A Comfortable Centrally Located Condo In Sun Valley Idaho
For families who love to ski, Sun Valley, Idaho is one of the more affordable ski destinations in the U.S. This 2-bedroom Comfortable Family Condo Near Pool & Hot Tub is located in the Bonne Vie condo in Elkhorn and sleeps eight, including a loft room for kids to revel in. Its also steps from a hot tub where you can relax after a tiring day on the mountain.
Dollar Mountain is only a mile away from the condo, where youll find gentle terrain ideal for kids or beginners, while Bald Mountain is a just few more minutes drive. Excellent ski programs are available for ages three and up, and they even offer night skiing. Regular free buses will take you where you need to go.
In this area, a staggering array of adventures are on offer both on and off the mountain. Thrill-seekers can try snow biking or explore the backcountry on a snowmobile. The Gallery Walk that takes you past newly installed art through the snow-covered street is popular with both locals and tourists.
All sorts of festive events bring the holiday cheer to you, including tree lightings, holiday markets, and concerts. Families can gather to watch the spectacular winter wonderland ice show and torch parade on Christmas Eve, which culminates in fireworks. The celebrations continue on New Years Eve at the annual Bubbly Bash. Its also worth jumping on the gondola and heading up to the Roundhouse for dinner one evening.
Orange Beach/gulf Shores Alabama
Many now know this sandy stretch of Alabama as the home of the Hangout Festival, but even when the most famous bands in the world arent rocking out on the beach here, this secret gem counts one of the largest piers on the Gulf of Mexico as a permanent resident. That spot is perfect for fishing with affordable rentals, which are available at the bait shop. The Wharf is also fun for families, with a Ferris wheel, zip line, and mini-golf, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoos lemurs, sloths, and kangaroos are always ready for an encounter. The best affordable hotel in Orange Beach is the SpringHill Suites, thanks to simply stunning rooms, a remarkable outdoor pool and patio, and free breakfast the kids will love!
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Kaanapali Beach Hotel Maui Hi
Okay, lets get one thing straight, Hawaii isnt cheap! Now that weve gotten that out of the way, there are ways that you can make it manageable for a family trip. Check out the Kaanapali Beach Hotelthank the volcano gods that these guys have budget-friendly families in mind! The hotel is perched on 11 acres of primo, Maui beachfront property, with a unique whale-shaped pool.
The best part about this place is that kids under 17 are free! There are also free kids programs for children under the age of 12. They can take hula lessons and learn to make traditional leis. They even get a free Hawaiian gift before leaving.
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Bonus Cheap Family Vacation In Los Angeles Ca
Here is Los Angeles, California’s travel regulations for tourism.
When you think of Los Angeles affordability is not one of the first things to come to mind. There are several inexpensive and free family activities in and around Los Angeles. You can entertain your little ones for hours at these family-friendly attractions.
What are your favorite budget-friendly family vacation spots?
Best For Hikers: Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The Palo Duro Canyon is a state park in Texas that protects the second-longest canyon. It is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Texas due to its massive size and unique geology.
The beautiful canyon system is located at the Caprock Escarpment in the Texas Panhandle. It near the towns of Canyon and Amarillo stretches over 100 miles.
The beautiful multicolored rock surfaces are identical for photography to Grand Canyon and make for fantastic photography opportunities. Each spring, the park presents an annual outdoor music performance based on Texass historical and cultural heritage.
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C Lazy U Ranch Granby Colorado
Not far from Rocky Mountain National Park, the world-famous C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado, is an all-inclusive guest ranch that features both classic dude ranch activities and modern kid-friendly amenities . A seasonal childrens program for ages three to 17 makes it an especially great pick for family vacations where the adults can use a little alone time while the kids go off and play.
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Kaanapali Beach Hotel Lahaina Hi
With a prime location on the shores of Mauis famous Kaanapali Beach, families may think the Kaanapali Beach Hotel charges prices comparable to other large resorts in the area. But that isnt the case. This budget-friendly family resort features lots of genuine Hawaiian touches, personalized service, a neat whale-shaped pool and beautiful landscaping along 11 acres of soft sand.
What Makes It a Family Vacation on a Budget? Families can book budget-friendly rooms that connect to other accommodations for more space. Plus, the hotel allows children 17 and under to stay free in the same room as parents. The hotel hosts a free childrens program for kids ages 12 and under, and the Aloha Passport for Kids program offers property tours and activities like hula lessons and lei making. Make sure the kids dont forget to grab their free Hawaiian souvenir!
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Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
A visit to Grand Canyon National Park will take your breath away. You will experience beautiful hiking on various trails for wonderful views of the canyon. You can enjoy a smooth water rafting down the Colorado River and experience the canyon from a different view. The lure of Havasu Falls majestic beauty requires a 10-mile hike and an overnight camping trip, but travelers rave that it is one of the most beautiful sights at Grand Canyon.
