Best Family-Friendly Ideas! – Travel on a Budget with these Affordable Family Vacations in the U.S.
My very first was one of the best family vacations I ever went on. It was April 93′, I was in fourth grade, and my notoriously cheap dad booked a week-long house boating trip to Lake Powell in southern Utah. As a young 10-year old I had no idea what that meant or what to expect, but I was excited nonetheless! Living in a boat on a giant lake?!?! I couldn’t wait.
We packed our bags, headed to the airport, and after a few flights, finally arrived in northern Arizona. I’ll never forget that flight from Phoenix to Flagstaff. We were packed in a propeller plane during a nasty storm. I remember nervously looking out into pitch-black darkness while heavy rain battered the airplane’s window and jumping at every flash of lightning. I couldn’t wait to land and get off that thing!
But it was all worth it. What followed were 7 days of pure entertainment ecstasy. We did backflips off the boat’s roof, water-skied for hours on end, and watched satellites sail through the night sky. It was fantastic. I’d pay a lot of money to re-live that trip!
And that’s the point of it all isn’t it? Not to just go on a family outing, but to create memories that’ll last for the rest of your life. This is what makes living so special and when you create these moments with loved ones, the experiences you share become priceless.
Unfortunately, vacations are anything but. Nowadays, everything is expensive – gas, eggs, clothes, and even water! (who remembers the time we drank straight from the tap?). Not many people can afford luxurious family trips so I’ve decided to compile a list of my favorite cheap family vacations and adventures in the U.S. that will put a smile on everybody’s face, especially the parents 🙂
I’ll be covering where to go, basic things to do, easy outdoor activities, things kids will enjoy, and of course, plenty of free and affordable options that won’t break the bank. Let these cheap vacation ideas guide you to an unforgettable holiday your family will never stop talking about! Enjoy!
If you look up the “Best Scenic Drives in the U.S.” you’ll undoubtedly find Blue Ridge Parkway on many lists. This 469-mile stretch of road starts and ends in two National Parks and three states – Shenandoah in Virginia and The Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina/Tennessee. A relaxing journey with plenty of opportunities to hike, explore, camp, and have overall family fun.
No matter where you start, you’re in for a real feast for the eyes, especially during Autumn. This is when the trees and leaves burst into red, orange, and yellow color patterns straight out of an impressionist’s painting. The skies are clear, the nights are cool, and the weather is dry. The absolute prime time to go.
Since it’s a long drive, there are ample lodging options to pick from. Bed & breakfasts, cabins, cottages, campgrounds, RV parks, hotels, motels, lodges, and practically anything you can think of, all well within tolerable amounts. My personal favorite is the Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground where you can choose from $75 cabins, $90 motel rooms, or $35 tent sites all accompanied by a friendly staff and epic views!
Why it’s affordable:
Bookend both points of your trip by spending up to a week in each national preserve and pay $30 or less per vehicle for the duration. Each contains loads of amazing trails, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and valleys to explore all without additional cost. Set up a picnic, watch some wildlife, and snap 100s of photos that’ll make any viewer jealous.
Once you get on the road, you’ll find unique stops along the way like $17 gem hunting (keep what you find) at Elijah Mountain, a $40 zip-line adventure park, photo-ops with dinosaurs for $9, and multiple cavern tours (Linville, Bristol, Shenandoah, Skyline, and Luray) averaging at around $20 per person. I mean it when I say, there are so many reasons to pull over, you might get overwhelmed by it all!
Some other notable stops:
- Grandfather Mountain and the highest swinging suspension bridge
- An old-fashioned train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
- Fun and weird science attractions at Mystery Hill
- Stargazing with telescopes at the PARI observatory
- Pick apples and eat warm homemade apple pie at The Orchard at Alta Pass
Break up the entire trip into smaller increments or do it all in about 5 days, anything you do is going to be phenomenal!
