Free Things To Do - in Cities

Every city has a park where kids can enjoy themselves, and some of the world's best cities have outstanding parks: Central Park in New York being a prime example-- not only is it a huge outdoor area for all  to enjoy, Central Park also has many free programs for families (such as the Halloween Pumpkin Sail, left.)

And in any good-sized park, families can count on finding a play zone for kids, with climbing gear, swings, etc.

Some of the most expensive cities in the world are also the best places for just walking around, enjoying being in London, Paris, Amsterdam, or Venice (left-- not so great for strollers with its many bridges, though!)

Also good for just strolling about are the prime tourist zones in certain North American cities: for example, Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco has street performers during the day-- jugglers, clowns, magicians, and other kid-pleasers.

Many About.com Guides who cover destinations have tips about events and attractions where the cost is nil: free outdoor concerts in summer, free museums,  boat rides... See London Free Things to Do with Kids, and Free Things to Do in New York City, Paris, Barcelona, Seattle, and Los Angeles for starters. (See more "Free Things To Do" links for cities, below.)

Some of best museums in the world offer free admission. In London, for instance, the Science Museum  and nearby Natural History Museum (both great for kids) are free, as is the British Museum and other must-see institutions; in Paris, the Louvre is free for visitors under the age of 18, and some Paris Museums are free, period. In New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has "recommended" prices, but  any donation will get you through the doors. Many more museums are free on a certain day of the month.

If you time your visit to a city right -- and it's the right city-- your family might catch a terrific parade. St. Patrick's Day, for instance, is a day of major parades in many towns: New York City, DC, Boston, Savannah, Phoenix... (Surprised you, huh?) Everybody's welcome, and "Everybody's Irish", on March 17.

In the US, the Fourth of July is, of course, the definitive annual fireworks event. But many festivals around the world end the day with a fireworks display that's free for all to see.

San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Vancouver, and Honolulu are just some of the cities that host colorful Chinese New Year celebrations: with parades, Lion Dances, Lantern Festivals, dragon boat races... many free events to watch. Dates change every year, but generally range from late January to mid-February.

A fun and free family activity during the Holiday Season is to stroll along a city sidewalk beside a big department store, looking at decorated Christmas windows: tableaux of elves in Santa's Workshop, with moving parts; traditional Victorian Christmas scenes; or maybe a humorous Santa Claus.

Many towns big and small have a special Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony to start the holiday season, either late in November or in early December. And some places go all out: if you're visiting NYC, DC, Boston, or Chicago on the right date, be sure to take your kids to watch the Christmas Tree light-up. These fun free events are perfect for families, and probably Santa will put in an appearance too.