Free Things To Do In YOUR State!

When you’re trying to live a frugal life, holidays and the expectation of creating special family memories can be a strain on the budget.  However, several years ago I stumbled across a website for Arkansas, my home state, that had free activities for the whole state.  My husband and I have used the list repeatedly to find entertaining activities for the cost of gas and a picnic!  I thought since we enjoy the list so much, I would see what I could find for all states and put the listing in one place.  You can use this list to help fill out a vacation, for a day trip, or a weekend away!  I hope you enjoy it!


Alabama- I couldn’t find a comprehensive link, but here is a guide to their tourism website  that has activities and events.  There are also numerous State Parks for your enjoyment!
Alaska- Anchorage and Juneau have free activities and of course there are State Parks there as well!
Arizonia- Phoenix made the list!
Arkansas- My home state has a list of over 100 free things to do in Arkansas. Some of my favorites are The Old Mill , which was featured in opening scenes of Gone With the Wind and hiking in our numerous State Parks. There are 52 state parks in Arkansas and we plan on visiting them all!
California- Southern California, San Diego, Santa Monica and Los Angeles  all have free things to do!
Colorado- This state has a monthly calendar of free activities!
Connecticut- This state has some AMAZING free things to do! There are tons of museums covering wide ranges of topics!
Delaware- Has tax-free shopping, and while not everything on this list is free, there is certainly a lot to keep you busy!
Florida- You can tell this state loves tourists!  This list of free stuff will keep you busy, but if you want to have some extra activities in Kissimmee or Orlando, you can add more to a vacation!
Georgia- Atlanta rises to the challenge and Athens makes the list too.  Athens even has a section on pet friendly accommodations!
Hawaii- The islands of Hawaii, Oahu, and Maui all have free activities from local culture to history.
Idaho- How about a scenic drive or a visit the Nez Perce National Park and learn about a culture that is over 11,000 years old!
Illinois- Chicago has free museums and film festivals! Or, you can visit Metropolis and see Superman’s hometown!
Indiana- Indianapolis will keep you busy with a children’s museum for the kids and a winery tour for the adults!
Iowa- Has a great listing by city of free activities!
Kansas- Kansas City  , Manhattan, and Topeka Round out the list for this state!
Kentucky- From horse racing to bourbon, this state will keep you busy with free activities!
Louisiana- Has a listing by city  and New Orleans has at least 50 free things to do!
Maine- Fun and kid friendly activities are available in this state!
Maryland- Baltimore has 50 free things to do Howard County has a B & O Railroad museum!  How fun!
Massachusetts- With all of the history in this state, you knew Boston would show up on this listing! Cambridge will keep your weekend busy too!
Michigan- Whew!  This list has things to do throughout the state!
Minnesota- Minneapolis and St. Paul have over 100 free things to do!
Mississippi- The Gulf Coast  has free activities ranging from the beach to memorials.
Missouri- Whether you want to spend a little money or not, this site has a listing of free things to do and discounts on tickets!
Montana-  Has its listing by city as well.  Visit a wildlife refuge or learn about Sioux Indians!
Nebraska-  Omaha and Lincoln make this list!
Nevada- I bet you never would have guessed Las Vegas tops this list! Reno happens to make an appearance as well.  You would think they are trying to get you to gamble!!!
New Hampshire- You can check our breweries and birds from this link!
New Jersey- Sea life museums, lighthouses and Atlantic City will keep you entertained here!
New Mexico- Albuquerque and Taos have plenty to keep you busy!  But, oh how I LOVE Santa Fe!!!
New York- The link to New York City will keep you busy enough!  The New York Public Library!  I bet I could spend all day in there!
North Carolina- Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham all have free attractions.
North Dakota- The tourism office has broken up free activities by region!
Ohio- Museums galore including the history of aviation
Oklahoma- There are over 75 free things to do in this state!
Oregon- Portland has some serious thrift shopping and amazing State Parks!
Pennsylvania- Here is a listing by city and history buffs will love Philadelphia!
Rhode Island- Take a cliff walk by the sea or enjoy many other free activities!
South Carolina- Charleston, Greenville and Myrtle Beach all have great activities! 60 miles of beaches sounds like a lot of fun to me!
South Dakota- Storybook Island, Dinosaur Parks, and the Black Hill National Forest are just some of the attractions in this area!
Tennessee- Memphis, Nashville, and Gatlinburg all have free activities!  You could go see Dave Ramsey do his show live while in Nashville as well!
Texas- Dallas, Houston, and Austin give you the best round-up in Texas.
Utah- Lists out its freebies by month!
Vermont-I could only find State Parks for Vermont, so if you have anything to add, let me know!
Virginia- History buffs will love this state and all of its free historical attractions.
Washington- This state has all of its freebies listed out by city as well, so find something in your area and enjoy!
West Virginia- Dog parks and wine tasting?  Sounds like a good time to me! Don’t forget about the beautiful scenery!
Wisconsin- You had me at Jelly Belly tours and public beaches.
Wyoming- Yellowstone anyone?  There are another 49 free things to do in this state!
Washington D.C.- Free and almost free things to do in our Nation’s Capital.