11 Apr

15 Frugal Places to Tour with your Kids this Summer

The kids are going to be out of school for the summer before you know it. What are you going to do with them during all of those wonderful long hours of the day? One great idea that you can try is to spend the summer taking tours of local places. You would be surprised how many interesting places there are to tour right in your own backyard. And many of these places can be toured for cheap or even for free.

Tours of places like your local TV studio or a nearby farm are a great way to spend a summer day. Often all that you need to do is to make a phone call to the manager and tell them that you’re interested in doing a tour with your kids. Many places are happy to set them up for you at no charge. It certainly doesn’t hurt to ask. Your kids will be entertained and educated at the same time and it will cost a whole lot less than summer camp!

Here is a look at 15 places to try touring with your kids this summer:

1. Artist’s studio. Take your kids to visit the working studio of a local artist. Ask around among your friends and you will probably find someone who knows an artist who would be willing to give you a tour. If you’re lucky, they might even be willing to take some time out of the day to do a little art project with the kids. Many artists appreciate the opportunity to share their unconventional job choice with children.
2. Behind-the-scenes tours at the bowling alley. Your local bowling alley may be willing to give your family a behind-the-scenes tour at no charge. The kids will be fascinated to learn how things work in the back of the bowling alley. Other similar places, such as batting cages, may offer these types of behind-the-scenes tours as well.
3. Courthouses. Take a tour of your local courthouse with your kids this summer. The cool air inside of these buildings provides a nice retreat from the summer sun. While you’re there, the kids can learn all about the legal system and the way that it works in your area.
4. Fire station. What kid doesn’t want to be a firefighter at one point or another in their little lives? That’s why it’s so exciting for them to get the chance to go meet real live firefighters and to see what their station houses look like. Many fire stations will offer tours to small groups. Get some of your kids’ friends together and go on a trip there this summer.
5. Historic mansions or homes. Your area probably has historic mansions (or at least regular historic homes). In many cases, these places may be open to the public. Sometimes the historic home has been converted into another type of building over the years. Either way, speaking to the owner may gain you entry. Learn about your area’s history and architecture at the same time.
6. Laboratories. If there is a lab in your area then it could be a great place to take your kids – especially if they are interested in science. Not all labs will allow you to take tours. Some have to deny you because of safety regulations. However there are plenty of labs that do offer tours. Check with your local university to see if they have a lab on campus that you can visit.
7. Local candy factory or chocolate factory. These places often offer cheap tours to families. This is nice because their tour process is typically already set up so getting it arranged isn’t difficult. Plus the kids love to see how their favorite treats are made! Other factories that are great to tour with kids include toy factories and automobile factories.
8. Mechanic’s shop. Speaking of automobiles, you’d be surprised how many kids get excited about the chance to tour a mechanic’s shop. These places have so many interesting tools and gadgets. Ask your local mechanic if it would be possible to bring the kids in for a tour.
9. Neighborhoods. Many cities offer walking tours of the neighborhoods near where you live. Walking tours are great because they get the family out and about in the sunshine while learning something new. You get some exercise and some education at the same time. If no guided tours are available, research your area yourself and set up your own walking tour.
10. Open houses. Take a tour of the local open houses in your area. This is a great opportunity to teach kids what to look for in a home. It’s also a great excuse to visit some of the more posh homes where you live.
11. Ranch or farm. Ranches and farms are terrific places for children to spend a day. These places are often very welcoming to kids and will allow them to get in there and get their hands dirty with some fun work. What if you live in an urban area? Urban farms and community gardens are cropping up all over the place and these spots are also great for tours.
12. Recycling facility. If there is a recycling facility in your area then it’s definitely worth a shot to see if you can take a tour here. Teach your kids about the benefits of recycling while checking out the amazing machinery that these places employ.
13. Small airports. Regulations differ from place to place but some of the smaller non-commercial airports in your area may be open to allowing you to come in for a tour. Kids usually get excited about airplanes so this one is a lot of fun!
14. TV or radio stations. If you have a public access station in your area then you can almost certainly bet that they’d be happy to give you a tour. Even bigger stations are sometimes open to tours. They’ll let the kids check out the cameras, radio equipment and other technology. You may even get to see a show being recorded.
15. Your local newspaper. The newspaper in your local area is another great place to get a day tour. You can learn all about how the news is discovered and reported on. If the bigger papers in your area won’t allow you a tour, check with smaller weekly newspapers or even the local college newspaper.

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