30 Cheap Family Vacations (That Are Actually Fun)

I’m a touring mother of 4 and with that many youngsters, you’ll be able to wager I’ve deliberate loads of low cost household holidays! 

This information options dozens of locations throughout the United States, in addition to just a few reasonably priced spots overseas. I share concepts for each curiosity, from outside adventures to city leisure—plus just a few low-cost gems that you simply gained’t discover anyplace else! 

Disclosure: Journey Lemming is an unbiased reader-supported weblog. You’ll be able to assist us by buying by way of the affiliate hyperlinks on this web page, which can earn us commissions. See our Promoting Coverage for additional clarification. Thanks!

30 Greatest Low-cost Household Holidays

Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia 

This serene space is the closest nationwide park to D.C., however feels worlds away

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Shenandoah Nationwide Park Inns on Reserving

Journey Lemming just lately used information to rank all of the US nationwide parks. Virginia’s Shenandoah Nationwide Park got here out #1, largely as a result of it’s straightforward to entry and comparatively reasonably priced to go to.

If you happen to reside in one of many bustling East Coast cities, it’s straightforward to flee for just a few days outdoor in Shenandoah. These mountaineering with youngsters can be delighted by the simpler trails and lots of waterfalls. It’s also possible to horseback journey, rock climb, fish, and look ahead to wildlife.

Denver, Colorado

Household-friendly actions abound within the Mile Excessive Metropolis, a lot of that are low price

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Denver is strategically located within the middle of the US, which is why Denver Worldwide Airport is the third-busiest within the nation. All these flights imply that its normally fairly straightforward to discover a low cost flight to Denver.

You’ll additionally discover plenty of free issues to do in Denver! Tour the Capitol Constructing, go to Purple Rocks Amphitheatre, or take a look at a historic sweet manufacturing unit. Different low cost concepts embrace museums, mountain hikes, and water actions. Many of those actions have a low price ticket as properly.

Niagara Falls, New York, and Ontario  

Breathtaking falls and engaging Underground Railroad historical past

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Niagara Falls is likely one of the greatest units of waterfalls in New York—and in all of North America. You’ll need to view the falls from each the US and Canadian sides of the border (the Canadian facet has higher views!). 

You’ll additionally need to spend time on the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Middle. You’ll study the daring historical past of the enslaved individuals who escaped to Canada, and the tales of those that helped alongside the way in which. You may additionally need to spend time at Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park within the nation. 

🚗 Cash-Saving Tip: My household visited Niagara Falls as a part of an epic household street journey. Highway journeys are an effective way to maintain prices down, particularly for those who’re touring with an enormous household! 

Custer State Park, South Dakota 

Bison roam the plains whereas households swim, fish, hike, and extra

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Custer State Park Space Inns on Reserving

Custer State Park is likely one of the greatest issues to do within the USA this summer season! It’s close to Mount Rushmore and there are 5 lakes the place you’ll be able to swim. Youngsters will love watching the bison roam, and don’t miss the Needles Freeway and different scenic drives via this South Dakota park. 

Atlanta, Georgia 

Civil rights historical past and lighthearted enjoyable co-exist on this southern metropolis

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Give your youngsters a way of the Civil Rights Motion on the Nationwide Middle for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta. It’s also possible to go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Nationwide Historic Park and the house the place MLK was born. 

Afterward, take a stroll on the BeltLine to see public artwork and metropolis views. Youngsters can meet Kermit on the Middle for Puppetry Arts. They will additionally pattern drinks from around the globe on the World of Coca-Cola museum. 

Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine 

Superb ocean views, enjoyable household hikes, and attractive lobster rolls

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Acadia Space Inns on Reserving

Acadia is likely one of the greatest household trip concepts, as you’ll discover actions for all ages. Discover tidepools, swim within the ocean, and take heed to the waves crash at Thunder Gap. There are many locations for kayaking and canoeing and family-friendly hikes as properly. 

