There’s something unique about spending time together as a family, getting away from the daily grind, and seeing children discover a new location. Trips involving children, particularly young ones, can be labor-intensive, but the memories and quality time they provide can be rewarding. It takes tremendous skill to plan and organize a fun family vacation on a tight budget—there is planning, scheduling, booking, packing, traveling, and negotiating.
Choosing a destination for a family vacation that won’t break the bank is essential. To facilitate your next family vacation, we’ve put together a list of cheap family vacation packages in United States. These best travel destinations are sure to provide your family with a memorable vacation experience, regardless of your budget.
Cheap family vacation packages in United States
1. Orlando, Florida
With United Vacations’ Orlando vacation, you can discover a wealth of new adventures. Orlando, an exciting destination brimming with attractions for all ages, is located in the center of Florida. Orlando vacations provide a wide range of amazing activities, from the magical worlds of Walt Disney World® Resort to the exhilarating settings of Universal Orlando ResortTM.
With so many different hotels to pick from, your options for lodging are essentially limitless. Whether you’re looking for affordable accommodations or opulent resort-style living, Orlando is a thrilling destination to choose from.
Numerous hotels in the area also offer convenient shuttle services to Disney and Universal, making it easier for you to maximize your time at these iconic parks.
Speaking of Disney, a trip to the Walt Disney World® Resort is a must-do when in Orlando. Take in the enchantment of several theme parks, including as Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and the Magic Kingdom. Meet your favorite Disney characters, take part in thrilling rides, or take in breathtaking fireworks displays—Disney provides endless hours of happiness for friends, families, and couples alike.
2. Kings Canyon National Park, California
Do you want to wow your kids even more? Travel to the Californian national parks of Sequoia and Kings Canyon, where they can encounter General Grant, the second-largest tree in the world, and stand amid giants—that is, enormous sequoia groves.
Along with 240 caverns, the parks feature segments of the Kings and San Joaquin rivers, the towering Moro Rock formation, and a picturesque section of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which includes the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Not only does Sequoia National Park have one of the darkest skies in the nation due to its remote location, but it’s also one of the best spots for amateur astrologers to go stargazing.
3. Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is like having two holidays in one when you visit. To start, you can learn about the origins of America by touring the historic Williamsburg Colonial region. Then visit the most gorgeous theme park in the world, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, to enjoy the thrilling rides and roller coasters!
Williamsburg has a range of family-friendly hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals that cater to the needs of families. Many restaurants in the area also offer kid-friendly menus and dining options suitable for all tastes.
In addition to the historical sites, Williamsburg has educational museums like Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Battlefield, where families can learn about the early days of European settlement in America and key events of the Revolutionary War.
Williamsburg’s natural surroundings provide opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, and boating. The area’s parks, gardens, and scenic trails offer a peaceful retreat and a chance to connect with nature.
4. Yellowstone, Wyoming
One of the best places on Earth for family holidays is Yellowstone National Park, which is located in the United States. All visitors are enthralled by the vast natural sanctuary’s mountains, canyons, geysers, and subalpine woods. Yellowstone is home to breathtaking natural wonders such as geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, canyons, and geothermal features. Kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by the beauty and uniqueness of the park’s landscapes.
This national park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, wolves, and various bird species. Families can embark on wildlife-watching excursions and have the opportunity to see these animals in their natural habitats.
Everyone can enjoy Yellowstone’s attractions, including strenuous hikes into the backcountry and wooden boardwalks that are accessible to people with disabilities. For flame-grilled meals, bring a tent and arrive early to take advantage of the reasonably priced campgrounds with fire pits.
5. Oak Hill, West Virginia
Set on 1,500 acres of forest next to New River Gorge National Park, the ACE Adventure Resort is your one-stop shop for all outdoor West Virginia has to offer. In addition to rock climbing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and lake excursions, ACE also provides whitewater rafting experiences on the New and Gauley Rivers. Families on a tight budget will also value the multi-day, all-inclusive package offers that let them spend without worrying about incurring additional costs.
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, which offer a plethora of attractions for families to enjoy. At Myrtle Beach, kids can build sandcastles, play in the waves, and participate in various beach activities like beach volleyball or kite flying.
Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions, including amusement parks like Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Splashes Oceanfront Water Park, which have rides and water slides suitable for all ages.
Myrtle Beach is truly America’s favorite family beach, offering more than just miles of pristine sand and sparkling ocean. Myrtle Beach is filled with theme parks, shopping, golf, family-friendly dining and entertainment for the entire family, and is truly a playground for all ages.
