10 Most Affordable Travel Destinations for Families
Here are ten affordable places to travel with kids that offer maximum fun for less money.
Table of Contents
U.S. Destinations
1. Orlando, Florida
You can do Orlando without blowing your budget—yes, even with the theme parks! While Disney and Universal can be pricey, there are tons of ways to save with off-site lodging, ticket deals, and alternate attractions.
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Frequent flight deals, discounted theme park bundles, and budget-friendly hotels.
- Best Time to Visit: January–February (off-season, fewer crowds), late August–October (cheaper park tickets).
Why kids will love it:
Meeting favorite characters at Disney World or Universal Studios.
Splashing around at free hotel pools or water parks.
Exploring LEGOLAND Florida (especially great for younger kids).
- Top Family Activities:
Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios)
Universal Orlando Resort (Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Volcano Bay)
ICON Park (The Wheel, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium)
- Free & Low-Cost Activities: Lake Eola Park, Disney Springs, Winter Park boat tours
- Savings Tip: Use discounted Disney/Universal tickets via Undercover Tourist, book an Airbnb with a kitchen to save on meals.
2. San Diego, California
San Diego is a laid-back coastal city packed with free or low-cost fun. With sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and family-focused attractions, it’s a fantastic spot for all ages.
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Free beaches, outdoor attractions, and citywide GoCity Pass discounts.
- Best Time to Visit: March–May (fewer crowds, great weather), September–November (cheaper flights & hotels).
Why kids will love it:
Visiting the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park’s kid-friendly museums.
Playing in the sand at Coronado or La Jolla Shores.
Exploring tide pools and spotting sea lions.
- Top Family Activities:
San Diego Zoo (one of the best in the world)
Balboa Park (museums, gardens, playgrounds)
La Jolla Cove (seals, sea caves, snorkeling)
USS Midway Museum (historic aircraft carrier)
Free & Low-Cost Activities: Mission Beach, Torrey Pines hiking, Old Town San Diego - Savings Tip: Kids get free admission to major attractions in October (San Diego Kids Free Month!).
3. Washington, DC
The ultimate destination for free museums and American history. D.C. is perfect for curious kids and budget-conscious parents.
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Many free museums and landmarks, great public transportation.
- Best Time to Visit: Late March–June (cherry blossoms, great weather), September–November (fewer tourists).
Why kids will love it:
Seeing rockets and dinosaurs at the Smithsonian Museums.
Watching animals at the (free!) National Zoo.
Climbing the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or walking by the White House.
- Top Family Activities:
Smithsonian Museums (Air & Space, Natural History, American History – all free!)
National Zoo (home to giant pandas – free admission)
National Mall (Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol)
Spy Museum (fun for kids, small entrance fee)
Free & Low-Cost Activities: Changing of the Guard at Arlington Cemetery, paddle boating in Tidal Basin - Savings Tip: Stay in Arlington, VA, or Silver Spring, MD, for cheaper hotels but easy metro access. Most of D.C.’s best attractions are free. Use the Metro to save on transportation and stay just outside the city for better lodging prices.
4. Denver, Colorado
If your crew loves the outdoors, Denver is a dream. It’s an easy-going, sunny city at the edge of the Rockies, packed with affordable family adventures.
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Tons of free outdoor activities, affordable ski resorts in winter.
- Best Time to Visit: June–September (hiking, national parks), December–March (budget skiing).
Why kids will love it:
Visiting the Denver Museum of Nature & Science or the Children’s Museum.
Exploring nearby mountains for hiking, biking, or even snow play.
Catching a Rockies game or paddle boating in City Park.
- Top Family Activities:
Rocky Mountain National Park (hiking, wildlife watching)
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater (free trails, scenic views)
Denver Museum of Nature & Science (interactive exhibits)
Denver Botanic Gardens (huge kids’ area)
Free & Low-Cost Activities: City Park, Union Station, 16th Street Mall - Savings Tip: Buy a Denver CityPASS to bundle museum & attraction tickets at a discount. Denver has a walkable downtown and great public transit. Outdoor activities in nearby parks and trails are free!
5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Affordable beachfront fun is Myrtle Beach’s specialty. It’s filled with family-friendly hotels, amusement parks, and entertainment options—many with wallet-friendly pricing.
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Cheap beachfront hotels, free beaches, and affordable attractions.
- Best Time to Visit: April–May (warm weather, lower prices), September–October (fewer tourists, cheaper stays)
- Why kids will love it:.
- Splashing in the waves or collecting seashells on the beach.
Riding the SkyWheel or playing mini golf.
Visiting Alligator Adventure or the Pirate’s Voyage dinner show.
Top Family Activities:
Broadway at the Beach (shops, entertainment, kid-friendly shows)
Ripley’s Aquarium (shark tunnel, glass-bottom boat rides)
Family Kingdom Amusement Park (budget-friendly rides & water park)
Free & Low-Cost Activities: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Huntington Beach State ParkBudget tip: Look for all-inclusive hotel deals with free breakfast and water park access. Off-season (spring or fall) travel is both cheaper and less crowded.
