Freebies: Finding Fun, Free Things To Do

Free events and free admissions don't get the advertising dollars that for-profit events might, so you may have to put some effort into finding free things to do for you and your family in your community - but it can be done!

• Google (or Yahoo or AOL or MSN) the name of your city along with the word "attractions"
• as a second search, substitute the word "events" for attractions (attractions are always around (like the Alamo) but events are always changing (like the Trinity University lecture series) ...).

Here in San Antonio, I've found the following list of free things to do that are family-friendly - no money other than the gas to get there:

Brackenridge Park (feed the ducks, wander the paved paths or bike the trails, picnic, fish)

Japanese Tea Gardens (recently renovated, goldfish ponds, lush gardens, winding paths)

The Alamo (learn some history, see the artifacts)

Fort Sam Houston (discover where they kept Geronimo)

Hangar 9 - Museum of Flight Medicine (the only remaining World War I hanger - remember the Red Baron?)

La Villita (artisans at work, lots of peaceful oak and cypress trees, close to the River)

Monarch Collectibles (huge, huge collection of dolls from all over the world)

Riverwalk (sure, the restaurants aren't free but the people-watching is)

San Antonio Museum of Art (free on Tuesdays)

Witte Museum (free on Tuesdays from 3-8) (they've got the great Treehouse here)

McNay Museum of Art (free on Thursdays from 4 - 9, and free on the 1st Sunday of the month)

Barnes & Noble Storytimes (check the stores for times, usually Saturday mornings)

Borders' Storytimes (check the stores for times, usually Saturday mornings)

Blue Mondays - Blues sung at Main Plaza 11-1 through end of August

FirstFridays - ArtWalk from Blue Star Art Complex down the length of South Alamo (King William area)

SecondSaturdays - ArtWalk in Southtown - roam through six galleries, see artisans at work -- like the glassblowing demonstration today at Garcia Air Glass.

Mariachi Mass at Mission San Jose - noon on Sundays, standing room only

Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show - Riverwalk

Lecture - August 28 - Greg Mortenson, co-author of Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace One School at a Time, on the New York Times best sellers' list for 60+ weeks, will speak and then sign books as part of Trinity University's Lecture Series. Free, Laurie Auditorium.


Sources:
FreeAttractions.com
SanAntonioTourist.com
SAEvents.org