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When it comes to a fun, affordable family vacation, the Outer Banks of North Carolina have you covered. Stretching along 200 miles of the Atlantic Coast, these famous barrier islands take up nearly half of the North Carolina coastline. While vacations don’t come cheap (you do have to consider transportation, accommodations and food costs), there are plenty of ways to save money on entertainment and attractions. If “free” sounds like a reasonable price tag, then check out our recommendations for some OBX fun in the sun, coming at you at absolutely no cost.

First off, we have to suggest the beach, the #1 reason why people visit the Outer Banks in the first place. All area beaches are free entry (and offer plenty of free parking too). One great beach to visit with children and teens is Cape Hatteras National Seashore–a 72-mile stretch from Nags Head to Ocraoke Island. Or, for a quieter more relaxing beach day, check out Corolla. The beach here is ranked as “one of the top 10 undiscovered beaches on the East Coast” by USA Weekend.

While the beach definitely has that “Wow Factor” you might want to check out some of the neat historical landmarks located in the Outer Banks. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Museum are open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The beacon has been shining a light from Cape Henry to Bodie Island since 1875. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, a.k.a. America’s Lighthouse, is the tallest brick beacon in the country at 208 feet.

If you are looking for some free fun in the shade, head over to Croatan National Forest, covering 159,886 acres between Morehead City and New Bern. This park features a raging river, and miles of challenging hiking trails.

Find out more exciting free things to do in the Outer Banks. Be sure to book your own Outer Banks vacation rental, ranging from quaint beach cottages to luxury homes in the Maritime Forest.

The kind folks at the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District in Denver are sponsoring free days at museums, botanical gardens and zoos throughout the rest of the year. While some attractions do require a valid Colorado driver’s license or ID, be sure to check out the following facilities for a fun, free time!

Denver Museum of Art: Currently displaying “Cities of Splendor- A Journey Through Renaissance Italy,” the Denver Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of permanent displays, including African Art, American Indian Art, Architecture, Design and Graphics, European Art, and much more. Remaining free days for 2011 include April 24, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3 and 10, October 1, November 5 and December 3.

Denver Botanic Gardens: Spring is great time to visit the botanical gardens in Denver, with magnolias, snake’s head fritillary and crabapples in full bloom. An accredited museum by the American Association of Museums, it manages four different gardens, with hundreds of common and non-native species to view. See them for free on April 22, June 3, July 1, August 5, and November 4.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science: Be sure to be your curious mind with you to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Designed with all ages in mind, the museum features various exhibits, programs and activities explaining the natural wonders of Colorado, Earth and the Universe. Free days in 2011 include August 22 and 28, September 18 and 26, October 31, November 13 and December 5.

Denver Zoo: A visit to the Denver is simply a must for any animal lover. With 3,500 different animals, visitors can expect to see everything from rare and exotic species like amur leopards, king cobras, black rhinos, elephants, zebras, gorillas and more. Future free days in 2011 include October 12 and 20, and November 6 and 12.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts: While not technically free, the Denver Center for Performing Arts offers $10 tickets every Tuesday in 2011. Tickets go up for sale at 10 a.m., and are your front-row sea to local and traveling performances!

Austin, the so-called “Live Music Capital of the World,” is widely acclaimed for its annual events and festivals, but its oft-overshadowed museums are also well worth a visit. Austin’s diverse range of museums displays everything from local historical artifacts to world-class works of art. Check out the following free museums and free museum days so you can enjoy the city’s museums without spending a dime.

Museums That Are Always Free

The Austin History Center houses exhibits that tell Austin’s history from before its founding in 1839 to the present. Till January 31, 2011, the 5X5Y exhibit, which documents the 25 years of the SXSW festival, will be displayed at the Austin History Center.

Love Texan music? The Texas Music Museum collects and preserves artifacts, documents, and reference materials pertaining to the diverse musical traditions of Texas.

The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is dedicated to preserving Mexican American cultural arts and heritage. The center offers exhibits, classes, and events in the areas of visual art, theatre, dance, music, culinary arts, literature, and multimedia.

Museums That Are Free for Certain Age Groups

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum displays the work of 20th Century American sculptor Charles Umlauf and other contemporary sculptors. The museum has a fun, tranquil atmosphere that appeals to visitors of all ages. Admission is free for children under 6 years of age.

The Austin Museum of Art in downtown Austin offers engaging art experiences in a fun, informal atmosphere. Its exhibits and seminars are intended for a broad audience. Admission is always free for children under 12 years of age.

