FREE ARTS & CULTURAL PASSES!
Over 200 libraries are now participating throughout Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St.Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties! Go to www.detroitadventurepass.org to see if your library is participating and what attractions are offered! Just use your library card to receive the Museum Adventure Pass and get FREE admission for two or four individuals, depending on the location at one of over 30 arts and cultural institutions in the greater Metro Detroit area.
Check back in May of 2012 for the list of new attractions, etc.!
The Arab-American National Museum
13624 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn MI 48126
Phone: 313-582-2266
Admission on Sundays is FREE for everyone! Also has Free Craft Sundays for ages 6-12 (two-hour
craft-making sessions in the museum classroom--check "Events" at the above website for upcoming dates). Also has a free digital photography instructional program for 6th-8th grade students from Southwest Detroit after school---check under "Youth Programs" for more info or call Celia at 313-624-0210 OR email cshallal@accesscommunity.org
HELP THE BELLE ISLE ZOO AND GET FREE PASSES!
The Detroit Zoo is recruiting volunteers for the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. Volunteers are needed to greet visitors, answer questions, help staff special events and feed the zoo's deer. The reward is FREE passes to the Detroit Zoo and more! For more information call Linda Denomme, the zoo's volunteer services manager at 248-541-5717 ext. 3806.
The Detroit Neighborhood City Halls have FREE Detroit Zoo tickets for low-income Detroit resident families. The individuals must go to the City Hall in their neighborhood and show, City of Detroit address I.D.and Medicaid/Bridge card. For more information call the Neighborhood City Halls
at 313-224-3450.
VOLUNTEER FOR FREE CAMPING THIS SUMMER!
The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources seeks volunteer hosts for its state parks and state forest campgrounds for the 2011 season. In return for a free spot, you provide visitor assistance to camp-ground visitors. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to work five days or 30 hours
a week for at least four consecutive weeks. Those interested in hosting at a state park campground should contact 517-467-7401 and ask for Pam. OR go to www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and follow
the links for becoming a volunteer campground host.
VOLUNTEER FOR A FREE "VACATION" THIS SUMMER!
The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association is accepting applications from anyone interested in
living and working in one of two lighthouses in northern Michigan. The first opportunity is at the St. Helena Island lighthouse, about eight miles west of the Mackinaw Bridge. Positions open to singles, couples and families; however children must be at least 8 years of age to participate. The second volunteer keeper opportunity offered by the Association is at the Cheboygan River Front Range lighthouse, in downtown Cheboygan. Two volunteers (couples or good friends) will share a bedroom
at the lighthouse at no charge while providing an enjoyable and hospitable environment for visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For additional information on volunteer opportunities, send an email to info@glka.com.
GET A LIFETIME SENIOR PASS FOR FEDERAL RECREATION SITES!
Available to U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who are 62 years and older that provides access to recreational areas managed by five Federal agencies. The cost is $10 and is valid for the lifetime of the pass owner. The Senior Pass admits pass owner/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children are always admitted free). The Senior Pass also provides the pass owner a discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours). The Federal Agencies who honor this pass are the Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation as well as the Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority. For more information go to http://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html
DRIVE FOR MUCH LESS TO YOUR VACATION!
Auto Driveaway is a vehicle relocation service in which all you need is a valid driver's license and
a $350 cash deposit which is returned to you when the vehicle has been delivered satisfactorily.
Drivers are expected to cover about 400 miles a day and arrive at their destination by a set time.
You can fit in some sightseeing but side trips are not allowed. After your initial gas allowance,
you pay for your own fuel, food and lodging. Auto Driveaway says it is the only U.S. company
letting outsiders drive its cars. Spring and fall are especially busy times as vacationers move
north or south for the season. Call 800-346-2277 to sign up!
See similiar resources under "Cool Links--Save Money While Traveling"!
VISIT THESE MUSEUMS, EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS FOR FREE (or nearly FREE)!!!