7. Branson, Missouri
There are not many places in the country as family-friendly as Branson, Missouri. Nestled in the stunning Ozark Mountains, Branson offers an incredible theme park, over 100 family-friendly live performances, museums, and an abundance of outdoor activities in the Branson Lakes Area.
At Branson, you’re sure to see various shopping options, including outlet malls, specialty stores, and unique boutiques where families can find souvenirs and gifts. The city also has a diverse culinary scene with restaurants serving everything from barbecue and comfort food to international cuisine. Branson has a range of family-friendly lodging options, including resorts, hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals. Many accommodations offer amenities such as pools, game rooms, and outdoor spaces for families to relax and enjoy.
Throughout the year, Branson hosts seasonal events and festivals that appeal to families, including holiday celebrations, music festivals, and outdoor concerts.
8. Asheville, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Asheville is the perfect destination for families that enjoy the beautiful outdoors and delicious cuisine. There are free activities for families to enjoy in town, such as summertime minor league baseball, hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, and viewing the stunning waterfalls at the Pisgah National Forest.
Want to treat yourself? The Biltmore Estate’s exquisite grounds and gardens are well worth the admission fee. Renoir and other artists’ paintings can be found throughout the old mansion.
9. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Looking for a thrilling place to take your family for a memorable nature vacation? Take them to the Grand Canyon located in Arizona. The Grand Canyon is a sight unlike any other, which is why it is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
The kids will always remember hiking these routes, even though they might whine when you leave the Wi-Fi range. Choose the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for an overnight visit; it’s less busy and boasts hassle-free first-come, first-served campsites. Experienced hikers can reward themselves with quiet campsites a mile below the rim by making a steep switchback down to the river.
10. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
It’s time to take a family vacation to the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains for the best outdoor experiences! When the kids experience the wonderful national park, breathtaking views of the mountains, and a variety of outdoor activities and attractions, they will completely forget about their electronic games.
Gatlinburg is a hub for outdoor adventure activities such as zip-lining, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, and aerial tram rides. These activities provide thrilling experiences for families while enjoying the natural surroundings.
Gatlinburg is home to several family-friendly attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which features interactive exhibits and marine life encounters. Other attractions like Ober Gatlinburg (a ski resort and amusement park), Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, and the Gatlinburg Space Needle offer entertainment and panoramic views of the area.
The downtown area of Gatlinburg is filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that appeal to families. Visitors can enjoy mini-golf, arcades, go-kart racing, and themed attractions like the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.
11. Hunter Mountain, New York
If you’ve never really traveled upstate New York, you could easily assume that it’s little more than a large farm where elderly pets go to live out their days. And although that’s certainly still partially true, there’s a ton more to discover, particularly in and around Hunter and the Catskill Mountains. Nestled at the base of Hunter Mountain, the town appears to have slipped from memory, as seen by the numerous neighborhood stores that retain its outside colonial design. Here, local enterprises sustain the economy; there are very few if any, rubber-stamp brands.
There are endless opportunities for summertime recreation, including mountain biking trails, hiking paths, and play areas near waterways. This is one of the few places on the East Coast with excellent skiing and snowboarding routes, and in the winter, the area’s natural beauty is blanketed in a thick, soft layer of white. There are Airbnbs and rentals available, but none compare to the Hunter Mountain Sanctuary. After a long day of hiking, relax your sore legs by sipping wine on a large wooden patio while watching the sunset over the same slopes you were on just a short while earlier.
12. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The ideal time to visit Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is in the warmer months when most amenities are open and daytime highs are in the 60s to 80s. Lakes like Jenny, String, and Leigh are great places for you and your loved ones to enjoy kayaking or swimming.
You may also take leisurely family-friendly hikes on a variety of hiking routes and take in breathtaking views from drives that meander through the park. Visit a local resort after it snows if your family enjoys outdoor winter sports like skiing or snowshoeing. The park’s nominal entrance charge covers your entire automobile for a week, regardless of when you choose to visit.
13. Destin, Florida
Enjoy the sun and fishing at Destin, Florida, which is also considerably less expensive than other famous places in the state. Destin is known for its expansive white sand beaches and fishing spots.
Activities that are suitable for families include sailing, parasailing, snorkeling, and just meandering along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Spend the money you’ve saved on a high-speed racer or a glass-bottom boat tour at sunset. Don’t forget to visit Henderson Beach State Park, which provides peaceful, isolated beach access along with a path for trekking over the sand dunes.
