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Posted Thursday, June 18, 2009 by Jackie Morgan MacDougall

What does summer mean to you?

Bikinis and martinis by the pool in an exotic location? Maybe lying in the sand in front of some private beach-front property off the coast? Or perhaps floating in a tube at your lake house (big enough for family, friends and the hired help, of course)...

Yeah, me neither.

For most families, mine included, this summer is about enjoying time off -- and each other -- while skipping the high price tag that always accompanies the annual family vacation. Seriously, even weekends away seem to cost a fortune! These days, beach houses are being traded for day trips to the sand...amusement parks are replaced by a trip to the local zoo.

But some of us have always lived on a budget. Growing up in a family of 13 kids, frugal was the name of the game in our household. But toss in a recession, and now everyone (even that snooty mom up the street) seems to be jumping on the cheap bandwagon. It's actually "in" to find deals and "out" to waste money these days. Finally, I'm in style!

But that doesn't mean you have to stay home (and lose your sanity) just to save a little cash. There are vacation and day trip deals all over the Internet - something that appeals to every family on every budget. You just have to get creative and start digging.

Here's a little peek at some of the fun things you can do for LESS this summer!

Take a hike!

How many times have you promised the kids a camping trip, only to pitch a tent in the middle of the family room?
National parks across the US are offering FREE admission on certain weekends. Your kids will love the great outdoors and, who knows, it could spark a little romance with your significant other - campfire, s'mores... what's not to love?

Got something to celebrate? Now you do even more!

There are activities and overnight deals ready to commemorate your birthday, anniversary and even good grades with cool discounts and freebies!

• Disney parks are FREE on your birthday!
• Gaylord Hotels honor your anniversary with a free night and upgraded accommodations for one of their local resorts.
• Military families get free admission to SeaWorld or any of the other Busch Gardens parks.
• And, while school may be out... no better way to gear your kids up for next year than by celebrating the end-of-year report card with discounts at locations from east to west.

Want an overnight or weekend getaway... or a week's vacation?

At Starwood Hotels & Resorts, pay the year of your birth ($75 if you were born in 1975) for a second and third night at participating Sheratons, Westins, Four Points by Sheratons and other Starwood properties.
Best Western gets even more family-friendly with incentives across the country, even a chance to win a trip to see the Jonas Bros. (cue pubescent girl screams here).
And, Mexico is wooing back its tourists with post Swine Flu deals you can't pass up!

Get cruisin'!

Now is the time to cruise for less! With deals for all-inclusive trips to the islands... you'll be soaking up the sun in no time - with or without the kiddos!

Last, but certainly not least if you love to cook, create lots of fun activities for rambunctious children and find charm in a casual (AKA messy) location, you're always welcome to come stay with me and my crazy family.

Jackie Morgan MacDougall, on the never-ending quest for balance, enjoys life in Los Angeles with her husband, Jeff, and their three small kids. For more of Jackie's parenting observations, visit The Silver Whining.
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10 Cities on a Shoestring 

Great Regional Daycations

Staycations: Get Away to the Backyard 

Go Away Without Going Broke