Q. With soaring gas prices and the state of the economy, my family can't afford our usual trip to the beach. Instead we are going to vacation here at home in Pittsburgh. Our kids are 4 and 18 months. Do you have any ideas for low-budget adventures in this area?

A. These days, we're hearing that question a lot -- so we've put together some ideas. Happily, Pittsburgh has loads of things that offer opportunities for family fun (and learning, too).

• This year is Pittsburgh's 250th birthday, and there are lots of free celebrations. Keep your eye on the newspapers and TV for announcements.

• The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium offers free parking, and lets you bring your own drinks and snacks. Your family can spend the whole day for a total of $34 in admission fees. Visit their Web site at www.pittsburghzoo.org.

• The Carnegie Museums of Natural History and Art (in the same huge building in Oakland) are wonderful places for a family to explore. Be sure to check out the brand-new dinosaur exhibit! The museums are open Tuesday-Sunday. Your family can spend the whole day at both museums for a total of $41 in admission fees. Visit their Web sites at www.carnegiemnh.org and www.cmoa.org.

• Carnegie Science Center and SportsWorks are fabulous for families with children of all ages -- there's lots of hands-on exploration at appropriate developmental levels for all kids. The admission fee allows entrance into the Science Center, SportsWorks, and the USS Requin submarine. Your family can spend the whole day for a total of $38. (Omnimax movies are extra.) The Science Center also offers nighttime laser shows; for your family, the cost would be $24. A second nighttime visit at the Science Center could include the Observatory SkyWatch to view the planets, stars, and clouds at a cost of just $1 per person. Visit their Web site at www.carnegiesciencecenter.org .

• A great day of outdoor adventure can include a picnic lunch you pack at home (along with a couple of rubber balls) and take to Frick Park in Squirrel Hill. While you're there, hike the many nature trails. After your picnic, play catch with the kids. You can also explore the Frick Environmental Center at 2500 Beechwood Blvd. There are loads of exhibits and activities for children.

• On another good-weather day, consider Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve (headquarters of the local Audubon Society) at 614 Dorseyville Road in Fox Chapel. They have 5 miles of nature trails and many children's activities.

• One all-time Pittsburgh favorite is Sandcastle Water Park in Homestead. It's full of cooling fun with water slides and pools -- but it's a bit more expensive than some other attractions, so you may want to save it for a special day. It's open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; admission for your family will total $54.95. Drinks and food are additional.

• Another Pittsburgh staple is Kennywood Park. Like Sandcastle, it's on the more expensive end of the cost spectrum; your family can spend the day there for a total of $83 in admission fees, plus the cost of any food and drinks.

There are more activities than we have room for: movies in the parks, libraries, pools. Park at Station Square, take the kids on a trolley ride to the South Hills -- then come back and enjoy the musical fountains. On some days, you may choose to spend money, but on others, family fun won't cost you a penny. Have a great local vacation!