15 Best Summer Vacation Spots For Families

The arrival of summer means that vacation plans are quickly taking centre stage. Although travelling will always cost money, many affordable vacation spots exist. The challenge is finding a place where things are less hectic during the summer or where things are cheaper overall. Also, if you’re taking the kids on a trip, you may save a lot of money by preparing some of their meals ahead of time and buying snacks at local grocery stores. the best summer vacation spots for families.

To be of use, we have compiled a list of 15 locations where you may enjoy a fantastic holiday without breaking the bank. The top places for families to go on vacation feature attractions that are either free or very inexpensive, and hotels that cater to families often provide free or discounted services.

A few tranquil beach locations, exciting city tours, and hybrids of the two are among the top summer holiday ideas we’ve compiled. If you’re looking for ideas for a weekend getaway or a full-blown trip, we’ve got you covered with local and foreign possibilities.

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best summer vacations for families

Washington, D.C

Washington, D.C., is a great place for families to vacation since it is a busy city with many free attractions, kid-friendly restaurants, and inexpensive hotels. Even those on a tighter budget will find much to do in the nation’s capital. Free admission is offered to all Smithsonian institutions, the National Zoo, museum and the memorials and monuments located along the National Mall. Several parks and gardens, such as Rock Creek Park and the U.S. National Arboretum, also fall under this category. But plan because some require free timed passes to enter.

Get in touch with your state representative’s office beforehand to sign up for a free (and instructive) tour of the White House with the kids—or, if that doesn’t work, head over to the nearby White House Visitor Center. Additionally, the United States Capitol Building offers free-timed tickets that can be reserved online for guided tours.

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San Diego, California

San Diego, California, is a sunny city with 70 miles of beaches, several museums that welcome children, and water parks and amusement parks that kids will love. With the summer family vacation ideas, Go City All-Inclusive Pass, you may save up to 50% per person on popular sites, such as Legoland California, the San Diego Zoo, harbour cruises, and multiple museums in Balboa Park.

Morro Bay, California

There’s no better way to spend a family vacation than at Morro Bay, an often-overlooked town on California’s coast. Take in some whale and otter sightings from the shore, have a beach picnic, or hit the waves for a round of golf, a bike ride, or a surf lesson. Stop by Sylvester’s Burgers for some delicious garlic fries if you need a break. After that, you should visit the Morro Bay Maritime Museum or Morro Bay State Park.

Bar Harbor, Maine

One of the many swimming spots in Bar Harbor is Echo Lake’s freshwater beach, which is ideal for families with little children due to its gentle waves. There are many trails perfect for walking, biking, or hiking that you may explore throughout Bar Harbor. You can even follow signs reading “The Museum in the Streets” to make your walking tour. With a vehicle permit, the entire family can enjoy a day of hiking and animal viewing at adjacent Acadia National Park in Maine.

Winter Park, Colorado

Winter Park isn’t only for snow lovers; it’s also a fantastic summer time destination for those seeking respite from the heat. Hiking, climbing walls, gondola trips, and obstacle courses can all be enjoyed in one day by family. The best deals on day passes, which grant admission to all the listed activities, are available when purchased in advance. Just twenty minutes away by car is the YMCA camp Snow Mountain Ranch, where there is one of the few summer tubing hills in the U.S., among other activities like archery, miniature golf, and a climbing wall.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

With attractions like the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, “Kidsburgh” is a fantastic destination for families. Experience the city on foot while participating in a 10-day Grand Prix in the summer, complete with walking tours and classic vehicles. There are other places to eat lunch that won’t break the bank, and getting around downtown is free with the train. The Great Allegheny Passage is a 150-mile trail that winds through the city, offering a picturesque outdoor opportunity to see the several bridges and tunnels that make it up.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is the place to go if you and your children adore being in the water. The Breakers is one of several properties that offer aquatic attractions such as five slides, multiple pools, a sunken pirate ship, and a lengthy lazy river to its guests. In addition, you may play cornhole, shuffleboard, and a large chessboard. There is no need to search further if your family enjoys mini-golf; this beach town has more than 30 courses.