Established way back in 1872, YNP is the very first of its kind in the country, and some argue the world. Its gorgeous landscape, explosive geysers, diverse wildlife, natural beauty, and numerous hot springs have been luring groups of all ages for decades. It’s a natural wonder that shouldn’t be missed and ideal for budget-friendly families who love a great outdoor adventure.
One thing is for certain, this place is huge! 3,500 square miles huge so you know there’s more to see and do here than you can shake a stick at (weird saying I know). If you love hiking, get lost in over 900 miles of hiking trails scattered around the park. Want to camp? No problem, pick one of the 12 campgrounds containing over 2,000 campsites to choose from. Love animals? You know Yellowstone has you covered.
Bear, wolf, or moose fans can head to one of the many designated areas to catch an unbelievable glimpse.
Why it’s affordable:
Like the previously mentioned parks, a week-long vehicle pass is only $35. All of their major curiosities – Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Lamar Valley, etc. are free of charge and their campsites start around $20 per night. It gets even cheaper if you bring, pack, or cook your food, and once you’re ready to eat, the world becomes your dining room so to speak! Much of the park is self-guided so the only costs you’ll incur once inside are the ones to get around.
For those not afraid of a little expenditure, here are a couple of options you might not want to miss – Horseback riding is one of the top highlights and even at $90 an hour can be well worth the price depending on your budget. Another way to get around without a motor vehicle is by renting a bike at $40 per day. With 300 miles of available roads or pathways, there’s plenty to see. If you’re not used to riding for that long or that far, 1 day will be enough, I assure you!
Some other notable mentions:
- Watch or participate in a ranger program
- Learn about the Indigenous people at one of their cultural events
- Choose one of many boat rental options – outboard, rowboat, kayak, or canoe and motor or paddle around a tranquil lake or two
- Kids can explore as young scientists and solve science mysteries
- Hop on a 2-hour white water rafting tour – ages 6+
When you boil it all down, YNP is full of many free and low-cost family-friendly activities that are pretty much guaranteed to satisfy all who visit!
If you’re looking for an educational spin on your next family vacation there are few better places in the country to experience than the colonial section of Williamsburg Virginia. It’s like walking through a living history museum. Here you’ll find a fully functional 18th-century city where costumed interpreters such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson teach what life was like in the early 1700s. It’s full of museums, historic sites, and fun interactive activities for the whole family.
Meander through the Merchant’s Square completely free and watch street performers reenact pivotal moments of our country’s beginnings. Or, purchase a low-cost ticket/annual pass and explore the inner workings of the community until your heart’s content.
One of the most popular historical attractions is witnessing how the craftsmen and women of the times honed their skills with period-specific tools and materials. Observe authentic woodworkers, tailors, blacksmiths, and cooks.
Get your hands dirty by shaping clay on a pottery wheel or pulling weeds side by side with traditional gardeners.
There are more than 20 trades to interact with so there’s always something to see or do.
Why it’s affordable:
Access everything for the low price of $40 per day or $60 for 3 days, including the wide variety of open-air and stage performances perfect for kids and adults alike. They even have musicals!
Play or purchase games of the era averaging around $20 or go on a spooky ghost or lantern tour for about $15. Everything here is fairly priced and paying for them feels like you’re getting more than your money’s worth.
Some other notable mentions:
- Assist archeologists at real working dig sites
- Plan your trip around special events such as the Veteran’s Day commemorative march or their Grand Illumination (firework show)
- Stay at a reasonably priced 18th-century plantation-style bed and breakfast
- Stroll through their arboretum and over 30 vintage gardens
Every family, from young to old, will surely find something to pique their interest in Williamsburg, Virginia!
This incredible 70 million-year-old phenomenon hardly needs an introduction or reasons why you have to see it at least once in your life. One step to any edge around the 277-mile-long gorge is enough to convince all who visit how simply breathtaking it is. A natural wonder of the world, both literally and figuratively.
Suppose you’re an active and energetic family who prefers hiking and biking trails to guided tours and lazy afternoons. In that case, this trip is a must, especially if you’re looking for cheap or free activities like backcountry exploration or mind-boggling photography conditions.
