While economists are hesitant to declare that we are in an official recession, it is no secret that American budgets are tight. With vacation time just around the corner, many of us are scratching our heads trying to figure out a way to fit a little fun into our summer. For many, travel is definitely out of the question due the high gas prices, and even higher airline costs. This means families need to find a way to enjoy summer vacations at home. Here are some ideas you can use.

Go to your state's tourism website to find out what attractions are in your area. Most people tend take their local attractions for granted, assuming they will eventually get around to visiting them. There are New Yorkers who have never been to the Statue of Liberty. There are people in Alabama who have never canoed the Cahaba River. There are people in Utah who have never been to the Canyonlands. Every state and even region has some kind of jewel that residents have very likely never seen, or knew existed. To find attractions in your area, just Google "your state (California, Michigan, etc)" and "tourism", and you will find a wealth of activities in your own backyard. You can take several day trips during your week off from work or spend one night in a hotel at or near the attractions.

Tackle a home improvement project. Instead of spending your vacation budget on gasoline and hotels, consider re-doing a room as a family. Not only will you be able to bond as a family, but also your budget will be spent in a way that you can see. The key to making work seem like a vacation is to give each child an age appropriate responsibility as well as lots of praise. End each evening during your project with a restaurant meal or a trip to an ice-cream parlor for an added treat.

Tell your family that a vacation is a state of mind and this year, you are making your mind work harder than your wallet. Have each family member plan a day for the family during your at home vacation. Have them plan breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all the activities in between. Give them a budget to work with. You may find yourself on roller skates and eating hot dogs one day, and window shopping at the mall and eating in the food court on another. Another family member may want to spend the day at your local pool and eat a picnic lunch. Someone may decide to have a Star Wars or Brady Bunch TV marathon day. At the end of the week, you can give rewards for the most creative day, the most exhausting day, the most fun day, and/or the most unusual day.

So you can see, summer vacations do not have to cost you $100.00 a night plus $300.00 a day for a typical family. You can choose to visit places in your backyard. You can choose to redirect your summer budget into needs and work together. You can choose to involve each family member in creating a unique vacation week where each person plans the activities of the day. You can even decide to do a combination of these ideas. Whatever it is you choose to do this summer to make your vacation time fun, remember to safe, and to share your money saving ideas with others.

Andrea Hermitt is a a featured writer for Xomba.com, read the rest of her work here .