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Vacation Series: Part 3 - Affordable (or Free) Things To Do On Vacation
By Bloggaman | June 25, 2008
When I go on vacation we always find fun things to do and many times we look for activities that can be done affordably. For one, I have a lot of kids and I don’t want to spend $500 each time we do something. Most big cities have amusement parks, water parks, and many other activities but they often charge $30 to $60 per person to enjoy them. While we will do those on occasion we don’t usually do them all.
For example, when we went to Branson three years ago we took advantage of a Super Saver plan. Silver Dollar City, Celebration City and White Water water park had a package deal that allowed us to pay $500 for four days worth of easy entry to any park. It meant we could spend as little or as much time at any of the parks and not have to pay anything additional.
There are seven of us so when you break it down it is about $71 per person. When you spread that over four days it is less than $125 per day. Now that isn’t cheap or free but I was just giving an example that you can find some good deals. If you paid $30 per day for four days at the same parks you would spend $840 so we saved good money with that deal. They can be found anywhere if you look.
If you want to vacation inexpensively you can do it. Below is just some of the places you can go and either do it free or pay very little.
- National Parks - inexpensive yet National treasures. Below is just a few well know parks and the cost to enter each.
- Grand Canyon - $25 per private vehicle for 7 days
- Mount Rushmore - $10 for an annual pass
- Yosemite National Park - $20 per private vehicle for 7 days
- Yellowstone - $25 per private vehicle for 7 days
- Museums - there are many excellent museums that charge little to enter or are often free.
- Smithsonian Institution - most, if not all, of the Smithsonian Museums are free.
- Children’s Museums - if you have kids they will love a Children’s Museum. They are common is medium to large cities. They are also usually free or very affordable ($5 to $8 per person)
- Science Centers - most big cities have some type of Science Center. Most of them are free or very inexpensive. If you have a trip planned to a city do a search for Science Center and check the prices.
- Government Buildings - do you want to see how the Government operates? Tours are available.
- White House - yes, you can tour the White House, click here for info
- United States Capitol - visit our Congressman and Representatives, tour is free.
- United States Mint’s - tours are free in the Denver and Philadelphia Mint’s. See how our money is made. Tours are free.
- National Archives - see the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence
- Presidential Libraries - learn more about our various President’s. Located in 20 different states. Find one close to you or where you will be vacationing.
- Zoo’s - another thing that many medium to large cities have. Prices range from free to a small fee.
- Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago) - a very nice Zoo that is free.
- Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo - not free but inexpensive. $11 - Adults, Kids (3-11) $7.25
- St. Louis Zoo - free admission but a charge for some attractions.
- Miscellaneous
- Public Beaches - wherever there is water, there is likely a public beach.
- Exchanges - NY Stock Exchange, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Board of Trade
That is a sizable list of places to see that are inexpensive or free. If you like to come home from vacation and feel like you didn’t spend a fortune you can take advantage of many of the places listed above. Many of them are fun and while I was writing this I discovered some places I would really like to visit. If you have been to any of them I would love to hear what you thought about your experience.
While writing this article I came across a great site. I would recommend it. You can find a ton of free places to visit when you vacation or in your own home town. www.free-attractions.com
Topics: Travel |
