Vacations and Money Make Families Happy

Summer means school's out and vacation time for family members.  With that in mind, Family Fun magazine took a small survey about what makes families happy and just how satisfied they are with their lives.

Among other things, the Happy Family Playbook reveals that vacations are the top activity when it comes to making families happy, followed by visits to local zoos and museums as well as playing board and video games together.

Speaking of vacations. seven in ten respondents said a trip to a dream destination is more rewarding than a renovated family room space.

Perhaps most importantly, parents report being 17 percent happier with their family life today than when they were kids.