JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – School’s out and summer family vacations are on your mind. No matter what your budget, Missouri is a great travel destination offering many free and inexpensive attractions from outdoor recreation to museums. Listed below are just a few ideas and money-saving tips on how to have an amazing family vacation that is close to home, but far from ordinary.
Forest Park in St. Louis is full of free attractions that the entire family will enjoy including the Saint Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Saint Louis Science Center. The Jewel Box has a nominal $1 admission fee, and is free from 9a.m. to noon on Monday and Tuesday. For more free attractions in the St. Louis area, visit www.ExploreStLouis.com.
Southwest Missouri has many outdoor attractions, including parks, trails and gardens that are free to enjoy. Stop by Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Springfield to see the fish-filled aquariums and to pick up your last-minute outdoor gear. Take a driving tour of the Battle of Springfield, visit the Railroad Historical Museum, or walk through the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Visit www.SpringfieldMo.org for additional ideas in the Springfield area.
Looking for adventure within your budget? Aker’s Ferry in southeast Missouri can provide canoes for you and your family to float the Jacks Fork or Current Rivers, which comprise the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and offer beautiful attractions to see on your float downstream. Overnight after your float at Jason Place Campground in Salem, with shower facilities, campground space, RV hookups and other amenities.
On the western side of the state, the Hallmark Visitors Center, Kaleidoscope and Crown Center in Kansas City are all must-sees and freebies. See if you can lift a gold bar worth $400,000 at the Money Museum in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, walk through Jackson County’s first government building at the 1827 Log Courthouse in Independence, or tour Boulevard Brewing Company to find out how they make their Pale Ale. Again, all free. Visit www.VisitKC.com for more vacation ideas in the Kansas City area.
Museums galore can be found in central Missouri. Visit the Museum of Missouri Military History, the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation Museum, the Missouri State Museum and Capitol Complex, all located in Jefferson City and all free attractions.
Additional tips for a budget-friendly Missouri vacation:
Choose destinations that will take some time. If you are paying an admission price, make sure the facility will keep your family occupied for a reasonable amount of time.
Choose hotels that offer free continental breakfasts, complimentary afternoon snacks and beverages. If you can, rest up in the morning and eat brunch in place of breakfast and lunch, eliminating the need for two meals.
Take food on your trip and prepare some of your meals in your room rather than dining out. A large number of hotels and resorts offer a kitchenette suite or a condo option completely stocked with utensils.
Camping is the most affordable type of lodging available and Missouri offers many clean, family-friendly state parks with camping and RV parking, www.mostateparks.com.
For more budget-friendly vacation ideas or to get a copy of your free 2009 Official Missouri Vacation Planner, log on to www.VisitMO.com or call toll-free at 800-519-4800.
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