With summer right around the corner, taking a fun-filled vacation is a must. While cost is always a top priority, choosing a family-friendly destination is even more important. However, with inflation affecting everything, including the airfare and lodging, finding somewhere that’s fun and affordable can be challenging. To make planning your vacation just a little easier, we’ve put together a guide to the top family-friendly destinations that offer low-cost and free activities to visit this summer.
Financing Your Vacation
Before we get into all the places to visit, let’s talk about how you’re going to pay for it. If you saved all your money during the pandemic, then you’re already one step ahead. However, if you don’t have a vacation fund, all hope isn’t lost. You can still take a much-needed vacation by applying for a personal loan. With a personal loan, you can use the money to cover the cost of hotels, your flights or even a vacation wardrobe. If you’re not familiar with how the application process works, you can view here to see exactly how to get started.
1. San Diego
Source: sandiegobeachandbayhalfmarathon.com
What can you say about California? From balmy weather all year long to gorgeous hiking trails, Cali has something for everyone, even outside Los Angeles. San Diego is one of the most family-oriented places to visit. In addition to the San Diego Zoo. There are also more than 70 miles of pristine beaches to sunbathe and just watch the world go by. If you’re not familiar with San Diego, there are guides online you can check out. If you do decide to visit, head over to Balboa Park and Legoland. Both give fun activities for you and your family to enjoy.
2. Colorado
Source: travelandleisure.com
If you thought Colorado is only good for skiing, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised. While it is a popular skiing destination, there’s a lot more to Colorado than snow-peaked mountains. In the summer, you can go white water rafting, tubing, hiking or take a gondola ride at Winter Park. An all-day pass is only $10.00 for children under 4. For family members over 5, an all-day pass is $59.00. You can also visit Show Mountain Ranch that’s home to one of the most famous tubing hills in the US. You can also enjoy an afternoon of golfing, swimming and indoor rock climbing.
3. Pittsburgh
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Pennsylvania is another state that’s filled with family fun. In addition to Dutch Country, you can enjoy the 10-day Grand Prix, historic walking tours and rides along the Golden Triangle for free. If your little ones love all things aquatic, you can visit the Aquarium that’s next to the Children’s Museum. If you’re looking to enjoy nature, you can bike and hike along Great Allegheny Passage, which is a 150-mile trail to enjoy.
4. Myrtle Beach
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The Carolinas are known for the thriving beach scene, specifically Myrtle Beach. In South Carolina, you can stay at The Breakers, a popular resort for families looking for summer fun. There are multiple on-site pools, 50 miniature golf courses, sunken pirate ships and giant chess games to enjoy. Make sure you read up on safety rules when traveling with kids if you choose to stay at a large resort such as this. It can be exciting to have so many options, but you also do not want to lose track of everyone’s whereabouts.
5. Portugal
Source: wapititravel.com
If you want to head overseas, you need to consider visiting Portugal. Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, has the best of both worlds. You can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach and then enjoy a night out in the city. What’s even more impressive is the cost of visiting. For only $4.00, you can tour the city and learn about its history and culture.
6. Vienna
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As one of the most walkable cities in Europe, Vienna is another must-see international hotspot. It’s not only Austria’s capital, but also an affordable place to take your family. You can enjoy a walking tour, delicious food, or simply take in all of the breathtaking architecture. If you purchase the Vienna Pass, you gain access to 69 different attractions in Vienna, including Madame Tussauds and the Tiergarten Zoo, which opened in 1752.
7. Florida
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If you’re looking to stay in the USA, Florida has a lot to offer as well. Outside of Miami, you can visit Fort Myers. If the white sand beaches themselves don’t make you fall in love, the affordability will. You can take your family kayaking or hunt for seashells. There’s also the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum which is home to some of the most exquisite seashells. If you are more of a wilderness, lover, you can pitch a tent in Coya Costa. This small 9-mile stretch of island is the perfect place if you’re looking for solitude.
8. British Columbia
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Located just outside of Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia is another family-oriented holiday favorite. You can visit Beacon Hill Park and try your hand at lawn bowling, or stop by the petting zoo and make friends with the goats. If you love being by the water, head over to the Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy an ice cream by the water.
9. Puerto Rico
Source: hotels.com
From its laid-back vibe to the dazzling beaches, Puerto Rico has something for everyone. At Rincon Grand Caribbean Hotel, you can whip up a home-cooked meal or order room service. The villas can accommodate up to six people and are located right on the beach.
10. The Grand Canyon
Source: nps.gov
Arizona is home to one of the most wondrous landmarks in history: the Grand Canyon. You can book a room at Grand Canyon Lodge, or reserve a spot over on the North Rim campsite. During the summer, the temperatures are balmy but seasonal with cool evening breezes. The views are nothing short of stunning, which is more than 18 miles long and one mile deep.
11. Nashville
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If your family wants to enjoy some of the best attractions in the United States, Nashville in Tennessee can be the perfect destination to visit this summer. This is an especially great location for music lovers because this city is considered Music City for a variety of great options. If you are interested to try something new and adventurous this summer like this, find more on Vacations Made Easy. Be open-minded, research more about this destination and we guarantee you, this can be one of the most rememberable summers for your whole family.
Tennessee
In addition to all the events happening at Music City, Tennessee has a slew of fun things to do. You can take a tour of Nashville or attend a chili cooking contest. Just be sure to bring plenty of water because it gets pretty hot in the summer. There are also plenty of hotel options, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury.