The entire park is truly a photographer’s fairy-tale dream. If you have movement impairments, cannot stay for long, or if the weather is simply too intense, easygoing guests can enjoy a scenic desert view drive that’s certainly one-of-a-kind.
Kids will enjoy the junior ranger programs while adults can take in the amazing history of both the landscape and the Havasupai, Hopi, Hualapai, and Navajo peoples. It’s a budget-friendly family vacation that nobody will ever forget.
Why it’s affordable:
Like its governmentally-run cousins, it also has incredibly cheap passes ranging from $20 to $35 for a week-long visit. Once you get in, the free attractions pile up higher than desert dunes in a sandstorm.
Take your pick from sublime viewpoints and overlooks like Mather Point or Yavapai Point, stunning hiking trails such as the Rim Trail or Bright Angel Trail, the Visitor Center, Geology or Native American Museums, guided walks, and more! If you love being outdoors, this is the place to be.
Some other notable mentions:
- Take a load off and go on an iconic half-day mule ride
- Walk the Trail of Time where each step represents 1 million years of the canyon’s ancient history
- Travel a bit north and float around Horse-Shoe Bend on a gentle river raft
- Ride the same tracks early adventures rode, on the Grand Canyon Railway
- Astonish in IMAX at the visual and auditorial treat that is Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time
You can easily fill a weekend, a week, or longer roaming around this amazing and some say, spiritual place. After your time here, you’ll be left in awe and will be itching to come back as soon as possible!
5. Outdoor Adventures in Bend, Oregon
One of the most diverse locales for year-round family fun is Bend, Oregon. It’s sandwiched by the Cascade Mountains to the West, and Oregon Badlands high desert to the East. There are tons of family-friendly activities to be had by all, Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall. It’s incredibly diverse and offers a mix of outdoor attractions for all ages, skill levels, and interests.
Need more convincing? The city’s population hovers around 100,000 but it sees a total of over 1.4 million tourists each year! One visit and you’ll understand why.
There’s pretty much something for everyone. Hikers will love impressive trails like Tumalo Falls or Pilot Butte while explorers can get their fill probing the estimated 400 caves and lava tubes that surround the area.
There’s rock climbing for all ages at Smith Rock State Park (over 1,800 routes), nearby zip-lining at Mt. Bachelor, hot springs at Paulina Lake, plenty of fishing, biking, boating, and practically any type of active pursuit you can think of, and that’s just during the summer months! It’s a whole new ball game when Winter approaches.
Why it’s affordable:
Most tourists come to Bend for their time on the Deschutes River. Each summer you’ll find 100s, if not 1000s, of people floating down the winding water stream on nothing but an inflatable donut, kayak, or canoe. at $20 for 4 hours, it’s practically a steal!
The city comes loaded with free parks, nature walks, fishing spots ($25 for rod+reel per day), scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. If you want to make it interesting, stay at “Dome Sweet Dome”, a geodesic Airbnb site just outside of downtown for about $100 per night. Not bad for what you’re getting.
One thing you can say for sure about Bend, it’s not boring.
Some other notable mentions:
- Check out one of many craft breweries like Deschutes, Boneyard Beer Pub, or The Ale Apothecary.
- Shop, dine, or watch a concert in the Old Mill District
- Thrill seekers can jump off the country’s tallest commercial bungee jump site at Central Bungee
- Take the little ones for pony rides at Sun River Stables
When it comes to fun and exciting family vacation ideas, I have to say the adventure town of Bend is at the top of the list. From all-out physically challenging days to chill vibes and tranquil moments and everything in between, this city has it all!
6. Lake Michigan Circle Tour Drive
A great way to check off multiple states in a short amount of time is looping around the southern end of Lake Michigan, starting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and ending in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
In this 278-mile road trip, you’ll hit 4 states, tons of quaint beaches, small towns, and low-cost activities for kids, teens, adults, and anybody else lucky enough to join your journey!