One of the most unique experiences is the Grand Canyon Skywalk. This semi-circle bridge extends 70 feet out over the canyon and is equipped with glass floors, allowing you to view the canyon from 4,000 feet above! You will need to budget for this venture because tickets are a little pricey starting from $60 a person. The Grand Canyon National Park is full of adventure for the whole family.
Thousand Islands Region Upper New York State
SheBuysTravel Yvonne Jasinski recommends the Thousand Islands Region in upper New York State on the border with Canada. She says it has all you need for a great down-to-earth vacation.
Miles of shoreline, scenic islands, fantastic swimming, boating, fishing and camping can satisfy any outdoor lover. Families with children especially appreciate the area for its endless entertainment provided by nature!
There are no lines, no checkpoints and no out-of-this-world prices. Just show up and enjoy old fashion family fun.
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Colonial Williamsburg Jamestown & Yorktown Virginia
Three more Virginia towns filled with Americana history are recommended by writer Sarah Ricks. Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown are where she traveled with her teens. Families learn from the areas Revolutionary War and 17th-century historic sites, with museum exhibits.
Take time to cool off at Yorktown Beach. Or head to the perfect retreat for teens, the nearby Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.
Disneys Pop Century Resort Orlando Fl
One of Disney Worlds best-loved budget family resorts, Disneys Pop Century Resort offers families a great value on accommodations. The largest of the five Disney Value Resorts, Pop Century is closest to Epcot and has three pools, a playground and a large food court. Purchase a souvenir mug and enjoy free refills on all hot and cold drinks at the food court for even more savings.
What Makes It a Family Vacation on a Budget? Rates are extremely reasonable for a Disney property and guests staying at the Pop Century Resort get perks like Extra Magic Hours, which allow you to arrive early and late to the parks on certain days, and free bus transportation to all Disney World parks. Youll also have the ability to make FASTPASS+ reservations up to 60 days in advance.
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Gulf Shores And Orange Beach Alabama
Located on a narrow barrier island at the southernmost tip of Alabama, the family-friendly Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area is 32 miles of soft white beachfront along the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The inland areas beyond the dunes are marked by pine tree forests, freshwater lakes, rivers, bayous, and coves filled with an abundance of wildlife.
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With nearly 6,500 acres of protected land, 28 miles of paved and enhanced trails, and almost three miles of beachfront, Gulf State Park is one of those state parks thats so grand it feels like it could easily be a national park instead. The park received an $85 million dollar infusion due to the BP oil spill and has upgraded its facilities immensely with that investment. Its Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism and Sustainability is a world-class ecotourism and experiential learning facility developed in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteaus Ocean Futures Society.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have plenty of other budget-friendly family attractions as well. Kids love the Fort Morgan Historic Site, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and the Ferris Wheel on The Wharf.
Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach Virginia Beach Va
The Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North Beach isnt your average Holiday Inn. The property has three poolstwo outdoors and one inside, each with special features. Theres also a movie theater and seasonal kids programming. When its time to eat, you dont even need to leave the hotel, as it offers three onsite restaurantsincluding Isle of Capri, with floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean.
What Makes It a Family Vacation on a Budget? The hotel is situated on the beach at a quiet end of Atlantic Avenue , providing families with easy access to the sand and surf.
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G Adventures Discover Paris And Normandy
Cross Paris and Normandy off your family vacation ideas bucket list with the nine-day France Family Journey small-group tour from G Adventures and National Geographic. Tailored to families looking for unique bonding experiences, this kid-friendly trip takes in the history, art, and culture of France with visits to iconic monuments in Paris, cave dwellings in the Loire Valley, the gardens of Versailles, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont-Saint-Michel. Plus, youll learn about World War II history and get an in-depth look at D-Day where it happened on the beaches of Normandy.
National Geographic Family Journeys from G Adventures are meant to bring families together on active vacations in some of the most impressive family vacation spots in the world. Each of these 2022 and 2023 family vacation ideas is designed with kids as young as seven years old in mind, and each itinerary is infused with National Geographics unique sense of appreciation for storytelling, wildlife, culture, and history. Bookings are open for June, July, and August family vacations in 2022, and for the same months in 2023, with per person prices starting at $3,599. Other National Geographic Family Journeys from G Adventures include bucket-list family vacation destinations like Iceland, Japan, South Africa, Peru, Costa Rica, Morocco, and Vietnam. In the U.S., family vacation spots include Yellowstone and Alaska.
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Culebra Costa Rica
With its movie memorabilia, walk-of-fame, red carpet, and Stars Kids Club, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Costa Rica is a family vacation favorite for younger kids and teens alike. Other popular amenities at this Costa Rica family vacation hotspot include multiple swimming pools, a splash zone, a spa, and seven onsite restaurants. The all-inclusive resort also curates special experiences such as zip lining, canopy tours, horseback riding, and water sports like snorkeling and sailing excursions.
