Studies show families that spend quality time together are not only happier but occurrences of children getting involved with alcohol or drugs drop by as much as 75% over families that seldom do things together. In the past decade, families have begun to understand the value that vacation time offers from the standpoint of raising well-rounded children but also the joy of quality time together. The home is more peaceful, relationships between parents and children are more trusting, and vacations teach children the good things in life to pass down to their own children.
Although family vacations are critically important, we all know the current economy has put a damper on finances. While this does create more of a challenge when searching various family vacation destinations, it does not mean a vacation has to be eliminated altogether. If you want to organize a family vacation but have a tight budget, remember that with good planning and thinking outside the box, you can give your family the memory of a lifetime without spending a fortune. Below we have offered two excellent options to add to the list of ideas you created.
National Parks
Throughout the country, more than 375 national parks exist although only 15% of those are designated as such. The remaining 85% are comprised of national seashores, national lakeshores, national monuments, national historic sites, national battlefields, national forests, etc. However, as you begin looking at the list of official national parks, you would quickly discover these parks are located from east to west coast and each has something unique to offer.
The great thing about national parks as a family vacation is that the lands are protected by the government. This means being able to introduce your children to virgin land untouched by industry or technology. Your children would also have the opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife, flora, fauna, monuments, relics, lakes, rivers, streams, fragrances, and much more. Family vacation destinations specific to national parks are affordable but also exciting so you never sacrifice on experience and adventure.
The following are just a few of the national parks that we highly recommend:
• Yellowstone – Spread over 3,470 square miles in states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, this park boasts volcanoes, fishing, geysers, horseback riding, camping, boating, hiking, and more, as well as multiple accommodations and restaurants.
• Mount Rainer – Located about an hour from Tacoma, Washington, this park is unusual by being both a volcano and glacier. In fact, this national park is the greatest glacial system in America, one that boasts more than 900 plant species, summertime temperatures around 75 degrees, and fantastic views.
• Rocky Mountain – As the tenth oldest national park in the United States, the snow-capped mountain peaks, dense forests, and mesmerizing sites of the Rocky Mountains are just a few of the incredible features of this Colorado destination.
Civil War Reenactments
In looking at other family vacation destinations, one that would be a blast but also educational, you could visit one or more states where civil war reenactments occur. There are literally hundreds of different possibilities but we listed a few for your convenience.
• Galesburg, Illinois – Two extremely well organized civil wars are reenacted to include authentic uniforms, 100 period camps, and a pre-1840 early American colonial frontier. For the family, other activities and features include games, pie and cake auction, period fashion show, mercantile tents, and more.
• Spotsylvania, Virginia – Set on 87 acres, this family vacation would include war reenactments, exhibits, and property tours to gain a better understanding of the life that a soldier during this time led.
• Concord, North Carolina – The Battle of Bost Grist Mill is reenacted to perfection. The entire cast is so focused and dedicated to providing people with a great experience that your family would feel as if they had slipped into the past.
• Muncie, Indiana – Finally, civil war reenactments take place on the Prairie Creek Reservoir Park, honoring those who fought for our country. Other things to enjoy include period music, various period activities, and fabulous food.