Each stop brings a fresh feeling of things to do and people to meet. Start your 3 or 4-day trip at the technology museum Discovery World loaded with interactive exhibits like a flight simulator or the DIY science lab. Certain to be a hit with kids.
Once you hit Chicago, take photos in front of the famous silver “Bean”, catch a free concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavillion, or simply walk around and stretch your legs in Millennium Park. Children under 5 will particularly love splashing around the Crown Fountain!
As you continue on, don’t miss the Indiana Dunes National Park where you can waste the day away hiking and playing in the water or satisfy your sweet tooth at the South Bend Chocolate Factory. Once you hit Michigan, roam around the Frederik Meijer gardens and sculpture park where art meets nature, and finish the final night watching colorful synchronized water and light shows at the Musical Fountain in Grand Haven.
All of these suggestions are just drops in the bucket of possibilities! You’ll find nearly unlimited options for entertainment everywhere you look!
Why it’s affordable:
The big cost save for this route is where you’ll be staying. If you’re not afraid of living the car camping lifestyle, there are countless campsites, RV parks, cheap accommodations, and unique stays littering the course between the two cities. Lots of additional stops have free admission like the Kenosha Public Museum, full of fossils, fine art, Native American exhibits, and much more.
Another free area to explore is the waterfront Navy Pier in Chicago. If you want to take a ride or play a game, it will cost a few bucks, but there’s so much to do there, the added expense will hardly be noticed. Join a free tour of Notre Dame in Indiana or get a glimpse of Dutch life at Windmill Island Gardens in Michigan for a small fee. Again, the options are fundamentally endless!
Some other notable mentions:
- Grab snacks or lunch before you hit the road at Milwaukee Public Market
- Enjoy a picnic or self-guided tour of the Wind Point Lighthouse
- Take a quick detour to the Anderson Japanese Gardens for a peaceful break from the road
- Get lost in a corn maze at Exploration Acres – (It’s a bit out of the way, but fun for the entire family)
- Learn the history of the Great Lakes and go on a cheap boat tour at the Michigan Maritime Museum
When you break it down, it’s a short but lovely time on the road with those close to you. Since you’re never too far from civilization, stop anytime and stretch your legs or push through to the next point of interest. Either way, you’re going to have a great time!
When it comes to options, options, options not many places in the country come with the sheer volume of things to do as the enormous area, Lake of the Ozarks. It’s hard to fathom but the lake is over 90 miles long and includes over 1,100 miles of shoreline around its border. Safe to say, there’s lots to keep you busy around this colossal vacation haven.
Of course, you have your main water sports like swimming, boating, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, etc., and endless backwood draws like hiking (here are the top 10 for starters), camping, wildlife watching, and general outdoor exploration. It comes loaded with almost every conceivable type of entertainment you can think of.
Here’s a quick list to wet your whistle – miniature golf, water park, pirate-ship dinner cruise, trampoline park, cave exploration, zip-lines, and much, much, much, MUCH more! It’s a place you can vacation to every single year, for decades, and not do the same thing twice.
You’re probably thinking, “That all sounds expensive”, and I’m not going to lie to you, some of it is, but a lot of it is incredibly fair. For instance, the trampoline park is $16 for adults and $9 for kids so depending on your budget, 1 or 2 activities can fit in with most stays.
Why it’s affordable:
The main cost of all trips is where you’re staying and since the Lake of the Ozarks is full of everything you can think of, their prices are competitive. You can go ultra cheap and set up a tent for $15 per day or an RV hook-up for $25, but if you want to keep it interesting, think about staying in a fun glamping pod for around $100 or choose one of the many dwelling possibilities in the nearby state parks.
Unbelievably, you can find campers, cabins, or even a yurt for as low as $50 per night! As long as you put in a decent amount of research and effort, you can find something that’ll hit any price point.
