Summary
- Affordable family-friendly destinations in the US offer low-cost or free activities, making it possible to enjoy an amazing vacation without breaking the bank.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, San Juan, Puerto Rico, San Diego, California, and the Poconos, Pennsylvania, are some of the best affordable family vacation spots in the USA.
- These destinations offer a range of attractions, from stunning beaches and amusement parks to national parks and museums, ensuring there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Looking to make lifetime memories with kids? Traveling with family can be exciting and a great chance to strengthen the family. Experiencing new places and cultures helps children with their skill development. But the costs of flights, lodging, and meals can quickly add up and make even modest family vacations feel financially overwhelming. However, this doesn’t mean families can’t enjoy an amazing vacation without breaking the bank.
With proper travel planning and budgeting, families can have a memorable vacation. There are many beautiful destinations that perfectly cater to families traveling on a budget. Many affordable, family-friendly destinations in the US offer low-cost or free things to do that promise fun and adventure cravings for adults and children alike. From stunning beaches to adventurous getaways, here are some of the USA's best family vacation spots that are affordable and amazing.
10 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a beautiful seaside town that has earned a reputation as a watersports playground. But there is more to this East Coast family-friendly vacation destination. There are many free things to do in Myrtle Beach. To start with, it offers free beach access and has excellent weather most of the year, which makes it a family vacation paradise. Kids can enjoy water slides, roller coasters, race tracks, and other fun activities at the amusement and water parks.
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach ($6.99 - $23.99) and the 350-acre Broadway Grand Prix entertain all ages. Visitors can also enjoy one of the free arts and music festivals Myrtle Beach hosts throughout year-round. The main promenade is also dotted with mini golf courses where under 16s can golf for free with a paying adult.
While the weather is perfect for enjoying the beach from June to August, families can capitalize on cheaper rates from March through May. During this period, the weather is warm, and most attractions operate normally.
- Free/Affordable Attractions: Beaches, amusement parks, Aquarium
- Where to stay: Days Inn by Wyndham Myrtle Beach (from ($81), Grande Shores Ocean Resort (from $144)
9 Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, which is one of the best destinations to see fall foliage. In fact, there are many amazing things to do in the Smoky Mountains of Gatlinburg during the fall, a lot of which are affordable. In particular, lots of people come here to hike and ride along the area's scenic trails.
Fortunately for families on a budget, the park is free to enter, and visitors only pay a nominal parking fee. During the warmer months, families like to drive to Ober Gatlinburg to ride the Aerial Tramway and enjoy other affordable yet fun activities in the mountain park. The scenic chair lift, alpine slide, and more will beat out any boredom.
Meanwhile, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers opportunities to see sharks and penguins up close. Other affordable attractions in Gatlinburg are Gatlin's Fun Center, Gatlinburg Space Needle ($9.95 – $15.95), and the Moonshine Mountain Coaster ($5 – $17).
- Free/Affordable Attractions: Great Smoky Mountains Parks, Aquarium, Gatlinburg Space Needle
- Where to stay: Charlet Inn (from $79), Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gatlinburg (from $62)
8 San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan, is a beautiful city with plenty of exciting and fun things parents can enjoy with their children for a memorable vacation. There are several public beaches, many of which are free and exciting to stroll on. But one has to pay to use the beach chairs and umbrellas.
Walking around Old San Juan is free and a great way to spend an afternoon here. When tired, the trolleys are free, too. Visitors can admire street art along Santurce, one of the coolest residential neighborhoods that has turned into an exciting outdoor gallery.
Other low-cost activities for families include visiting San Juan Cathedral, walking along Paseo de la Princesa, visiting the first-ever NFT Gallery, and taking a scenic drive through El Yunque National Rainforest. Families can also book one of the affordable San Juan Hotels. Plus, Oceano Lounge offers free salsa lessons every Tuesday!
- Free/Affordable Attractions: San Juan Cathedral, Santurce Street, beaches
- Where to stay: San Jorge Hotel & Hostel (from $112), Casa Santurce (from $62)
7 San Diego, California
San Diego boasts pleasant weather throughout the year. This allows families traveling on a budget to avoid summer crowds and take advantage of lower rates by visiting off-season. Indeed, the city is one of the best places to visit in California in spring, fall, and winter - the off seasons, essentially (summer tends to be much more expensive).
While travelers can build an entire trip around the Safari Park and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, there are many other family-friendly attractions to explore. When not soaking under the sun on San Diego's beautiful beaches, head to Seaport Village to see passing boats, explore the busy Liberty Public Market, or sit to watch airplanes over the city skyline.
During October Kids Free San Diego, families can take advantage of great discounts at most kid-friendly attractions in San Diego. Hotel prices also drop significantly during this time of the year, and it is easy to book a room for less than $200. Booking in advance is also an excellent way to secure the best rates.
- Free/Affordable Attractions: Mission Bay Park, Liberty Public Market, San Diego Zoo
- Where to stay: Stay Classy Hostel (from $65), Heritage Inn San Diego (from $112)
6 The Poconos, Pennsylvania
Whether it is experiencing history or connecting with nature, this stunning mountain range has it all, and, fortunately, for those with less to spend, it offers no lack of ideas for those scoping out budget-friendly family vacations in the US.