The Bob Bullock Texas History Museum is a dynamic museum that is home to an IMAX theater, as well as a variety of programs and exhibits that tell the fascinating story of Texas. Admission to the exhibits is free for children between the ages of 3 and 4.

Museums That Are Free on Certain Days/Times of the Week

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin features American art, Latin art, contemporary art, and European paintings, prints, and drawings. It is one of the largest university art museums in the United States and houses approximately 18,000 works. Admission to the Blanton Museum of Art is free every Thursday.

The Austin Children’s Museum features exceptional exhibits and programs that are designed to enlighten and entertain young minds. The Austin Children’s Museum is free to the public every Sunday from 4-5pm. Children 12 months of age or younger are always admitted free, and on Community Night Wednesdays from 5-8pm, admission is by donation (the suggested donation is $1).

Los Angeles might be world famous for its glitz, glamour, and star-studded sidewalks, but there’s no need to blow your budget in order to have fun in LA. Contrary to what celebrity gossip blogs would have you believe, cost-free recreation in LA isn’t limited to searching for celebrity homes in Beverly Hills or hoping you run into Jennifer Aniston at Starbucks.

LA may not be a bastion of culture like, say, New York City, but it is teeming with fascinating, world-class museums. And on certain days of the week or month, you can enjoy LA’s best museums at no charge.

The Children’s Museum in La Habra

Are you traveling to LA with children? Then you won’t want to miss the Children’s Museum in La Habra, which offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month. Even adults will have fun at this lovely little museum, which features exhibits like the Dino Dig, a sandbox with hidden bones; a kid-friendly theater where the kids can play with costumes and props; and the Family Art Center, where family members of all ages can unleash their creativity.

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Downtown LA

The Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown LA is free every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm. MOCA, as it’s known to locals, features a permanent collection with works from major art movements of the 20^th Century, including pop art and abstract expressionism. If you’re into weird, innovative, and daring art that pushes the envelope, you’ll find all that and more at MOCA. Plus, MOCA’s located near the Grand Central Market, Little Tokyo, and other popular downtown attractions, so it’s a convenient stop for travelers.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) features works that encompass the history of art from ancient times to the present. The museum features over 100,000 pieces from around the world, including an extensive collection of Latin American art. The LACMA is free on the second Tuesday of each month.

The Craft and Folk Art Museum

Explore cultures and ideas from around the world through the universal lens of art at the Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM). This small museum is one of the most overlooked institutions on so-called Museum Row, but visitors rave about its distinctive exhibits, which present art in a social and cultural context, and its affordable gift shop, which is full of colorful trinkets and treasures from around the world. The CAFAM is free on the first Wednesday of each month.

The National History Museum

The Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, downtown LA, is a fascinating museum that protects over 35 million specimens dating back 4.5 billion years. The museum’s Discovery Center features fun, interactive kiosks where you can dig up fossils, touch minerals and furs, and investigate specimens with magnifying glasses and telescopes. Among the museum’s permanent collection are Dinosaur Galleries, an Insect Zoo, and a Gem and Mineral Hall.

Tracking down free museum days in New Orleans is no easy task, but Best Travel Deals has successfully completed the challenge. While some institutions, like the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Louisiana Children’s Museum feature clear days when everyone is admitted for free, other places are  prone to allowing only certain individuals in at no cost (such as state residents and military vets). So when you’re looking for a cultural adventure in New Orleans, keep these free museum days in mind, and pass along the info to any of your friends and family who might benefit as well!

The New Orleans Museum of Art, located in City Park, offers Free Wednesdays (thanks to the Helis foundation). NOMA is the city’s oldest fine arts institution, housing an impressive permanent collection of more than 40,000 objects. Visitors are always blown away by the museum’s eclectic displays of French and American artwork, as well as their photography, glass, African and Japanese collections. While the museum regularly charges $10 admission for adults (with the exception on Wednesdays), entry into the five-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is always free. There is never a charge for children under 6.

The Louisiana Children’s Museum features Free Sundays every third Sunday of the month, courtesy of Target. Bring your curious tikes to explore and experience 30,000 square feet of hands-on fun, including interactive exhibits and engaging programs for all ages. The possibilities are endless at the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Come and pilot a towboat down the Mississippi, stand inside a giant bubble, trap your shadow and much more.  A trip to this museum isn’t just fun, it’s educational, too.

Listen up Louisiana residents! The Ogden Museum of Southern Art at the University of New Orleans offers free admission every Thursday when you present a valid Louisiana State I.D.  Explore any or all of the museum’s seven extensive collections. The museum’s Permanent Collection includes Southern artwork from Washington DC and 15 Southern states spanning the 18th-21st centuries. Paintings, prints, watercolors, photographs, ceramics, sculpture and design are all featured in the Permanent Collection.

