With 300 days of sunshine annually, Denver is a year-round destination that promises blue skies for your family vacation. Dozens of Denver adventures await families for free!
HIke Denver's inspiring Red Rocks Park and Ampitheatre — Photo courtesy of VISIT DENVER
Kick off your family getaway by getting behind the scenes at the U.S. Mint. Located at Denver Bronco’s Sports Authority Stadium, a tour of the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame honors sports legends. Other fun freebies include a tour of the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol Building and hiking the inspiring heights of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, one of the most iconic music venues in the States.
Historic Re-enactors Show the Story of the "Fighting Quakers" — Photo courtesy of R. Kennedy for the GPTMC
Though Quakers are known for their pacifism, a group of patriotic Colonial Quakers believed so strongly in taking up arms to defend their fledgling nation that they formed their own sect that met in the Free Quaker Meeting House in Philadelphia’s Historic District. Sit in the pews and listen in as these “Fighting Quakers” spiritedly argue their controversial views through the portrayals of historic re-enactors. The free scenes occur regularly on most afternoons.
South Padre Island — Photo courtesy of longhorndave
South Padre Island, on the gulf of Texas, is a popular destination for spring breakers, but it certainly holds appeal for families as well. Its largely undeveloped 110 miles of beaches provide spacious fun on the dunes, and plenty of water activities, from parasailing to dolphin watching. Pay a small admission fee to take the kids up to the top of the Port Isabel Lighthouse for an incredible view and a little history lesson. For a fun shopping experience, the kids will love the shark mouth entrance of the nearby Third Coast Beach Company, where you can find souvenir t-shirts and water toys. For a splurge, check out the Schlitterbahn Beach Water Park for more thrills; surf the Boogie Bahn or just enjoy floating in a tube down the Rio Aventura.
