Beth Osborn Payer is a mom of two living in upstate New York. Accompanied by her yellow lab, Ollie, she shares her love of great ideas and parenthood through Olliebop, an optimistic blog especially for busy families. Today she shares five free things to do in her hometown, the beautiful little city of Saratoga Springs.

Mornings at Saratoga Race Course: Saratoga Springs and horse racing have gone hand in hand since 1863, making it the oldest thoroughbred race course in the country. A free morning visit to the track shines a special light on this historical venue. Drive through the main gate after 7am with a brown-bag breakfast and choose your favorite box in the clubhouse for peaceful trackside dining. Marvel at world-class thoroughbreds out for their morning run and perhaps even chat with trainers or riders near the rail. Tour the grounds, listen to the trackside announcer’s commentary, and view the rainbow of jockey silks at the ready in the silks room. A free tram ride through the private backstretch adds another perspective, departing from outside the clubhouse every 45 minutes beginning at 7:30am. Don't fret about the $10-dollar parking fee; it is returned if you exit by 10am. The Saratoga race season runs from the third week in July through Labor Day weekend (closed on Tuesdays). For many, this is the best way to enjoy the track in Saratoga—when it is peaceful and free.

Saratoga Spa State Park: This expansive and varied park embodies Saratoga Springs. Trails wind throughout the 2,200-acre property just south of the city, through pine forests and past the natural springs and geysers that drew first the Iroquois, and later the Victorians, here. In summer, the park is a relaxing venue for picnicking, exercise, and play. In winter, the fun continues with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and free ice skating. The park is also home to the historic Gideon Putnam Hotel and the renowned open-air Saratoga Performing Arts Center. A summer evening picnic on the lawn just outside the SPAC fence becomes an extra special outing, with the live sounds of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York City Ballet’s orchestra, or the hottest popular music playing free and in the background. A frequent sight is residents filling their jugs with delicious, free Saratoga spring water at one of the many mineral spring pavilions. 

Yaddo Gardens: The gardens at Yaddo, a 400-acre estate just down Union Avenue from the Race Course, are part of a creative haven where artists have retreated to do their work since 1900. Over the years, it has hosted over 6,000 artists of every discipline, including Leonard Bernstein, Truman Capote, John Cheever, Aaron Copland, Patricia Highsmith, Langston Hughes, Sylvia Plath, Philip Roth and Flannery O'Connor. The main building is private, but the rose garden and rock garden are free and open to the public daily from 8am to dusk three seasons of the year. The gardens at Yaddo have a mystical quality. The rose gardens are formal and anchored by a long rose-covered pergola, while the rock gardens are shady with a touch of zen. A pleasant respite for all ages.  

Congress Park: In the heart of downtown, a stroll through Congress Park offers plenty of historical eye candy within a small footprint. A perfect place for a picnic, the park revolves around the Canfield Casino, a former Victorian gambling venue, and surroundings that include a duck pond, mineral spring pavilions and many statues. While not free, a ride on the park's famous Victorian wooden carousel, whose horses have real horse-hair tails, is a must for little ones. (The carousel is open early May through Columbus Day and costs just 50 cents per ride.) The park hosts many free events throughout the summer, including the fantastic Shakespeare in the Park in July; a Tuesday evening concert series in August; and, for the preschool crowd, the Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Family Concerts in the Park series.

Family Events at the Tang: A vibrant liberal arts college on the northern edge of town, Skidmore College offers a wealth of free public events. One tremendous on-campus resource is the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, which not only features innovative exhibits (there is a suggested donation) but also sponsors the family-friendly Upbeat on the Roof free concert series (Friday evenings, June through early September) and Family Saturday workshops, where children ages 5 and up (with a reservation) are invited to create a hands on project to accompany museum exhibitions.

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Meg Keough is a writer and mom who blogs at Backpack to Buggy. An avid traveler now settled in New England, she lets us in on five free things to do with kids in Central Connecticut. 

Coventry Farmers' Market: On Sundays throughout the summer and fall, we head out to the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry to hang out at what New England Travel Magazine calls “Connecticut’s preeminent farmers’ market.” In addition to fresh produce, baked goods and handmade crafts, the old-fashioned outdoor market offers live music, workshops and special events throughout the market season.  The Hale Homestead gets in on the act with their own activities, including Colonial reenactments and fife and drum music.  

