Rambling. Her home base in Iowa makes it easy to explore many destinations in the Midwest. Here are five fabulous and free things to do in Kansas City, a city she visits with her family at least six times a year.

Union Station: This early 20th-century train station is incredible.  Kids love checking out the model trains in the large display outside the post office in the west wing. Next, wander into the cavernous North Waiting Room, where the Kansas City Lionel Club’s model train display is tucked off to the side.  If minature trains aren’t enough fun, follow the signs to the Freight House Bridge to view real trains outside.  At the bottom of the escalator is the Irish Heritage Museum.  Stop in; sometimes you'll find storytellers or live music.

Fountains at Crown Center: Located in downtown Kansas City, Crown Center is much more than your average mall; it's a great family destination year round. Along with kid-centric stops such as Kaleidoscope and the Hallmark Visitors Center, this giant mall is home to the city's largest fountain, whose 97 water jets and shooters make for splashy fun all summer long. Try to catch one of the free dancing water shows, in which the fountain is synchronized to music played by members of the Kansas City Symphony. Also in summer, “Free Friday Night Flicks”  is a series of family-friendly movies shown on an immense screen outdoors throughout July and August.  Bring your own chairs. 

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: This museum's 22-acre outdoor sculpture park is an easy, fun way to expose young children to art.  Huge shuttlecocks—better known as “birdies” in badminton—are scattered around the grounds as if playful giants couldn’t be bothered to pick them up. You can go inside the museum for free, too. Exhibits include Egyptian, Roman, and American Indian art, and even a Chinese Temple.

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead: Over the river and just across the state line in Overland, Kansas, this living history museum and 12-acre working farm is all about hands-on fun for kids. Kids can bottle-feed goats, milk a cow, go on a horse-drawn wagon ride, visit an Indian house, and see what learning was like in a one-room schoolhouse a century ago. For little ones, there are three play areas and pedal tractors to ride. (Open April-October. Admission is free Monday-Thursday and $2/person on weekends.)

Fountains at Country Club Plaza: Kansas City is has more fountains than any city in the United States, and the most incredible is the JC Nichols Memorial Fountain, which adorns a park that's just perfect for a picnic or game of Frisbee. Wandering through Country Club Plaza, your kids can spy many magical beings in the fountains, including mermaids, Neptune, and cherubs. Our family favorite is the Boy and Frog fountain.

As part of our continuing "Land of the Free" series of guest posts, we're happy to welcome Sarah V., a mom and military wife who blogs about her family's adventures in Wandering Off. Here she shares five free things to do with kids in her hometown of San Antonio, adding, "We love this city, and these spots are both free and fun!" 

Japanese Tea Garden at Brackenridge Park: This a pleasant surprise for those who expect this part of Texas to look dry and desert-like. Instead, what you find is lush and peaceful.  The lily pond, which is filled with colorful fish, is entertaining for kids of all ages. Little ones will also enjoy walking over the stone bridges and climbing the stairs to the pavilion area, which overlooks the garden.  After exploring the garden, check out the rest of Brackenridge Park.  You’ll find tall shade trees, old stone bridges, and lots of friendly ducks and geese hanging out in the San Antonio River.

San Antonio River Walk: Located below street level, the winding walkways hug the river, making it a peaceful place even when crowded.  This is a great place for peoplewatching, plus there are lots of kid-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating.  One piece of advice for those travelling with small children: consider using a stroller.  Many areas of the river walk don’t have a guardrail, and it would be very easy for a distracted little one to fall into the river.

The Alamo: No visit to San Antonio is complete without a visit to the Alamo, the old Spanish mission where the Battle of the Alamo was fought. Although lines can be long during the summer, the pedestrianized road in front of the building offers plenty of open space for children to play while you wait.  Also, there’s an ice cream shop right across the street.  Enjoy a nice evening out with the kids: eat your ice cream in front of the Alamo and see what the building looks like when it’s all lit up. (The Alamo is closed at night, so this is a great option if you’ve already spent time inside or want to skip the long lines and simply enjoy the building’s exterior.)

