A recent study conducted by researchers from Brigham Young University found teens think playing board games or throwing the ball around in the backyard with their parent shows more family cohesion than going on an expensive vacation.

The researchers surveyed fathers and their children in 647 households around the U.S., and discovered core activities such as eating a meal together or watching TV and movies won out over expensive family trips.

"When fathers invest time in low-cost, home-based, spontaneous activities close to or in the home, youth notice the difference," said study leader Ramon Zabriskie. "It doesn’t have to be something big. In fact, our research shows the little activities are the most important."

Those surveyed came from all different areas in the country, and the family annual incomes ranged from $10,000 to $150,000, showing there is no geographical or socio-economic factor contributing to this.

"We spend so much effort on the big-ticket items thinking that it’s the most important thing for our families, when really, more time with our kids on day-to-day activities will suffice," said Neil Lundberg, who was a part of the study.