The cost of a family trip can quickly add up, especially if you have a large family or dine out often. But affordable family vacations are not only possible, they can actually rank among the most memorable getaways. By combining some advance planning, free activities, and budget-friendly accommodations, you can enjoy a kid-friendly vacation without overspending. Here are my picks for this year’s top budget-friendly family vacation destinations in the U.S. that offer incredible value without skimping on the fun factor.
Why you can trust these picks: Read FamilyVacationist’s methodology for selecting and recommending vacation destinations and hotels.
1. Branson, Missouri
With so many family-run business and entertainment offerings in one area, Branson truly puts the “family” in family vacations. The Entertainment District hosts a number of extravagant shows, but there’s also the World’s Largest Toy Museum, Branson Ferris Wheel, Titanic Museum, Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Branson Dinosaur Museum, and the Mario Kart-style go-karts at The Tracks.
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Don’t miss The Shepherd of the Hills, a long-running Ozark-themed show with live animals, now part of an adventure park featuring zip lines and coasters. Nearby, Silver Dollar City combines a theme park, artisan community, and natural wonders like cave tours. Just outside town, the Ozark Mountains offer hiking, biking, state parks, and stunning lakes for outdoor adventures.
Where to stay near Branson:
Hotel Grand Victorian: With an indoor and outdoor pool, game room, and complimentary breakfast, Hotel Grand Victorian provides comfort and convenience in a prime location just steps from Branson’s Entertainment District.
The Lodge of the Ozarks: Conveniently within walking distance of top attractions like the Titanic Museum and theaters, the lodge also has spacious rooms, a complimentary hot breakfast, and an indoor pool.
Big Cedar Lodge: On the shores of Table Rock Lake, the lodge offers a wide range of accommodations from guest rooms to private luxury cabins. There are also five swimming pools, a sandy beach, paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks all available for use.
2. Custer State Park, South Dakota
With free or budget-friendly activities like hiking, camping, boating, horseback riding, and scenic drives, South Dakota’s largest state park is a perfect vacation destination families on a budget. Spanning 71,000 acres, there’s plenty of room to share with Custer State Park’s free-ranging bison herd and wildlife like elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop offers prime wildlife viewing, and you can take a Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour for safe close-up encounters. It’s also close to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Badlands National Park, and you can easily explore all three in one affordable family trip.
Where to stay near Custer State Park:
State Game Lodge: The “Summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge and the First Lady for three months in 1927, State Game Lodge has a variety of historic guest rooms in the main lodge as well as more modern hotel rooms and luxury cabins. It’s also the departure point for the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours.
Super 8 by Wyndham Custer: Located right outside Custer State Park, this Super 8 combines affordable rates with cozy rooms and proximity to local attractions like Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore.
Gold Camp Cabins: An even more affordable option, the rustic Gold Camp Cabins offers multi-room cabins with kitchens, BBQ grills, and a fire ring. There’s a fishing pond on site, too.
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Spending lots of time on the beach is an easy way to keep family travel costs down, and Myrtle Beach is among the most budget-friendly vacation spots for doing just that. Its 60-mile coastline offers both bustling boardwalks and quieter spots like Surfside Beach, ideal for families. Beyond the sand are amusement parks, arcades, and live entertainment like the epically entertaining Medieval Times dinner theater.
Don’t miss the area’s 50 themed mini-golf courses for affordable family fun, and for a bit of culture, visit the free Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum. The local tourism bureau also offers a downloadable coupon book for even more vacation discounts. If camping’s your thing, there are lots of places where you can pitch a tent or park your RV and still enjoy easy access to the beach.
Where to stay near Myrtle Beach:
Dayton House Resort: Multiple pools, a lazy river, and a kids’ splash zone put this centrally located hotel at the top of the list for budget-friendly family hotels in Myrtle Beach. Free breakfast and direct beach access add value to the nightly rates.
Captain’s Quarters Resort: This budget-friendly hotel has multiple pools, a lazy river, a water playground area, and a 20-lane bowling alley.
Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort: Recently renovated oceanfront rooms and villas and amenities like a heated pool and lazy river make this hotel a great pick for families, especially prices often coming in under $100 per night.
4. Kentucky’s Cave Country
Kentucky’s Cave Country offers a quintessentially American and budget-friendly family vacation. Just an hour north of Nashville, Bowling Green is the gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s largest cave system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry to the park is free, with nature walks and hikes included, though cave tours require tickets (ranging from $8 to $23). Nearby, the National Corvette Museum and Beech Bend Park add excitement with cars, rides, and water fun for all ages.