The Poconos Mountain is perfect for families who love the great outdoors; it offers plenty of hiking, biking, kayaking, and horseback riding opportunities. There are also many peaceful small towns in the Poconos region where visitors can experience the beauty of nature.
As for free attractions in the Poconos, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Lehigh Gorge State Park are free to visit. There are also many water and adventure parks in the region for families to enjoy.
Spring is the region's off-season. Visiting during this time, families can save money and still have an enjoyable vacation. There are so many photogenic spots in the area, so carry a camera.
- Free/Affordable Attractions: Lehigh Gorge State Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Where to stay: Lake Harmony Inn (from $97), Comfort Inn - Pocono Mountains (from $62)
5 Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Aptly named Grand Canyon, this national park is one of the most beautiful destinations in the US. While the Grand Canyon offers a lot for couples to do, it is also an epic, timeless, and classic destination for families traveling on a budget.
The park barely has any kid-friendly trails, but there are several things that the little ones can enjoy. Why? Because it is one of the US parks with junior ranger programs, which encourages kids to learn about local nature.
Families can enjoy a train ride on the Grand Canyon Railway, which is one of the best ways to see the canyon. The train stops for about 3 hours in the beautiful Grand Canyon Village, giving visitors enough time to explore the area. Plus, the entire South Rim is free to explore.
Another must-do affordable thing in Grand Canyon National Park is taking a scenic drive along Desert View Drive. Climb at the observation tower to see and take photos of the surrounding landscapes.
- Free/Affordable Attractions: Desert View Drive, Grand Canyon Village
- Where to stay: Campgrounds (from $15), Red Feather Lodge (from $115)
4 Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks in the US and offers plenty of free and low-cost activities that captivate visitors of all ages. The park offers free admission days, but it is best if a family can buy a National Park Pass at $80 to enjoy free access to US national parks and historic sites for a full year, which can save a lot of money if families want to enjoy multiple vacations to these places.
Children will love visiting the geysers, while the whole family will have a great time exploring the stunning Mammoth Hot Springs and the famous Grand Prismatic Spring. Other free and family-friendly attractions include the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful (which erupts reliably like clockwork), Mount Washburn, and Yellowstone Lake.
There are also many easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park that families can discover.
- Free/Affordable Attractions: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs
- Where to stay: Traveler's Lodge West Yellowstone (from $178), Super 8 by Wyndham Cooke City Yellowstone Park Area (from $166)
3 Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bowling Green offers many things to do despite being one of the under-the-radar US travel destinations for families on a budget. It offers access to the mysterious Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world, which is free to enter and explore. There are many kid-friendly hiking trails.
Families looking to get their adrenaline pumping will have fun on the Flying Squirrel Zipline ($5.95 – $22.95), which offers breathtaking views of surrounding landscapes. Also, Bowling Green is the only city in the US where Corvettes are manufactured. Visitors will have a chance to see how these beloved sports cars are manufactured. The National Corvette Museum ($13 – $18) has a KidZone, where kids can have fun making and trying their corvettes.
Other low-cost attractions worth checking out are Historic RailPark & Train Museum, Basil Griffin Park, Beech Bend, and Chaney's Dairy Barn ($4).
- Free/Affordable Attractions: Mammoth Cave Park, Lost River Cave, National Corvette Museum, Hobson Grove Park
- Where to stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham (from $135), Holiday Inn Express (from $197)
2 Washington D. C.
It is easy to think that the country's capital is expensive to visit. But it offers many fun, low-cost, family-friendly attractions. The city is home to several world-class museums that won't cost families a penny to explore. Interestingly, the museums are located within walking distance of each other.
All attractions affiliated with the Smithsonian are free or low-cost. Visitors don't want to miss the Smithsonian National Zoo, which welcomes travelers for free. Other must-visit attractions include the Tidal Basin, the Lincoln Memorial in DC, and the Washington Monument, once the tallest building in the world.
- Free/Affordable Attractions: National Hall, Smithsonian museums, National Archives
- Where to stay: Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center (from $95), Hotel Hive (from $179), Phoenix Park Hotel (from $99)
Accommodations are not the cheapest in Washington, D.C. Families can find house swaps to save on accommodation.
1 Branson, Missouri
Branson is one of the best family vacation spots in the US that are affordable. The town is located in the land of the Ozarks, which is known for its beautiful waterfalls and incredible karst features.
Although Branson is known as the entertainment theater capital of the Ozarks, it's also a superb, affordable outdoor hotspot for families. Plus, Branson is still under the radar, meaning it is more affordable than bustling cities. It entertains visitors with live music, thrilling amusement parks, informative museums, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.
Head to Table Rock Lake to enjoy swimming, kayaking, and fishing, all for free. Families can also hike the area’s kid-friendly trails, stroll along the Horse Walk, and watch the Branson Landing Fountain show. Outside the town, let the kids enjoy Silver Dollar City, a world-class theme park that offers many things to do.
- Free/Affordable Attractions: Table Rock Lake, Historic Downtown, Branson Landing
- Where to stay: Angel Inn Central (from $62), Best Western Center Pointe Inn (from $121)