Every National Park will offer FREE admission on June 21st, 2011, the first day of summer. That's a $25 savings per carload at most parks! Go for more FREE visits on National Public Lands Day (Sept. 24th, 2011 and Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 11-13th, 2011). Find out about free guided tours by park rangers and fall events in nearby state or national parks at www.StateParks.com an www.NPS.gov/bicy/index.htm.
This site shows events, fairs and festivals in every state!
Find out about Free Gymboree classes!
Take your child to a Gymboree Play & Learn Class for free by printing the coupon at the website
above!
Kids Bowl Free Summer Program
A no-strings-attached program with the aim of providing a safe, fun recreation option for area youth.
There are over 750 centers in the United States participating and is part of Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign to get kids active. Go to the website above and register your children to receive two FREE games of bowling every day when open bowling is available throughout the summer. The program begins April 15th and runs through Labor Day 2011. Up to 6 kids can be registered as well as a family pass option that allows the parents to bowl also with their kids. Every week parents will receive an email containing that week's coupons that they can print out and bring to the bowling center to redeem for free bowling!
Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Center
River Rouge Park, Joy at Lahser
Detroit MI
Phone: 313-838-2727
A history center honoring the black soldiers who helped settle the West after the Civil War, located
in the former Detroit police mounted patrol stable. Live horses! 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. FREE!
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
100 Strand Drive
Belle Isle
Detroit MI
Phone: 313-833-5538
Donations accepted.
Matthael Botanical Gardens and Conservatory
1800 N. Dixboro
Ann Arbor MI
Phone: 734-647-7600
The University of Michigan maintains these gardens, research areas and natural preserves around
Ann Arbor. Outdoor gardens and trails open sunrise to sunset daily and FREE. The Conservatory
is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon.-Tue. and Thu-Sun., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wed. $5, $2 ages 5-18 and FREE
noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Michigan Firehouse Museum
110 W. Cross
Ypsilanti MI
Phone: 734-547-0663
Memorabilia and engines in an 1898 firehouse. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tue.-Sat., noon-4 p.m.Sundays. $3,
$2 seniors and firefighters, $1.50 ages 6-18 and free for ages 5 and younger.
Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
100 E. Cross
Ypsilanti MI
Phone: 734-482-5200
Information and memorabilia concerning the history of the area's auto suppliers. 1:30-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.,
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. $5 adults and free for ages 12 and younger.
Walter P. Chrysler Museum
1000 Chrysler Drive
Auburn Hills MI
Phone: 888-456-1924
More than 70 antique, custom and concept vehicles, plus interactive displays and historical exhibits.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tue.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sundays. $8, $7 seniors, $4 ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and younger.
Belle Isle
Phone: 313-924-9032
Belle Isle is open from 6 a.m.to 10 p.m. daily and admission is free. Gain access by taking MacArthur Bridge from Jefferson Avenue. See Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory below!
Henry Ford Museum
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn MI 48124
Phone: 313-982-6001 OR 800-835-5237
Target Stores sponsor FREE Family Day throughout the year and for 2011 they will be February 21st,
July 15th and Sept. 5th. This is for the museum only, not the village! Reservations are required for
groups of 15 or more.
Bank of America Customers!
Did you know that by showing your ATM or Debit card, you can get free admission to the following
Henry Ford Museum (No Sundays!)
Detroit Science Museum (No Sundays!)
Motown Museum (No Sundays!)
Charles Wright Museum
Fredrik Meyer Gardens & Sculpture Park (Grand Rapids)
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
4454 Woodward, Detroit
Phone: 313-832-6622
A 22,000 square foot museum made up of a series of temporary, thought-provoking displays of modern
art and free for visitors. Check the website for the latest offerings and times!
