It’s no secret that Washington can be an expensive place to live and enjoy. But there are also plenty of things you can do that are not only free, but legitimately fun. Here are a few suggestions for those days when you want to have a great time without spending money.

1. Walk through the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle.
Curtis Cronn / Flickr
It's breathtaking in any season.
2. Check out an art walk.
Riccardo Rossi / Flickr
Most of our big and mid-sized cities have free monthly art walks that encourage you to browse and mingle.
3. Walk (or bike) the Centennial Trail in Spokane.
Robert Ashworth / Flickr
What a beautiful way to get some exercise.
4. Explore the Seattle Waterfront.
Rob Gross / Flickr
There are plenty of things to see, like Ye Olde Curiosity Shop.
5. Visit a museum on a Free Museum Day.
hey skinny / Flickr
The majority of Washington's museums have at least one free admission day per month. Call the one you're interested in or look on their website- you may be pleasantly surprised.
6. Take a stroll down Long Beach.
Glenn Scofield Williams / Flickr
If you're anywhere near one of our coastal communities, head out and go for a seaside stroll. All it will cost you is time.
7. Go wine tasting in Walla Walla.
@andrewghayes / Flickr
Quite a few tasting rooms in Walla Walla will let you sip for free... but beware, after a few tastes you may be tempted to buy some bottles.
8. Explore Fort Steilacoom Park.
Jennifer B / Flickr
Local parks are fun and free, and for those in Western Washington, Fort Steilacoom is a favorite.
9. Pose with the famous Fremont Troll in Seattle.
Megan / Flickr
He hangs out under a bridge (as most trolls do).
10. Visit the Grand Coulee Dam.
WSDOT / Flickr
Did you know that the largest electric power-producing facility in the United States is in Eastern Washington? Check it out.
11. Watch Beecher’s Cheese being made.
Frank Fujimoto / Flickr
Seattle's favorite cheese shop offers views of the cheese-making (and cheese curd samples) at Pike Place Market. If you live in Eastern Washington, the WSU Creamery offers a similar experience.
12. Check out Bellingham’s Sehome Hill Arboretum.
PhotoCrawler / TripAdvisor
This forested 180-acre park is a beautiful way to enjoy nature.

As you can see, it’s entirely possible to enjoy Washington without spending money. Here’s a great list of restaurants that will feed you for under $10.

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