Family Vacations In The South On A Budget
Bursting with unique and stunning places to explore, the American South has plenty of family vacation destinations, including places that families can enjoy on a budget. Here are 10 incredibly cheap family vacations in the South:
- Corpus Christi, TX
- St. Petersburg, FL
While summer can be an expensive time to visit the south, many of the southern states particularly Florida and Texas have summer-style weather that stretches until October that you can take advantage of. It is cheaper if you dont plan your vacation from late June to early August.
Offering great weather, out-of-this-world beaches, awesome cuisine, and charming hospitality, the American south is a dream destination. Say hello to these budget-friendly family destinations in the South that you wouldnt regret visiting.
Santa Maria Valley California
Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Santa Maria Valley is an ideal home base for exploring Californias Central Coast. Nature-loving families will love exploring the great outdoors on the 13 beaches and 24 hikes within a 30-minute drive.
Families can also ride dune buggies, take bike rides, and explore the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, before sipping a glass of local wine at one of the 34 nearby tasting rooms.
Plus, from October through February, thousands of Monarch butterflies flock to the nearby eucalyptus groves! In the slower winter season, families can find hotel rooms for just over $100 per night, making Santa Maria Valley a great budget destination.
Hanging Rock State Park North Carolina
For the ultimate outdoor vacation, take the family to Hanging Rock State Park, located north of Winston-Salem toward the Virginia border. If you want a true nature experience, bring a tent and use one of the campground areas for your vacation. For those who want a little bit more comfort, rent one of the furnished cabins available in the park.
The 12-acre lake is a highlight of the park. Kids will love to spend the day swimming. You can also go tubing, paddling, row boating, or canoeing. There are some boats available for rent so you can explore the lake.
Kids will get to see all sorts of animals on their visit to this State Park, including foxes, deer, owls, birds, salamanders, lizards, toads, frogs, and snakes! Bring your bikes and go for a ride on a section of the 8-mile biking trails throughout the park.
Hikers can choose from a range of trails that span in difficulty from easy to strenuous. For an easy hike suitable for younger children, try the 1-mile Lake Trail loop. Plenty of benches dot the trail if you need a rest, and there is even a fishing pier if you want to catch your dinner. More intermediate hikes will take you to see waterfalls and incredible views of the park.
There are over 60 picnic sites available and 15 grills for cooking. A snack bar and washrooms can also be found in the park. Check out the park museum to learn about the history, flora, and fauna of the area.
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North Conway New Hampshire
No matter the season, the Red Jacket Mountain Resort is a family favorite to visit, but especially so when the winter snow comes around. The resort is close to many of the premier ski mountains in the area, but also chock full of other amenities for non-snow lovers. The Red Jacket Mountain View has daily activities for your children, like family movie night, ceramic painting, face painting, story hour with fresh baked cookies, horse-drawn carriage rides and so much more. Not to mention, kids, teenagers, and adults love the Red Jacket Mountain Resorts indoor water park, Kahuna Laguna with its 40,000 square feet of splish-splashing fun!
The Red Jacket Mountain View Resort is in the heart of North Conway, so youll be surrounded by quaint restaurants, unique little gift shops, and splurge-worthy outlets so you can shop âtil you drop. Staying here, youll be close to other popular family destinations like Santas Village, Story Land, Conway Scenic Railroad, Clarks Trading Post, and the Ice Castles. December is a great time to stay at the Red Jacket for their Journey To The North Pole. Families can enjoy being snuggled up in their pajamas, sipping hot cocoa, and nibbling cookies, all while listening to the Night Before Christmas poem. Beth, Real Life Mama Drama
Family Vacation Spots In Florida
Tucked away in the 482-acre Bonnet Creek nature preserve, its hard to believe the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is just five minutes from Orlandos theme parks. For the young and young at heart, theres a 3-acre-long lazy river, a mix of quiet pools with roomy cabanas and family-friendly poolside activities like scavenger hunts and mermaid lessons. And yes, the resort provides complimentary Disney park shuttles so that teens and die-hard Mickey fans can make it to the theme park rides as well.
Even the standard guest rooms are spacious at 400 square feet, with bunk-style rooms available for families traveling with multiple kids. Plus, one of the coolest things about this property is that it shares use of the amenities at the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek next door. That means a lot of additional room to roam with another six pools, two more lazy rivers and a mini golf course.
On the other side of the same lake, Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek provides even homier digs with spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites that come with full kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms. Ideal for younger kids, it has a pirate shipwreck in the middle of the main pool and offers unlimited ice cream sundaes. And its all less than a mile from the entrance to Walt Disney World.
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Cheap Family Vacations In The Us
I based my research on destinations that could host a family of four for at least five days between December and February for under $3,000. Rates have definitely gone up in the last year but, if you are careful, you can still manage a winter family vacation on a budget.
