"Summertime and the living is easy."This might be so for millions of Americans in the United States, but for military families, finding time to enjoy a vacation together can be challenging.With our troops home from the war in Iraq and the drawdown continuing in Afghanistan, military families are, for the first time in 10 years, finding time to plan vacations that do not revolve around R and R or homecomings.Soldiers are home and not looking at a quick turnaround back downrange.Family routines have been reestablished, relationships have begun to strengthen and the thought of spending quality time together away from everyday routines is as powerful as ever.As part of an effort to thank service members and their families for the sacrifices they make, the Interior Department recently announced that more than 1,600 museums across the country will offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families this summer.Additionally, the free pass will be made available for activated members of the National Guard and reserve, but not for military veterans or retirees.The free admission runs from Memorial Day until Labor Day at participating sites to include art museums, science centers, history museums, nature centers and at about 70 children’s museums throughout the United States.These passes typically cost $80 and provide access to more than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands.Hopefully, this program will provide more options for our service members and their families to spend quality time together without breaking the bank.The healing power of nature does work.The beauty of the Rockies, clear sparkling streams, a bed of wildflowers all present a bouquet for the senses that not only appeals to us mentally, but also reduce and are good for us physically.According to the Natural Health and Acupuncture Clinic: "nature can heal."Our bodies have the inherent ability to maintain and restore health by using remedies and techniques that are in harmony with natural processes.Naturopathic medicine has experienced a surge in the past two decades, as a health-conscious public looks to alternatives to conventional medicine.In Regina Bailey’s article, "Nature’s Healing Power," scientific studies have shown that forests and other natural green environments have positive health benefits.After spending time in these types of surroundings, people report having a reduction in stress, anger and aggressiveness.Recovery time from stressful situations is faster in natural, green surroundings than in urban areas.Natural surroundings have also been found to improve mood and reduce depression. Still more reports show that spending time in nature helps to lower blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and stress hormone levels.Trips to Yosemite or the Grand Canyon are once in a lifetime experiences, but a visit to state and local parks can be just as therapeutic and fun.Many state parks have made a concentrated effort to draw families with affordable overnight camping and residential facilities, not to mention the low cost of MWR facilities around the globe.The possibilities are endless.Private organizations such as the Sierra Club, Outward Bound, the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple Family Retreats and the Armed Services YMCA have also created programs specifically for military families that are held at free of charge at beautiful locations throughout the country.So what are you waiting for?Pack that van or SUV, fill it with camping equipment and fishing poles and head out toward the great outdoors.The memories made will last a lifetime.Other summer resources for military families:- MWR: Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the G9 division of the Army’s Installation Management Command, is a comprehensive network of quality support and leisure services that enhances the lives of soldiers, civilians, families, military retirees and other eligible participants.http://www.armymwr.com/recleisure/default.aspx- Sierra Club’s Military Families Outdoors: The Sierra Club is excited to offer a number of deeply discounted or free outdoor adventures and expeditions for our military and veteran communities.http://www.sierraclub.org/military/- Outward Bound: Outward Bound courses are not guided trips. They are real expeditions that cross rugged, beautiful terrain with challenges designed to reveal your strength. Whether you are backpacking the Rockies, rafting rapids on the Salmon River or sailing the Maine coast, in every course, our instructors deliver a progression starting with skill-building and culminating with real leadership -- and plenty of fun, celebration and camaraderie as we go.http://www.outwardbound.org/outdoor-leadership?gclid=CO7425-YlLACFUJo4Aod5jz3oA- Operation Purple Family Retreats: Operation Purple® Family Retreats are four days long and are designed to help families to reconnect after experiencing the stresses surrounding a deployment. They are a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, try new things, make friends, and enjoy quality time together as a family.http://www.militaryfamily.org/our-programs/operation-purple/family-retreats/- Armed Services YMCA: The Armed Services YMCA is a nonprofit organization designed to make military life easier. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., we provide support services to military service members and their families all over the world, with a particular focus on junior-enlisted men and women — the individuals on the front lines of defending our nation.http://www.asymca.org/