Louis, Missouri

St. Louis offers several free activities that families may enjoy. One of these is Purina Farms, which is open from April to October and features dog agility shows and animal corrals. Another family-friendly destination is the Saint Louis Art Museum. Day permits and memberships grant access to the City Museum, which boasts a 40-foot Ferris wheel, a massive ball pit, and a 10-story slide. After that, make a pit stop at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard for their famously thick shakes—the kind you can turn upside down.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Guests of Gatlinburg, which is adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, can enjoy approximately 800 miles of hiking trails, whitewater rafting, equestrian riding, and other bike activities. An eight-mile circular road, including cafes alongside artisan businesses offering handmade goods, makes the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community an ideal destination for a family-friendly shopping day.

Resorts and cabins abound in Gatlinburg; to find out which offers discounts or free nights. For those who enjoy visiting amusement parks, Gatlinburg is easily accessible, being just a short 20 drive from Dollywood, the famed home of country music star Dolly Parton.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

For many families, a vacation to the Grand Canyon is an absolute must-do. Even though the natural wonder gets very crowded in the summer, the North Rim is open all year and offers better prices and a better experience without the crowds. Stay warm at the Grand Canyon Lodge (reserve your accommodation early because they go fast), or set up a tent at the North Rim Campground. With mild summer weather and plenty of wildlife, hiking paths, and breathtaking vistas of the 270-mile-long, 18-mile-wide, and 1-mile-deep canyon, this region is ideal for a base camp.

Lisbon, Portugal

Are you prepared to take your children on an adventure? Lisbon is perfect for families who want to see the city and the beach in one trip. Take a funicular ride up the city’s high slopes for a breathtaking panorama, or wander the streets and see the many palaces, castles, and districts. Among Lisbon’s ten free museums is the Money Museum, which is perfect for families.

Vienna, Austria

The capital of Austria is a great place for families on a budget since it is very walkable and offers a variety of free walking tours that cover topics like the city’s music scene, street art, and recreational opportunities. Museums, a gigantic Ferris wheel, and popular attractions like Madame Tussauds’ wax museum are free to visitors with the Vienna Pass. You can choose between a one-day and multi-day pass, with a substantial discount available for six days.

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

You’ll find many free entertainment options across the border in Canada. On the western coast of Canada, in Victoria, there is Beacon Hill Park, where families may go for a walk, play lawn bowling, or visit the children’s farm to see the park’s inhabitants and the twice-daily “goat stampede.” Stroll along the sea at the famous Fisherman’s Wharf and stop at Jackson’s Ice Cream for a delightful coastal day. Zip lines, shaky bridges, rope swings, axe throwing, and bungee leaping are all part of the aerial adventure packages available at WildPlay Element Parks’ Victoria location.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

No other summer destination compares to National Historic Landmark Mackinac Island, devoid of chain hotels and automobiles. Instead, you and your loved ones can enjoy a throwback experience with the best summer family vacation destinations, island’s famous fudge and activities like biking, kayaking, and ferries across the Mackinac Bridge.

The Grand Hotel first welcomed guests in 1887 and is the island’s most famous landmark. It has a large pool and stables and provides old-world hospitality with amenities like afternoon tea. Children can also enjoy a day of mini-golf and lawn activities.

Rincón, Puerto Rico

More than 50 cities provide direct flights to Puerto Rico, making it conveniently accessible and offering something for everyone. It takes around 2.5 hours to drive from San Juan to the surf town of Rincón, located on the island’s westernmost tip. Families will love it here because of the easygoing atmosphere, stunning beaches, and fantastic surf. If you want to cut meal costs, book a villa with a kitchen at the Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel. The best summer getaways for families, largest villas can fit six people. In either case, you’ll enjoy the beach and the hotel’s beautiful beachfront pool from the comfort of your room.