Some other notable mentions:
- Go geocaching on The Dragon Lake or Lore of Legends tours with their downloadable gamified tour apps
- Shop till you drop at one of their flea markets or vintage shops
- Hit the links at one of the dozen or so golf clubs scattered around the lake
- Practice your marksmanship with a trap-shooting challenge
- Let the kids tire themselves out on a high-adrenaline ropes course
Never get bored with the volume of attractions and restaurants this Middle of America location provides. There’s enough here to entice any family looking to fill up every hour of every day, that is if you want to of course.
On the flip side of the “Let’s do everything!” coin is the soothing and ultra-quiet region of northwestern California where the behemoth trees it’s famous for take center stage. This is the place to go if you want to do nothing but awe at the majesty of Mother Earth.
Somehow the phrase “Tallest trees in the world” (380 ft! -75 more than the Statue of Liberty) doesn’t come close to conveying the size and scope of these monsters and how crazy impressive they are. Believe me when I say that seeing is truly believing.
Besides gazing at these towering coastal redwoods, many spend their time walking or camping on the rugged shoreline that stretches 40 miles along the park’s western border. Gold’s Bluff Beach, Enderts Beach (known for its tide pools), and Freshwater Lagoon Beach are the clear standouts.
The natural beauty continues outside the park with a trip down the Avenue of Giants scenic driveway. Not many places in the world where you can drive, yes drive a car, through the trunk of a massive tree. Keep the excitement up with a walk among the Trees of Mystery canopy trail or maintain mellow vibes with an afternoon swim in Humbolt Lagoons.
Once you’ve built up a nice appetite, have lunch in one of the sleepy towns of Trinidad and Eureka then peruse their local art galleries, museums, or boutiques after the food has settled. If you want to get wild, book a rock-climbing, ropes course, or zip-line tour and up the ante of fun!
Why it’s affordable:
The biggest, and best reason (at least to me) that keeps the prices low in this part of the country is fewer guests, plain and simple. For example, Yosemite receives about 4 million people and Redwood? Only about 400,000. A stark difference.
Plus, almost everything worthwhile doing here is inexpensive, and even the costlier amusements like $40 kayak/standup paddleboard rentals, $60 jet boat tours, or $100 horseback rides are reasonable compared to other “touristy spots”. Lodging isn’t bad either. Stay at some unique places for cheap like this farmstead mini-cabin for $70 a night or this yurt for $85. Not a bad deal I say.
Some other notable mentions:
- Surf it up at Sue-Meg State Park
- Climb some rocks or do a little bouldering at Moonstone Beach
- Rent an electric, mountain, or tandem bike and ride some amazing trails around the Arcata Community Forest
- Amble around and have an old-fashioned soda in the Victorian village of Ferndale
- Learn about and enjoy the views from atop the Battery Point Lighthouse – Great for photos!
Come to Redwood if you want to visit an eye-popping, out-of-this-world wonderland that’ll wow you with every turn of the corner. It’ll be a memory that your family will keep, share, and talk about for years and years to come.
Lots of places tout themselves as “hidden gems” but I can say with confidence Big Bend holds that moniker above most. It’s wild, rugged, close enough to home yet isolated in an otherworldly way. I swear time passes slower here or even feels like it comes to a standstill once you enter this captivating park.
It’s incredibly massive as well. This nook of the country comes in at 800,000 acres, bigger than Rhode Island(670,000), and offers a mix of desert, mountain, and river valley environments that both adults and kids will adore. Take a ride along the 100 miles of paved scenic drives, or go off-roading for an added level of excitement.
There’s a bunch to see on foot like the bizarrely balanced rock on the Grapevine Hills trail, the steep canyon walls and flowing rivers of the Rio Grande on the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, or the randomly V-shaped viewpoints of the Window Trail.
If you’re a night owl, you’ll appreciate some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 as you gaze up at the constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way itself or if you’re a self-proclaimed water fiend, relish every opportunity to make a splash and paddle around the Rio or even join a mild river float. The park has it all and will keep you wanting more and more every second of your stay.
