This story is provided and presented by our sponsor Pioneer Services, the military division of MidCountry Bank, which has provided financial services to the men and women of the Armed Forces for nearly 30 years. For more information, visit PioneerServices.com.

Even though summer is winding down, and the kids are getting ready to head back to school, it's not too late to sneak off on a last minute getaway. While it would certainly be nice to travel the world and explore exotic new places, while being pampered in luxurious locales, it's not always realistic to expect that from every vacation – especially if you're on a tight budget.

Luckily, you don't have to go broke to plan and execute a fun vacation. With a little creativity, even a frugal, modest vacation can be memorable and special for the whole family. And being in the military has its perks, with lots of attractions and events offering free or discounted prices for service members and their families. So today we'll explore some ways you can enjoy a nice getaway without breaking the bank.

NATIONAL PARKS

Did you know military families can get free annual passes to 58 national parks and over 2,000 federally-owned recreation sites? Every branch is covered, and if you're out on deployment, your dependents can still enjoy the same benefit even in your absence.

To obtain an annual pass, you'll need to visit a federal recreation site in person and present proper military ID (either CAC Card or DoD Form 1173). You will have to do this every year, but if you plan to travel and want to explore national parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, or dozens of others, it's worth the effort.

To find out more information, check out the U.S. Geological Survey's FAQ page for military passes.

CAMPING

Okay, so this one is only really frugal if you already have the gear you need. Borrowing from a friend or family members works too! All you really need is a tent and some sleeping bags. And what better way to save on vacation costs than by sleeping outside, right? Coupled with one of the thousands of parks and recreation spots available for free to service members, camping can be an ideal activity for the frugal vacationer.

And spending time in the great outdoors is a unique way to bring the family together and get a much-needed break from the daily grind. If you'd like to meet some like-minded folks, there are lots of military-specific camping spots close to installations around the country.

Check out this quick list of hidden gems when it comes to military lodges and camp grounds. Whether you're looking for spot to pull up the RV, a rustic campsite, or a cozy place with a view, don't forget to think outside the box.

AMUSEMENT PARKS

The list of theme parks that offer discounts for military families is significant. Disney is probably the most well-known, but it's not the only place. Other options include Six Flags, Sea World, Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, and many more.

Some discounts may be modest (in the range of 10%) but other times, you can get some great deals and really save a bundle. And sometimes it's worth spending a little more anyway. Your kids will certainly appreciate it!

For a comprehensive list, with details and links to each individual offer, check out this article on military.com.

MUSEUMS

There are a ton of museums that offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Starting to notice a pattern?

Best of all, museums give your kids the chance to explore other cultures and learn about some of the coolest times and events in history, while keeping them engaged and interested.

The National Endowment for the Arts offers a fantastic tool called Blue Star Museums that lets you find these kinds of places sorted by state and city. Wherever you plan to go on your vacation, free museum visits are a great way to stretch your dollar.

FREE EVENT TICKETS

If you're looking to enjoy a concert or a ball game on the cheap, Veteran Tickets Foundation offers free tickets to events all around the country to military, veterans, and family members of those KIA.

Their goal is to reduce stress for military families by offering positive life experiences through fun and entertaining events that they may not otherwise be able to attend. To date, they've given out over 1.4 million event tickets in all 50 states. Once again, you're able to sort by your location on their website, and get more information on each individual event, so be sure to think of them if you're planning a frugal vacation.

And if you'd like to go the extra mile and give back to other families like yours, you can also become a sponsor through their website.

DRIVE, FLY, OR STAY

Whether you plan to board a plane, drive across the country, or visit a place nearby, be sure to consider all your options when planning a frugal vacation. And if all else fails, there's nothing wrong with a nice staycation either. The most important thing is to get the rest and relaxation you deserve, and to spend some quality time with your family. So as long as you have a positive attitude, your budget can never bring you down.

©2015 Pioneer Services. No U.S. military endorsement is implied.