7 Fun Family Outings That Don't Cost a Dime

There's nothing a kid likes better than exploring — spelunking for dust bunnies under the bed or scaling the sofa in search of, well, anything. And now that your little one's walking, it's time to give him a bigger world to discover by lining up a few fun family outings that are tailor-made for the little ones in your life. Luckily, setting off on an adventure with your 1- or 2-year-old in tow doesn't have to break the bank. Children, with their keen powers of observation and endless curiosity ("Wha dat?"), can pick up plenty from places that don't get a second glance from grown-ups (when's the last time you got excited about riding the escalator?). So check out these family fun ideas for cheap or free activities that are sure to fascinate your little adventurer.

Workers with special hard hats. Giant, noisy machines moving impossibly heavy objects. Really, what's not to love about a construction site? Whether it's a house being built down the block or a skyscraper in progress downtown, any building site provides plenty of action, so find a safe spot away from the commotion and settle in for a while. And if it’s noisy, you might bring along a pair of earplugs for hearing protection. Give a simple play-by-play ("They're putting the roof on that building" or "They're hammering nails to make the wood stick together") and point out the equipment you can name. Can't tell a backhoe from a bulldozer? No problem — finish up this activity and begin another one of the fun family outings by making a stop at the library to find a book on construction equipment.

When you're at the library, ask for a storytime schedule. Most libraries (and many bookstores) offer a free session or two every week. Of course, you probably have a respectable collection at home, so why trek out of your way to listen to someone else read? For starters, a librarian can widen your little one's literary horizons by introducing new books. And sitting in a circle with other kids lets your little one practice his social skills. Plus, story-times often involve singing, wiggling and other energy-burning activities for kids. But don't force him to take part. If he's feeling too shy, take him to a quiet corner for some solo story-time and try again in another month or so.

Kids are usually the first ones to stop and smell the roses, so the local nursery definitely belongs on your fun family outings list. Not only does this activity give your little one a much-appreciated chance to be outside, it's perfect fodder for exploring new concepts like color ("These plants have green leaves!") and tickling your tot's senses ("Which flower smells better?" "Feel how soft this leaf is!"). Depending on the season, you can start a science-in-action experiment that's a low-budget activity by buying a few seeds (sunflowers and green beans are easy-to-grow favorites), planting them and watching them sprout. Or buy a plant and let your little one help you dig a spot for it in the yard.

Some animals do funny things, some make lots of noise and some are just as cute as your pipsqueak — all reasons why your child can spend a long time watching them. While his nose is pressed to the glass, play a few fun "finding" games, like, "Where's the doggie that's taking a nap?" or "Where's the talking bird?" Have an older tot? He can guess what food each animal eats: "Do fish like fish flakes or bananas?" "Do puppies like granola bars or doggie kibble?" The sillier your questions, the better — at least as far as your little critter's concerned.

Big things that move are inherently fascinating for tiny ones. A moving thing they can ride on? When it comes to free kid activities, this one is heaven. The next time you head to the mall, postpone your shopping plans for a few minutes and spend some time going up and down the escalators. (Be sure to hold your child's hand and do a kid-safety check for loose shoelaces or anything that might get caught.) Or catch a ride on an elevator (bonus points if it's got glass walls). Little ones love watching their point of view shift as they move, and you can narrate the journey by describing the differences between up and down, big and little, high and low. Is your little one feeling skittish? Then just watch other people ride — that's fun too.

Children love the outdoors — they can run around and be as loud and get as dirty as they want. So now might be a great time to introduce your older child to the joys of hiking. Not sure where to hit the trail? Use Trails.com to scout out a path near your neighborhood (look for kid-friendly options that are short, level and easy). When the weather's warm, there are even more opportunities for free activities. Find a path that runs near a stream where your tot can splash (with you beside him, of course) and launch stick boats. Pack a water bottle and some healthy snacks, but don't be surprised if your tot tires out after a short while. Even if he doesn't last long, you'll have a great time listening to birds, watching bugs, examining different leaves and spotting squirrels (or even more exotic wildlife).

For many kids, a firehouse combines lots of favorite interests, like big vehicles, flashing lights, uniforms and if you're lucky, a dog with spots. That's why a visit to the neighborhood station often tops the list of fun (and free) kid activities. Call ahead since some firehouses offer special programs that let children get an up-close and personal look at their trucks and fancy gear, along with a lesson in fire safety. If yours doesn't, bake some treats and see if you can arrange to drop by. And don't forget, showing your child how to say thank-you to the firefighters is just as important as getting an insider's look at a fire truck.