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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.
More Saratoga Springs with Kids:
Readers' Photos: Saratoga Springs with Kids
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.
Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History: This New Haven museum is home to Yale University's collection of 11 million natural specimens, from crystals and minerals to animal dioramas. But the real thrills lie the Great Hall of Dinosaurs, built to accommodate the trove of 19th-century paleontologist O.C. Marsh. Kids can ogle pristine mounted skeletons (including a stegosaurus and apatosaurus), check out a triceratops skull, and wonder at the enormous murals depicting the Age of Reptiles and the Age of Mammals. Free admission is offered on Thursday afternoons
from 2pm to 5pm from September to June.
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.
More Connecticut with Kids:
Readers' Photos: Connecticut with Kids
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.
More Alaska with Kids:
Readers' Photos: Alaska with Kids
Great American Drives: Seward Highway
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.
More Disney World with Kids:
Land of the Free: 5 fab freebies at Disney World
Disney World on the Cheap
Disney Day Planner
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!
More New York City with Kids:
Land of the Free: 5 fab freebies in New York City
Land of the Free: 5 more fab freebies in New York City
Insider Guide to New York City
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).
More Atlanta with Kids
Land of the Free: 5 fab freebies in Atlanta
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