Caribbean & Mexico Destinations
6. Cancun, Mexico
A tropical vacation that’s affordable? Say hello to Cancun. With stunning beaches, tons of resorts, and kid-approved excursions, it’s a great choice for families looking to relax or explore.
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Frequent cheap flights, all-inclusive resorts with kid-friendly amenities.
- Best Time to Visit: April–June (low season, better deals), late August–November (cheaper but hurricane risk).
- Why kids will love it:
- Top Family Activities:
Xcaret Park (eco-park with underground rivers, wildlife, and Mayan culture)
Isla Mujeres (beautiful beaches, snorkeling, golf carts for easy travel)
Chichen Itza (Mayan ruins, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World)
Free & Low-Cost Activities: Playa Delfines (free public beach), Cenotes (natural swimming holes) - Savings Tip: Stay at family-friendly all-inclusives like Grand Palladium or Panama Jack (kids stay free deals).
7. San Juan, Puerto Rico
No passport needed if you’re coming from the U.S.—Puerto Rico is a Caribbean gem packed with culture, natural beauty, and affordable adventure.
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: No passport needed for U.S. travelers, affordable street food, free beaches.
- Best Time to Visit: April–June (cheaper than winter high season).
- Why kids will love it:
Playing on Condado or Luquillo Beach.
Exploring the colorful streets and forts of Old San Juan.
Visiting El Yunque Rainforest for easy hikes and waterfalls.
Top Family Activities:
Old San Juan (colorful colonial streets, El Morro Fort)
El Yunque National Forest (rainforest hikes, waterfalls)
Bioluminescent Bay (kayaking at night)
Free & Low-Cost Activities: Isla Verde Beach, Paseo de la Princesa promenadeSavings Tip: Free beach access and inexpensive local eats (hello, mofongo and empanadillas!) make San Juan very family-budget friendly.
8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana offers classic Caribbean vibes with all-inclusive resorts that cater specifically to families—think kids’ clubs, water parks, and themed dinners.
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Many all-inclusive family resorts with kids’ clubs, free meals, and activities.
- Best Time to Visit: May–June (off-season deals, warm weather).
Why kids will love it:
Building sandcastles and snorkeling in turquoise water.
Watching live shows or dancing at resort events.
Playing in resort water parks or kid zones.
- Top Family Activities:
Bavaro Beach (calm waters, great for kids)
Scape Park (ziplining, caves, cenotes)
Dolphin Explorer (interactive marine life experiences)
Free & Low-Cost Activities: Hoyo Azul (natural swimming hole), Macao Beach - Savings Tip: Look for kids-stay-free deals at all-inclusive resorts like Royalton or Melia Caribe Beach.
9. Montego Bay, Jamaica
Jamaica combines vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and family hospitality. Montego Bay, in particular, is home to plenty of budget resorts and exciting activities for all ages.
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Direct flights from the U.S., family-friendly all-inclusive resorts.
- Best Time to Visit: April–June (cheaper than winter season).
- Why kids will love it:
Riding river tubes or bamboo rafts.
Visiting the animal farm or playing at water parks.
Dancing to reggae music or tasting sweet Jamaican patties.
- Top Family Activities:
Dunn’s River Falls (waterfall climbing)
Dolphin Cove (swim with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays)
Mystic Mountain (bobsled ride, ziplining)
Free & Low-Cost Activities: Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego Bay Marine Park - Savings Tip: Book an all-inclusive resort with airport transfers included to save on transportation.
Budget-Friendly Europe Destinations
10. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of Europe’s best family travel bargains. It’s walkable, colorful, and packed with things to see—without the high price tag of other Western European cities.
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Cheap flights, affordable public transport, free attractions.
- Best Time to Visit: March–May or September–November (cheaper & good weather).
- Why kids will love it:
Riding the yellow trams up the steep hills.
Exploring castles, towers, and pirate-y forts.
Snacking on sweet pastel de nata (custard tarts).
- Top Family Activities:
Tram 28 ride (scenic old town tour)
Oceanário de Lisboa (Europe’s largest aquarium)
Sintra day trip (fairy-tale castles & palaces) - Savings Tip: Lisbon’s food, transport, and lodging are very budget-friendly, especially if you stay in a vacation rental and travel outside summer peak season.
Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit
🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?
Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!
🎒 Includes:
Packing checklist
I Spy game
Travel Bingo boards
Snack list
Activity ideas
Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure
Affordable family travel isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about finding destinations that offer rich experiences, natural beauty, and built-in entertainment without hefty costs. Whether you’re beach-hopping in the Caribbean, museum-hopping in D.C., or castle-hopping in Portugal, these kid-approved spots offer big value and even bigger memories.
So pack those snacks, grab the favorite stuffed animals, and set off on a journey that proves family fun doesn’t have to come with a sky-high price tag.
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