Where to stay near Mammoth Cave:
Hilton Garden Inn Bowling Green: Offering a cooked-to-order breakfast, heated pool, and whirlpool, this Hilton Garden Inn makes a great and relatively cheap home base for all of Cave Country’s attractions.
Sleep Inn and Suites Cave City: Just minutes from Mammoth Cave and convenient to Dinosaur World and the Kentucky Action Park, this budget-friendly hotel caters to families with an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast.
Baymont by Wyndham Cave City: Also close to Mammoth Cave National Park, Baymont is a great base for exploring the area’s caves, hiking trails, and nearby family attractions. Free breakfast and a seasonal outdoor pool are additional perks.
5. Port Angeles, Washington
Just two hours from Seattle, Port Angeles is a serene, budget-friendly coastal vacation spot on the Olympic Peninsula. As the northern gateway to Olympic National Park, it’s ideal for families who love to get outside. Highlights include gentle hikes like Marymere Falls and the mostly paved Spruce Railroad Trail to Devil’s Punchbowl, perfect for swimming and scenic views. For the more adventurous, the hike up Hurricane Ridge affords magnificent vistas of both the Olympic mountains and Vancouver Island. For added adventure, take the ferry to Victoria, British Columbia.
Where to stay near Port Angeles:
Lake Crescent Lodge: With peak season pricing as low as $161 per night, this is a national park treasure. The lobby has free games and a beautiful setting for any meal, and room options vary from shared bathroom to private cabin.
Port Angeles Inn: Located near the waterfront, Port Angeles Inn is budget-friendly base for exploring the Olympic Peninsula. A complimentary breakfast and beautiful views add to the convenience and comfort.
Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor: Spacious rooms, reasonable rates, and family-friendly amenities such as an outdoor pool and on-site dining make Red Lion Hotel an affordable option with a few extra frills.
6. South Padre Island, Texas
A South Texas barrier island, South Padre Island offers affordable and family-friendly beach getaways all year long. Here in the “Sandcastle Capital of the World,” families can follow the free Sandcastle Trail or craft their own creations on the beach. Kids can connect with nature with beach play or horseback riding. Visit Sea Turtle Inc. for hatchling releases or explore the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary. Fireworks light up summer nights, and you might even catch a SpaceX launch from nearby Boca Chica.
Where to stay near South Padre Island:
Isla Grand Beach Resort: A prime beachfront location and amenities such as two swimming pools, tennis courts, and sand volleyball courts make this hotel a top pick for cost-conscious families.
La Copa Inn Beach Hotel: Direct access proximity to local attractions like Sea Turtle, Inc., and Schlitterbahn Waterpark make this hotel an excellent base for an affordable stay.
The Inn at South Padre: Spacious suites with kitchenettes help keep meal costs down when you stay at this centrally located hotel. An outdoor pool and hot tub are welcome amenities after a day of fun on the nearby beach (just a short walk away).
7. Santa Monica, California
A city within a city, Santa Monica’s location within greater Los Angeles makes it a great home base for family beach vacations. Its iconic beach next to the historic Santa Monica Pier offers budget-friendly fun, including rides (an unlimited rides wristband is $50 for adults, $30 for kids). Pack a picnic to save on meals and enjoy the sunny California lifestyle. Rent bikes to explore the 20-mile Strand, or visit nearby beaches: Venice Beach for people watching, Manhattan Beach for volleyball and a free aquarium, and The Strand for its 20-mile paved biking and running path.
Where to stay near Santa Monica:
Sea Shore Motel: Spacious rooms and kitchenettes help save on dining costs at Sea Shore Motel, and its location close to Santa Monica Pier and the shops of Main Street add to the appeal for families.
Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Monica: This budget-friendly hotel is a short drive to Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, making it a good base for exploring the area. Free parking is an added perk.
Gateway Hotel Santa Monica: Located near downtown Santa Monica, this hotel’s proximity to Santa Monica’s beaches makes sightseeing easy. On-site parking and an on-site restaurant add convenience.
8. The Maine Highlands, Maine
Centered around Moosehead Lake, the largest mountain lake in the eastern U.S., the Maine Highlands region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Baxter State Park, home to Mount Katahdin—the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail—provides breathtaking landscapes and challenging trails for outdoorsy families. Nearby, the High Peaks region offers gentler hiking trails maintained by Maine Huts and Trails.
