Museum Day 09-26-- Free Admission

We have a lot of museums in the area, but they’re not all cheap to visit. Admission costs vary, but even the less expensive admissions add up if you’re taking the family. Even if you want to go, sometimes the budget doesn’t allow taking everyone to an exhibit.

But you can’t use that excuse today.

You see, today is Museum Day. You don’t have to buy card for anyone, though. You can, however, enjoy free admission to a number of local venues. You’ll save a lot of money and learn something interesting by taking the day and going to your favorite local museums—or visiting ones you never had a chance to see before.

Here are a few (not all) of the local museum participating in the program:

* Great Explorations Children’s Museum—1925 4^th St. N. Regularly $9.

* The Pier Aquarium—800 2nd Ave. NE, Ste. 2001. Regularly $5 or $2.50 on Sundays.

* Florida International Museum—244 2^nd Ave. N. Regularly $8.

* Salvador Dali Museum—1000 3^rd St. S. Regularly $15.

* Ybor City Museum State Park, 1818 E. 9^th Ave. Regularly $4.

* Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St. Regularly $12.

If a family of four went to the Tampa Bay History center and the Salvador Dali Museum today, they’d save a total of $108 on admission costs. At that rate, why not bring friends as well? Bring anyone you can think of and make a day of it. It won’t cost you anything to visit these local museums, and it’s a fun way to spend the day.

But remember, it’s Museum Day, as in just one day. Tomorrow prices go back to normal so get going. For more information, visit www.smithsonainmag.com and look for the Museum Day button.

See ZooBoo At A Discount Saturday 09-26

ZooBoo is an annual tradition at Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Avenue. It’s also one of their biggest fund-raisers, and a great way for a family to get into the Halloween Spirit. The entire zoo is transformed into a Halloween destination, with spooky themes and creepy attractions. But unlike the adult-oriented frights of major theme parks, Zoo Boo has plenty of areas for children of all ages, such as Frankenstein’s Foam Party and the Lil Tyke Boo House. But if you want a more grownup scare, there are a number of attractions for you as well. There are some new events (such as Fright Theater 3-D and Sinister Shadows) as well as old favorites, including some free zoo rides. It’s a fun time.

Zoo Boo is nothing like seeing Lowry Park Zoo the rest of the year, and this weekend it’s cheaper than it will ever be. Normally, the event (which runs through October) costs $17 for adults and $14 for children. But if you go tonight, tickets are just $10 each, and children 2 and under get in free. That’s a good deal and a fun way to preview this annual event. So enjoy the “Shriek Peek” weekend (their phrase, not mine) and see ZooBoo at a major discount.

For more information, call 813-935-8552 or visit www.lowryparkzoo.com.

Lightning training camp event today-- 9-15

While the Rays are wrapping up their season and the Buccaneers kicked off their year this past Sunday, another pro team is gearing up for another year. The Tampa Bay Lightning has opened its training camp, and that means freebies for fans.

Today, the St. Pete Times Forum will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. so you can watch camp in person—for free. You’ll see practices and controlled scrimmages, and they’ll even serve a free lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. It’s a fun way to get ready for a new season, support the team and have some fun without emptying your wallet.

Following local sports teams isn’t cheap, but this is an opportunity to see how the Bolts are shaping up and score a free lunch. That’s a pretty good way to spend the day.

The St. Pete Times Forum is located at 401 Channelside Drive.