14 Cheap Travel Destinations With Kids in the US
Traveling with kids can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! There are plenty of amazing places in the US where you can have a great family vacation without breaking the bank.
We’ll explore the most affordable travel destinations that are perfect for families. Ready to plan your next budget-friendly adventure? Keep reading to find out where you should go!
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1. Orlando, FL
The theme park capital goes way beyond Mickey Mouse! Kids go wild for Icon Park’s 400-foot observation wheel and the mind-bending Museum of Illusions.
The Wheel takes you on an 18-minute ride in your own glass capsule where you can bring snacks and drinks while soaking in Orlando views.
Insider Tip: Many restaurants offer kids’ menus for $4-9, and hotel lobbies often have free coupon books for attractions.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort includes a 5-acre water park with pools, lazy river, and a complimentary kids’ program.
2. San Diego, CA
With its perfect year-round weather, San Diego makes family travel a breeze. Your kids can learn and play at the free-to-visit Balboa Park, which houses an array of gardens, museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo.
La Jolla Cove’s resident seals and sea lions provide free entertainment, while Birch Aquarium’s petite size makes it perfect for little ones.
The sunny beaches of Coronado and Mission Bay offer sandcastle building and picnics by the ocean at no cost.
Where to Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront. The rooftop pool offers amazing skyline views and the suites include full kitchens.
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3. Washington, D.C.
America’s capital city is a goldmine of free attractions! The Smithsonian museums, National Mall monuments, and endless green spaces keep kids entertained while parents’ wallets stay happy.
The National Museum of Natural History’s dinosaur exhibits and the Hope Diamond captivate young minds, while the National Air and Space Museum ignites future astronauts’ dreams.
Insider Tip: Get your kids a free Junior Ranger activity book at National Mall gift shops – they’ll earn a special badge from Park Rangers.
Where to Stay: Lyle Washington DC. They offer a “Little Lyle Experience” with an in-room teepee, toys, and the “Lyle Lyle Crocodile” book for bedtime.
4. Yellowstone National Park, WY
Geysers, mud pots, and wildlife galore make Yellowstone a natural playground for curious kids.
Watch Old Faithful erupt, spot grizzly bears from a safe distance, and marvel at rainbow-colored hot springs. The Junior Ranger program keeps kids engaged while learning about nature’s wonders.
Insider Tip: Visit the Upper Geyser Basin early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the best geyser shows.
Where to Stay: Roosevelt Lodge Cabins. These rustic cabins offer an authentic Wild West vibe and can accommodate up to 6 people.
5. Myrtle Beach, SC
This 60-mile stretch of coastline packs serious fun without the serious price tag. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk buzzes with energy – think ice cream shops, old-school arcades, and the iconic SkyWheel.
Broadway on the Beach entertainment complex keeps kids wide-eyed with ziplines, go-kart tracks, and magic shows.
Insider Tip: Visit Myrtle Beach State Park for a quieter beach experience with nature trails and an affordable fishing pier.
Where to Stay: Coral Beach Resort & Suites features an oceanfront waterpark and recently revamped entertainment zone.
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6. Grand Canyon, AZ
The Grand Canyon’s jaw-dropping views don’t cost a penny! Kids can join the Junior Ranger program to learn about geology, nature, and history while earning a cool badge.
The family-friendly Rim Trail offers easy walks with stunning canyon views, and the Trail of Time lets kids grasp the mind-boggling age of rocks through fun visual markers.
The 2.8-mile timeline makes geology exciting – each step represents a million years of Earth’s history!
Insider Tip: Look for the 800-year-old Native American pictograph on the Bright Angel Trail – it’s a hidden gem most tourists miss.
Where to Stay: Yavapai Lodge, offering newly remodeled rooms and a restaurant serving kid-friendly Southwestern dishes.
7. Smoky Mountains, TN
The Smokies pack 800 miles of trails with waterfalls, wildlife spotting, and mountain magic.
