You don’t need much money to enjoy a memorable family vacation. While some theme parks and resorts can be pretty pricey, many other destinations offer inexpensive fun for the entire family. By deciding on your budget and planning ahead, you can enjoy the perfect family summer vacation without breaking the bank.
San Diego, California
Although some expensive attractions are in San Diego, plenty of affordable activities exist too. Treat your family to a picnic and some fun in the sand at one of the area’s beautiful beaches, or grab a bite to eat at some of the many food trucks in the area. If your family enjoys the outdoors, explore Mission Bay Park. In addition to several playgrounds, Mission Bay Park has plenty of paths for hiking and biking. There’s even water access, so you can enjoy an afternoon swim without venturing too far.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Read More »Winter Park, Colorado
While Winter Park, Colorado, is an excellent destination for the colder seasons, it is also a fun, budget-friendly option for the summertime. There are several activities to keep children busy throughout your stay, including hiking, gondola rides, and rope courses. If zooming down a mountain on a tubing hill is something your family enjoys, take them to Snow Mountain Ranch. They also offer a miniature golf course that is free for guests. So no matter your budget, your family will love vacationing at Winter Park.
Branson, Missouri
If you’ve always wanted to visit Branson, Missouri, the summer is the perfect time to go. Branson is particularly well-suited for those families who like spending outside. If your child is a budding paleontologist, check out Branson’s Dinosaur Museum. They feature over fifty life-size dinosaur replicas and an interactive fossil exhibit. In addition, adventurous families will enjoy an entertaining tour of Talking Rocks Cavern while learning about the area’s geological history.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Check out Outer Banks, North Carolina, for another oceanside option on the Atlantic coast. Several lighthouses are open to the public, and the beaches are staffed with lifeguards to provide your family peace of mind. Grab a flashlight and look for ghost crabs at sunset as your day ends. “Ghost crabbing” is one of the most popular local activities and is fun for kids and parents. The next day, head further north to Roanoke Island and spend a few hours exploring the North Carolina Aquarium. This aquarium was initially founded in 1976 and hosts a variety of exhibits and habitats, including an interactive sea turtle area.
Washington, D.C.
Every family should take the opportunity to visit the nation’s capital at least once. Most monuments are free to explore, and if you register beforehand, you can even take your kids on a guided tour of the White House. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers free admission, but reserve your date and time of arrival online before heading there. Then, head to Beauvoir Outdoors Playground to let the kids burn off some pent-up energy. You can find this playground at National Cathedral Elementary School. It offers a variety of activities for your children to enjoy, including rope bridges, jungle gyms, and a zip line.
Corpus Christi, Texas
For a beach vacation option along the Gulf Coast, venture down to Texas and spend your summer at Corpus Christi. While South Padre Island is a more popular destination amongst young adults, there are plenty of inexpensive, family-friendly activities at Corpus Christi. For example, the Lexington is a popular local attraction for history buffs and young children. Climb aboard this World War II aircraft carrier, and spend the afternoon exploring the decks. Older kids and parents will enjoy their new escape room experience, while younger children will delight in the 3D shows playing on the onboard mega theater. In addition, there are many other family activities to enjoy around town, including the Texas State Aquarium, the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, and the Art Museum of South Texas.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Many families put the Grand Canyon on their “to-do” list, and summer is the perfect time to explore this national park. While visiting the canyon tends to be more popular during summer, you can head to the North Rim to avoid some of the larger crowds. Get in touch with nature and save money when you stay at the North Ridge Campground. Take your family on a day hike, enjoy the beautiful scenery, or get your children involved with their free junior ranger program. In this program, they can learn about nature conservation and earn badges as they complete each activity.
Bar Harbor, Maine
While many people may not think of Maine as a summer vacation destination, it is an excellent choice for those looking for something budget-friendly. Acadia National Park lies within Bar Harbor, and the National Park Service offers various activities for children. Take your family on a whale-watching excursion aboard an Acadian boat tour, or set sail aboard a puffin and lighthouse cruise. Another fun activity is to explore Maine’s coastal habitat by visiting the Oceanarium and Education Center. Your children can enjoy interactive, hands-on experiences with local wildlife and learn more about the importance of conservation.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a highly walkable city, making it an affordable vacation option for families who are considering traveling abroad. In addition, there is a multitude of free walking tours which take you through the lively city streets. A great way to save money in Vienna is to purchase a Vienna Pass. This pass is a sightseeing ticket granting you free entry to over seventy attractions around the city, including castles, museums, botanical gardens, and more. Vienna is also a safe tourist destination, making it an excellent choice for your family’s first European vacation.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is a popular family vacation destination for many reasons. This beautiful resort town offers amusement parks, museums, outdoor adventure, and stunning coastlines your children will surely enjoy. Spend the morning building sandcastles at Bavaro Beach or sign up for a glass-bottomed boat tour and take a better look at the local aquatic life. Dolphin Island Park is an affordable water park experience where you can watch live performances of the dolphins and even interact with these friendly mammals. So whether you’re traveling with small children or your elderly parents, Punta Cana has something for everyone to enjoy.
Vancouver, Canada
If you want an option closer to home, consider taking your family to Vancouver this summer. Vancouver is an excellent destination for those who enjoy sightseeing around a big city and offers some of the world’s best beaches and hiking trails. However, if you need a break from all the activity, take a walk on the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. This bridge is free to cross, and the beautiful views of North Vancouver are a sight to behold.
Jamaica
If you’re in the mood for a tropical island getaway, Jamaica is ideal for families with children of all ages. Jamaica features unparalleled natural beauty, colorful culture, and friendly people who make visitors feel right at home. Many beaches have professional lifeguards, and most resorts are situated alongside shallow bodies of water, making them perfect for younger kids. All-inclusive resorts in Jamaica are generally affordable and offer many activities for children.
Rincon, Puerto Rico
Although Rincon is a more expensive city than most other towns in the area, it’s full of attractions that are free to enjoy. Families can save money on meals by renting a villa with a full kitchen. In addition, Rincon has many affordable outdoor activities, including horse riding, surfing, and exploring the local lighthouses. If your family has always wanted to try scuba diving, sign them up for a beginner’s scuba diving tour. Previous experience is not required, and your professional guide will provide everything you need to enjoy a memorable adventure.
Lisbon, Portugal
Contrary to popular belief, European vacations can be budget-friendly. For example, Lisbon is a very affordable city and a great place to take your children outside of the United States. Portugal has breathtaking landscapes, kid-friendly activities, and cheap dining options that won’t break the bank. Explore Portugal’s famous sea caves when you venture down to Algarve. This southern part of the country is ideal for families looking for sandy beaches and a laidback vibe. If your children are aspiring astronomers, bring a telescope to Alqueva at dusk. This unique region of the country is the first starlight tourism destination in the world and offers spectacular views of the night sky.
