There are plenty of cheap summer vacations for families out there. You just have to know where to look! Here are some of the best places to travel for a budget-friendly vacation this summer.
From camping and road trips to visiting national parks and taking advantage of free attractions, there is something for every budget.
There are plenty of cheap summer vacations for families that offer fun and adventure without breaking the bank.
In this post, we’ll share some of the best places to travel with your family this season while still keeping costs low. So pack your bags and grab your sunscreen – it’s time for an amazing summer getaway!
How Do You Take A Family Vacation On A Budget?
Taking a family vacation on a budget doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality time. With careful planning and smart spending, it’s possible to enjoy meaningful time together without leaving your pockets empty.
Here are some tips for taking a memorable family vacation on a budget:
- Choose an affordable destination: Before booking anything, research different locations to find the most budget-friendly option. Consider places that are driving distance so you can save on airfare and fees for baggage or car seats.
- Set a budget: Calculate how much money you will need for all expenses, including food, lodging, transportation, activities, etc., and create a realistic budget to stick to.
- Get creative with accommodations: Instead of booking a hotel, look for less expensive lodging options such as renting a house or apartment, camping in national parks, or staying with family and friends.
- Look for discounts: Research online to find discounts on attractions and events like two-for-one deals or reduced admission prices. You can also purchase discount cards that provide access to multiple attractions for a flat fee.
- Pack snacks and meals: Eating out can be costly, so plan ahead and bring your own food or buy groceries at your destination to save money on meals.
- Get creative with activities: There are plenty of free or low-cost activities you can do while on vacation like going to the beach, visiting a museum, or exploring local hiking trails.
Following these tips will help you to create an enjoyable family vacation on a budget. To help you even more, here are cheap summer vacation destinations for families. Check them out below!
Cheap Summer Vacations For Families
There are many cheap things to do in Pigeon Forge..
Some of the top discount attractions in Pigeon Forge include:
- The Island in Pigeon Forge: This massive entertainment complex offers something for everyone, from rides and games to restaurants and shops. Families can save big with the Island's "Pay One Price" wristband, which includes unlimited access to most of the rides and attractions.
- WonderWorks: This "upside down" attraction is a hit with kids and adults alike. Visitors can experience over 100 hands-on science exhibits, plus there's an indoor ropes course and a laser tag arena. Families can save 20% on admission by purchasing tickets online in advance.
- Dollywood: This world-famous theme park is a must-visit for any family vacationing in the area. Discounted tickets are available for purchase online, and several lodging packages include Dollywood tickets.
Read more below for more ideas on how to save money on your family vacation to Pigeon Forge.
Gatlinburg is a great place to visit for families. There are plenty of free and cheap things to do in the area. Here are some ideas:
- Visit one of Gatlinburg's many museums, including the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or the Gatlinburg Museum of Appalachia.
- Take a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Hike one of Gatlinburg's many trails, such as Chimney Tops Trail or Ramsey Cascades Trail.
- Visit the Gatlinburg Farmers Market for fresh produce and local goods.
Believe it or not, camping in Nashville, TN is a great way to see the city on the cheap!
And for cheap things to do in Nashville with your family, look no further than these great discount attractions!
- The Nashville Zoo offers discounts for families, making it a great cheap option for a day out.
- The Tennessee State Museum also offers discounted tickets for families.
- The Nashville Symphony offers cheap tickets for families.
- The Hermitage is another great cheap option for families looking to learn about Tennessee's history. This stately home offers discounts for groups, making it a great option for a family day out.
- The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a great cheap option for families looking to spend some time outdoors.
Virginia Beach is another great option for cheap summer family vacations. The beach town offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and more.
Families can also enjoy budget-friendly attractions such as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, and Sandbridge Beach.
To save even more money, look for discounts on lodging and activities, or purchase a family vacation package.
Myrtle Beach is a top destination for families seeking cheap summer vacations. The Grand Strand area offers more than 60 miles of beautiful beaches, as well as countless attractions. And, thanks to a wide variety of discount tickets, it's easy to keep your family entertained without breaking the bank.
There are plenty of cheap things to do in Myrtle Beach. Start your day at the beach, of course, where you can build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and collect shells. Then, head to one of the area's many family-friendly attractions.
Popular options include:
- Ripley's Aquarium
- Broadway at the Beach
- Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Oceanfront camping in Myrtle Beach is also a must-try!
Branson, Missouri, is known as the live music show capital of the world, but did you know there are also many cheap things to do in Branson with families? From discounts on shows and attractions to free things to do, read on for the top 10 cheap things to do in Branson, Missouri, with families!
Orlando is a popular destination for families, and there are plenty of cheap things to do in the area. Many of the city's attractions are geared towards children, making it a great place to vacation with kids.
There are several free things to do in Orlando as well.
Many of the city's museums offer free admission on certain days, and several parks and playgrounds are free to visit.
If you're looking for cheap things to do in Orlando during the summer, consider visiting one of the city's many water parks. These parks usually offer discounts on their admission prices during the off-season.
RECOMMENDED READING
- 18 Cheap Family Vacations in the US You Won’t Believe!
- Cheap Family Vacations in the South
- 8 Cheap Family Vacations in Florida
- 7 Cheap Family Vacations in Tennessee
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
If you’ve always been curious if it’s cheaper to RV or stay in a hotel, check out this post where I compare the costs side by side.
Want even more inspiration? Check out these US Summer Vacation Destinations.