Vacations can easily cost a fortune, especially for families, but not all places are expensive. In fact, the U.S. has a number of destinations that offer an affordable getaway for the whole family. No matter which part of the country you want to visit, when you want to go, or what kind of vacation you’re looking for, you can save on accommodations, activities, and more at the following budget-friendly destinations.
Branson, MO
Branson is a family-friendly destination in the Ozark Mountains. While it’s known for its many attractions, such as Silver Dollar City and live shows along 76 Country Boulevard, it also has tons of free and low-cost things to do. Watch the vibrantly colored Brandon Landing Fountain Shows, take the downtown trolley, and enjoy a ball game at Ballparks of America. All of these are free to do. Explore Table Rock Lake State Park or the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area. For low-cost attractions, check out the Titanic Museum Attraction, Shipwrecked Treasure Museum, and Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure. To save money on accommodations, look for deals on cabins and vacation rentals in the area.
Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg, the gateway town to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a top destination for an affordable mountain vacation. The park, open all year round, has free admission. You and your family can go hiking along the park’s many trails while taking in the surrounding scenery, or have picnic in one of the scenic grounds, or simply drive around the beautiful area with its many natural wonders. The attractions in Gatlinburg are family-friendly, making the town a perfect place for entertainment. Although the attractions can be costly, you can choose which ones to do based on your budget. You can also take the free trolley through town or stroll along Parkway absorbing the buzz. Book one of the hundreds of Gatlinburg cabins for a cost-effective place to stay. Cabins in the area include kitchens, so you can make your own meals instead of dining out. They also have free entertainment, such as Wi-Fi, video games, TVs, a pool table, and a hot tub. Look for discounts, deals, and special offers to save even more money.
Yellowstone National Park, WY
Yellowstone National Park is filled with natural wonders and wide open skies. The park does charge an entrance fee, but most of the attractions inside Yellowstone are free. Set off on hiking trails to explore the great outdoors, take part in family-friendly ranger programs, visit Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, or enjoy other activities and attractions at no charge. If you plan on visiting other national parks, such as nearby Grand Teton, consider getting an annual entrance pass. This saves you from having to pay a separate entrance free at each park. Yellowstone has several campgrounds that you can reserve for a fee. Note that the park charges a nightly fee for camping. Lodges are also located within the park, although these cost more than the campgrounds.
Hershey, PA
Home of Hershey’s chocolate, this is a great and affordable place to visit for kids of all ages. Head to Hershey’s Chocolate World for a free immersive ride to see how chocolate is made. Bring the little ones to Cocoa Castle playground to burn off energy. Explore Hershey Medical Center Trail, Swatara Creek, and Wildwood Park and Nature Center for outdoor adventures. Several attractions in Hershey and nearby Harrisburg are low-cost, including City Island Water Golf and Adventure Sports. To enjoy all that Hersheypark has to offer, look for deals on passes and tickets. These typically include access to ZooAmerica and other attractions within the park. Accommodations in Hershey range from campgrounds to bed and breakfasts and hotels, with campsites being the most cost-effective lodging.
Outer Banks, NC
North Carolina’s Outer Banks are filled with beautiful beaches, towering lighthouses, and much more. Many of the attractions in the area are free, including the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Duck Town Park Boardwalk (in the town of Duck). Look for wild horses roaming the sandy shores at Currituck Beach. For low-cost attractions, head to the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island or the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo. Other notable places for a budget-friendly beach trip include the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, and Historic Corolla Village. Accommodations in the Outer Banks include vacation rentals and hotels. Book early to save money, and keep in mind that oceanfront accommodations cost more.
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