Orsinger County Park: This park has it all: swings, climbing structures with bridges and slides, a large sandbox—and one other important factor, especially if you’re visiting San Antonio in summer—lots of shade! You’ll also find picnic tables, restroom facilities, and a walking trail.

Cibolo Nature Center: Plan a daytrip to nearby Boerne, located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, 30 miles northwest of San Antonio. After the big city excitement of San Antonio, this is a great place to explore the Texas wilderness.  The nature center includes a variety of landscapes from forested land to prairies to marshes.  This is a great learning experience for older children, and younger kids will love all of the open space in which to roam.

Our guest today is Amy Q, a working mom of two active kids who love to travel. She shares her family's wanderings on The Q Family Adventures Travel Blog and her hometown discoveries on Atlanta With Kid. Here are five of her favorite free things to do with kids in the Big Peach.

Centennial Olympic Park: This is one of our favorite spots in downtown Atlanta. It’s has a great playground for kids big and small, and several pavilions for family picnics or parties. The main feature is the Fountain of Rings. Bring your kids' swimsuits and let them run wild. Also don’t forget to check out the calendar for fun events through out the year.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site: A visit here is a great way to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You can take a tour of the birth home of Dr. King with a park ranger guide, tour the Freedom Hall complex, and check out the visitor center to learn more about his story and accomplishments. The Peace Plaza is a beautiful place to take a break. Kids 9 to 12 who complete a set of activities and agree to live by Dr. King's Six Principles of Nonviolence can earn a Junior Ranger patch.

Children's Soft Play Area, North Point Mall: When the weather is bad, bring little kids (under 42 inches tall) for a break in an indoor soft play area at one of the shopping malls around town. One of my favorites is the soft play area in North Point Mall, which is also home to an American Girl Store. Park near Dillard's; the play area is nearby in the West Court.

Greenway Trails: Atlanta has an extensive greenway trail system that offers plenty of choices for a family outing. A greenway trail is for non-motorized walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. A few notable options include the Silver Comet Trail in Cobb county, Alpharetta Big Creek Greenway in North Fulton county, and the new Forsyth County Big Creek Greenway. Bring your stroller, wear your walking shoes, and enjoy a beautiful day at these nature trails. 

Piedmont Park: This family favorite in-town park offers activities for the whole family, from bike trails to playgrounds to a dog park for four-legged family members. There are also events scheduled throughout the year, including a fun farmer's market, seasonal events like pumpkin decorating, and a free historic park tour. On a hot summer day, bring your swimsuits and for a small fee you can cool off in the public swimming pool (open 11am-7pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day). 

More Atlanta with Kids
Land of the Free: 5 fab freebies in Atlanta

Suzannah DiMarzio is a Disney-obsessed mom of three who writes frequently about pixie dust in her blog, ZannaLand. Here are five of her favorite free things to do with kids in her hometown of Tampa:

Manatee Viewing Center: I was so excited to discover this gem, located at Tampa Electric's Big Bend Power Station. It's no longer necessary to trek to Sea World or Epcot to view Florida's majestic mascots-of-the-sea. Manatees only appear when water temperatures drop below 68º, so the viewing center is open from November 1 to April 15, 10am to 5pm (closed some holidays). The site also features a tidal walkway where you can view native Floridan birds and plants, butterfly gardens, and more. 

The Art Spot: This free drop-in art program for children takes place at the Tampa Museum of Art every Saturday from 10am until 2pm. No registration is required. Children tour the galleries before taking part in a different self-guided activity each week in the museum's classroom.

Sunbird Seabird Sanctuary: At any given time, guests can see more than 600 wild birds in the sanctuary, which operates as the largest non-profit wild bird hospital center in the state. Located directly on Gulf Beach in nearby Indian Shores, it is open 365 days a year from 9am until sunset and is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Free guided tours are offered Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm. 

