Free Family Activities for Summer: Outdoor Day Trips for Parents with Young Children

Creative parents know that family fun doesn't have to cost a bundle. With a bit of planning and a little imagination, free family fun is just a few hours away.

Make a Minor League Excursion
Tickets to major league baseball are simply too costly for many families -- the premium seats at the new Yankee Stadium top $2,600! But the minor leagues are ideal for affordable family fun. You can even find free family fun at stadiums this year. From Charlotte to Oklahoma City, the Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest features more than 20 midway-style attractions and activities that are set up next to ballparks, including batting cages, a radar gun pitching challenge, a giant "side by side" super slide and more. Check out the Family Fun Fest schedule.

Get a Factory Tour
Across the country, small and large food and beverage manufacturers are happy to open their doors to families. These trips can be educational and yield lots of family fun. While in Pennsylvania, sign up for a free visit to Herr's Snack Factory, where you'll learn the secrets of making the perfect potato chip.

By the Sea
For families who live within driving distance of the shore, beach trips are always a good value. Public beaches offer free access. The trick is to find free parking. In Bethany Beach, Delaware, there's a 25¢ shuttle to the beach. Park at a satellite lot for free and then shuttle to the beach. Save even more money (and spend it on other family fun activities) by packing a picnic and bringing your own chairs.

Botanic Bliss
Kids adore grassy knolls, wide-open spaces and all kinds of blooms, making botanic gardens a great family fun outing. Savvy moms know to inquire about free admission days, like those offered at the Huntington Garden in Los Angeles. Its free days are open to all visitors with advanced tickets on the first Thursday of every month. That's big savings: Normal admission runs $20 per adult. While checking out admission policies, take a quick peek at calendars as well. Often gardens will have free concerts or kids' craft activities.

Zoo for Zero
Families in the St. Louis area can enjoy family fun at a world-class zoo every day of the year without spending a dime. Though there are fees for special sections of the St. Louis Zoo, you can still see plenty of animals for free. Before heading to the zoo for a day of family fun, find out about feeding schedules and the least expensive parking. Most zoos offer free or discounted rates-get on the phone or check out their Web site to time your visit for family fun accordingly. Visit the Association of Zoos & Aquariums for a list of free zoos.

Lady Liberty for Free Family Fun
New York City insiders know one of the most scenic rides in town is absolutely free. Offering inspired views of the Big Apple, the Staten Island Ferry boat ride is a must for visitors in search of free family fun. The five-mile, 25-minute ride provides a majestic view of New York Harbor including picture-perfect looks at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

To Market, To Market
Checking out the local wares of a big city can be fascinating. Seattle's Pike Place Market is one of the most notable. Built in 1907, the market is a great family fun spot to teach kids about the wonders of the sea and expose them to colorful vegetables. Local vendors even put on a bit of a free show, tossing fish onto the stands. To this day the market remains authentic and free, making it an ideal stop for family fun.