by Kelly Olsen

Created on: August 10, 2011   Last Updated: August 13, 2011

Recession? There's no stinkin'  recession! Though the politicians want us to believe this it is a belief that comes hard for the millions of families out there just trying to get by day to day.  When there is barely enough to pay the bills the thoughts of vacations with the family turn to lost hopes and dreams for the hopefully not far off future.  Sad as it may be not to go away to Disney or the Bahamas there are things that families can do together, to spend time bonding and having fun.

State and Federal  Parks offer a wide variety of activities for families to do. From free beaches, lake or ocean mattering on where you are of coarse, hiking trails, camp grounds, water parks and more!  Families can borrow a book or two from a local library and bird, bug, or animal watch.  Have a flora and fauna scavenger hunt, using digital camera click photos not just of the family having fun but of trees, animals, insects or even rocks. Most if not all parks offer picnic areas for families to enjoy a packed lunch or even meet up with other friends for a day.

Many Parks were made to help preserve historical sights. In doing this many have reenactments that families can watch and even participate in.  Learning and preservation days are often offered for free with these reenactments.  Those that have historical buildings often house museums to tour as well.  Contact the local ranger to find out more about those and other tours that might be led in the park, such as living off the land, hiking safety, local animal, local vegetation, tours and walks. A few even offer haunted walks in the fall!

Though some may find it morbid Gravestone rubbing can be a great family activity.  One can go to any graveyard with paper and chalk to create these rubbings or a family learning tradition can be started.  Tracing ones family tree can lead families to do rubbings of ancestors grave stones.  Design, art, history and empathy are all well learned lessons of this activity for all family members.  Many historical graveyards offer tours to show off remarkable graves stones, historical people's resting spots and fallen hero placements.  Others are in need of volunteers to help weed around the stones, place memorial markers and what not.

Do a walk. Yes families can go take a walk around the block each day. Not only is it good exercise but a way to get away from the digital world and actually talk to ones family.  Sign up for and train as a family for a charity walk such as March of Dimes. Doing good helps people feel better and is an awesome family experience. One that is good for those involved and those they can help.

The economy has left many feeling the pinch. This does not mean though that we cannot go out and have a good time with our children and families.  Money isn't everything and isn't needed to create memories, instil morals, and create a happy loving family.

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