Renowned historian, Dr. Stephen Ambrose founded The National World War II Museum Foundation in New Orleans in 1991. The National WWII Museum, which didn’t officially open until June 6, 2000, is the only museum in the country that addresses all “D-Days,” of the war. It stands as a tribute to the more than 16 million Americans who played a role in this infamous global conflict. Exhibits at the museum encompass the June 6, 1944 invasion of Normandy, the Home Front during WWII and the D-Day invasions in the Pacific. A number of inspiring films are showcased in the museum’s theatre. While there is an admission fee for adults and students, WWII veterans are always welcome for free, as are military personnel in uniform and children under 5.

What can we say, New Orleans (and visitors) is simply fascinated by history and past military operations, especially those that occurred in the area. This couldn’t be better represented than it is at the Jackson Barracks Military Museum. This free museum holds artifacts dating back to the War of 1812, and even includes artifacts dated recently as the Gulf War. A must-see for history buffs, the museum features modern and Old Time weapons of war on display throughout the grounds.

It’s always a good time to visit sunny Myrtle Beach, but if you are looking for a reason to take a vacation, try planning it around one of these annually scheduled free festivals!

Myrtle Beach welcomes a flock of “snowbirds” from Canada every March when it proudly hosts the Canadian-American Days Festival. Usually taking place over the March school vacation or Spring Break, the event features several exciting activities, including the Can-Am YMCA Soccer Invitational and the International Kitefest. The Canadian-American Days run March 12-20, 2011.

The Annual  St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival takes place in North Myrtle Beach. This free one-day event opens up at 9 a.m. with a joyous parade, and continues until 4 p.m. With more than 100 arts & crafts tents, food vendors, and two stages providing live musical entertainment, this is one of the largest Irish celebrations in the south. The festival runs Saturday, March 12, 2011.

Did we mention that March is a popular time to visit Myrtle Beach? If the above festivals don’t strike your fancy, come on down for the big Mardi Gras on the Grand Strand celebration. The fun jumpstarts with a Cajun Cook-off  followed by a Masquerade Ball, a Mardi Gras Parade at Broadway at the Beach, and the Mardi Gras party at Celebrity Square. Events are held on various dates throughout March 2011.

The Myrtle Beach Sun Fun Festival has been providing free summer fun to the masses since 1951. It’s the longest running event in Myrtle Beach (usually held for two days each June at Grand Park), and every year it features live music, the Miss Sun Fun/Teen Pageant,  professional sporting events, arts & crafts tents, and plenty of kid’s activities. Past Myrtle Beach Sun Fun Festival participants have enjoyed parades, classic car shows, bikini contests and sand castle building contests. Sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. 2011 dates TBA.

While Myrtle Beach enjoys welcoming the summer season into town, the city never fails to give it a proper send-off. For five years, Myrtle Beach has hosted the Beach Boogie & BBQ Festival over Labor Day Weekend. This family-friendly event at Grand Park in Market Common features live entertainment, samples from local and regional BBQ teams, wake board demos, fireworks, food and more. Sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. 2011 dates TBA.

After spending all that money on theme park admissions, hotel accommodations, and travel expenses to Orlando, you might be looking for a way to save some money. Orlando and its surrounding areas offer a variety of museums and gardens that frequently offer free admission days. Listed below are five of our favorite free Orlando museums, just make sure you visit on the right day, at the right time.

If you’re familiar with the signature Tiffany glass lamps, then you can’t pass up a visit to the Morse Museum of American Art. The museum houses one of the most  comprehensive collections of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work, including his lamps, glass windows and mosaics. Highlights include the chapel interior he designed for the 1983 Chicago World’s Fair. Admission is free on Fridays from November through April from 4-8 p.m.

Built as an artists’ colony in 1937 for aspiring artisans, the Maitland Art Center today features gallery exhibits, art programs and classes for anyone with a taste for craftiness. The historic building welcomes a rotation of contemporary art exhibits, and provides instruction by some of Florida’s finest professional artists. A variety of events and exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year, open and free to the public.

Harry P. Leu Gardens might not be a museum, per say, but the grounds feature an array of cultural attractions, including a butterfly garden, a tropical steam garden, a bamboo garden and a palm garden. The property also features a house museum dating way back to the 1880s. Admission to the park is free on the first Monday of every month from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Not far from Orlando in Winter Park, Florida sits the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens. The museum was founded in 1961, and houses an art collection focusing on American representational sculpture, with some 200 works by the internationally-renowned, Czech-born American sculptor Albin Polasek. Admission applies for the home and galleries, but garden access, featuring outdoor sculptural pieces, is always free.