👉 Professional Tip: Get the America the Stunning Cross for those who’ll be visiting a number of nationwide parks this yr. It will get you into all nationwide parks and greater than 2,000 federal recreation websites. Entrance charges range, although it normally pays for itself with 3-4 nationwide park visits. 

Colorado Small Cities

Beat the Colorado crowds (and costs!) by visiting among the state’s hidden gems

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Crested Butte Inns on Reserving

Go to a few of Colorado’s small cities for mountain dwelling and pleasant folks. You’ll discover all this with out the costs that come from greater resort areas! 

Crested Butte is a fantastic mountain city with mountaineering, paddleboarding, and snowboarding. Pagosa Springs has sizzling springs, rafting, and outside actions. And Estes Park is a good base camp for a visit to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. 

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Household-friendly seashore city with plenty of water actions

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Pack your seashore necessities and play on Alabama’s well-known white sand coast in Gulf Shores. Households can fish, paddleboard, or simply splash within the heat ocean waters. Strive a dolphin cruise if you wish to splurge sooner or later. It’s also possible to study native historical past at historic Fort Morgan.

Southern California

Frolic on the seashore and revel in cheap outside actions in sunny California

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Los Angeles Inns on Reserving

Southern California isn’t identified for being low cost, however it can save you cash if you understand the place to look! Griffith Observatory is free, though you might pay for parking. There are mountaineering trails and a free Journey City Practice museum inside Griffith Park. Seashores are one other low cost household possibility. 

Wish to head to amusement and water parks like Disneyland and Raging Waters? Analysis them on-line forward of time. Disneyland has surge pricing, so go to on a less expensive day. Raging Waters affords reductions for those who purchase tickets on-line forward of time. 

👉 Professional Tip: Try our Final Information to Los Angeles to plan your Southern California trip! 

Washington DC 

Historical past involves life with a go to to the nation’s capital

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Washington, D.C. Inns on Reserving

Deliver faculty classes to life with a visit to america’ capital. Try the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, among the greatest issues to do in Washington DC. See the White Home and discuss our authorities. And go to areas just like the Nationwide Mall, that are traditionally vital and in addition very lovely!

Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizona 

A multicolored southwestern canyon you must see to consider

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Grand Canyon Inns on Reserving

The Grand Canyon is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Arizona. And also you don’t should hike to the underside to understand its majesty! 

Stroll or bike elements of the Rim Path to see the canyon from completely different vantage factors. Go to the Yavapai Museum of Geology to study extra concerning the formation of the canyon. Additionally, it’s free to turn into a Junior Ranger at virtually the entire nationwide parks. 

📚 Associated Studying: Grand Canyon Packing Record (25 Issues You Ought to Deliver)

New York Metropolis, New York

A number of family-friendly actions—together with some cheap ones

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Like southern California, New York Metropolis is notoriously costly! You’ll be able to see the metropolis on a funds, nevertheless. Central Park is at all times free, and our youngsters love the Dairy and the Kids’s District areas of the park. Stroll alongside the Excessive Line for excellent views of town. Pop by to go to the New York Public Library with its well-known marble lions.

Many museums in New York Metropolis even have both free or diminished admission days. Some comparatively cheap New York Metropolis excursions may be well worth the cash for those who’re uncomfortable navigating town by yourself. 

Myrtle Seashore, South Carolina

A family-friendly seashore city with plenty of water enjoyable, plus actions like mini-golf

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Spend a reasonable day exploring the seashore and splashing within the waves at Myrtle Seashore. It’s also possible to take the youngsters to the Wonderworks Science Middle and Brookgreen Gardens. Huntington Seashore State Park is a good place to study extra about nature within the space. 

Boston, Massachusetts

A historic metropolis with plenty of inexperienced areas and youngsters actions

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Boston is one other metropolis that makes your youngsters’ historical past books come to life! Go to the Previous North Church the place the lanterns signaling a British invasion have been hung. Take the Freedom Path to identify plenty of websites that have been vital to the American Revolution. 