Detroit Children's Museum
6134 Second Street
Detroit MI
Phone: 313-873-8100
The 8,000 square foot museum is run by the Detroit Public Schools and is open every weekday to
parents who want to take their kids to a free indoor playground of exhibits to look at, games to play
and stories to hear, craft stations and the planetarium.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
Belle Isle in Detroit
Phone: 313-331-7760
The conservatory is free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Wed.-Sunday. The greenhouse
and botanical garden covers 13 acres on Belle Isle. The greenhouse and botanical garden are home
to an extensive collection of flowers, plants and trees, and one of the country's largest orchid collections.
FREE!
Morley Candy Makers Factory Tour
23770 Hall
Clinton Twp.
Phone: 800-682-2760 ext. 2218
Morley offers complimentary one-hour tours at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays. The tours
include a video presentation, a stroll down the 100-foot long factory observation walkway for a view
of the 72,000 square foot candy kitchen and free chocolate & caramel samples at the end.
Reservations are required for the guided tour!
Huron-Clinton Metro Parks
Phone: 800-477-2757
Offers free days along with other activities throughout the year....check the website for specific days,
times & activities. Free park entry and free boat launching at your favorite Metropark on Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Holiday, Christmas Day and Martin Luther King Day. Also for 2011, Saturday April 16th.
AND
POPS PLUS Concert
June 24th at 8 p.m. the Michigan Philharmonic presents "POPS PLUS", a fun & family friendly concert
celebrating our nation's birthday with great classical works as well as fun works by American composers. Concert is free but a Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required.
AND
Senior Day Wed. August 10th
Free park entry & boat launching!
AND
31st Annual Huron River Day
A free day of fun for all at 7 of the MetroParks!
Tours of the GM Renaissance Center
Jefferson at Randolph
Detroit MI
Phone: 313-567-3126
Free, one-hour tours held daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m. No reservations are required for parties
of 10 or less. Each tour features a discussion of the automotive industry in Detroit, the contribution
of GM to urbanization, an overview of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and the renewal of the international riverfront, a ride in a glass elevator to the Coach Insignia restaurant on the 72nd floor
and time spent in the GM Next showroom back on the ground floor.
University of Michigan Exhibit of Natural History
1109 Geddes
Ann Arbor MI
Phone: 734-763-6085
Meet a skeletal allosaurus, mastodon or saber-toothed cat face-to-face or wander around a collection
of Michigan wildlife and rock & mineral specimens at the museum! The museum offers dinosaur tours
at least twice a week and features a planetarium that offers weekly virtual tours of the universe. Free
but donation is suggested. Planetarium shows are $5.00. Regular hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Sat.,
noon-5 p.m. Sundays.
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
434 S. State Street
Ann Arbor MI
Phone: 734-764-9304
Free hour-long guided tour at 2 p.m. Sundays. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Friday from
1 to 4 p.m. Donations accepted.
Lorenzo Cultural Center (MCC)
44575 Garfield
Clinton Twp., MI
Phone: 586-445-7348
Free programs. Regular hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sundays.
Michigan Historical Museum
717 W. Allegan
Lansing MI
Phone: 417-484-1880
9 a.m.-4:3 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Sat., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free!
Monroe County Historical Museum
126 S. Monroe
Monroe MI
Phone: 734-240-7780
Exhibits on early Michigan, Monroe's French-Canadian heritage, Gen. George Custer's hometown,
American Indian history. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed.-Sat. $5, $4 seniors, $1 children.
Troy Museaum & Historic Village
60 W. Wattles Road at Livernois Road
Troy MI
Phone; 248-524-3570
Tour 10 restored historic buildings year-round to discover more about Troy's heritage. Open
Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $3 for adults, $2 for ages 6-17, free for ages 6 and under.
University of Michigan Lowbrow Astronomers & Student Astronomical Society
Amateur stargazers and the public can gather for Star Parties on spring and summer evenings.
The Computer & Video Game Archive at University of Michigan
2281 Bonisteel Blvd.
Ann Arbor MI 48109
Phone: 734-763-6533
Located at the Art, Architecture & Engineering Library, it is open from noon to 9 p.m. Mondays
and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. FREE Games are on a first-come, first-served
basis. As popularity grows, the library may require reservations! Call ahead to check!