This would include lodging and activities. Some options are much less than that, while others will use the whole budget for activities like skiing. Depending on where you live, some of these are possible road trips or not too far from an airport
Whether you prefer warm weather or cold hopefully you will find an idea for this years winter family vacation that works for your budget. If you are willing to leave the U.S., consider a trip to the Quebec Winter Carnival or New Brunswick, Canada for an affordable Canadian vacation.
Dollywoods Dreammore Resort And Spa Pigeon Forge
Dolly Parton is an American icon, and she sure knows a thing or two about Southern hospitality. In addition to her famous Dollywood theme park, the country crooner also came up with the idea for the 100-acre DreamMore Resort and Spa next door. Several pools including an indoor option and an outdoor pool with a waterfall along with a game room, a playground, a spa and activities such as story time around the fireplace provide around-the-clock entertainment.
Guests also score perks at both Dollywood and Dollywoods Splash Country theme parks, with free transportation and early Saturday entry. During the cooler months, the resort provides free shuttles to explore Pigeon Forge and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Iguaz Falls And Patagonia Argentina
Take your family on a trip to the Argentinian extremes for a vacation full of beauty and adventure. Start the trip in northern Argentina at Iguazu Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonder of the World. Straddling the border of Brazil and Argentina, this mighty force of nature consists of 275 drops across a three-kilometer-long U-shaped cliff along the river making it one of the worlds greatest spectacles of nature. From hiking to the famous Devils Throat viewpoint to boat excursions beneath the falls, and helicopter rides above it, theres so much adventure to be had here. Yet, the regions glorious resorts provide your family with the perfect place to retreat and balance the adventures with relaxation.
From the lush vegetation of Iguazu Falls, the sparse mountains and tepid climates in south Argentine Patagonia offers an idyllic contrast. The wild majestic landscapes coupled with a host of all-age adventures make Los Glaciares National Park a family favorite. It offers day hikes to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier, 4×4 excursions to the scenic countryside, and boat trips like the Nautical Safari on Lake Rico. One of the most rewarding excursions we offer for families is a boat trip across Lake Argentino to visit a local ranch. It provides a unique opportunity for you and your children to get a hands-on insight into different walks of life. The trip includes ice-glacier treks, sheep-shearing, horse-riding, and a hearty barbecue to finish.
Best Family Vacations In The South On A Budget
A family vacation provides not only quality time with loved ones but also a prime opportunity for creating memories thatll last a lifetime. However, it can be difficult to find and plan a getaway that doesnt break the bank. Throughout the South, though, there are a variety of locations that are ideal for a budget-friendly vacation for the entire family. From beaches to mountains, outdoor recreation to indoor adventures, and everything in between, you will find more than enough to entertain both kids and adults, all without requiring a hefty wallet. These are our favorite family vacations in the South on a budget.
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Affordable Family Vacations In The South
Do you have cabin fever yet? Its the time of year when all I can think about is taking a vacation over spring break or what we can do when school gets out for the summer. Yes, you can spend thousands of dollars taking your family somewhere for a week, but there are also a ton of options for affordable family vacations in the South that will not eat up half of your savings!
The most expensive part of any vacation is usually lodging/accommodations. You can cut this down tremendously by camping! There are great campgrounds in every state and you can find reviews by checking out Go Camping America.
12 Affordable Family Vacations in the South
Pigeon Forge/Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The mountains of Tennessee are a great destination with slightly milder weather than the beach! You can check out our list of free national parks admission days. Whether you want to stay in the national park or nearby, there are a lot of inexpensive places to pick from.
Tip: The off season for them is just as gorgeous. It can mean saving 50% off lodging and possibly getting to play in the snow!
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
For another national park option, consider Mammoth Cave National Park. Older kids will especially love exploring the miles and miles of caves! There are a number of campgrounds near the area, plus you can enjoy other local attractions.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Tybee Island, Georgia
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Edisto Beach, South Carolina
Swim In A Saltwater Indoor Pool After Exploring The Rocket City In Alabama
Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley recaptured our countrys interest in spaceflight when they splashed down into the Gulf of Mexico after a successful return trip from the international space station. After spending a day of staring up at giant rockets like the authentic Saturn V, plan a little splashdown for the family at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville Hotel and Spa, in Huntsville, Alabama. The saltwater indoor pool will make them feel like real astronauts in the Gulf of Mexico!
While the kids are playing, parents can enjoy some quiet time on one of the comfy loungers that dot the spacious pool deck. The walls of windows invite in plenty of sunshine and views of nature. Families with sensitivities can opt for a Wellness Suite in this all suites hotelâthey include an Alen BreatheSmart Flex 40b air purifier, a Pelican shower filtration system, and AllerZip bedcovers, to name a few.