Creative Arts Theatre: The city's resident professional children's theater company performs at local libraries and recreational sites throughout Tampa, giving engaging puppet shows that are usually based on classic children's literature. The performers range from hand-puppets to 9-foot body puppets and live actors, with original music and dance and a repertoire of over 125 different stories. More than one million children and their families have enjoyed seeing the ensemble bring stories to life.

Sunsets at Pier 60: Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, and Tampa Bay has more than its fair share. For my family, Clearwater Beach is a standout for its kid-friendly atmosphere. Along its three miles of white sand, families will find plentiful amenities, such as beach showers, restrooms, concessions, cabanas, umbrella rentals, metered parking, and a low-cost trolley that shuttles visitors to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and other stops. Come in the evening for Sunsets at Pier 60, a free nightly family event which features free live entertainment, street performers, and artisans.

Our guest blogger is Amy Mascott, a mom of three with a passion for literacy and education. Her blog, Teach Mama, explains how Amy weaves learning into each day with her kids. Here are five of her favorite free things to do with kids in Washington DC:

National Zoo: This zoo seriously rocks. From the barnyard friends in the Kids’ Farm to the exotic snakes and birds of the Amazon in the Bird House, the National Zoo is tops for us. We usually pack a lunch and make a day of it. Even if it’s warm, there are more than enough spots to cool off and recharge. The silly prairie dogs, Giant Pandas, and Great Apes and Cats are on our must-see list. 

National Museum of Natural History: We love this museum because it not only holds a gazillion awesome exhibits (think huge whale, dinosaur bones, Dorothy’s ruby red slippers, and the Hope Diamond), but the Discovery Room for children is incredible. There, children of all ages can examine objects under microscopes and open dozens of drawers at their own eye-level that hold tons of cool artifacts. Kids can also pick up different shells and compare textures, and they can try on costumes from around the world.

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse: One of the District’s most beloved and popular bookstores, Politics & Prose hosts tons of free events each month.  We’ve met some of our favorite authors here, and we often check the site’s calendar to see who will be stopping by next. P & P also hosts one of our favorite story times; every Monday at 10:30am, a group of locals gather to listen to an enthusiastic reading of a favorite children’s book. We learn songs and meet new friends, and I get to enjoy a good cup of java while someone else reads to my kids.

The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage: Every day at 6pm, the Kennedy Center hosts a free performance on one of the Millennium Stages. No tickets are required, but spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. From the Kennedy Center Orchestra or the wonderful Imagination Stage performing a play or musical to funky bands or a solo artist, you name it, it’s a possibility on the Millennium Stage. For us, it’s a treat to catch a show here, and who can beat the price?

United States Botanic Garden: We'ved loved each and every trip we’ve taken to the Botanic Gardens, and especially look forward to the holiday train exhibit. This awesome conservatory is entirely free and has rotating shows, festivals, and lectures.  Every time we go, we leave feeling totally refreshed.  There is plenty of room for little feet (and strollers) to move, and we always learn something new. There are even free programs for preschoolers each season; little ones can learn about a specific plant and listen to a story, do an activity, or take a walk through the gardens. 

More Washington DC with kids:
Insider Guide: Washington DC with Kids

Due to popular demand, we're relaunching our "Land of the Free" series of fun, fantastic, and free activities to do with kids around the US and Canada. Today our guest blogger is Candice Broom, a mom of two young boys who writes about her peripatetic globe-trotting in the Mom Most Traveled blog. Here are five of Candice's favorite things to do with her kids in her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. None of them come with a pricetag:

Birmingham Botanical Gardens: Birmingham’s largest living museum contains over 10,000 living plants and some fun outdoor sculptures to explore. Of the more than two dozen unique gardens, my personal favorite is the Japanese Gardens, which bring an authentic taste of the Far East with a traditionally crafted tea house.

Public Libraries: Many of the Birmingham area's libraries have fantastic children's areas. Our favorites are in the Vestavia Hills Public Library and the Homewood Public Library. Both have lots of children’s events throughout the week. Vestavia has a great collection of puppets and wooden toys for children to enjoy in the library. Homewood has kid-friendly computers and a small menagerie of animals to watch.

