As the world is relying more on technology like TVs, cell phones and the Internet, family time is hard to come by. Even family vacations aren’t as family-oriented as they used to be. If you’re sick of sending everybody their own way at a theme park or playing bingo while your kids watch TV in the cabin on a cruise, these five family-friendly destinations could be the answer for you.

Each location is wallet-friendly as well, making these spots fun and viable locations for your next family holiday.

1. Chicago
The best part about visiting Chicago with your kids is the amount of free activities: parks, a zoo, and the beach are just a few of Chicago’s many sights. Catch a Cubs game and see historic Wrigley Field, visit Navy Pier, or go to the top of the Sears Tower. Transportation around the city is easy and cheap, with the “El”, carriage rides, trolley cars and buses. Plus, most of the activities are centralized in the city center, making them easily accessible. According to Frommer’s, the cheapest time to visit the Windy City is during the winter, when there are no lines for museums and hotel rates are lowest. However, if you can handle a crowd, summer in Chicago is beautiful.
2. Camping
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on airline tickets or hotels, camping is an inexpensive way to bring the family together. Prime bonding experiences like hiking, fishing and making s’mores under the stars are only a short drive away. The best part? It’s really cheap! Many designated campsites are either free or quite affordable and after that, it’s merely how much money you want to spend on food. Unless you want to live like the Eskimos, summer and fall are the best times to go camping. Just remember the bug spray.
3. Oahu
Not only is this Hawaiian island breathtaking, it’s filled with activities for the whole family. Waikiki is world-renowned for its bevy of ocean activities, while the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium show off the interesting fauna of the islands. You can learn about the islands’ native inhabitants at the Polynesian Cultural Center and make a visit to the famous lava fields, and play pronunciation games with your kids over words like Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Picasso triggerfish, the state fish). According to Frommer’s, the best time to go for both weather and crowds are mid-April to mid-Jun., and Sept. to mid-Dec.
4. The National Parks
Nothing sparks a child’s imagination quite like the stunning vistas of American landscape found in the national parks. Go see Old Faithful in Yellowstone and make a visit to the Grand Canyon, marvel at the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons, or take an adventure into the wilderness of Yosemite. At very reasonable rates, the national parks offer your family a chance to get in touch with nature and delve into the America’s history and identity. The parks can be enjoyed in both summer and wintertime, although in the summer they feature both more people and more wildlife.
5. Washington, D.C.
Though it doesn’t spring to mind immediately at the mention of a family vacation, Washington, D.C. is chockfull of activities for the whole family. Children and adults alike will love the vast array of museums to explore, including the International Spy Museum, National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History. If museums aren’t your thing, there’s always the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the White House to check out. Expect crowds and beautiful weather in the summertime. If you really don’t like crowds, Thanksgiving weekend is a good bet.