5 Best Budget Vacations For The Whole Family

Family Vacation Ideas on a Budget

• Historical Sites. Every area has it’s own legacy and story to tell. A little bit of searching local towns and cities reveal points of knowledgeable interest. Learning the story of a town or city by its history can make a vacation that much more fun and engaging.
• Museums. They’re everywhere, celebrating everything from art to food to history, and are truly some of the most intriguing and often-overlooked options for family fun. Most tend to be free or affordable. Museums can be perfect for a day trip or evening adventure – a destination where you and your kids can bond, have a blast, and learn something!
• Camping. You don’t need boats or planes to find the great outdoors. It’s easy to visit well-known state or national parks in your area, or put your explorer’s cap on and discover new destinations. Whether your family is into hiking, fishing, or just spending time outdoors in the fresh air, camping is a healthier choice than logging time in front of the TV or computer. Best of all, most local parks or nature centers have free or budget-friendly learning activities. Pack a picnic lunch, bring plenty of water, and get “into the wild.”
• Libraries. You may have memories of being “shushed” in libraries as a child. But these days, libraries are some of the best-kept secrets for summer fun. Enjoy an air-conditioned haven on a humid day, and take full advantage of the free readings, movies and, in some cases, pajama sleepovers. Check your local library’s website events page to see what you’ve been missing!
• Petting Zoos. Kids love to interact with and touch some of the animals they’ve no doubt read about or seen on TV. And you don’t have to worry about lions attacking you. Win-win! These Petting zoos are truly hands-on, and offer tame excitement and priceless educational opportunities.
• State Audubon Societies. These state programs and nature centers are dedicated to animal education. Go to audubon.org and find the closest location to you. Your entire family can become one with nature and it may introduce your children to new ways of looking at our furry and feathered friends.

These are just a handful of suggestions, but the key takeaway is that it’s not only possible, but sometimes preferable to explore some nearby gems. Family vacations don’t have to be in another country or even a another zip code. Fun memories and brand new family traditions definitely can be built on a budget!