Forming memories during the summer months is something of a rite of passage for many families, but how can you weave your faith into the entertainment-only factor that you find at many vacation destinations? Take time to reconnect with each other in a meaningful way while being respectful of your family finances by checking out one of these faith-based trips you can take with your family. That doesn’t mean your trip has to be boring — you’re sure to find an option that will fit with your family’s interests and your budget.
Explore the Natural World
Family trips are all about spending time together. One of the best ways to inspire interaction with your children (and cost-effective to boot) is to explore the natural world together. Go on a nature hike, canoeing or kayaking, fishing or just enjoying God’s creation. The sites will inspire natural conversation among your family members and you might get a tan too!
This is a great option if you only have a few days to get away. Many state parks offer inexpensive cabin rentals with outdoor grills, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy the experience if you’re not comfortable with the lack of conveniences found in a true camping experience.
There are so many options to customize this type of outing for children of any age or family members with reduced mobility. Even an afternoon picnic in your local park offers opportunities to find pockets of nature that will bring joy to young and old alike.
Check Out a Theme Park or Museum
Not all theme parks are a bastion of consumerism. There are several options that allow you and your family to deepen your faith while you’re being entertained. Consider hitting the road to visit one or more of these Christian theme parks:
- The Ark Encounter: You’ll find a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark in Williamstown, KY, just as described by the book of Genesis. This educational and interactive exhibit helps young and old alike dive deeper into the story that they first heard as children. Fun extras like a zip-line tour assure that kids of all ages will be engaged.
- The Creation Museum: When you’re in Kentucky, check out this sister attraction to the Ark Encounter. With over 3 million visitors in the 10 years it’s been open, this museum includes gardens, overnight adventures and even a special effects theatre.
- The Holy Land Experience:If you’re in the area around Orlando, Florida, you might want to check out this Biblical attraction that includes live shows and 14 exhibits that include a recreation of Jesus’ tomb.
- Billy Graham Library:Looking for a quieter and more reverent experience? This homage to evangelist Billy Graham is found in Charlotte, North Carolina, and boasts over a million visitors since opening day.
Mission Moments
Whether your budget will support an overseas mission or one across the country, or you need to find a local way to give back to your community, creating a mission-focused trip allows you to serve others while growing closer as a family. There are thousands of options such as Habitat for Humanity locally, and family-based trips such as those offered through YouthWorks, Epic Missions, InMotion Ministries and World Servant.
You’ll find a variety of intergenerational trips that will deepen your faith and strengthen family ties at the same time. Learn alongside your family how you can leverage your God-given skills and talents to help others in the world who are less fortunate.
Holy Land Tours
While quite an investment, a tour of the Holy Lands can be a life-changing experience for your entire family. Perhaps best for those with older children or adults, these experiences are guaranteed to ignite your faith and strengthen you spiritually for the road ahead. Here’s a few options to consider:
- Christian Cruise: Where else can you go on a vacation that brings together the beauty of nature with inspirational messages from excellent teachers and uplifting entertainment? A Christian cruise allows you to praise and worship with like-minded individuals in a remote locale.
- Israel: Visit the birthplace of Jesus and follow his steps through the battle of Armageddon and the Sea of Galilee. Float in the Dead Sea, and end your trip in Jerusalem where Jesus died, was buried and rose again. See famous monuments such as the Western Wall, the Mount of Olives and Hezekiah’s Tunnel.
While a full trip to Israel may be outside of your budget, there are still plenty of ways that you and your family can reconnect with each other while learning more about historical Bible locations and stories. Start planning today for the faith-based trip of a lifetime this summer!
~ Christian Patriot Daily