In the nearby city of Bangor, you’ll find a mix of cultural attractions, such as the Maine Discovery Museum and historic landmarks like the Paul Bunyan statue. The region also appeals to fans of legendary author Stephen King, whose former home and literary inspirations are based here. Just an hour away, Acadia National Park has beaches, trails, and budget-friendly camping options.
Where to stay near the Maine Highlands:
Moose Mountain Inn: Kid-friendly Moose Mountain Inn has an outdoor pool and offers easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and snowmobiling. It’s close to Greenville and local attractions like the Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum.
The Greenville Inn at Moosehead Lake: Rooms at The Greenville Inn range from suites to cottages that are perfect for families. Its central location overlooking Moosehead Lake makes it popular with families who value a stunning view.
Wilson Pond Cabins: Rustic yet affordable, Wilson Pond Cabins is another cozy lakefront option just a short drive from Moosehead Lake. The fully equipped cabins provide a peaceful setting with direct access to fishing, canoeing, kayaking, fire pits, and picnic areas.
9. Hershey, Pennsylvania
How can you go wrong with an entire town and theme park dedicated to chocolate? At Hersheypark, every ticket includes a “sweet preview” evening admission the day before your visit, and the park itself is home to more than 60 rides, including 15 roller coasters, a water park, and a campground. Enjoy chocolate-themed dining at The Chocolatier Restaurant or explore attractions like Hershey Gardens, ZooAmerica, and Hershey’s Chocolate World, where tours are free.
Where to stay near Hershey:
Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey: With its outdoor pool and proximity to Hersheypark, this Days Inn is an economical option for those looking to save on accommodations while still being close to all the fun.
Hampton Inn & Suites Hershey: Spacious rooms, a free hot breakfast, and an indoor pool make it easy to enjoy downtime at Hampton Inn & Suites Hershey after a day of fun.
Hershey Lodge: The hotel’s official motto is “kids are not just welcome, they’re expected,” and here kids even have their own kid-sized check-in desk. Hershey Lodge has two outdoor pools and a large, heated indoor pool, basketball and tennis courts, free mini golf, and a free shuttle to Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World. On select dates, it also offers discounted packages that include park tickets, breakfast, and/or free nights.
10. Alabama’s Gulf Coast
A narrow barrier island Alabama’s southern tip, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a picture-perfect 32-mile strip of soft white sand along the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf State Park boasts nearly 6,500 acres, 28 miles of trails, almost three miles of beautiful beaches, and upgraded facilities including a world-class ecotourism center. Budget-friendly attractions include the Fort Morgan Historic Site, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and the Ferris Wheel at The Wharf ($8 per person, free for kids under one year old).
Where to stay near Gulf State Park:
The Lodge at Gulf State Park: Located right on the beach with views of the Gulf of Mexico, the lodge is right next door to Gulf State Park’s Interpretive Center. Families have access to bike rentals, walking trails, and swimming in the Gulf or the hotel’s pool.
Beachside Resort Hotel: A convenient spot for both beach days and nature excursions, this hotel also has outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to Gulf State Park.
Quality Inn Gulf Shores: This budget-friendly hotel a short drive from Gulf State Park provides families with affordable accommodations, including an outdoor pool, free breakfast, and rooms equipped with a microwave and fridge.
11. Niagara Falls, New York
A legitimate bucket list destination that’s also easy on the budget, Niagara Falls pairs its breathtaking natural wonder with a wide range of free and affordable activities. The iconic falls are free to view, with plenty of scenic viewpoints offering memorable views. Niagara Falls State Park has walking trails and picnic areas, and for a small fee your family can hop aboard the Maid of the Mist for an unforgettable close-up of the falls (April through early November). Nearby Buffalo has plenty of budget-friendly attractions, too, including the Buffalo Zoo and the Explore & More Children’s Museum.
Where to stay near Niagara Falls:
La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Niagara Falls: Proximity to the falls, complimentary breakfast, and an indoor pool make this hotel a great choice for family stays.
Comfort Inn The Pointe: Another good option for those looking to explore the falls and enjoy nearby attractions while keeping costs low, this hotel has easy access to the falls and an indoor pool to enjoy after a day of exploring the area.
Days Inn by Wyndham Niagara Falls: Another wallet-friendly hotel just minutes from Niagara Falls, this Days Inn location provides free breakfast and has an outdoor pool.
