Looking for something to do with the kids that's enjoyable, educational and, best of all, cheap? There are museums, libraries and art galleries all over the Inland region that offer great programs for families that don't involve an admission fee. Here's a list that's just the tip of the iceberg of inexpensive or freebie fun the whole family will enjoy:

First Sundays

From October through May, families can visit several downtown Riverside locations on the first Sunday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. and find a variety of free family activities, crafts and games. Some of the activities may have a minimal fee for participation.

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Mark Zaleski / The Press-Enterprise

Artist Cynthia Huerta assists a group of children in painting Day of the Dead masks at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum during The First Sunday's family days in Riverside.

Sponsored by the Junior League of Riverside, Riverside Downtown Partnership, the Riverside Arts Council, the Riverside Cultural Consortium and UCR ARTSblock, First Sundays was designed as a free community outreach program that allows families to participate in hands-on workshops at museums and the library.

Family Fun Days

The San Bernardino County Museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month and a variety of Family Fun Days activities on a regular basis. The next big family event will be Santa's PJ Party on Dec. 11 and 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. There is a $10 per person charge for this one (some family days are free). Pre-registration for the event is required and activities will include Christmas games, holiday stories, winter crafts, singing, refreshments and a visit with Santa.

The museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane in Redlands. For more information or to register for an event call 909-307-2669 or visit www.sbcountymuseum.org

Science Adventures

At Professor Pennypickle's Workshop (aka the Temecula Children's Museum) kids can participate in science adventures every Friday night, usually for about $5. Remaining activities in November include Pennypickle's Science Night today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and The Science of Santa: Crazy Christmas Tree Contest on Nov. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Visit the professor's workshop at 42081 Main St. in Temecula. For hours and more details on upcoming events call 951-308-6376 or visit www.pennypickles.org.

Families can also visit the Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center in Highland on the last Saturday of the month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for Family Science Exploration. The Environmental Learning Center staff leads the experimental fun in the facility's lab.

Other free weekly or monthly activities at the library and center include including a teen art club, the Ecomagination station and more. The facility is located at 7863 Central Ave. in Highland. Call 909-425-4700 for more information.

Visit Web sites or call local libraries, art galleries or museum for details on free or inexpensive family activities close to home.

Reach Jennifer Dean at 951-368-9336, jdean@PE.com or http://blogs.pe.com/moms