14. Washington, D.C
Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, is an ideal destination for a family vacation because it offers a plethora of free historical activities for children. It costs nothing to see the National Mall, monuments, or other historic structures like the Library of Congress. Furthermore, admission to any one of the 17 Smithsonian museums—from the National Zoo to the National Museum of Natural History—is free.
Washington, DC, is an expensive place to live, but it’s cheap when it comes to vacation. Visit the National Archives Museum to view the original Constitution, the American History Museum to see Dorthoy’s ruby red shoes, or the National Air & Space Museum to view the world’s biggest collection of aviation and space artifacts.
Also, Read 13 CHEAP ALL INCLUSIVE FAMILY VACATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES
15. Adirondacks, New York
Families that enjoy spending time outdoors are drawn to the Adirondacks region of New York. Families can do dog sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, and fishing in the summer, and hiking, bicycling, and whitewater rafting in the winter.
Visit the recently refurbished Lake Placid Olympic Museum if your family is interested in Olympic history. Try to stay away from well-known cities like Lake Placid or rent a campground with a tent if you want to minimize the expense of housing.
16. Portland, Oregon
Portland, an eccentric city, is a great place for families with lots of inexpensive and free things to do all year round to keep the small ones occupied. This region of Oregon has an abundance of natural resources. Take a trek through Forest Park, which has 50 different paths, get up close and personal with waterfalls especially the Wahkeena Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, and pay a visit to the renowned International Rose Test Garden.
There are well-kept parks and playgrounds in almost every area of the city where kids can let off steam and find lots of affordable food to fuel their excursions. First Thursdays are a fantastic opportunity to see Portland’s creative scene without going over budget. Here, you can take in local artwork, food and drink vendors, and more.
17. Ocean City, Maryland
For families who wish to enjoy spending their free time relaxing on the beach, Ocean City, Maryland, is the ideal destination. Families will find it easy to stay within budget with the 10 miles of free shoreline and the long boardwalk offering reasonably priced dining options. In addition, there are lots of kid-friendly activities available, such as mini-golf, arcade games, and amusement rides.
Summertime is the greatest time to go as it’s regularly in the low 80s, but it’s also Ocean City’s busiest time of year, so book your accommodations well in advance to avoid breaking the bank.
18. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Atlantic Ocean and the North Carolina coast are divided by a chain of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. Open-water beaches, state parks, and shipwreck diving locations may all be found along the stunning, windy coastline, which makes it a favorite vacation spot.
The region is replete with historical landmarks: the first English settlement in the New World was established on Roanoke Island; the renowned first flight by aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright took place at Kill Devil Hills; and Blackbeard, the pirate, fought his final conflict at Ocracoke.
The Outer Banks is the best place to take your family if you’re looking for a place to make amazing memories along the shore.
Also, Read 21 BEST LOW BUDGET TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
19. Colorado Springs, Denver
The Garden of the Gods, a breathtaking collection of sandstone formations that is free to explore, is just one of the many natural wonders that are easily accessible from this Colorado community 70 miles south of Denver.
Pikes Peak is also easily accessible by car, but climbing this magnificent mountain is really difficult, therefore families with younger members of the group will probably opt to take the car to the well-known peak. When it’s time to refuel, parents can enjoy craft beers at a family-friendly brewery while their children play games.
20. Moab, Utah
You need look no further than Moab, Utah, for your next family trip if you’re an active group of people who enjoy national parks. Your days will be filled with hiking, rafting, boating, and ATVing through the red rocks due to the area’s closeness to two national parks: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, as well as other magnificent state parks. Another benefit is that there are plenty of reasonably priced cottages to rent or campsites in the vicinity.
21. Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Almost 170 years of history and a popular vacation spot, Old Orchard Beach, showcases the charming and serene beauty of Maine. Your family will love the calm waves here, which are ideal for swimming, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and excellent whale viewing.
Take your kids to Palace Playland, the only beachside amusement park in New England, which is open seasonally and has more than a dozen rides and an arcade, throughout the summer. Are you eager to save even more money? When it comes to beach camping, make a plan, set up a tent, and save some cash.
22. The Poconos, Pennsylvania
Visit this stunning mountain range in northeastern Pennsylvania for an exciting vacation. Apart from engaging in outdoor activities like as hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and horseback riding, families can enjoy many adventure and water parks in the area.
Visit in the spring, when it’s less crowded, and check out reasonably priced sites like Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Lehigh Gorge State Park to save money.