Looking For Affordable Family Vacation Ideas? Let’s Get Inspired!
If you are thinking of where to plan your next getaway, there are plenty of family vacation ideas that won’t break the bank. Picking the right location to travel can make all the difference when it comes to saving money.
Here are some destinations where you can have a great vacation at a great price. There are places for every mood: relaxing beach vacation, a bustling city excursion, or a trip that combines both. There are domestic and international options, so you’re sure to find something right for your family whether you want a long weekend away or an all-out adventure.
San Diego, California
California’s sunny San Diego has tons of activities for families. Among them you can find theme parks, water parks, kid-friendly museums, and 70 miles of beaches. The Go San Diego Card can be used for top attractions like the San Diego Zoo, the nearby Legoland California, harbor cruises, and museums in Balboa Park at a discount of up to 50 percent.
Photo by Lital Levy
Winter Park, Colorado
While you might think of Colorado’s resort town of Winter Park as a winter destination, it’s also great in the summer. You can find summer discounts at the Winter Park Resort, and families can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting, zip lining, and Colorado’s longest alpine slide. The nearby Snow Mountain Ranch has one of the only summer tubing hills in the United States, as well as miniature golf, swimming, and indoor and outdoor climbing walls. There are free concerts and events throughout the summer at Hideaway Park.
St. Louis, Missouri
Free attractions in St. Louis include Purina Farms, where children can enjoy dog agility shows and animal barnyards. There is also the Saint Louis Art Museum, where there are art activities and free 30-minute tours. Admission to the City Museum, with its 10-story slide, huge ball bit, and 30-foot high Ferris wheel, is $16 for ages three and up. Afterwards, stop at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, known for its popular custard shakes that are so thick, they can be served upside down.
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Prague, Czech Republic
It’s no secret that kids (and adults) love castles, and Prague is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities. The castle complex is actually considered to be one of the largest in the entire world, with an area of about 70,000 meters. Within it, you can visit part of the famous St. Vitus Cathedral for free. Even better, there’s a funicular railway running to the top of Petrin Hill, which is a great wooded spot for kids to play and run around. Besides that, you can check out the Petrin Observation Tower (it resembles the Eiffel Tower) and the labyrinth of mirrors. Another interesting and inexpensive cultural activity in Prague is seeing a puppet show. It is something the whole family can enjoy together.
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Cádiz, Spain
One of Spain’s most beautiful regions, this southern beach area is perfect if you want a relaxing vacation with your kids. With affordable food, drinks and lodging, you can rent an apartment for the family and lounge on the beach. The Spanish are very tolerant of children in restaurants and bars, so it can be among your family vacation ideas. Nearby beach areas offer family-friendly whale and dolphin watching tours, and there’s also a few water parks in the region if the kids get tired of the beach. Teens will also enjoy walking around the medieval historic town center.
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Krakow
Krakow is both extremely cheap and child-friendly. Your kids will love the Dragon’s Cave located underneath the Wawel Hill. Not only is it a cool den to explore, but children always go crazy over the fairy tale of the Wawel dragon. This activity is best done between April and October during good weather. If you’re visiting during the winter, the Polonia Wax Museum or the Museum of Live Butterflies are both fun and inexpensive ways to escape snowy weather. If you want to splurge, a family carriage ride is the way to go.
Photo by Nomadic Julien on Unsplash