Head to Boston’s Public Backyard to see the duckling sculpture primarily based on Make Manner For Ducklings. Take a swan boat journey on the lake whilst you’re there. 

The drive to Salem is underneath an hour, an attention-grabbing vacation spot for older youngsters. You’ll be able to spend a day studying concerning the Salem witch trials, and concerning the sailors, pirates, and others who handed via city. 

Crystal River, Florida

Swim with sea cows in Florida’s heat waters

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Crystal River Inns on Reserving

Manatees love the nice and cozy water in Crystal River, and you’ll even swim with these light “sea cows.” It’s among the finest issues to do in Florida! 

Don’t need to get fairly that shut? Manatee viewing excursions and sundown cruises are surprisingly reasonably priced. It’s also possible to see manatees within the underwater observatory at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. 

Branson, Missouri 

Reasonably priced theme parks, lake enjoyable, and many music

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Branson constantly tops lists of the most effective household trip spots! Spend a day boating on and swimming in Desk Rock Lake. Discover the sweetness at close by Dogwood Canyon. 

Scream on the mining-themed amusement park rides at Silver Greenback Metropolis. Absorb one of many many reveals continuously enjoying on the town. Most points of interest in Branson do price, however they’re extra reasonably priced than different theme parks and reveals. 

Door County, Wisconsin

Outside actions alongside the shores of Lake Michigan

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Spend your days on the lake whereas in Door County, Wisconsin. This space is alongside the shoreline of Lake Michigan and is a good spot for reasonable household holidays. You’ll be able to swim and hike at Cave Level County Park with its lovely stone formations. Boat to a close-by island. Take a scenic drive, or simply chill out on the seashore for a day. 

South Padre Island, Texas 

A number of water enjoyable, plus the proper sand for sand castle-making

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse South Padre Island Inns on Reserving

Bike, horseback journey, and swim within the surf at South Padre Island. However the island is also called an excellent spot for sandcastle-making. You’ll be able to even take a sandcastle-making class if you wish to splurge. Or, for reasonable household holidays, seize a sand pail and easily experiment by yourself. 

Yellowstone Nationwide Park, Wyoming

Bison and volcanic exercise make this a very distinctive US treasure

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You’ll discover proof of volcanic exercise throughout this nationwide park. Go to Previous Devoted to look at the well-known geyser. Stroll the boardwalks above the Mammoth Scorching Springs. Or take a scenic drive via the park. You’ll discover breathtaking mountain vistas, sparking lakes, and majestic bison roaming the park. 

Williamsburg, Virginia

Deliver historical past to life or spend a day at an exhilarating theme park

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Step again in time on the dwelling historical past museum in Colonial Williamsburg. Give youngsters an concept of how time-consuming it was to cook dinner a meal, make instruments by hand, and stitch garments within the time earlier than many issues have been automated. You’ll be able to even be a part of a workshop to study to do just a few of this stuff your self. 

On the lookout for a extra trendy expertise? Head to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for a day of thrilling curler coasters and rides! 

Previous San Juan, Puerto Rico

Colourful streets and historic buildings are a part of the oldest metropolis within the US

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Previous San Juan Inns on Reserving

Go to a US territory with a singular historical past and beautiful views. In Previous San Juan, make sure you spend time on the 400-year-old El Morro and the close by landmarks that make up a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Try the beautiful San Juan Cathedral. And, after all, depart loads of time to expertise the seashores within the space as properly. 

The Adirondacks, New York 

Swim and hike in summer season and toboggan in winter on this upstate New York trip vacation spot

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Adirondack Space Inns on Reserving

Trip on this lovely outside playground year-round! The Adirondacks are an excellent spot for reasonable household holidays in summer season. There are many mountaineering trails, plus alternatives for boating, swimming, and different cheap outside actions. In winter, you’ll be able to toboggan, ski, and ice skate. It’s also possible to go to Fort Ticonderoga to study extra concerning the historical past of the realm. 

