I went on what's being called a "stay-cation". That's when you vacation in your own city and/or state to save money and boost the local economy.

While I haven't found a lot of freebies or buy-one-get-one free deals, I have found some deals to share with you.

First of all, before you go ANYWHERE, google the place you're going and the word "deal" or "discount" or "coupon."

By doing that I found a $10 off coupon for Elitch Gardens on the Colorado Kids Web site.

Check out the Colorado Kids Web site for lots of different coupons and deals.

Here's another deal of Elitch Gardens, $18.90 admission every Sunday from now until Labor Day! $18.90 is the year Elitch Gardens first opened its gates. It’s only available online. I'm told you can also call 303.595.4386 and the receptionist will have the most up to date discount information available.

Want to eat out? Don't miss my article on where kids eat free. The deals are now listed by days of the week.

Visiting Water World? They have a list of discounts on their own Water World Web site. One of the best deals may be the Family 4-pack available from King Soopers. It includes 4 admissions, 4 personal pizzas and 4 drinks for $109.96 ($27.49 a person). General admission is normally $33.95 withuot food. Guests with King Soopers tickets may bypass the ticket windows and head for the entry turnstiles.

My two favorite free tours for the family? Hammond's Candy factory in Denver and Celestial Seasonings factory in Boulder. At Hammond's, make sure you sample the free candies next to the tour check-in counter. At Celestial Seasonings, sample several teas you've never tried before, so you know what to buy when you get to the tea store after the tour.

Going to the Denver Zoo? It's free on October 7, Oct. 25, Nov. 8 and Nov. 11 in 2009 for Colorado residents. I did not find any coupon deals for the zoo. If you find one, e-mail me and I'll update this article. And do not buy tickets online at the Denver Zoo's Web site. While some businesses give you a discount for buying online, the zoo charges an extra $1 per ticket.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Art Museum & Children's Museum all have free days. For a list, check out my article on free things to do.

I also took the family to play at Winter Park. Yes, Winter Park is a ski area. However, when the snow melts Winter Park becomes a summer fun park with mini golf, lift rides, climbing wall, bungee trampoline jump, the super fun alpine slide and more. The all-day pass is not cheap, but it's a lot cheaper than a day of skiing. Winter Park's Web site has a list of summer deals including a free geocaching class on Saturdays which is great for the kids.

Last but not least, when you go to an attraction, look at the brochure rack. Often you'll find coupons like $1 off my neighborhood rec center. It has a nice pool for the kids to play in, so I'll be taking advantage of that coupon this weekend.

Well, it's back to reading, relaxing and sightseeing. Debbie's Deals will return next Tuesday.

If you see a deal, let me know! E-mail me Deb Stanley (Deb_Stanley@kmgh.com).

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