Finally managed to find some reasonably priced family bikes in PHX CL this weekend.
First is an early 90s Sherpa Trail Dorado MTB. Well kept and had Shimano SPD pedals. Owner claims it's the identical frame to the Specialized Hard Rock/Rock Hopper?, made by the same OEM. Tange MTB tubing throughout. Got it for $30.
Next was an all-or-nothing group buy. A Giant MTB of unknown vintage because of a repaint, but decent quality....an early 80s Ross Diamond Cruiser w/ blue anodized parts, and a cheapo Roadmaster MTB. All for $40. 2 out of 3 isn't bad. They'll all get overhauled once I return. Now the family once again has rides and the kids are happy.

Honorable mention: The misses managed to grab an expensive BMX bike at a garage sale. End of the day and the seller said everything will be let go for $1 each. She pointed to the BMX, and he hesitantly gave it up.
I don't know much about BMX, but from the pic, the components and frame don't look cheap.