The current economic situation has most families re-examining their spending habits, and many are thinking about ways to take cheap family vacations.
In the past families took pride in paying for over the top vacations whether they could afford them or not.
Many times these were financed using their credit cards.
Now, families are finding that they have to be a lot more practical in their spending habits.
The challenge for them is to find ways to entertain their children and their families cheaply, while still having a great time.
One issue parents may have is feeling like they are failing their children by not having quality vacation experiences when they plan cheap family vacations.
Actually, a cheaper vacation can be just as nice, and can be helpful to their children in a lot of ways.
First, they can teach their children that there are some instances where money doesn't equal quality time.
Children can learn that they can have a quality good time by doing something special with the family and that there doesn't have to have a large price tag attached to it.
The children will also learn how to endure challenging times in life.
Having said that, one idea that you can use for keeping vacations cheaper, is to drive to a nearby attraction.
If you live nearby a beach, you can simply drive them to the beach for a day there.
You can pack lunch fixings, or you can bring a grill.
The children will love frolicking on the beach and the family can do things like play frisbee, volleyball, or take a nice swim.
The grownups can read a nice book or bring along any portable hobbies that they might have.
This is a very fun and relaxing vacation to have.
Other cheap family vacations that you can try, is to drive to a local national park.
Just about every state has a national park.
These are wonderful places to go hiking, or to go fishing or even camping overnight.
The kids can play in the fresh air.
Again, you can bring your own food and supplies to save money on eating out.
You can make an event out of fishing and then eating the catch for lunch or for dinner.
The third cheap vacation idea is to plan a fun day right in the town or the city that you live in.
Many people pass by interesting tourist attractions or shops in their town, and ignore them.
You can make an event out of viewing your town from the perspective of a tourist, and not as a local.
You and your family might find a new and fresh perspective for the town that you live in.
It's amazing how a change in perspective can turn things around and make the town that you live in brand new.
Best of all, you won't have to worry about staying in a hotel, because you can go back home when you are done touring your town or city.
These are all interesting and fun ways that you can provide cheap family vacations for you, your spouse and your children.