The whole family will love these affordable family vacation destinations!

Nowadays, the cost of a family trip can add up pretty fast, particularly if you have a big family or eat at restaurants often. But don’t throw in the towel yet! The idea of affordable family vacations is possible. And trust me when I tell you that these can rank among the most memorable getaways for you and your family.

Combining some free activities, planning, and budget-friendly accommodations will allow you to enjoy a kid-friendly vacation without spending an arm and a leg.

So where’s YOUR family going this year? If you’re looking for some tips, here are my top 9 picks for this year’s most affordable family vacation destinations in the US. They offer incredible value without you having to skimp on all the fun!

Williamsburg, Virginia

If you’re hoping to sneak in a little history lesson during your family getaway, consider a trip to this affordable family vacation option. Home to Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Yorktown Battlefield, this place is like a living museum along the beautiful Virginia Peninsula.

Head over to Water Country USA or Busch Gardens when the kiddos are tired of the re-enactments and historical demonstrations. And when you need a break, the Williamsburg Winery is only 4 miles south of Williamsburg. And even though admission to the city’s attractions can be a bit costly, combo tickets will help offset the cost.

Ocean City, Maryland

A visit to this affordable family vacation destination is all about the boardwalk and beach. Running along the 10-mile-long east coast of the island, the stunning beach is the perfect place to lounge around and enjoy a day in the sun.

And when you need some nourishment, make your way to the 3-mile-long boardwalk, which is home to souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and some fun rides for the kids. Some of the area’s most popular, kid-friendly attractions include the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Trimper’s Rides and Amusements.

Pro Tip: To keep your vacation budget in check, avoid renting or buying gear like chairs and umbrellas at the beach, where prices can be pretty high.

Yellowstone National Park

Now, I’ll admit that a family trip to this affordable family vacation requires quite a bit of planning. But if you’re willing to cook your own food and bring a tent, you can save big on food and accommodation costs. And remember to avoid the summer high season, when campground rates tend to be much higher.

But with all of Yellowstone’s awe-inspiring natural wonders, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and the Grand Prismatic Spring, the extra effort will be worth seeing your kids’ faces as they get a glimpse of these showstoppers in action.

And keep in mind that if you plan to visit nearby Grand Teton National Park, you can save $10 on admission by buying a combo pass to both parks.

Destin, Florida

Miles upon miles of perfect white sand is the main draw of a Destin getaway. Crystal Beach, in particular, is loved by visitors for its clear waters and clean shoreline. But this affordable family vacation on the Florida Panhandle offers much more than just beautiful beaches.

It’s also a sought-after fishing destination. Anglers can blissfully cast a line at any one of the city’s beaches, jetties, or piers. You can also learn about the region’s sea creatures at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

And if you’re traveling with a big group, you might want to consider booking a beach cottage or vacation rental instead of a whole bunch of hotel rooms. Trust me when I tell you that this will significantly reduce your lodging costs.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon has a reputation for leaving its visitors, of all ages, completely stunned by its magnificence.

Whether you’re a family full of adventure seekers ready to take on the Colorado River rapids or you’re looking for more of a leisurely mule ride along the Bright Angel Trail, this national park never disappoints. If you reserve a campsite or lodge in advance, scoring affordable accommodations will be a breeze.

Another great thing is that the park’s free shuttle buses make it easy to avoid traffic and save on gas.

And if you want to cut even more costs on this affordable family vacation, I recommend planning a spring or fall visit when crowds start to thin out, temperatures are more easy to manage, and lodging prices are no longer at their summer peak.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you and your family are curious about exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll want to use this affordable family vacation destination as your home base. That’s because this town in eastern Tennessee conveniently has three park entrances in its downtown area.

Since the park, which is Gatlinburg’s top attraction, doesn’t charge an entrance fee, it would be a no-brainer to devote your entire vacation budget to lodging and food. But if you’re traveling with the kiddos, they’ll likely want to ride on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram and enjoy the attractions at the peak, which includes an alpine slide, mini golf, chair swings, and a maze.

Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

This affordable family vacation destination perfectly balances entertaining indoor attractions with natural wonders. A visit to the beautiful 53ft Minnehaha Falls won’t cost you anything, and neither will a stroll around the metro’s Chain of Lakes. If the weather isn’t all that great when you visit, head over to the Mall of America.

Though I should warn you that while it may be free to enter the shopping mecca, many of the mall’s kid-friendly attractions, including Nickelodeon Universe, the Crayola Experience + Store, and the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, will put a minor dent in your budget.

But you can still save some cash by buying tickets online or visiting after 5 in the afternoon. And if you plan to stay in St. Paul, too, I highly recommend visiting the Science Museum of Minnesota, as well.

San Diego, California

October is the best time to take a family trip to this affordable family vacation destination during the city’s annual Kids Free San Diego event. For that entire month, over 100 participating restaurants, attractions, and hotels offer discounts for children or even free admission.

This includes some of the area’s most popular attractions, including Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo, which waives admission fees for kids ages 3 to 11.

But don’t worry if you miss Kids Free San Diego on your affordable family vacation. You can still save on tickets with the Go San Diego Card.

And you can also soak up San Diego’s many free outdoor spaces, including the beloved Balboa Park and Coronado Beach. Just don’t forget to pack that sunscreen!

Niagara Falls

This majestic state park, which happens to be the oldest in the US, will provide you and your family with an unforgettable experience. Just remember that managing an affordable family vacation in Niagara Falls is all about timing.

While many will say that the summertime is the best period to visit because that’s when the temps range between 70 and 80 degrees, if you see it in the fall, you’ll get the lowest accommodation rates. But in the worst-case scenario, if you don’t want to trade in warm climates for discounted accommodations, you can still save some money by buying a Discovery Pass.

The ticket covers admission to five of the area’s top activities and attractions, including Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, the Maid of the Mist boat ride, and the Aquarium of Niagara.

So what do you think about these affordable family vacations? Be sure to let me know in the comments section below.

But don’t leave yet! Must Have Adventures has many more fantastic articles for you to check out! For example, I highly recommend also reading: Top 10 Safest US Cities to Visit This Year