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The Miami Valley offers a wide variety of wonderful adventures for families, and you may be surprised at how many of them are free.

With family budgets stressed to the max, we've compiled a sampling of activities ideal for moms, dads, grandparents and kids:

NATURE

Parks in the Miami Valley are some of our area's most incredible assets, with tons of free programming for families throughout the year.

Each of the Five Rivers MetroParks, for example, has its own wonderful treasures, so you'll be wise not only to explore the park nearest your home, but others as well.

Don't miss the Children's Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark with its musical maze, caves and a waterfall. If you haven't visited Carriage Hill MetroPark and Farm, you've missed the chance to travel back in time to see how folks in the Miami Valley looked and worked in the 1880s.

For specific program and event information, visit www.metroparks.org.

THE ARTS

One of our area's greatest free treats is the Dayton Art Institute's Experiencenter that provides interactive art exhibitions for children and their families. The current exhibit, titled "Art from A to Z," uses the letters of the alphabet to teach kids about art. You can also schedule a free tour of the museum's collection of art from around the world that's geared to kids age 7 and up. An audio tour of 150 artworks also is available free and includes comments for kids from Leo the Lion.

Sign up for the Museum Kid's Club and enjoy gallery hunts with your child and earn a free art kit.

LIBRARIES

Did you know that a 1-week-old baby can get her own library card? Regular visits to the library are one of the greatest gifts parents and grandparents can give their children. Make it a habit of taking out books and videos — while you're there take advantage of the unbelievable free programming that's available.

Don't restrict yourself to the library closest to you, "branch" out a bit and explore other options: each has its own special flavor as well as different activity options. Activities for kids range from puppet shows and movies to after-school reading clubs and preschool story times. All libraries have newsletters and calendars that can be picked up at any branch.

RIVERSCAPE AND THE INVENTORS' WALK

There's lots happening at RiverScape year-round — from laser shows and free concerts to ice skating, luminary walks, holiday and nature adventures. Families can schedule a free Inventors Walk Tour by calling (937) 274-0126. The tour generally takes about an hour and a half. The ice rink is open seven days a week from Dec. 6 through Feb. 22, including Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. There is no admission fee to ice skate on weekdays, but there is a $3 fee to rent skates. (Weekends have a $5 admission fee, which includes skate rentals.) For more information, call (937) 278-2607.

VOLUNTEER

The best way to teach children about giving to others is to be a role model, so why not volunteer as a family? Visit a nursing home in your area, help serve meals at someplace like the House of Bread, collect unused items from your closet and donate to a local shelter.

THEATER

Community theater provides a wonderful opportunity for youngsters to express their creativity. These theaters encourage everyone to get involved; if being on stage doesn't appeal, you can consider working behind-the-scenes on sets, costumes or ushering. Two fine examples are the Dayton Playhouse and Playhouse South. Both produce large-scale shows that involve kids of every age. At the Dayton Playhouse, the new "YouTheatre" productions are aimed at kids ages 6-19.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

There are only three days a year (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day) when you can't alleviate boredom by taking the family to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, our area's biggest attraction. You'll never run out of things to do at this museum, and only the IMAX theater has an admission charge. The third Saturday of each month (second Saturday in December), the museum offers hands-on activities for children and adults of all ages. For more information, go to www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/ or call (937) 255-3286.

MUSIC

There's free music throughout the Miami Valley ,and you'll always see kids up and dancing to the beat. Check out schedules for free events at RiverScape (www.metroparks.org), Fraze Pavilion in Kettering (www.fraze.com) or appearances by the Dayton Philharmonic (www.daytonphilharmonic.com).

Also, the whole family will be toe-tapping when the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight presents free concerts at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

DOWNTOWN

The Dayton International Peace Museum schedules family peace activities that are free. Try www.daytonpeacemuseum.org or (937) 227-3223.

MARKETS

Local farmers, bakers, and artisans from nations around the world fill National City Second Street Market, a quaint and historic freight house. The public market, especially lively on Saturdays, gives kids a great chance to experience life downtown. There are often special activities and live music, all free. For more information, visit www.2ndstreetpublicmarket.com.

FESTIVALS

The Miami Valley is known for its festivals, most of them free. Kids can learn about different cultures and traditions, as well as enjoy singing and dancing and entertainment from many lands. Most festivals run in the summer and fall.

MALLS

Don't forget the free and family-friendly activities at area malls and shopping centers. The Town Square at The Greene in Beavercreek has become a popular gathering place for families with live music and kids' activities. At both the Mall at Fairfield Commons and the Dayton Mall, you'll find the Dayton Daily News Playland where kids can burn off some energy during that shopping trip. Both malls also offer free kid and mom-friendly events called Momtopia days.

THE DAYTON/MONTGOMERY KIDS CORRIDOR

Here's a listing of all sorts of family activities ranging from parks and recreation to events and the arts. You'll find a compilation of museums, nature trails, historic sites and more. Those places that are free are indicated. Visit www.daytonkidscorridor.com or call (937) 226-8211.

HOLIDAYS

The Dayton Holiday Festival hosts lots of free activities downtown including Wonderland Windows and Some-Fun at the Schuster Center, as well as free events and crafts on weekends in December at the Schuster's Wintergarden. Check out www.downtowndayton.org for details.

Also, the Family Movies Series at the Neon Movies takes place at noon on Dec. 6, 13, 20. It's free for kids younger than 12; adults pay $2. The theater is located at 130 E. Fifth St.