Family Trips on a Budget: Free Attractions & Affordable Places to Stay

Looking for cheap family vacation destinations? We’ve got the ultimate list!

Planning a family vacation? You don’t have to choose between pricey or boring! Use our guide to plan a fun, low-cost family getaway! 🙌

Best of all, we’re sharing budget-friendly lodging and free activities so everyone can have a memorable experience! And, for an even bigger bang for your buck, consider looking into city passes that allow you access to tons of activities at a discounted rate.

See Our Top Picks for Fun & Affordable Family Trips! 

Cheap vacation ideas in the Southwestern US:

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Top Choice: San Diego, California

Sun-loving families will enjoy San Diego’s perfect weather and laid-back vibe. Start at Coronado Beach, then head to La Jolla (Collin’s favorite) for food, shopping, and affordable stays near downtown.

• Amazing views for FREE or cheap! Take a FREE hike on the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail or head to The Children’s Pool to view the harbor seals. You can also look for sea lions at La Jolla Cove and then for $6 per child, you can visit Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, a century-old bootleggers tunnel that winds through the sandstone cliffs.

• Have a picnic at the photograph-worthy Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Then head to Shell Beach for some tide-pooling and shelling.

• Entrance to San Diego’s Balboa Park is 100% FREE! Be sure to check out the botanical park and San Diego Museum of Art, which is FREE for anyone 17 and under.

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Runner Up: Grand Canyon, Arizona

If it’s not a free entry day, there may be a fee to enter, but once inside, there’s plenty to do for free! Kids can even become Junior Rangers at no extra cost and help protect the Grand Canyon while having fun.

• Hike along the FREE Rim Trail. While the Grand Canyon is filled to the brim with hiking trails, many of them are fairly difficult, even for experienced hikers. The Rim Trail is a wonderful, FREE-to-explore trail that the little ones will be able to enjoy as well. Once you’re done with that trail, try some of the other FREE trails inside Grand Canyon National Park.

• For more stunning views, head to the Desert View Watchtower. Admission is FREE.

• Spend a day in nearby Flagstaff for some FREE fun. If you’re willing to drive an hour and a half to Flagstaff, there is plenty to do on the cheap. Play one of Flagstaff’s many disc golf courses, stroll the First Friday Art Walk, take a self-guided ghost tour, hike Flagstaff’s extensive trail system, or check out the Flagstaff lava tubes. If you’re visiting in summer, look for FREE events like Flagstaff’s Concerts in the Park and Movies on the Square.

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Hip favorite: Zion National Park, Utah

Explore Utah’s stunning red cliffs at Zion, the state’s first National Park! Take advantage of free entry days or grab a week-long pass for $35 or less. Hip teammate Lina used RVshare for her trip—check out her adventure!

• Visit the Zion Narrows, one of the park’s most popular areas, it is accessible via the paved, kid-friendly, and wheelchair-accessible Riverside Walk.

• Make a quick stop at Belly of the Dragon on your way to or from Zion National Park. It’s FREE to hike this .5 mile made-man tunnel with unusual views.

• Cruise over to the Kanab Sand Caves and take a FREE hike. Explore these impressive manmade caves for FREE. Afterwards, you can visit the Moqui Cave Museum for a small fee of about $5 per person. The museum has Native American artifacts, dinosaur tracks, and fluorescent minerals.

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These may be the coolest family vacation locales in the Northwest:

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Top Choice: Seattle, Washington

Rain or shine, Seattle is a budget-friendly gem! Stay in nearby Kent for cheaper lodging and free parks, then head to Seattle for outdoor fun at Gas Works or Centennial Park.

• Stop by Pike Place Market. Visiting city markets is often one of the best cheap family vacation activities, and Pike Place is no exception! The market is a classic Seattle institution and a must-visit according to locals!

• Explore the FREE Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s operated by the Seattle Art Museum and is covered with stunning art pieces.

• Visit botanical gardens for FREE. Stop by the highly-rated Washington Park Arboretum, Woodland Park Zoo Rose Garden, or the Carl S. English Botanical Garden (at the Ballard Locks).

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Runner Up: Yellowstone, Wyoming

Experience Yellowstone for less with free hikes, wildlife spotting, and must-sees like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Add adventure with float tours from $59, and camp at park sites starting at $20 a night.

• Explore Bridge Bay Marina with Yellowstone Boat Rentals. Boat rentals start at an affordable $68/hour for parties of up to six people.

• Visit the National Elk Refuge. The refuge houses many species of endangered animals & is a great experience for the whole family.

• Experience a classic rodeo. No trip to Jackson Hole is complete without it!

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Hip Favorite: Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish, Montana offers resort-town charm without the high prices. It’s a great base for outdoor adventures—start with a stroll downtown to stretch your legs and browse local artisan shops!

