Summer's here! Enjoy vacation!

 

Dear Family Travelers:

 

Raise your hand if you are ready to score a free vacation activity that will please the kids-and you!

 

The good news is that free stuff is everywhere. The other good news is that a foray to a local playground or farmer's market or outdoor concert can turn out to be the highlight of your trip. Here are five favorites I found researching my Kid's City Guide series:

 

IN DENVER : Visit the U.S. Mint and learn how money is made.

Freshly minted coins

 

IN SAN DIEGO: Enjoy a free organ concerts on Sundays at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park featuring one of the world's largest outdoor pipe organs.

 

IN LOS ANGELES: Go to the beach! Get up early and watch the surfers! Take a stroll on the Santa Monica pier where kids 12 and under get into the aquarium free. Try out the gymnastics equipment at Muscle Beach.

 

IN WASHINGTON, DC: This is one city where most of the museums are free so you can leave as soon as the kids get itchy and go play Frisbee on the National Mall. Go to a military band concert.

 

IN CHICAGO: Go to a free concert in Grant Park or Millennium Park where the kids will love playing in the water fountains. 

 

Have fun!