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Assateague And Chincoteague Islands Maryland And Virginia
Horsin’ around these barrier islands is a vacation you and your brood won’t soon forget between the wide windswept beaches, maritime museums where you’ll be regaled with captivating legends of super storms and shipwrecks, picnics heavily seasoned with Old Bay beside salt marshes brimming with birds, clamming hauls, boardwalk strolls under swaying loblolly pines, off-roading in the sand, and ample opportunities to watch the wild ponies the region is famous for prancing in plain view. Every July since 1926, spectators gather to witness saltwater cowboys round up horses and swim them across the shallow channel from one island to the other for auction. Most of the Maryland side of Assateague is a national seashore presided over by the NPS while Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is the domain of the U.S. Fish Wildlife Service. Try Ocean City, Maryland, or the city of Chincoteague when it comes time to settle in for the night as both provide all levels of hotel.
South Padre Island Tx
Getting there: 39 minutes from Brownsville Airport
Rentals under $250/night: Beachfront Condo Spacious Condo With Views Key West Style Beach House
If your kids are hardcore animal lovers, a trip to this little island off the southern coast of Texas is the perfect pick. The island is packed with plenty of venues to interact with animals they otherwise wouldnt have the opportunity to interact with. Sea Turtle Inc., for example, is an educational yet fun-filled facility actively engaged in rescuing sea turtles. Equally thrilling is the SPI Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary where the fam can observe the birds, butterflies and natural wildlife. Maybe just try to avoid March and April when spring breakers take over like wildfire.
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Let Kids Help Plan The Trip
One way guaranteed to make your big family vacation a success is to let kids find a few activities they are interested in visiting. This gets each and every family member excited about the vacation.
Its a good idea to make an itinerary, but be flexible. When planning your large family vacation, stick to one or two activities a day and save the rest of your time for spontaneous fun or breaks. If certain activities require reservations, make sure to include those in your itinerary.
Best Affordable Christmas Vacations For Families Across The Us
While prices are usually hiked up over the holiday period, there are still plenty of options for affordable Christmas vacations for families across the U.S. no matter if youre desperate for winter sun and warm temperatures or you prefer somewhere with a magical winter wonderland vibe.
Whether youre dreaming of a beachy escape at a resort in Florida, a convenient condo by the ski slopes in Idaho, or a beautifully designed log cabin on a working ranch in Utah, youll find plenty of inspiration in this round up of affordable Christmas vacations for families.
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Park Vue Inn Anaheim Ca
For the biggest bang for your buck right outside Disneyland Resort, book a stay at the Park Vue Inn. This boutique hotel in Anaheim is a short walk from the entrance to Disneyland and Disneys California Adventure, and it offers a plethora of complimentary amenities. Its no wonder this property is labeled a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel! Enjoy guestrooms with bunk beds for the kids, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges and microwaves, as well as an onsite heated pool and a patio area thats great for viewing the Disney fireworks at night.
What Makes It a Family Vacation on a Budget? Besides its location, the Park Vue Inn has free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi and a free hot breakfast daily. Plus, guests can buy discounted theme park tickets at the hotel.
Crystal Coast North Carolina
Why youll love it: Located along North Carolinas central shore, the Crystal Coast has been a favorite beach destination for generations and represents one of the few remaining natural barrier island systems in the world with 85 miles of sparkling beaches. Base yourself near Beaufort, a 300-year-old town filled with pirate lore , and plan a trip to The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores for an up-close look at what lies beneath the seas.
Budget tip: Kick back for a full day of free fun on the beach!
Where to stay: The Inlet Inn is right on the waterfront in Beaufort and offers water view rooms with private porches starting at $174 in summer, which includes a continental breakfast delivered right to your room every morning.
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Vacation Ideas For Cheap Family Vacations In The Usa
While many families are looking for staycations, others have their eyes on getaways outside the city limits, or into bordering states. Still, others are gearing up to putting wings to their vacation by booking a flight.
No matter where your family lies on the vacation needle, most are still looking for ways to save money with cheap family vacations.
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Quick tips for affordable family vacations include:
- Check-in to a hotel room that includes breakfast and discounts for extended stays. Hotels such as Holiday Inn Express, Motel 6, Best Western and Days End are good choices.
- Consider all-inclusive resorts.
- Ive also had great luck with vacation rentals with VRBO and Airbnb. These are perfect accommodations for family vacations as it allows kids to have their own space, and includes full kitchens to save money by preparing some meals at home.
From Washington DC to California, Texas to Wisconsin and destinations in between, follow along as our SheBuysTravel writers offer their ideas for cheap family vacations in the USA.
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