10 Family-Friendly Summer Vacation Ideas

summer vacation ideas

The summer is quickly approaching, and thoughts of the holidays are predominate You can travel to numerous places without incurring debt, even though every journey will cost money. The challenging part is deciding on the best location, by babajem you can search best and affordable destination for summer holidays with less summertime traffic or with less expensive meals and lodging.

And tiny things like packing snacks in advance and stopping at a grocery shop so you can make part of your meals can help you save a lot of money when you’re traveling with kids.

Top 10 Ideas for Cheap Summer Vacations

Here are a few of the top family vacation suggestions for this year that won’t break the bank and will yield a respectable return on investment.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is referred to as “Kidsburgh” since there are so many family-friendly activities there. Budget-conscious families can go there and have a fantastic time. On the VisitPittsburgh website, tickets to well-known attractions like the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh can be purchased for discounts of up to 50%. 

The Allegheny Observatory and Bicycle Heaven, the largest bicycle store and museum in the world, both provide free tours. Take a ride on the Duquesne Incline before you depart Pittsburgh to experience one of the nation’s best town views.

San Diego, California

Children can participate in a wide variety of activities in San Diego, California. There are 70 miles of sandy beaches, water parks, family-friendly museums, and amusement parks. The Go City All-Inclusive Pass offers discounts of up to 50% per person at popular sites like the San Diego Zoo, Legoland California, harbor cruises, and a number of institutions in Balboa Park.

Bowling Green, Kentucky

The sweeping green hills of Kentucky’s Cave Country are home to caves, vehicles, and pure Americana, making it one of the most patriotic destinations for a low-cost family vacation.

The closest tourist destination to Mammoth Cave National Park, which boasts the largest cave system in the world and is located just one hour north of Nashville, is Bowling Green. Additionally, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 40 miles to the northeast of Bowling Green is Mammoth Cave.

Region of the Texas Hill Country River

Although Texas summers can be sweltering, a leisurely float down the Frio River in the Texas Hill Country River Region is all the more enjoyable as a result. As the river reaches Buffalo Creek and the largest tree in Texas is visible, take a selfie while floating down the river in your inner tube. 

Children will enjoy exploring the miles of beautiful walkways in Garner State Park. 10 million bats will leave Frio Cave before dusk during a Frio Bat Flight Tour.

Barrington, Maine

In Bar Harbor, there are many areas to go swimming, including the freshwater beachfront at Echo Lake, which is great for kids because of the gentle waves. Following the “The Museum in the Streets” placards around Bar Harbor can help you plan your walking tour. You can also choose to take one of the many hiking, biking, or walking paths. 

The whole family may explore the nearby Acadia National Park with a vehicle ticket for a day of hiking and wildlife viewing along Maine’s untamed coast.

Milwaukee Dells

The “Water Park Capital of the World” is this family-friendly area of southern Wisconsin, which guarantees enjoyment for all. Children will love kayaking at Mirror Lake State Park while they are not splashing around at Noah’s Ark Waterpark, the largest outdoor water park in the country. 

Taking the family for a trip along the Dells Scenic River Walk in the evening before going into the city for ice cream. Your money will go further if you book a trip package and stay at a Wisconsin Dells resort with lots of amenities.

California’s Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a wonderful starting point for Southern California family beach vacations due to its location within the greater Los Angeles area. While Los Angeles can be pricey, beaches are a great way to balance the budget when planning low-cost family trips.

There is a well-known section of beach in Santa Monica just next to the pier. The Pacific Wheel and other kid-favorite attractions can be found at this vintage amusement pier, which was built in the early 1900s. The other beaches in the Los Angeles region are easily accessible, and Southern California is renowned for its long summers and beach lifestyle.

Minneapolis

For families who love the outdoors, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a great option. It has more than 40 outdoor pieces of art, including Spoonbridge and Cherry, and is kid-friendly (and free). The miniature golf course, which was created by artists, has 18 holes. 

Cross the bridge into St. Paul to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory to see polar bears, giraffes, reindeer, and sea lions. By renting a bike from one of the more than 200 Nice Ride bike share locations, you can explore one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country.

Park, Winter in Colorado

In addition to being a great site to visit in the winter, Summer Park is also a great spot to come in the summer, especially if you want to escape the heat. Families can spend a day hiking, scaling walls, taking gondola rides, and sliding down Colorado’s longest alpine slide. 

To get the best deals, purchase your day passes in advance since they provide you access to all the mentioned activities. To keep everyone entertained, Snow Mountain Ranch close by provides summertime tubing, mini golf, swimming, and a climbing wall.

National Park of the Grand Canyon

One of the most breathtaking locations on the planet is also one of the least expensive. Some of the most appealing Grand Canyon sights may be seen on the Bright Angel Trail and the Rim Trail. The Arizona park is open to all tourists thanks to its wide range of trails, but it’s still a good idea to check out each trail’s level of difficulty before starting. 

The small gateway town of Tusayan has a few fairly priced eateries, but if you want more choices, you can head about 75 miles southeast to Flagstaff. Just remember to book tickets, hotels, and campsites months in advance because the park is very popular in the spring and summer.

Conclusion

You can stay away from boring family trips on a budget if you select the best mix of cost-free activities, careful preparation, and prudent thrift. We’ve talked about the ten best and most lovely summer vacation suggestions for families. We’re hoping you’ll like it!