10 Cheap Family Vacations in the South

Having a fun family getaway in Corpus Christi doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. In fact, there are tons of things you can do in this awesome Texas Gulf city without having to spend so much.

Some you can even enjoy for free! To start you can kick back and unwind on the beaches in Corpus Christi, with Padre Island, San Jose Island, and Mustang Beach being a favorite destinations by locals and visitors alike.

With no admission charges, what’s not to love about these amazing seaside retreats. And if you’re looking for a place to cool down, go visit the Watergarden which is a public park that features 150 fountains and pristine lawn areas to relax on.

You can also explore the Texas Surf Museum, and do some bird watching at the great Texas coastal birding trail. 

There’s no need to spend so much for a trip to Williamsburg, Va with the family. You'll find that there are lots of things to do in the area cheap and some that won’t even cost you a penny.

There is Colonial Williamsburg which you can visit for free! Your family can roam around the historic streets, visit the shops and dine at the taverns without having to purchase tickets.

Also, don’t forget to check out the 2 acres Williamsburg Botanical Garden filled with native flowers that will surely capture your attention.

If you’re visiting during the summer, you may also find free concerts throughout the area. On selected days throughout the year, there are museums in Williamsburg that offer free admission to visitors. 

Whether you’re on a tight budget or just want to save some extra cash, you’ll be glad to know that you don’t need to break the bank to have a nice family getaway in Pigeon Forge, TN.

From easy hikes to the Smokies to walking around theme parks and entertainment complexes, there’s something fun for every family member to enjoy. Here are more cheap and free things to do in the area:

• Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Picnic at Patriot park
• Walk around the Island in Pigeon Forge
• Ride the mountain coaster
• Playing Mini Golf

If your family is looking for a place to have fun on a budget, cheap and free things to do in Chattanooga can save the day! This city in Tennessee abounds with tons of family-friendly attractions and activities without you having to burn off all your travel budget. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy Chattanooga on a budget:

• See some scenic views and try fun activities at Coolidge Park
• Free hiking trails at the Lookout Mountain
• Relax and unwind at the Tennessee Riverpark
• Walking around the grounds of the Chattanooga Choo Choo
• Try the famous Chattanooga moon pie

Being one of the best treasures of North Carolina, Outer Banks offers tons of family-friendly attractions and activities that won’t break the bank.

With 100 miles of beaches lining the coast of the Outer Banks, you can simply relax by the beach or do water sports like surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more!

One of the coolest places to visit in North Carolina, Jockey’s Ridge. Located in Nag’s Head, Jockey’s Ridge is the largest active sand in the Eastern United States. You can also explore the different piers on the Outer Banks which offer the best view and some of the best spots for fishing.

Another one is the Bodie Lighthouse located on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which you can climb all the way to the top for a small fee.

And did you know that you can spot some wild horses in the Outer Banks? Yes, you read that right! You can go search for some horses for free but make sure to follow all the rules provided.

What was once a winter escape for some of the richest families in America, now offers plenty of attractions for the public to enjoy. And aside from sand and surf, Jekyll Island in Georgia is bursting with historical attractions and plenty of outdoor fun for families on a budget.

Here are some ideas to help you plan an affordable family vacation on this Island:

• Visit the Jekyll Island Museum for free! It is located within the Jekyll Island Historic District and has a small museum that showcases photographs and objects from the island’s colorful past.
• Head over to the Jekyll Island Pier for fishing
• Relax at Driftwood Beach and see sculpture-like remains of live oak trees scattered on the sand.
• Wildlife walks. Because the Island has both beach and river ecosystems, you’ll be able to spot a wide variety of animals that make their home on Jekyll Island.

There are tons of ways to enjoy your family getaway vacation on the Gulf Shores in Alabama without breaking the bank.

Unlike the hustle and bustle of other city destinations a trip to the Gulf Shores can be one of the most cost-effective vacations to have with the whole family, you’ll also love that the beaches offer a temperate climate year-round.

If your family loves exploring nature and seeing various wildlife, you should visit the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge which is a 7,000-acre wildlife sanctuary where you can go fishing, hiking, and bird watching.

There are also concerts throughout the year which you can attend for free. Where to stay? There are plenty of budget-friendly hotels and accommodations throughout Gulf Shores. If you want to save a little money, consider renting a beach house or condo. 

Just because you’re going on a family vacation doesn’t mean you have to spend so much money on attractions to have fun! In Gatlinburg, TN you’ll find plenty of cheap things to do that are perfect for families on a budget.

You can enjoy a free visit to Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community which is home to many workshops and studios of resident artists and crafters. And if you're looking for a variety of activities that don't cost a lot, you should go check out Gatlin’s Fun Center.

From escape games to laser games and rope courses, the kids will surely have a blast in this Gatlinburg attraction. For more fun games, you should visit Fannie Farkle’s where you can get to choose how much money you spend on all kinds of games.

And of course, you can always visit the Great Smoky Mountains National park wherein admission is free of charge. 

Thanks to a lot of the fun and Free things to do in Raleigh, families on a budget will surely have a blast exploring the city in North Carolina, without having to spend tons of money! From arts and history to science and lots of outdoor recreational activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

With the number of free museums in Raleigh, it has often been referred to as the “Smithsonian of the South”. Some of the best free museums to visit include the North Carolina Museum Of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum Of History, and the City Of Raleigh Museum.

Aside from museums, families can also play at public parks like the Pullen Park which is home to the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. Families can take a self-guided tour at the Videri Chocolate Factory before getting a free sample.

From gorgeous beaches and a sunset festival to museums and restaurants, St. Petersburg has plenty of free and cheap things to do for families on a budget. Walk, run, bike, and see gorgeous sights along the waterfront area.

You also shouldn't miss Sunset at Pier 60 which takes place at the Clearwater beach and you can enjoy it all year long. This free celebration/party features artisans, performers, and stunning views for everyone to enjoy.

Enjoy a free visit to the Morean Art Center which features rotating exhibits, classes, child learning experiences, and a workshop with artwork from local artists.

And if you ever get hungry, you can grab a bite on Central Ave. in St. Pete which has plenty of bistros and local restaurants offering lunches that are fairly affordable.