Noah Webster Public Library: Named after the author of the first American English dictionary and spelling textbooks used in American classrooms for generations, this West Hartford library is a fabulous, free resource for town residents and visitors alike.  The large children's section includes a playroom for toddlers through preschoolers with age-appropriate computer games, board games and lots of free programming. This is a favorite stop for us after dark, or on rainy days when we're looking for something to do. During warmer months, there are free concerts behind the library in Blue Back Square, named after Webster's spelling books. 

UConn Animal Barns: In Storrs, head over to the University of Connecticut's main campus and the School of Agriculture's barns, which are open to the public every day from 10am to 4pm. Kids love visiting the horse barn, beef and sheep barn, Cattle Resource Unit, and the Dairy Center. If you're in the mood for an inexpensive treat, the Dairy Bar sells delicious ice cream that's produced on-site with milk from the school's dairy.

Heublein Tower: In Simsbury, perched high atop Talcott Mountain, the landmark Heublein Tower overlooks the Farmington River Valley. Originally built as a summer residence by local magnate Gilbert Heublein (think A1 Steak Sauce and Smirnoff Vodka) and later owned by the Hartford Times, the estate hosted two future US Presidents (Eisenhower and Reagan) before becoming part of the Talcott Mountain State Park. A moderate 40-minute hike from the parking lot uphill to the tower rewards hikers with a spectacular view that stretches, on a clear day, as far as the Berkshire Mountains to the northwest and Long Island Sound to the south. This is a great training hike for preschoolers, as it's not too far and there is a great reward at the top of the hill. Also, it's all downhill back to the parking area.

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Erin Kirkland is a wife and mom of two young children who writes about her family's adventures in the 49th state in her blog, AKontheGO. In today's guest post, she shares five free things to do with kids in Anchorage. 

Campbell Creek Science Center: With a gazillion acres of wilderness at our back door, Anchorage residents flock in droves to hundreds of family-friendly trails just minutes from home. Campbell Creek Science Center offers 740 acres of well-maintained tracks that suit every age or ability and provides fabulous maps, loaner backpacks filled with interesting items for exploration, and knowledgeable staff who cater to a kid’s sense of adventure. Park in the center’s main lot and try connecting the Coyote and scenic Airstrip trails that skirt a small, federal air field. The tread is wide and flat, and kids love to frolic among the birch and spruce trees while parents ogle at a stunning view of the Chugach mountains. Take heed, however, as bears and moose frequent the area, so read up on critter safety before venturing out.

Alaska State Trooper Museum: Alaska has a long history with law enforcement, beginning with a cooperative effort between State Troopers and Royal Canadian Mounted Police way back when. Check out this little free museum on 5th Avenue in downtown Anchorage and immerse yourself in the world of cops and robbers, Alaska-style. The free museum boasts an interesting display of handcuffs, fire equipment, guns, and even a Hudson Hornet straight out of the "Cars" movie. Try on a sergeant’s hat, read how forensic specialists solved Alaska’s most baffling crimes, and look through enough photos of real-life busts to satisfy even the most CSI-savvy teen or ‘tween. If you have time, stop next door at the Midnight Sun Cafe and hot chocolate for the kids and a latte for yourself. Open weekdays 10 am-4pm and Saturday noon-4pm.

Eklutna Village Historic Site: For more than 10,000 years, Alaska Native people have eked out a living from a harsh and frozen landscape through with a traditional subsistence that continues to fascinate the rest of the world. Of Alaska's 25 unique tribal communities, the Eklutna can be explored at this village, 20 miles north of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway. The site is home to a cemetery, church, and small visitor center. Grave sites are marked by brightly decorated “spirit houses” designed to comfort the deceased on their journey to their ancestors. You can wander among ancient and newer houses, most carefully maintained, and wonder about the sometimes confusing blend of ancient Native spirituality and more recent Orthodox beliefs. Occasionally a priest will be on site to answer questions and lead one through the church, whose interior is beautifully adorned with gold, silver, and lace, a stark contrast to the rough-hewn exterior. The Eklutna do not openly advertise this site but welcome visitors. A stop here is a reverent, teachable moment for children of all ages. The tribe does ask for donations, but give as you are able.

Girdwood: If you're looking for an affordable daytrip, head about 45 miles south along the spectacular Seward Highway to this small but fun resort town. Girdwood hosts hordes of skiers during winter months (read: most of the year) and mountain bikers, hikers, and berry pickers the rest of the year. Alyeska Resort owns the ski hill, a swath of real estate to the south offering views of seven Alaskan glaciers from slopeside trails and oodles of fun to wander through any time of year. In the lobby, kids love to see the statues of a polar bear and other Alaskan critters and grownups enjoy hanging out in the cozy fireside lounge area just right for taking a break on a chilly Alaskan summer day. A wealth of walking paths cross the property and, if lucky, you might even spot a black bear frolicking among the berry bushes. If kids need to burn off some energy, try the beautiful community playground at the entrance to Girdwood, with a skate park and enormous wooden play structure. It is our favorite stop along the highway, and we all enjoy an opportunity to run the ya-ya’s out of our son after a long day of road tripping.