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center: Located just minutes from downtown Birmingham, this unique 1,000-acre park is designated to give city kids the opportunity to get hands-on experience tending to native plants and wildlife. There are plentiful hiking trails for kids to work up a sweat while developing an appreciation for the natural world. Children can view animals in their native wetlands and woodlands habitats, while a bird-viewing nook provides a living classroom for visitors. I went on a school field trip to Ruffner Mountain when I was a child, and I still remember hiking the trails and learning about rehabilitating injured birds.

Birmingham Museum of Art: General admission is free for this museum that houses over 24,000 works of art highlighting different cultures, including Native American, folk art, and one of the largest collections of Asian art in the Southeast.

Gardendale Splash Pad: There are lots of great playgrounds in Birmingham, but the newest and most exciting is this free cooling-off zone at Celebration Park in nearby Gardendale. All summer long, kids of all ages can beat the heat in their swimmies, thanks to a colorful array of water guns, fountains, sprinklers, and tipping buckets. Parents can stay dry or join in the fun as well. (Open Tuesday-Sun, May 1 - Oct 15)

Today our guest blogger is Cooper Munroe, mother of four and co-founder of the mom networking site TheMotherhood.com. "I love Pittsburgh," she says, "and in our 250th year, as always, you can find a lot to do here with your family that is doesn't cost anything." Here are five of her favorite free things to do with kids in Steel City:

Three Rivers Heritage Trail: This great walking-and-biking trail winds around the three rivers that frame our city: the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela. You get a great, up-close look at Pittsburgh’s “Point,” where the three rivers converge, as well as views of the city's skyline and our sports stadiums. 

Today's guest blogger is Missy W. from Gearhead Mom, a site that reviews kids' toys and gear. Here are five of her favorite free things to do with kids in the San Francisco area:

Crissy Field: Sitting at the edge of The Presidio, Crissy Field began as a marsh and seasonal home of Ohlone Indians, and later hosted Spanish and Mexican ships, a Grand Prix raceway, an historic army airfield, and a Coast Guard station. Today, the shoreline provides both indoor and outdoor amenities, including a well-groomed promenade trail, beaches, picnic tables, tidal marsh overlooks, and a renowned windsurfing site, as well as cafés, bookstores, and an environmental education center. Our 3-year-old daughter can spend hours watching the windsurfers, run along the sand amidst all the local dogs, or roll down the hill at the mini amphitheatre near the Warming Hut. It’s always chilly and windy here, so pack layers. Free parking is a piece of cake, right behind the Warming Hut. You can walk along the pier and watch people fishing before picnicking along the shore. The recent renovation of Crissy Field is beautiful. It’s a showstopper, all that nature.

Sea Lions at Pier 39:  When we have visitors, Pier 39 is the bane of my existence. It’s hokey, it’s cheesy, it has a fake earthquake zone. But it also has one of the coolest free attractions in town: hundreds and hundreds of loud, barky, pushy sea lions. After the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989,  the sea lions migrated from their previous home at Seal Rock to the docks at Pier 39. Lucky us! You can stand mere feet from them and watch as they fight for primo space on the docks, sun themselves, or take a dip. Man, they are loud. Staff from the Marine Mammal Center’s kiosk, located next to the sea lions, are happy to inform visitors about the animals. Each weekend, weather permitting, the center provides volunteer docents at K-Dock who explain sea lion behaviors and answer visitors’ questions. As frightening a tourist trap as it is, Pier 39 is one of our favorite weekend destinations. Like Crissy Field, the weather can be mercurial. We always have a few sweatshirts tucked into the stroller. Parking is tough (and usually not free), but you can always park in neighboring North Beach and walk over if you are committed to a fully free outing.