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Superb seashores and many methods to discover aquatic life

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Energetic households will love exploring Playa del Carmen! Snorkel in cenotes, discover tidepools alongside the seashore, or take a pirate cruise. The Croco Cun Zoo is just a little dear for adults, however is free for teenagers 5 and underneath. You’ll additionally discover loads of cheap meals and lodge choices within the space. 

Holland, Michigan

Colourful properties and flowers abound on this Dutch-inspired city

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Can’t make it to Europe? No worries. This Michigan city will make you are feeling such as you’ve been transported to the land of tulips and windmills. Windmill Island Gardens is a good place to see each of these issues! It’s also possible to take pleasure in enjoying alongside the shores of Lake Michigan and admiring the structure whereas on an area buying journey. 

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Benefit from the seashore and discover the historical past of flight

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Go to the Wright Brothers Nationwide Memorial and study their very first flight experiments within the space. See the dwelling historical past web site at Island Farm. Be taught extra about space seafaring historical past on the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum. And, after all, spend just a few days having fun with the seashores alongside the Outer Banks, among the finest locations to go to in North Carolina.

Victoria, British Columbia

A quaint, historic metropolis stuffed with nice ocean views and wonderful gardens

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Victoria, B.C. is a simple trip vacation spot to succeed in from america and is stuffed with outside adventures and attention-grabbing websites. Don’t miss The Butchart Gardens and its acres of beautiful flowers. 

The Royal BC Museum is a good place to study space historical past, and you’ll view lovely totem poles in Thunderbird Park. Remember to stroll by the Parliament Constructing at night time to see the lights and save time for the B.C. seashores. 

📚 Bookmark This: British Columbia Highway Journey [Epic 7 Day Itinerary + 2023 Map]

St Louis, Missouri

Iconic landmarks, historic riverboats, and thrilling theme parks

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Head to the Gateway Arch to spend a day studying about this landmark. You’ll be able to take a tram to the highest and go to the museum on the backside as properly. Take a riverboat cruise alongside the Mississippi River. There are additionally a number of amusement parks together with RYZE Journey Park and Six Flags St. Louis. 

Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Discover a rainforest, go to lovely seashores, and hit up a nationwide park

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Olympic Peninsula Inns on Reserving

The Olympic Peninsula is throughout the Puget Sound from Seattle and contains Olympic Nationwide Park. You’ll be able to head to the Hoh Rain Forest, which is dwelling to numerous bushes, mosses, ferns, and different inexperienced dwelling issues. Discover tide swimming pools alongside the seashores within the space. Head to Sequim for plenty of lavender and make sure you strive some native seafood. 

Gatlinburg, Tennessee 

Discover a small city within the Nice Smoky Mountains

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Gatlinburg makes an excellent base camp for exploring Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park on an inexpensive household trip. It’s also possible to stroll the Skybridge or take an aerial tram for lovely views of the Nice Smoky Mountains. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Music and enjoyable in The Large Simple

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New Orleans is named an excellent place for grown-ups, but it surely’s a winner for reasonable household holidays as properly! There are tons of issues to do, together with the Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium. Each are nice spots to go to with youngsters. 

It’s also possible to stroll the French Quarter and pop into Cafe du Monde—among the finest New Orleans eating places—for some tasty beignets. Storyland in Metropolis Park has tiny homes, animals, and storybook characters for teenagers to play close to. It’s also possible to study concerning the floats of Mardi Gras with a tour of Mardi Gras World. 

FAQs About Reasonably priced Household Holidays

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Hopefully, this text has given you plenty of concepts for reasonable household holidays! Remember to take a look at my record of household journey suggestions for much more recommendation on touring with your loved ones.