Summer vacation is the perfect time to explore Atlanta with your family; but heading out each day can get expensive.  Thankfully there are lots of free things to do in Atlanta, if you know where to look for them. Here are a few free ideas from the book 100+ Free Things to do in Atlanta. (www.fieldtripswithsue.com/100free) The book offers more than enough suggestions to keep the kids busy all summer.

Visit a Museum or Attraction – Several Atlanta area museum including Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Booth Western Art Museum, High Museum of Art and Fernbank Science Center offer opportunities to visit for free.

Get Back to Nature –There are several nature preserves around Atlanta that offer free admission including Dauset Trail. Dauset Trail is a 1,200 acre preserve with animals, creeks, wildlife and an extensive calendar of events throughout the year.

Play Sports –Several national bowling centers offer free bowling to students during the summer. Check out www.kidsbowlfree.com or sign up for Brunswick Zone’s Bonus Zone for emailed coupons. AMF also has a free bowling program. If a pool membership isn’t in the budget, there are several places to swim or just splash in a fountain for free.

Build a Craft – Learn what stores offer kids activities for indoor (and cooler) fun. Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement offer monthly kid’s workshops where children make and take a wooden craft. Both programs also include a kid-sized apron.

Sue Rodman publishes Field Trips with Sue, a travel blog about things to do in Atlanta and the Southeast with kids. Her first book 100+ Free Things to do in Atlanta is in its second printing and available at www.fieldtripswithsue.com/100free in e-book format for the iPad, iPhone, Kindle and Nook for $4.99 and $9.99 for the printed version.