Lombard Street: The other day we took Sy to Crissy Field and promised her we’d drive down the illustrious Lombard Street Hill, a.k.a. "the crookedest street in the world," on the way home. As we twisted and turned down the hill (at a heartstopping speed of 7 m.p.h.), Sy started squealing and shouting about how we were on our very own rollercoaster ride. The gauntlet had been thrown. My husband threw the car into third gear and told her she aint seen nothin’ yet. We took her on her very own roller coaster ride through the hills of Russian Hill and North Beach. I’ve never heard her yell with more excitement and we weren’t even speeding. I wouldn’t suggest this if you are new to San Francisco or driving a rented stick shift, but if you are even a decent hill driver, then buckle up and enjoy the ride. Of course, the price of gas is far from free, but the reaction of your kid will be priceless. Check out our rollercoaster hills route.

Koret Children's Quarter in Golden Gate Park: When friends with kids come to visit, this park, the oldest children's playground in the country, is one of my favorite places to show off. The carrousel has been in operation since 1888 and the hill slides will have you back for more.

Little Farm: Tilden Park in nearby Berkeley is a magical place. It has a steam train, an impossibly fast merry-go-round, many acres of parkland and picnic areas and even its own little farm called, conveniently enough, Little Farm. Built in 1955, it features a variety of farm animals including cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and pigs. Several heritage breeds are preserved here, including Milking Shorthorn Cattle. Visitors are welcome to bring lettuce or celery (but nothing else) to feed the residents. The animals are well taken care of and the staff is happy to chat with you. Our little girl is a big fan of the cows. There are gorgeous trails and places to picnic within Tilden Park. You can definitely make a day of it.

More about kid-friendly San Francisco:
WeJustGotBack.com's Insider Guide to San Francisco
Travel Savvy Mom's Land of the Free: 5 fab freebies in San Francisco
Rookiemom.com's Land of the Free: 5 fab freebies in Berkeley
Jumping Monkeys' Land of the Free: 5 fab freebies in North Bay

Today we're thankful to be welcoming back Shannon Hurst Lane, a.k.a. CajunMama of the Traveling Mamas, who shares five of her favorite things to do with kids in Baton Rouge, capital of her home state of Louisiana:

LSU Campus: It's fun to climb to the top of the Indian mounds with a cardboard box and slide down the sides. I used to do this as a kid and it is a lot of fun watching my children roll or slide down the hill. Sometimes I’ll even get on a torn up box and go down with them. Later, we like to take a walk near Mike the Tiger's cage, where LSU’s mascot is housed in a multi-million-dollar living space. After a walk around campus, we top our visit off with a treat of ice cream from the LSU Dairy Store.

First Sundays: The Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers free admission to the art, children's, and planetarium galleries on the first Sunday of each month. Our family enjoys a trip downtown to LASM before walking along the levee and near the fountains. Every once in a while a riverboat passes with a calliope playing "The Entertainer."

State Capitol: This is a fantastic free spot where you can teach children the names of the US States. The steps leading to the main entrance of the Louisiana State Capitol are engraved with the names of the states in the order in which they were admitted to the Union. Built in the 1930s during the reign of Governor Huey Long, this is the tallest capitol building in the nation and from the observation deck on the 27th floor, you get a wonderful view of Baton Rouge below. The meticulously kept grounds provide ample room for rambunctious children to run around on weekends.

Live after Five: The Baton Rouge Downtown Development District hosts a number of free concerts throughout the year called "Live after Five," which celebrate the end of the work week with a Friday evening performance. Both of my kids have fun at these events, with dancing in the streets and sidewalk food.

Tony’s Seafood: This seafood store and deli is located on Plank Road in North Baton Rouge. It originally began as a fruit-and-seafood stand and has grown to be one of the major manufacturers of Louisiana-made food products. This sounds like a strange place to bring kids, but my children beg to stop in every time we pass by. They love looking at all the different types of seafood—some of it still living. They especially like to observe the catfish swimming around in the tanks. It is a busy place that offers some of the most affordable, yet authentic Louisiana cuisine. Don’t plan on eating your meal here, though, as all food is served to go. It would make a great stop for picnic provisions on the way to the levee.