Take the family camping. There is probably a public or private camping ground within a reasonable distance from your house. Enjoy a change of pace, different scenery and a chance for fun family time -- a camping trip is one of the most popular inexpensive family vacations available. Choose a campground with amenities such as a pool and camping cabins or attractions such as a lake or hiking trails to make the most of your getaway.
Bring the kids to the closest beach for inexpensive family vacations. As long as you can find mid-priced accommodations (stay right outside town if it's a resort area) and save money on food (have cook-outs instead of eating at restaurants), a beach vacation can be made to fit any budget.
Look up local lakes or rivers for canoeing or tubing. Decide how far you can travel based on your fuel budget, and search for basic cabin rentals or camping accommodations for overnight stays. Be sure to pack life jackets, bug spray, sunscreen and sunglasses -- avoid paying top dollar at convenience stores.
Find out about water parks and amusement/ theme parks in your area, or that are near enough to drive. Find out about discount days, out of season ticket prices and other ways to save money.
Pack food and snacks. Wherever your trip takes you, you'll have a more inexpensive family vacation if you pack snack food and even ingredients for meals, rather than relying on restaurants and food vendors.
