Part 3 in our 'Save Big This Summer Series' lists cheap vacation spots from Ohio to Wyoming. The whole family will love these scenic wonders and hidden gems.
With so much to explore in the United States, there is something for everyone, from breathtaking sites to fun theme parks and enlightening museums. If you're looking for affordable or free things to do in the US state of your next holiday destination, we have some spots to add to your itinerary.
Save big this summer by reading our Part 1 and Part 2 articles on this series. There we've covered low-cost travel ideas from Alabama to North Dakota. For the remaining states from Ohio to Wyoming, keep reading!
Excite the aviation buffs in the family with a visit to the world's most significant and oldest military aviation museum. You can discover more than 360 aerospace and aircraft vehicles with free admission and parking. From historical and one-of-a-kind planes, you'll feel like you've stepped into a Top Gun set.
Ed Galloway's Totem Pole Park is a cultural landmark and home to Oklahoma's most enormous totem pole. When you visit Ed Galloway's Park, you can also wander into his Fiddle House, home to his hand-carved collection of fiddles. This folk artist's smaller and larger folk creations are dotted around the property, making for a quirky stop. Free, but donations are appreciated.
If Halloween is your family's favorite time of year, enter this gory and macabre museum and store. You'll learn the terror of spooky soundtracks, thrilling installations, frightful art, alien autopsies, haunted dollhouses, and more. For $7 per person on Tuesdays, you can feel your skin crawl at the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium! Wear your best spooky costume, and they may even let you in for free.
When vacationing, you need to take your time to stop and smell the roses. There is no better place to do it than Allentown's 2,000 acres of park grounds. The Malcolm Gross Rose Garden features gorgeous roses and other flowers. While peak bloom is typically June-July, exploring the grounds of Allentown allows for recreational opportunities and good old-fashioned fun year-round.
This little island is perfect if you're looking for a charming and peaceful escape. The locals (less than 100 year-round residences) are friendly, the beaches are beautiful and remote, and the island lends itself to meandering. Besides the fee of a ferry from Bristol, you can explore with little spending as the island is perfect for hiking, lighthouse viewing, and lazing on the beach.
Baseball fans can pay homage to the legendary player Joe Jackson at his former home in Greenville. The residence is now a museum that showcases exhibits, memorabilia, and a baseball library dedicated to the sportsman's life and career. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of his story, celebrate his undeniable talent, and appreciate his enduring impact on the sport.
This free attraction contains petrified wood, fossil, and stone pieces that are curious and unusual. A castle of petrified wood and dinosaur and mammoth bones will pique the interest of aspiring paleontologists or geologists in the family. The park also features a museum, wishing well, waterfall, and shop.
Put your dancing shoes on and head to Nashville - the Music City. Pop into juke joints and bars without paying entrance fees and explore diverse and vibrant music scenes. There is something for every music lover, from country, rock, blues, bluegrass, and more. Wherever you go in this city, you'll enjoy talented musicians and their soul-stirring melodies.
The Dallas Museum of Art is a cultural gem offering a diverse art collection spanning millennia. From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, the museum captures visitors' attention with its wide range of artistic styles and mediums. General admission is free with a ticket and includes viewing the museum's collection galleries and most exhibitions.
The Clark Planetarium is an awe-inspiring destination for space enthusiasts and kids who dream of being among the stars. With its state-of-the-art exhibits, digital dome theater, and interactive displays, the planetarium offers an immersive experience that educates and entertains.
Visiting Vermont is only complete with a visit to an authentic maple farm. Many of the maple farms offer free tasting and sugar room tours. Goodrich Maple Farm in Cabot is one of the many places that provide a unique and educational tour of their maple-making process over eight generations.
This beautiful family-owned lavender farm is a scented dreamland. You can visit their tasting room at the accompanying vineyard for beers or winetasting, sign up for a guided farm tour, or check their events page for summer concerts and unique craft classes. Their 'discovery area' is home to farm animals, a labyrinth, gardens, and a life-size checkerboard.
Costs depend on what you sign up for on the day, so check their website for activity costs. Otherwise, keep it budget-friendly by exploring the gardens and buying some lavender for DIY lavender products.
Dedicated to nutcrackers throughout history, this unique museum houses some cute, quirky, and artfully designed nutcrackers. With over 9,000 nutcrackers in one place, you'll have a newfound respect for this handy tool.
Fees are $5.00 for adults, $3.50 for seniors over 65, and $2.00 for scholars aged 6-16 — kids under 5 for free, as well as active military and their immediate family.
Prepare to be pleasantly surprised when you visit this road shop. Even if your budget doesn't permit a shopping spree, you can still immerse yourself in the art gallery experience. Enjoy the free summer concerts held in the courtyard every weekend, offering a delightful musical escape. For food enthusiasts, sign up for the affordable food demos or be among the first to savor innovative flavors crafted by skilled chefs.
From ketchup, mayonnaise, chili sauces, and mustard, we all love a good pantry staple. If your love for mustard is anything like founder Barry Levenson, you must visit this "summit of mustard love" at the Mustard Museum. There are over 6,000 mustard jars, bottles, and tubes from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. Antique mustard pots, tins, vintage advertisements, and assorted mustard memorabilia also fill the shelves and make for an unforgettable visit. You can even taste some of the mustard recipes from around the world. Admittance is free, with donations encouraged.
This nonprofit organization is passionate about spreading knowledge about astronomy to everyone. Join the Wyoming Stargazing team on clear Thursday nights for a free stargazing event where astronomy educators show visitors planets, stars, planetary nebulae, galaxies, and more! After such an enjoyable night, you'll want to make stargazing a regular family event. We have a list of stargazing apps to help you know where to look.
Make your staycation exciting by exploring your state and the ones nearby with our three-part series on free and affordable attractions in states in the US. Just confirm the opening times and additional fees (like parking) to avoid disappointment. You deserve to kick back, relax with your family and take a break from your daily stresses.
Save big this summer and enjoy more time with your family. To discover valuable travel and savings advice, check out other articles in the site. If you're interested in saving on daily expenses, provide your information in our Coupon Book Finder to see if you're eligible for coupon book offers in your area.