Why it’s affordable:
Besides the free attractions like hiking and driving around, the park has a few standout places visitors can explore at no extra charge. Places like the Terlingua Ghost Town which used to be a mining mecca before closing its operations in the 1940s. Or the naturally heated waters of the Hot Springs Historic District where guests can relax and soak as they take in striking views of the river and Mexico.
Most of the places to stay average around $100 – $120 per night like cabins at the Terlingua Ranch Lodge and camping is roughly $15-$20 depending on which campsite you choose. Easy to see that everything is well within reason.
Some other notable mentions:
- Take a row boat across the river to the small Mexican town of Boquillas del Carmen
- Scope out some ancient fossils at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit
- Get even closer to the cosmos at the McDonald Observatory
- Jump on an ATV or in a jeep and see parts of the park only accessible in 4-wheel drive
- Learn some regional history from Native American culture to the cowboy era at the Museum of the Big Bend
There’s so much to see at Big Bend that you’ll go crazy trying to fit it all in. I suggest multiple trips that I have a feeling you’ll agree with, especially after your initial visit to this marvelous slice of the world’s pie.
Rounding out this list is a place you’re likely unfamiliar with, the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Southern Alabama. A subtropical paradise full of soft white sand and calm waters, ideal for families with young children who want to do nothing else but play all day.
It’s also a hub for RV’ers with an estimated 1,200 available hook-up sites and amenities. If you’re looking for a dreamy setting full of beautiful beaches, check out what the shoreline of Alabama has to offer.
Your first stop should be Gulf State Park, a pleasant and comfy rec area full of interests for the whole family. Hike, bike, or walk around this beachside state park, or sit back and enjoy some peace.
Amateur fishermen and women can sign up with the Angler Academy and learn the essential skills to fish on their own while those in a hurry can hop on a Segway for a quick tour. There are also tons of kayak, bike, and paddleboard rentals for everyone!
If you love camping close to the beach, this is the place for you. Over 500 campsites are located a short walk from the shore and reasonably priced at around $50 per night. For what you get, that’s a steal! You can also choose a beachside cottage or lakeside cabin if you’re in a group of 8 or more.
They are decently priced at about $300 a night so it could make sense with multiple groups. All-in-all, a serene setting that you’ll never want to leave.
Why it’s affordable:
Unlike 99 percent of the top vacation destinations, Alabama has a 3% state sales tax on groceries, which means if you plan to cook or assemble all of your camping meals, you’re most likely saving between 5% and 8%, a decent chunk that adds quickly adds up. Amazing!
In addition, the Gulf Shore hosts a multitude of free or low-cost events like concerts, festivals, and parades that’ll keep the kiddos entertained and the parent’s bank account full. Another cost-effective distraction is the nearly 200-year-old Fort Morgan, a military site about 22 miles to the west that’ll only make a dent of $20 for a family of four.
Whether you prefer to stay closer to the beach, or more inland, every family or group for that matter can find something to fit their budget.
Some other notable mentions:
- Catch dolphins swimming and playing in their natural habitat on a cruise
- Connect with nature at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
- Comb the beach and hunt for shells
- Experience the diverse ecosystems along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Choosing a family vacation here is a no-brainer. It’s loaded with tons of outdoor fun and wallet-friendly options that’ll make it easy to chill or have a blast with the whole crew! An underrated pick you have to experience for yourself!
Final Thoughts
Whew, that’s it. Those are my top picks for affordable, yet amazing family adventure vacations you’ll love and cherish for the rest of your lives. I tried to keep it diverse and well-spread throughout the country. Hopefully, I did a great job! I wish you the best of luck on any future undertaking you have with those close to you and no matter what, always be safe!
It’s been a pleasure listing these sensational options. Extra points if you get to do all of them! (read this to avoid the main family travel mistakes!)
Happy trails and happy camping!
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James Ryan is a seasoned hiker, backpacker, and adventurer who loves to travel and experience new things. An extrovert and creative at heart, James is most definitely a “People Person”. He started his blog – thejamesguide.com – hoping to share his knowledge and expertise. Look him up and give him a shout today!