Since 1990, the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts has provided a place for the community to gather and explore the work of artists of African descent. Operating from September through August, the museum features shows, lectures, gallery talks and receptions for each participating artist. Shows typically run three to four months. There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted.

History buffs, art enthusiasts, toy lovers and life-long students are blown away by the fun and educational opportunities that New York museums offer on a daily basis. If money has prevented you from checking out some of the top NYC museums and institutions, then pay attention… May we present a list of free museum days available across the city.

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From  renowned Hudson River School landscapes to a brilliant display of Tiffany lamps, the New York Historical Society features more than 60,000 important objects, pertaining to America’s vast and vibrant past. The museum demonstrates a keen interest in the state of New York’s history, and contains artifacts from crucial moments in time, including the slave trade, the American Revolution, and the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The New York Historical Society is located at 170 Central Park West between 76th  and 77th Streets. Admission is free on Fridays from 6-8 p.m. For more information, call 212-873-3400.

Dedicated to the collection and exhibition of American folk art, the American Folk Art Museum houses around 5,000 artifacts dating back to 400 years of American history. Among its collection are a slew of textiles, quilts, ceramics, drawings, maps and various other works by 20th Century artists and designers. Much of the work is influenced by Native American cultures.  For an intimate museum experience, stop by on a Friday evening when the museum hosts free folk concerts on the first floor. The American Folk Art Museum is located at 45 West 53rd Street. Admission is free on Fridays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, call 212-265-1014.

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Founded in 1881, the Staten Island Museum is a New York institution focusing on natural science, art and local history, particularly related to the community of Staten Island, as well as the New York Metropolitan area. At any given time, the museum  exhibits, interprets and preserves more than a million natural science specimens, pieces of art, historical objects, archival documents, photographs and books.  Staten Island Museum is located at 75 Stuyvesant Place in Staten Island. Admission is free on Tuesdays from noon-2 p.m. For more information, call 718-727-1135.

Greenwich Village is home to the Forbes Magazine headquarters, and within the building are numerous galleries, showcasing the lifelong collection of Malcolm Forbes’ toys. Notable exhibits and pieces over time have included “Olympic Gold,” a display of medals and collectibles from world-famous Olympians, an original Monopoly Board, a collection of 12,000 toy soldiers, and an armada of 500 model ships. In addition to the toys, the five Forbes galleries feature rotating exhibitions throughout the year showcasing collections of artwork, books, jewelry and more. Forbes Magazine Galleries is located at 62 Fifth Avenue, at 12th Street. Admission is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 212-206-5548.

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Established in 1971, the Bronx Museum of the Arts has been focusing on contemporary and 20th Century American artists for 40 years. Currently located in a converted synagogue in New York’s Bronx borough, the museum displays a permanent collection of over 800 paintings, sculptures, photographs and works on paper. The museum regularly sees visiting exhibits from across the world, including the 2006 presentation of “Tropicalia: A Revolution in Brazilian Culture.” Come see the museum’s current displays, and don’t miss out on their educational programs for children and families. The Bronx Museum of the Arts is located at 1040 Grand Concourse. Admission is free on Fridays all day long from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, call 781-681-6000.

The Jewish Museum in New York City houses the largest collection of Jewish art and cultural artifacts in the world, outside of Israeli museums. A mixture of historical objects and modern and contemporary artwork, the museum features over 26,000 pieces on display. The museum building is, in its own right, a Jewish artifact; the mansion once belonged to prominent businessman and philanthropist, Felix Warburg, who’s wife donated the family mansion to the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1944. Today, the museum features its permanent collection titled “Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey,” as well as various rotating and special exhibits. Most recently on display is “Shifting the Gaze: Painting and Feminism.” The Jewish Museum is located at 1109 Fifth Avenue and 92nd Street. Admission is free on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5:45 p.m. For more information, call 212-423-3200.

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One of New York’s most famous museums, the Museum of Modern Art, better known as MoMA, provides a public space for people of all ages to feel inspired. Housing an extensive collection of modernist artwork, the museum offers something for the inner artist in all of us. Works of architecture and design, drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, illustrations, film and electronic media are all represented at this world-class institution. In addition, MoMA features a library of over 300,000 books and periodicals, providing an unparalleled resource for scholars of modern and contemporary art. MoMA is located at 11 West 53rd Street. Admission is free on Fridays from 4-8 p.m. For more information, call 212-767-1050.

