Explore our Nation’s State Parks. There are national parks and monuments in every state. Most are free or low-cost and have a variety of affordable activities, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, or boating. Plus, camping in national parks is more affordable than traditional camp sites! Let your kids run off some energy and show them some of our nation’s most beautiful places.

Stay With Family and Friends. Reconnect with family members or friends that you are not able to see often. Not only will this save costs, but it will help you stay connected and introduce your children to family members and friends they might not have met.

Go Off the Beaten Path. Visit a ski resort in the summer or stay away from “tourist traps.” The prices are cheaper and you’ll avoid the crowds.

Stay Close To Home. Camp out in your backyard! It’s free, convenient, and guaranteed fun for your kids. Or, you can stay in a nearby hotel or campground. You don’t need to go far from home to have fun and give your kids some excitement.

Don’t stress about your summer vacation! Get creative and focus on the reason for getting away – to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.

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Learn a new sport. Choose a new sport for your and your children to tackle together – golf, tennis, football – whatever sparks your interest. If your child is already on a sports team or is about to join, work on his/her sklls: teach your child how to pass a soccer ball, dribble a basketball, or catch a baseball and have fun running the drills outside.

Take a hike! Find a local trail and take the whole family out. Or, turn it into a family camping trip. Hikes and camp outs are great opportunities to teach your kids fun skills – how to use a compass, how to identify animal tracks, or how to start a campfire. Can’t go far from home? Camp out in your backyard!

Visit a local monument or national park. You’d be surprised at what’s in your backyard. A local national park is perfect for a picnic or a hike, and many of them hold special festivals, tours, and events – for free or low cost.

Get wet. Visit your local community pool with your kids, but don’t just sit on the sidelines as they have fun. Race your kids from one side of the pool to another, or initiate a game of tag or Marco Polo. Gather a group and have a cannonball contest.

If you want something more outdoorsy, try kayaking or canoeing at the nearest lake. This is perfect for older kids, and shows them the value of teamwork and cooperation.

Be the student. Have your child teach you their favorite activity – skateboarding, jump roping, kickball – the possibilities are endless. Swallow your pride and laugh along with your kids as you fumble at double dutch jumprope.

Now that the weather is warm and summer is approaching, don’t just sit around watching movies! Get active and get outside with your family! Don’t forget the sunscreen!

[ Article by | Fatherhood.org ]