• You can’t miss the chance to visit Glacier National Park. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” there’s really nowhere in the country like it, and a 7-day permit is only $35 per vehicle. You can also check it out on a fee-FREE day, but you’ll probably want more than a day to explore. If you’re up for a hike, don’t miss the 5-mile Avalanche Lake Trail.

• Visit the largest lake west of the Mississippi. Flathead Lake is cradled in picturesque mountains and tons of other scenic areas, and it’s sometimes surrounded by food stalls and fruit vendors in the summer. It’s a must-see! If you’re looking for a beach day, try Les Mason State Park which is a favorite with the locals.

• Take advantage of Whitefish Mountain Resort. No matter what time of year you visit, you can bet there’s something exciting happening at the resort, from night skiing in the winter to mountain biking & zipline tours in the summer.

The Southeastern US has some top choices for cheap family vacations:

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Top Choice: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Become a junior aviator at the birthplace of flight, and see wild mustangs on the Outer Banks. Wild Horse Adventure Tours takes you to the beach to find the wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs in their natural environment starting at about $50

• Visit the North Carolina Aquarium. You might catch one of the FREE daily programs that happen throughout the year!

• Look for wildlife while enjoying a FREE hike. Visit the highly-rated Nags Head Woods Preserve, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, or Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve. Take in the stunning scenery and learn about all the diverse wildlife!

• Spend a night camping at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It costs as low as $20 a night.

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Runner Up: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Make a splash at Virginia Beach’s Ocean Breeze Waterpark with slides, a wave pool, and kid-friendly fun—starting at $32/day per person. For cheaper lodging, stay in nearby Chesapeake, a scenic waterfront city just a short drive from the beach.

• Tour the Military Aviation Museum. Tickets to enter are super affordable at only $7.50 for youth ages 6-17 and $15 for adults.

• Check out an event at the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. The tours usually consist of a short hike and the chance to see some pretty cool wildlife!

• Enjoy a FREE day at the Chesapeake Bay Arboretum. This park has a picnic area, gazebo, historic farm house, a propagation center, 3.5 miles of walking trails, and the 3-acre Lake Hughes. Then, wind down at the Chesapeake Bay Distillery. Adults can enjoy a tasting for just $8!

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Hip Favorite: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Rent a cozy cabin in Gatlinburg, a top budget-friendly mountain getaway packed with family fun, great food, outdoor adventures, and at the heart, the one-of-a-kind Sky Bridge!

• Take a hike in the most popular national park in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 500,000 acres to explore–and it’s totally FREE to enter! Even if you’re not super into outdoor activities, a sunset drive up to Clingmans Dome is well worth the trip. Don’t forget to picnic in Cades Cove!

• Tour the impressive Ripley’s Aquarium. Kids will love the weird and wonderful sights & exciting glass bottom boat adventure!

• Visit nearby Pigeon Forge. Only about 15 minutes away from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge has its own fun set of attractions (including Dollywood Theme Park), and a visit to one almost wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the other!

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The northeastern US has something for everyone, including world-famous museums! 

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Top Choice: Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls offers stunning views for free—or get up close on the Maid of the Mist boat ride starting at $16.50 for kids. For cheaper lodging, stay in nearby Buffalo, NY. It’s full of fun, food (hello, Buffalo wings!), and affordable museums under $20. Plus, you’ll dodge the high prices and crowds near the Falls!

• Relive a bit of history at Old Fort Niagara. Visitors can soak in over 300 years of history, and better yet, kids under 5 can enter for FREE!

• Visit the FREE and spectacular Dufferin Islands. Explore 10-acres of nature where different islands are connected by footbridges and paths. If you visit in the winter, you’ll see the Winter Festival of Lights here.

• Stroll the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens for FREE. Enjoy the gorgeous flowers, including the park’s world-famous rose garden.

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Runner Up: Bar Harbor, Maine

Maine’s stunning scenery makes it a top family vacation pick. Visit Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park for just $35 per vehicle. Don’t miss Jordan Pond’s famous popovers, Sand Beach, and Ocean Trail. For budget-friendly lodging, camp at Mount Desert Campground with waterfront sites, kayak rentals, and tasty treats on-site.

• Enjoy walking through the Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve. The public can tour these beautiful gardens on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and children under 12 can enter for FREE.

• Catch a sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.

• Take a nature cruise. We recommend the Bass Harbor Island Cruises which is always highly-rated. When your cruise is finished, check out the Bass Harbor Lighthouse or grab a bite at Seaside Dairy Bar & Lobster Pound.

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Hip Favorite: Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers history, fun, and free museums like the Smithsonian. Lodging can be pricey, so stay in nearby Arlington, VA, for lower rates and easy access to top attractions.

• Take an afternoon walk around the District Wharf. You’ll find free kids activities, like oversized bocce ball sets, fountains, and swings, as well as $18/hour kayak rentals and even the occasional free concert!