Summer in the Park: Make no mistake: Alaska thrives on tourism. With the advent of warmer weather and the annual arrival of cruise ships, Anchorage comes alive with a wealth of family-friendly events. A favorite is the thrice-weekly "Summer in the Park" series of free musical, whimsical events that feature local artists who love nothing more than to engage a pack of kids and tourists each week. Bring a picnic, a warm jacket (sometimes the wind comes up), and your singing voice to join in. We love the crowd diversity, as cruise ship passengers mingle with moms and tots and office workers on a lunch break. Concerts are held at Peratrovich Park on Fourth Avenue in downtown Anchorage, right next to the Anchorage Visitor Center.

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Today's guest blogger is AJ Wolfe from the unofficial Disney food review site The Disney Food Blog. Today she shares her favorite Disney World experiences that are possible without purchasing theme park tickets.

Enjoy a Campfire with Chip 'n' Dale: This rollicking outdoor event is the perfect place to unwind. Located at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, the evening includes a sing-a-long around the campfire (marshmallow roasting kits are available for a fee), followed by an under-the-stars screening of a kid-friendly Disney film. The campfire usually begins around 7:30pm, when Chip 'n' Dale stop by. This is one of the only places in Disney World to hang out with characters for free.

Catch a Fireworks Show: Seeing the Magic Kingdom's fireworks display is a rite of passage for Disney World guests, but you don't need to fight the crowds to catch a great view. Bring a picnic to the beach at Disney's Polynesian Resort, relax in a hammock, and catch the brilliant fireworks show from across the lake. You'll have a full, clear view of the entire show unfolding over Cinderella Castle. Parking at Disney's Polynesian Resort is free if you let the attendant know you'd like to explore the hotel.

Hunt for Hidden Mickeys: Disney's Imagineers have a fun tradition of incorporating "hidden" Mickey Mouse head silhouettes into their designs and construction, and it's a great game to hunt for them. Disney's Wilderness Lodge has a special self-guided Hidden Mickey hunt available to everyone. Just stop at the front desk and ask for the paper describing the clues for the hunt, then spend an afternoon exploring the hotel and searching for the famous mouse. While you're there, be sure to stop by Fire Rock Geyser down by Bay Lake to see it erupt on the hour. Again, parking is free at the resort.

Go on Safari: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is not only a beautiful hotel, it's also a haven for African savanna animals. Head straight through the hotel lobby outside to the Arusha savanna, where cultural guides will answer all of your questions about the giraffe, zebra, ankole cattle, kudu, and other incredible animals you'll see. Animal Kingdom Lodge also has seated and covered viewing areas throughout the hotel. Bring binoculars if you have them. Tip: Visit early morning or at dusk, when the animals are most active.

Sample Some New Tastes: Also at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, the three restaurants—Jiko, Boma, and Sanaa—offer an array of fascinating African and Indian dishes. To help folks feel comfortable with trying new tastes and flavors, the restaurants offer pre-dinner tasting tours featuring samples of their dishes. To tour Boma and Jiko, meet at the Jiko podium at 4pm; to tour Sanaa, meet at the Sanaa podium at 4pm. This might be a great way to help your picky eater open up to new possibilities.

Note: If you're entering through the Magic Kingdom Entry Booth in order to get to Magic Kingdom resorts, join the line on the right and let the attendants know that you're visiting the resorts, not the theme parks. You will not have to pay a parking fee.

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Jessica Shyba is a wife and mom of two young children who recently moved to Manhattan from the Bay Area of California. She writes about her family's acclimation to life in the Big Apple in her blog, Momma's Gone City. In today's guest post, she shares five free things to do with kids in New York City. 

Enid A. Haupt Glass Garden: Originally created as a soothing retreat for patients at NYU's Rusk Institute, the Enid A. Haupt Glass Garden is also open to the public 365 days a year and is a fantastic place for visitors to enjoy as well. For us, the garden offers a reprieve from the streets and business of the city. My kids love the calm, quiet environment and looking at the beautiful plants, most of all in the winter when it is too cold to enjoy the outdoors.  When the weather is warmer, we often prefer to spend time in the 5,500-square-foot children’s PlayGarden, which is full of trees and shrubs and offers kids many ways to learn about horticulture.

