We live in a state filled with history, culture and good food -- so, why would you not want to experience it this summer? Planning a fun day trip with friends is always a fun time! If you're babysitting and need a place to take the kids, this is the list for you. It is an inexpensive, educational and a fun way to spend your time this summer.

1. The McWane Science Center

This fun, hands-on science museum is great for any age. You can go through and see the dinosaurs, sea creatures and visit their IMAX theater to watch the latest movies. They are open Monday through Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., so there is always a day to go! Their admission prices range from $9-$18 depending on what you'd like to do. It's always fun and it is something everyone can enjoy!

2. Bud's Best Cookies Factory

Who doesn't love cookies? Since it opened in 1991, the factory has been locally producing a great, yummy product that everyone can love. Touring the factory with a bunch of friends may sound lame but you might get some free cookies, and everyone loves free stuff. They are only open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for tours so you better make reservations soon so that you don't miss out!

3. Hands-On Museum

The Children's Hands-On Museum in Tuscaloosa is just the thing to do to relive a childhood memory. Can't decide on a major? They can help. Go embrace your inner kid and go through the museum trying out different career fields. From bankers to doctors, they have it all. For just $9 you can drive to Tuscaloosa, see much more than just a college town. They are open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It's so much fun for any age.

4. Pioneer Museum

For the low price of $4, you can head down to Troy, Alabama and experience the life of a pioneer through hands-on learning. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., see how the pioneers lived, what they did for work and the experiences they would have had in their time. This is a great place to learn about Alabama's culture and history. It is great for kids, people interested in history and it is a place to put in your scrapbook.

5. Golden Flake

Everyone loves to open up a bag of chips on a hot summer day while sitting by the pool. Well, why not go see how they are made? At 1 Golden Flake Dr in Birmingham, you can request a tour and get to see and sample a true southern chip. Open Monday through Thursday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., there is no time to waste. Go schedule your tour and eat some yummy chips this summer!

6. Space and Rocket Center

We have all, at one time or another, wanted to go into space. Well, now you can experience it in our own backyard. At Davison Center in Huntsville, Alabama, you can go see retired shuttles, current projects, eat some astronaut food and even try out some training sequences. Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., there is no excuse not to go! Admission prices vary from $8-$20 depending on what you want to experience, but the sky's the limit, so go embrace your inner space monkey.

7. Helen Keller's Birthplace

Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, overcame many obstacles. In fact, she was born right here in Alabama! Her childhood home, Ivy Green, has been transformed into a place where you can learn about her life and see where she first communicated with her teacher, Ann Sullivan. In West Tuscumbia, Alabama, you can see this iconic house. Open Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an admission of $6, this is a place that truly started American Sign Language.

8. Shark Tooth Creek

Did you know that Alabama was once completely submerged underwater? Well, it was, and it left behind a few things. In the small town of Aliceville, you can dig up and find shark teeth that have been there for thousands of years. At $15 a person, you do not want to miss out. Call now because everyone is chomping at the bit to go.

9. Blue Bell Creamery

The best thing about a hot Alabama summer is the excuse to eat all the ice cream you want. Blue Bell has been making yummy ice cream since the 1930's and now, even though they are not currently offering tours, you can still go visit their store and creamery in Sylacauga, Alabama. You can experience the amazing taste of tradition in a cup of your favorite flavored ice cream.

What are you waiting for? Get up off the couch and go explore your state!