Traveling on a budget isn’t easy, especially when you’re exploring with kids. The average family of four spends about $4,500 on a week-long vacation. Sometimes, that doesn’t happen. You can do things like shorten your stay and travel during the cheapest months to keep costs down. However, there are affordable places to stay all over the United States where you can enjoy yourself and your family without breaking your budget. Here are eight affordable family vacation ideas for 2025.
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a dream for families looking for a fun but affordable vacation. As a North Carolina native, it’s a place we used to visit when I was a kid on our annual family vacation. With 60 kilometers of sandy beach, children and adults alike can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and building sand castles. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk offers cheap thrills, from arcades to live street performances. Family Kingdom Amusement Park is an affordable place for rides and water fun.
When it comes to the price of your trip, it will vary depending on the time of year, the length of your stay, and the type of accommodation. According to Budget Your Trip, a frugal traveler can spend $94 per day (per person). Luxury travelers, on the other hand, can spend upwards of $429 per day (per person). Therefore, there are options that allow you to tailor your trip to your specific budget in Myrtle Beach.
2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is perfect for nature-loving families. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers free entry and dozens of hiking trails for all skill levels. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies or check out Ober Gatlinburg’s year-round activities. Affordable cabin rentals allow you to enjoy the beauty of the mountains without the luxury prices. Downtown Gatlinburg offers many inexpensive food and souvenir shops.
Budget Your Trip has a one-week trip that costs around $3,542. The average daily cost per person for travelers in Gatlinburg is about $253. However, budget travelers can spend around $96 per day (per person).
3. Williamsburg, Virginia
History comes alive in Williamsburg, where Colonial Williamsburg offers interactive tours of America’s past. Affordable family tickets make it easy to explore historic sites and live performances. The nearby Busch Gardens amusement park offers thrilling rides and family-friendly entertainment. Consider staying at budget-friendly hotels or nearby campgrounds. Williamsburg also has great shopping for a family therapy session.
This is one of the most affordable places on the list so far. Budget travelers can get away with spending only $61 per day per person. Even luxury accommodations and programs will cost around $284 per person, which is not expensive. The amount tourists spend on a week-long visit is less than $1,000.
4. Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is a budget-friendly destination full of free attractions for families. Smithsonian museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, offer hours of free education and entertainment. The National Zoo is another free option, perfect for young animal lovers. Walk the National Mall to see monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Family-friendly hotels and affordable dining options abound throughout the city.
On average, travelers spend about $226 a day in Washington, DC That means, most budget-conscious people can live on just $103 a day. In contrast, luxury travelers can expect to spend up to $477 per day. It’s all about how you plan your trip and which hotels/hostels you choose.
5. Gulf Shores, Alabama
For a fun-filled getaway, Gulf Shores is a hidden gem. Its pristine beaches are perfect for swimming, sandcastle building, and dolphin spotting. Gulf State Park offers hiking, biking, and even camping for families. Budget-friendly accommodations, including condos and vacation rentals, are easy to find. Local seafood restaurants offer delicious food at wallet-friendly prices. You can also visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for an affordable trip with kids.
Time will make a big difference when you go to Gulf Shores in Alabama. During the peak season (June to August), hotels cost about $232 per night, on average. In the off-season (December to February), you can expect to spend as little as $110 per night.
6. Kissimmee, Florida
Kissimmee is a budget-friendly way to Orlando for families looking to explore the theme parks. It’s minutes from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, with many affordable lodging options. Spend the day in Old Town Kissimmee for unique shops, fun rides, and free weekly car shows. Nature lovers can kayak or paddleboard in the nearby Everglades. Kissimmee’s wide variety of restaurants ensures plenty of affordable choices.
To get the most out of your trip to Kissimmee, plan your trip around seasonal deals. Expedia is currently listing flights to Kissimmee for as low as $53 per round-trip ticket. During the off season, you can also find great deals on hotels, some prices are reduced by half.
7. Destin, Florida
Destin’s emerald waters and pristine white beaches make it a family favorite. Henderson Beach State Park offers affordable admission for a relaxing day on the water. HarborWalk Village is perfect for entertainment, shopping, and dining without spending too much money. A number of budget-friendly vacation rentals are available, often with stunning ocean views. Take a dolphin cruise for an unforgettable experience the whole family will appreciate.
Also, when you book your trip you can make a big difference. October to December are the best months to book if you’re looking to save. April and May are the two months with the best weather in the area. It’s also worth noting that many people find that they can save more money if they combine their travel details (flight, hotel, and rental car) together.
8. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is an affordable getaway that combines coastal beauty with outdoor adventure. Acadia National Park offers hiking, biking, and amazing scenery at a low cost. Downtown Bar Harbor has great shops, ice cream parlors, and family-friendly restaurants. Whale watching tours offer a unique, unforgettable experience. Budget-friendly hotels and campsites make it easy to stay within your means. Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain is a precious family moment to remember.
Maine isn’t a place you’d want to visit right now, but it offers amazing views and great weather in the spring, summer, and fall. On average, people can expect to spend around $243 per day (per person). However, budget travelers can get by for just $103 a day, making it a very affordable place to bring the family.
Affordable Adventures Await
All in all, you’ll be spending about $400+ per day for a family of four to have a great vacation, even if you’re on a budget. Planning your trip to affordable destinations like Myrtle Beach or Bar Harbor can help you keep all costs under control. Depending on what you want to see and what your family enjoys, there is a place for everyone on this list. All it takes is a little planning and research to find a vacation spot that fits your budget.
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