12 best family vacations on a budget

Planning a family vacation can feel like playing financial Jenga. One pricey activity and your budget might feel off balance. But when you focus on what matters most (time together, simple fun, and a little adventure), it’s easier to create a memorable trip that stays within budget. Some of the best family memories come from road trips with snacks in the backseat and budget beach days with sandy sandwiches.

Here are 12 family vacation ideas that keep costs low and fun levels high.

1. Budget-friendly cities with free activities

Some cities go above and beyond when it comes to free family entertainment. Washington D.C. has 17 Smithsonian museums, all free (plus the National Zoo!). If you'll be near St. Louis, you can check out the zoo, art museum, and science center for free. In San Diego, you can stroll through Balboa Park, home to beautiful gardens, free outdoor concerts, and even a few no-cost museums on select days.

The key is finding cities that love their public spaces. Summer usually brings outdoor concerts, movies, and local festivals that are often low- or no-cost. If you have travel points to use or can catch a midweek hotel deal, you might be surprised at how affordable a city getaway can be.

2. National parks exploration

Entrance fees into most national parks are $35 per car or less, and many are free. Once you're in, there’s so much you can do. Hiking, wildlife, stargazing, and even ranger-led programs that actually entertain kids (and give you a break). Kids love the Junior Ranger programs, too. They can earn badges, complete activity books, and learn about nature.

Bonus tip: If your child is in 4th grade, check out the Every Kid Outdoors program for a free family pass.

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3. Local beach or mountain trips

A day (or weekend) trip to the nearest beach or mountain range can deliver just as much excitement as a pricey vacation. The trick is to go where the crowds aren’t. Skip the trendy spots and you’ll often find quieter trails, open picnic areas, or budget-friendly swim spots, without the steep prices.

Just be sure to pack your own food and bring plenty of sunscreen (and maybe some bug spray!), and you have a full day of adventure for the cost of gas and sandwiches. Use our family travel budgeting guide to help map out prices and plan without surprises.

4. Road trips with extra adventure

There’s something magical about a well-planned road trip. It’s not just the destination, but all the weird and wonderful stops (and snacks!) along the way. You can make a family road trip even more fun by weaving in surprise adventures.

Before you hit the road, look for a few cities or touristy nature spots you’ll be passing through and work them into the plan. Will you be near that giant peach water tower, the big blue whale, or Carhenge? Quirky attractions are perfect ways to surprise the kids and capture photo ops. You may need to research, but there are amazing hidden gems everywhere. It could be as simple as a homemade ice cream stand in the middle of nowhere. Fun!

5. Wholesale club vacations

If you belong to a wholesale club like Costco, BJ’s, or Sam’s Club, you might already have access to discounted vacation packages. These can include everything from hotel stays and cruises to theme park tickets and car rentals, often bundled at a better rate than booking individually.

6. Home swaps with friends and family

Swapping your home with friends or family can be one of the most budget-friendly ways to experience a new place. Everyone gets a change of scenery (with no hotel costs), plus a kitchen to cook meals and a washer/dryer to keep laundry in check.

If your swap family has kids, even better… toys, games, and other new stuff might already be built in. Just be clear about expectations ahead of time and use a reputable, safety-focused program. 

7. Farm stays or working ranch excursions

If you’re up for something totally different, look into farm stays or working ranches. They can be much more affordable than resorts, and you might get to feed goats, collect eggs, or ride horses. Many include meals and hands-on activities, so you get a lot for your money and a time your kids will never forget.

It’s a great way to unplug, slow down, and introduce your family to a different way of life, all without a packed itinerary or crowded attractions.

8. State park cabin weekends

State parks are a great local option. Many offer cabin rentals or campgrounds with access to hiking trails, lakes, and ranger programs for a fraction of the cost. Cabin-equipped parks typically come with beds, bathrooms, and a small kitchen, so you get many of the comforts of home with a lower price tag.

9. Houseboat rentals 

Some lakes across the country offer relatively affordable houseboat rentals, especially if you go midweek. Without the resort price tag, it’s a unique spin on a lake vacation (fishing, swimming, cooking onboard); you will love sleeping on the water, and you can appreciate how easy it is to unplug and enjoy the view.

Look for off-season or weekday deals. Prices usually drop when demand is low, especially in early summer or late fall. And don’t worry; most houseboats don’t require any special boating skills to operate!

10. College town getaways

Most college towns are quiet, charming, and way more affordable when students are gone in the summer. Many have walkable downtowns, museums, botanical gardens, and cheap eats. Plus, there are usually good deals on hotel rooms and family-friendly things to do nearby.

College towns also tend to host summer events (outdoor movies, concerts, and art walks), many free and open to the community.

11. Camping trips in the great outdoors

Whether it’s pitching a tent in your backyard or reserving a campsite at a local park, camping is one of the most affordable and memory-making ways to vacation as a family. You get the bonus of outdoor time, fewer screens, tons of free entertainment, plus s’mores, flashlight tag, and looking for constellations.

Are your kids ready for a full-on wilderness experience? If not, try a one-night trial run close to home and build from there.

12. Staycations with a twist

You don’t need to go far to feel like you're on vacation. A staycation can still be fun, especially if you treat it like a real getaway. That might mean planning themed days (like “Around the World” with different foods and games), turning your living room into a DIY movie theater, or booking a single night at a local hotel just for the pool. Leave work, laundry, and to-do lists for another time. Your only job is to relax and enjoy your family.

You don’t need a five-star resort or a cross-country flight. With a bit of planning, you can create unforgettable moments without blowing your budget. 

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*Greenlight Core families can earn 2% per annum, Greenlight Max families can earn 3% per annum, Greenlight Infinity families can earn 5% per annum, and Greenlight Family Shield families can earn 6% per annum on an average daily savings balance of up to $5,000 per family. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See Greenlight Terms of Service for details. Subject to change at any time.

**Greenlight Max, Infinity, and Family Shield families can earn 1% cash back on spending monthly. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See Greenlight Terms of Service for details. Subject to change at any time.