Laurel Falls is perfect for families – a 2.5-hour round trip that might reward you with glimpses of bear cubs.
When you’re done with nature, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg buzz with fun – from alpine slides at Ober Gatlinburg to the thrills of Dollywood.
Insider Tip: Get your child’s height measured at Dollywood’s entrance for a color-coded wristband that saves tons of time at rides.
Where to Stay: Music Road Hotel in Pigeon Forge, featuring a huge water slide, lazy river, and diving board.
8. San Antonio, TX
San Antonio mixes culture and cool activities without breaking the bank. The DoSeum, a three-story interactive wonderland, lets kids beat the Texas heat while having a blast with hands-on exhibits.
The San Antonio Museum of Art runs special family programs for artsy kids, while vintage aircraft at the Texas Air Museum spark STEM curiosity.
Where to Stay: Residence Inn San Antonio Downtown, offering spacious suites perfect for families and a prime location near attractions.
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9. Williamsburg, VA
Step into a time machine where history comes alive! Kids can explore the world’s largest living history museum, tackle treetop adventures, and splash at one of America’s top water parks.
Great Wolf Lodge turns every day into an aquatic party with its 84-degree indoor water park, while Busch Gardens delivers thrills with world-class coasters.
Insider Tip: Start your day early at Colonial Williamsburg to avoid crowds and catch the best historical reenactments.
Where to Stay: Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park resort that keeps the fun flowing year-round with free activities and themed rooms.
10. Chicago, IL
Chicago packs family fun into every corner! Maggie Daley Park’s Play Garden feels like stepping into Alice in Wonderland, complete with a skating ribbon and climbing walls.
The Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum bring science to life, while Lincoln Park Zoo (totally free!) lets kids meet amazing animals.
Where to Stay: Embassy Suites Downtown, offering complimentary breakfast and evening reception perfect for families.
11. Boston, MA
Boston’s historic charm meets modern fun! The New England Aquarium wows with its giant Pacific octopus and playful penguins, while the Boston Children’s Museum’s three floors of hands-on exhibits keep little hands busy for hours.
The Freedom Trail turns history lessons into treasure hunts as kids earn their Junior Ranger badges, and the Museum of Science’s lightning shows spark young imaginations.
Insider Tip: Visit the Frog Pond in Boston Common – it transforms from a summer splash pool to a winter skating rink with a magical carousel.
Where to Stay: Omni Parker House Hotel, offering spacious rooms and a prime location near family attractions.
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12. Philadelphia, PA
Philly packs serious family fun into its historic streets. The Please Touch Museum, housed in a gorgeous 1870s art gallery, delights little ones with its 3,650-foot pretend shopping market and giant indoor tree with Alice in Wonderland mazes.
The Franklin Institute makes science seriously cool with hands-on exhibits and mind-bending technology displays.
Where to Stay: The Windsor Suites Philadelphia, featuring a rooftop pool with city views and two onsite restaurants.
13. Seattle, WA
Seattle’s family scene rocks. The Pacific Science Center dazzles with laser light shows (including Taylor Swift-themed performances!) and interactive exhibits.
Pike Place Market turns grocery shopping into an adventure, while the Seattle Children’s Museum unleashes creativity with its wilderness camping section and make-believe zones.
Insider Tip: Visit the Artists at Play playground near the Space Needle for an epic climbing structure that’ll wear the kids out.
Where to Stay: Silver Cloud Hotel – Stadium, offering a heated rooftop pool with stunning waterfront views and easy access to sports venues.
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14. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco makes family adventures a breeze! The Exploratorium’s hands-on science experiments captivate curious minds, while cable car rides offer thrilling views of those famous hills.
PIER 39’s resident sea lions provide free entertainment, and the Walt Disney Family Museum adds extra magic to your visit.
Insider Tip: Get your National Park Passport stamped at the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center – there are bathrooms there too!
Where to Stay: Timbri Hotel San Francisco offers free bikes for family adventures and an ideal location near Union Square.
