Taking the entire family for a day out is next to impossible.  These days all of our wallets are shrinking.  Movie tickets for four, yeesh, and don’t even think about one of those pricey theme parks.  Well, the smart folks at Smithsonian Magazine have given us all an excuse to get together and enjoy an activity together at no cost.  Sat., Sept. 26 is "Free Museum Day" around the nation and is of course being honored at several Northeast Florida institutions. 

Participating venues in the region include, Amelia Island Museum of History, Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum, Government House Museum of History and Archaeology, Mandarin Museum & Historical Society, Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and World Golf Hall of Fame. 

Visit the Smithsonian’s dedicated Web site for details on how to download your free card, good for admission to participating museums for you and a guest.  Go have some fun and introduce someone to the colorful world of the arts and history.