The best things in life are FREE!

With all the changes our family has been going through recently, we find that we are somewhat...um....economically challenged. (And we aren't alone!)This has pretty much put a stop to our family outings, with the exception of our local dollar theater. That is why I was thrilled to find out that there is tons of cool stuff out there that we can do for FREE! We have been dying to check out the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage. I was excited to find out the the second Tuesday of every month is "Free Tuesday" at the Museum of Western Heritage. We paid a visit last week and had a great time. The girls' favorite exhibition was "Granite Frontiers: A Century of Yosemite Climbing" which will continue until October 4th. The kids were able to handle actual rock climbing tools and climb on a "portaledge", a hanging tent system which rock climbers use as a temporary shelter during longer climbs. We also especially enjoyed the "Chinese Home". The girls dressed up in authentic Chinese costumes. Skylar and Haley pretended to cook in the kitchen of the restaurant, while Kaelyn manned the old fashioned cash register. If you wish to purchase lunch at the museum, the "Golden Spur Cafe" offers children's meals at pretty much the same price as a MacDonald's Happy Meal. The meals are large, filling and the fries are great. If, like me, you would rather bring your own lunch, you can sit outside on the museum grounds and have a picnic lunch. There are even picnic tables!With its many interactive displays, I was pleasantly surprised at how "kid friendly" the Museum of is. My girls are already asking to return!

The Autry National Center’s Museum of the American West
Griffith Park Campus
Autry National Center
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA, 90027-1462
T. 323.667.2000
F. 323.660.5721
Summer Hours: On Thursdays, in July and August, the museum and Museum Store are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Golden Spur Cafe is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

http://www.autrynationalcenter.org/