Two of my favorite places to take my family are parks and museums.

Just one problem…. some of those places charge some hefty fees to get in – especially when you have a large family. I understand that these places need to raise funds to cover their expenses, but it’s hard to spend the money when you aren’t sure what a particular place is like and whether it will appeal to your kids.

We’ve found some amazing places over the years, and we’ve found some duds. That’s why I love fee-free weekends. With free museum and National Park admission, you’ll have plenty of places to explore without spending a fortune.

Here are the details you need to know:

The US National Park Service is offering free entry into more than 400 National Parks on Saturday, September 26, 2015. Admission is always free at 281 of the 408 National Parks, but on select days, all the parks are free. Be aware that there may still be fees for certain tours, camping, and concessions.  You can check to see which parks have free admission in your state.

Pack a picnic lunch, grab your hiking shoes, and enjoy some time in nature.

If the weather is keeping you inside, take advantage of the Smithsonian Magazine Annual Museum Day on Saturday, September 26. You and a friend can get free passes to one of hundreds of participating museums located across the country. You’ll need to sign up and print your tickets in advance, and be prepared – some museums may charge parking fees or have a separate admission charge for special exhibits.

The Museum Day ticket is only good for two people per household. Check out the Museum Day details and find a museum near you for this one-day only event.

Discounted and free admission days like these are a good chance to try out a new place with your family.  If your family loves their time there and feels it is too short, you can often buy year-long family passes that take the sting out of admission fees.  You can also ask about other discounted days offered throughout the year, or consider giving a membership as a gift.