• Smell the roses at the US Botanic Gardens. Entrance is totally FREE to this living flora museum which includes plants from all different habitats.

• Go around D.C. on a bus tour. There’s so much to do & see in D.C., and a bus tour will show you all the highlights without being overwhelming. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the little ones getting tired of walking around

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Hip Favorite #2: Glen Watkins, NY

Headed to New York’s Finger Lakes? Don’t miss Watkins Glen! For just a $10 entrance fee, enjoy stunning hikes, 19 waterfalls, and 200-ft cliffs—plus a playground for kids. Camp in the park for $18–$35 or rent a cozy cabin for $65 or less. Prefer more comfort? Stay nearby on scenic Seneca Lake.

• Stroll charming downtown Watkins Glen. Window shop the touristy stores or grab a bite to eat at the many delicious restaurants. Street parking downtown is FREE and you can also snag 2-hour FREE parking in the lot behind the Schulyer County Visitor Center (located on Third Street).

• Rent a kayak on Seneca lake. Summit to Stream Adventures rents kayaks starting at $20/hour.

• Tour the Finger Lakes wine region. There are wineries galore on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail! The area is also home to several breweries, a mushroom farm, and a U-Pick apple farm.

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The Midwest is a haven for cheap family vacation ideas and activities.

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Top Choice: Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati is full of budget-friendly family fun! Enjoy free museums like the Cincinnati Art Museum and Contemporary Arts Center, plus low-cost options like the Taft Museum. Don’t miss the Museum Center, Observatory, Freedom Center, or escape rooms under $25!

• Window shop at Findlay Market. The whole family will love exploring the market and seeing all the happenings, from the weekend farmer’s market to the special events and street performers that sometimes pop up there. Better yet, the entrance is totally free!

• Check out one of the gems of Cincinnati, the Krohn Conservatory. It’s located in the beautiful Eden Park and costs just $10 per ticket. Peruse the Bonsai Collection, Desert Garden, Orchid Display, Tropical House, and more. You’ll see over 3,500 plant species from all over the world!

• Take photographs of Cincinnati’s beautiful architecture. Take in the sights for FREE. Gaze at the impressive John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge or the Purple People Bridge. Or, take a gander at the Gothic Revival architecture of the famous Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum.

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Runner Up: Rapid City, South Dakota

View Mt. Rushmore and so much more in this South Dakota town. Mt. Rushmore may be what Rapid City is known for, but this town also boasts a FREE seven-acre play area that’s also home to bounce houses, carousels, and train rides for just $3 each at Story Book Island. It’s the spot to visit in South Dakota for affordable family vacations!

• Tour the Museum of Geology. The museum houses a ton of exhibits on paleontology and mineralogy, and kids will think the skeleton & fossil collections are super cool!

• Tour the City of Presidents for FREE. Use the self-guided tour map to walk around downtown to see a series of life-sized bronze statues of various U.S. presidents. You can then head over to Art Alley and view the street art for FREE.

• Visit the FREE Presidential Pawnshop. It’s a museum where everything is for sale! It’s free to enter and you’ll see unique items like Michael Jackson’s early concert glove.

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Hip Favorite: Duluth, Minnesota

There’s more to Minnesota than the Twin Cities and Mall of America! Duluth is a small port city on Lake Superior, but it has no shortage of fun, cheap family vacation activities. This getaway is absolutely perfect for anyone who loves exploring & a cheap family vacation that makes having fun a top priority! Start your vacation with a swim along Brighton Beach on the banks of Lake Superior.

• Rent a Surrey bike and work together to peddle around Canal Park. Surrey rentals start at only $30 per hour and the kids will have a blast exploring the park this way! You can also see the Aerial Lift Bridge which is one of Duluth’s most recognizable landmarks or visit the FREE Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.

• Tour the Tweed Museum of Art for FREE. It’s located at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

• Enjoy a hike at Hawk Ridge. Embrace the great outdoors at this stunning nature preserve. Plus, it’s also a bird observatory! What sounds more relaxing than some bird watching?

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Want to travel oversees? Thailand is one of the cheapest places to visit.

Thailand is one of the best cheap travel destinations. You may need to splurge on the plane tickets, but once you arrive in Thailand, it’s incredibly easy to vacation on a budget. At the time of this article, 1USD (US Dollar) is equal to 35.40THB (Thai Bhat).

This site estimates you can enjoy a vacation in Thailand from $25/day for a budget trip to just $100/day for a more luxurious vacation. This matches what my coworker, Sara’s, neighbors had to say. They recently stayed for an entire summer and were able to eat delicious and fresh food at the Thai restaurants for just around $10 for their whole family of 5!

Travel + Leisure advises that the most expensive time to visit Thailand is November to March (high season) and the cheapest time is July through September (low season).

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Don’t get weighed down by luggage — check out our tips to keep from overpacking!