Scholastic Store: We especially like to visit this amazing SoHo bookstore on rainy days because it's a big, bright and colorful place to be, and the books are always wonderful.  Many areas of the store are geared for toddlers and preschoolers, including Clifford’s Dog House and the Creative Corner and Klutz Activity Center. Every Saturday afternoon, the store hosts a completely free and fabulous event that is different every week, from book readings to character visits to pirate ship adventures.  There’s always something happening to pique a child's interest.

Children's Museum of Manhattan: On the first Friday of every month, admission is free from 5pm to 8pm. Still, with four stories, each geared to a different age level, this museum offers an adventure that could last all day long if you want it. We will typically spend an hour on the fourth floor, which is for babies and toddlers, and another hour on the Dora the Explorer floor that is targeted to 2 to 4 year olds. There are arts and crafts, puzzles, games and all sorts of activities that keep the kids happy and interested for long periods of time. For my kids, the highlight is "driving" the bus and fire truck. We see a lot of those since moving to NYC, so it is a big treat for them.

Chelsea Market: Everyone in my family loves to explore this market (75 9th Avenue, between 15th and 16th Sts).  Posman Books is a fabulous book store with an adorable kid's section.  There is a little table where children can read and color, and all of the shelves are low enough for the little ones to find their favorite books.  We just love visiting all of the different bakeries (Eleni’s and Fat Witch Bakery) and food markets.  There’s a beautiful little water fountain in the middle of the market that my kids find fascinating, and I love the cobblestone walkway and old feel of the building. Oh, and Fat Witch Bakery will even give out free brownie samples!

Union Square Greenmarket and Playground: One of my all-time favorite things to do is go to farmer’s markets.  The Union Square Greenmarket is the best I have ever seen, with so many local farmers offering up a variety of wonderful foods.  The Greenmarket is open year-round, every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.  The kids love the apple samples and picking out flowers for the dinner table.  After we explore the food stalls, we like to visit the brand new playground.  It is beautiful and modern looking, and has separate sections for different ages of kids.  We stick to the toddler area, which has nice mats and a water-and-sand area (better in the summer), and a nice-sized climbing area for little ones.  Even in the winter, it’s nice to get outside and play a little! 

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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. 

Today's guest is Jennifer Close, a dual blogger who writes about her family's travels in Two Kids and a Map and the fun they have right in their own backyard in Pensacola with Kids. Here, she shares five of her favorite free things to do with kids in her hometown. 

Blue Angels Practice Sessions: Pensacola is home to the famous Blue Angels. During show season, which runs from March through early November, the flying squadron practices over the Naval Aviation Museum every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8:30am. You can watch these practice sessions from the viewing area behind the museum. After the Wednesday sessions, you can meet the pilots and get an autograph. Admission to the museum and many of its exhibits is free. Your little ones can play on the kiddie flight deck, an indoor play area, and everyone in the family can sit in the cockpits of the airplanes and helicopters. There is, however, a fee to watch an IMAX movie or ride the flight simulator.

Plaza de Luna at Palafox Pier: This lovely, two-acre park is right on the waterfront. It features a splash pad where kids can cool off on a hot day and a large, grassy area for playing.  Plaza de Luna affords a beautiful view of the water, and there are always lots of birds and fishermen to watch. During the summertime, you can catch live music at the Sunsets at the Plaza series or catch an outdoor movie at Friday Family Flicks.

Edward Ball Nature Trail: While there are nature trails all over Pensacola, this trail on the gorgeous campus of the University of West Florida is a stand-out for kids. For convenient access to the trail, park in Lot G. As you stroll along the boardwalk, your children will love keeping an eye out for turtles, birds, butterflies, rabbits, snakes, and even alligators—but don’t worry, we haven’t seen one yet!

Bands on the Beach: You can't say you've visited Pensacola if you don't spend some quality time on the sandy, white beaches of the Gulf Coast.  From early May through late September, this free outdoor concert series offers a different musical guest every Tuesday evening from 7pm-9pm. Head to the Gulfside Pavilion with a blanket or beach chairs and enjoy the atmosphere and the sunset.

T.T. Wentworth Museum: This excellent free museum is dedicated to West Florida’s heritage, but young children will likely find the main exhibits a bit dry. No worries. Take them straight to the third-floor Discovery Gallery, an interactive exhibit that teaches kids ages 4 to 8 about Pensacola’s history through hands-on, imaginary play.  Kids can explore and pretend in a ship, grocery store, Indian village, trading post, and fort.  The Discovery Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 3:30pm.

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). 

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