The hotels downtown location makes it a great jumping off point for exploring Huntsvilles culinary scene. Of course, sometimes its hard to get rambunctious little ones to sit down at a restaurant. The Embassy Suites offers a great family dining alternative with The R fast casual restaurant. Pick from regional Southern favorites like catfish po-boys and barbecue pork flatbread.
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Cheap Winter Family Vacations In The United States
The holidays are a time when most family budgets are stretched thin. Lavish winter breaks are not an option for many. Yet for those that hate to let a school break pass by without at least a short getaway, finding cheap winter family vacations is a challenge.
The festive season also brings high rates and occupancy at many hotels. If you are really lucky, you may have the option of traveling the week before Christmas or after New Years but for most, traveling during the high season is hard to avoid.
No matter how you slice it, winter family vacations on a budget can be hard to find. So I did some research to find some inexpensive winter vacation destinations in the United States.
Omni La Mansin Del Rio
The open floor plan, screened in back porch, and backyard fire pit make the Blue Skies Cottage, a relaxing island retreat in Georgia. It`s a great hopping off point for all that St. Simons has to offer, from historic sites to the marshes and the beach. Each is within a short bike ride along the islands well-planned trails.
The house epitomizes communal life on the island. The open floor plan encourages interaction with family members. Foodie families will love gathering up some fresh Georgia seafood and cooking together in the spacious kitchen. The inviting spaces extend to the outside with a large screened in back porch, complete with fireplace, and a fire pit in the backyard for ghost stories and tall tales.
Your family can use a break from the hustle and bustle, right? Roll down those windowsâopen the sunroof if you have oneâand breathe in the salty air. Dont be too distracted by the live oaks that canopy the roads, though youll have plenty of time to enjoy those when you ditch the car keys for a bicycle.
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Watch The Blue Angels Soar
Pensacola, Florida
The U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, better known as the Blue Angels, performs unforgettable practice air shows in Pensacola on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays from June through November. Seeing these jets twist, turn, and roll with the synchronicity of a dance troupe is mind-boggling at any age. Following the Wednesday practices, request pilots’ autographs at the National Naval Aviation Museum, which shares a home with the Angels. To attend the 55-minute practices, someone in your party must have a Department of Defense I.D. card.
1750 Radford Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32508, blueangels.navy.mil
Mom Knows Best: 23 Winter Family Vacations To Embrace The Cold
Cold weather gets a bad wrap, but anyone who lives someplace where you can get a proper winter full of snow knows that folks down south are really missing out. Face the facts you cant ski down a sandy beach, you never have a reason to snuggle up to a fire, and sipping hot cocoa in Florida or southern California is just plain silly.
This year, were embracing the season by connecting with our family travel experts moms to share the top winter family vacations you can plan this year.
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Carolina Beach And Kure Beach North Carolina
Maddie Chinault / 500px / Getty Images
On the southern coast of North Carolina, Carolina Beach and nearby Kure Beach are less commercially developed than many other beach towns in the Southeast and offer a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Both Carolina Beach and Kure Beach deliver a classic beach town experience, with lovely stretches of sand and fishing piers. Both towns have boardwalks: Carolina Beach Boardwalk offers seaside amusements and an arcade, while Kure Beach’s boardwalk is part of a green oceanfront park.
Plan A Family Vacation
Let us help you plan a Midwest family getaway right here along Lake Michigan’s South Shore in Indiana. Young and old alike will enjoy exploring something new and off the beaten path. Cherish all the seasons at the Indiana Dunes – splash on the beach in the summer, discover all the migrating birds in the fall, view the shelf ice on the lake in the winter and watch the flowers bloom along the trails in the spring.
View bison roaming the prairie at Kankakee Sands, learn something new during a dairy or pig adventure at Fair Oaks Farms, let your little ones explore their imagination at Bellaboo’s Play and Discover Center, and taste candy fresh from the factory at Albanese.
In the summer, fly down the slides at Deep River Waterpark. From spring through fall, explore the children’s garden at Friendship Botanic Gardens or the Railway Garden at Gabis Arboretum. Visit the orchards and pumpkin patches in the fall and ice skate or go sledding in the winter.
Grab your kids and start making memories with your family along the South Shore today!
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Conduct A Museum Scavenger Hunt
Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital also happens to be a cultural mecca. Turn sightseeing into a scavenger hunt with three prime stops: First, head to Washington National Cathedral, and instruct your kids to find the carved Darth Vader grotesque, added in the 1980s. Then tell them to touch a piece of the moon at the National Air and Space Museum. The last item: the Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, now at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The first one to find all three wins a souvenir from mom and dad from our favorite kids’ museum in the city: the International Spy Museum.
Cathedral starting point: 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016