Chicago museums rank as some of the best in the country, but visiting and paying for them all can put quite a dent in your pocketbook. For a fun cheap time in Chicago, make sure to check out these free museum days!

1. The Art Institute of Chicago

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Founded in 1879, this Chicago institution is the second largest art museum in the U.S., housing an impressive collection of over 30,000 pieces of fine art. Check out their huge display of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work. The Art Institute of Chicago is free and open to the public every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. Visit the museum’s website, sometimes they feature an entire month of free admission. Located at 111 S. Michigan Avenue.

2. The Brookfield Zoo

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Officially opened in 1934, the Brookfield Zoo is home to a variety of different animal species. Its use of natural barriers and moats, as opposed to cages and bars, creates a more fun and relaxing trip to the zoo. Brookfield’s animals are happy and healthy, and everyone who visits can’t help but take advantage of all the wonderful photo opportunities. The zoo also focuses on education, and students of all ages can learn tidbits about the animals and displays, wildlife trivia information and more. Check out Tropic World, Feathers and Scales and Habitat Africa exhibits. General admission is free during normal zoo hours  (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October-February. Saturdays and Sundays are free in January and February. Located at 1st Ave. and 31st St.

3. The Chicago Children’s Museum

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Stationed on Navy Pier since 1995, the Chicago Children’s Museum’s target audience is children ages 0-10 and their families. The museum features playful exhibits and programs to ignite the senses, and topics of focus include math, science, literacy, art and diversity. The Chicago Children’s Museum  features free Thursday evening admission for all ages from 5-8 p.m. Children under 15 also receive free admission every first Sunday of the month. Located at 700 East Grand Ave. at Navy Pier.

4. The Chicago History Museum

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Those interested in Chicago’s rich and compelling history should stop by the Chicago History Museum for a story or two. Showcasing and interpreting millions of authentic pieces of Chicago and U.S. history, the museum focuses on the city’s past, present and future. The Chicago History Museum is free and open to the public every Monday from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Located at 1601 North Clark St.

5. The Field Museum

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Located on the Lakefront Museum Campus, near Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum features impressive biological and anthropological collections, first assembled for the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. The Field Museum offers free admission on the second Monday of each month, thanks to a generous donation from Target. Located at 1400 South Lake Shore Dr.

6. Lincoln Park Zoo

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You can plan an entire Chicago vacation based on the happenings of the Lincoln Park Zoo. Just minutes away from downtown Chicago, the zoo offers a natural, free oasis to nature and animal lovers alike.  Zoo entry is free every day.  Everyone looks forward to the annual Animal Meet and Greet during the winter holiday’s ZooLights extravaganza.  Meet the snakes, talk to the turtles, and have a blast with your family and friends. The Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year, normal hours are 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Admission is always free. The Zoo is located at 2001 N. Clark Street.

7. National Museum of Mexican Art

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Set in the heart of the Pilsen/Little Village community, this museum hosts permanent and traveling exhibits dedicated to the work of Mexican and Mexican-American artists. There are over 6,000 objects of Mexican art on display, one of the largest collections of its kind in the entire U.S. Photography, textiles, folk art, sculptures and drawings are all on display at the National Museum of Mexican Art. The museum is free and open to the public every day Tuesday-Sunday. Located at 1852 West 19th St.

8. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

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Are you mesmerized or inspired by nature? The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum houses an incomparable collection of nearly 250,000 specimens of plants, animals, fossils and minerals. Their team of knowledgeable experts can give visitors the skinny on botany, herpetology, mineralogy,  and ornithology (just to name a few of their areas of expertise). The museum features “Suggested Donation Days” every Thursday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Located at 2430 North Cannon  Dr.

9. The Museum of Contemporary Photography

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Billed as the Midwest’s only photography museum, this museum houses more than 9,000 photos and photography-related exhibits from across the globe. The museum has scheduled events and lectures planned throughout the year, and exhibits works on a local, national and international level. Admission is always free. Museum hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. The Museum of Contemporary Photography is located at 600 S. Michigan Ave.

10. The Swedish American Museum

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The Swedes have a long-running relationship and influence on Chicago. On permanent display is the exhibit titled, “The Dream of America- The Swedes Who Built Chicago.” It highlights the contributions of Swedish immigrants who helped form Chicago into the beautiful city it is today. The Swedish American Museum offers free admission every Tuesday of the month and is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Located at 5211 N. Clark St.