University of Michigan Gifts of Arts Program
University Hospital, Main Lobby
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor MI
Phone: 734-936-2787
Geared towards patients in the U-M health system, but the public is welcome to visit the galleries
or attend weekly free concerts! It also regularly features artists offering demonstrations or classes
in their medium and holds two free concerts a year at Hill Auditorium.
2nd Saturdays On The Riverfront
Rivard Plaza
1340 E. Atwater Street
Detroit MI
GREAT EVENTS--FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
AND
RiverWalkers: Free senior walking group in partnership with the DMC. Includes chair exercises
and dance fitness from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tues. and Thu. through Sept. 2nd at Rivard Place.
&
RiverFront Canine Club: Free dog-walking social group in partnership with Canine to Five. Guided
dog walk 6:30 p.m. Wed. and 10 a.m. Sun. through Oct. 31. Meet at Rivard Place.
Holocaust Memorial Center
28123 Orchard Lake
Farmington Hills, MI
Phone: 248-553-2515
Exhibits portray and preserve the memory of the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and
Jewish life in Europe prior to it. Sun.-Thur. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. FREE but donations appreciated.
Shalom Street at the Jewish Community Center
6600 W. Maple
West Bloomfield MI
Phone: 877-742-5663
Free admission, fee for art activities. 1-5 p.m. Sun.-Thur.
Selfridge Military Air Museum
27333 C Street
Mount Clemens MI
Phone: 586-307-6768
Indoor and outdoor displays of memorabilia and historic aircraft from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays
& Sundays. $4, $3 ages 4-12, younger than 4 free.
Mill Race Historical Village
215 Griswold
Northville MI
Phone: 248-348-1845
Grounds open dawn to dusk through October. Free!
Maybury Farm
50165 Eight Mile
Northville MI
Phone: 248-374-0200
The working farm offers live barnyard animals for petting. Enter at the farm entrance, not the state
park entrance. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wed-Sun. through December 1st, weather permitting.
Historic Ft. Wayne
6325 W. Jefferson
Detroit MI
Phone: 313-224-6385
Take a self-guided tour of the fort buildings, some from the 1840's, built to protect against British
military advancement. Ft. Wayne was the primary induction center for Michigan troops entering
into battle from the Civil War to Vietnam. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Free admission and $5 parking.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
1000 Beal
Ann Arbor MI
Phone: 734-205-0555
8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Archival materials on U.S. domestic issues, foreign relations and political affairs. Free!
Detroit City Airport
11499 Conner Street
Detroit MI
Phone: 313-843-8849 Tuskegee Airmen Museum
Free airplane rides for children are being offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the second Sunday of each
month! Children must bring a parent and have a signed waiver from the parent to take the ride.
After the ride, the child's name will appear in the world's largest log book and they will receive a personalized "Spirit of Flight" certificate.
Yankee Air Museum
Collections & Exhibits Building
Willow Run Airport
47884 D Street
Belleville MI
Phone: 734-483-4030
Free for ages 17 and younger accompanied by an adult. Adults $3, $2 students with ID, or $5 a family.
Motawi Tileworks
170 Enterprise Drive
Ann Arbor MI (about 1 mile off I-94, near Jackson Road on the city's west side)
Phone: 734-213-0017
Free hour-long tours are offered at 11 a.m. every Thursday.
Lakeshore Learning Store
12210 Hall Road
Sterling Heights MI
Phone: 586-803-1435
Every Saturday, free crafts for kids from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ages 3 and up!
Volunteer as a Family!
Help out in your community while spending time together as a family!
How to Keep Kids Entertained During Christmas Break!
Don't forget your local library which usually has a full schedule of activities for both children and adults.
CHECK UNDER THE NEW "COOL LINKS" PAGE FOR FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES
FOR MORE FREEBIS CLOSE TO HOME AND AWAY!
