6 Budget Friendly, Family Fun Activities
Planning a vacation isn’t usually at the top of the list while on a tight budget, but that doesn’t mean skipping a well-deserved break from the day-to-day. If you’re willing to get creative and think savvy taking time out for vacation doesn’t have to break the bank.
Check out these tips for having a blast on your next holiday. Your budget won’t even notice.
1. Be a Tourist in Your Own City
You might have lived in your city your entire life, but have you explored what it has to offer? Pack a lunch and take a day trip or two. Cities will often have free activities and places to visit, such as:
- Nautre Reserves
- Museum Free Admission Days
- Hiking/Biking Trails
- Festivals
- Landmarks
- Botanical Garden Free Admission Days
- Movies in the Park
- Book a Tour
If you're unsure of what's available, a quick Google search should do the trick.
2. Visit a State or National Park
If you enjoy outdoor activities, consider a trip to your local state or national park. Entrance fees are typically charged per car and average $35 or less in typical cost. Once you pay, you can stay all day! Many parks even have campgrounds for rent if you prefer to stay the night. Once you’re there, hiking, picnicking, animal watching, and beautiful scenery should fill up your time efficiently. You may even get some great pictures out of it!
3. Visit a Local Theme Park
Forget the overpriced big-name amusement parks and instead check out one of your smaller local ones. Not only will a local theme park be cheaper, but smaller crowds and a unique experience may make it your preference.
4. Take a Trip to See Family
When a vacation is on your mind, but you want to stay mindful of costs, it may be the perfect time to visit those relatives you’ve been putting off seeing because you didn’t have the time. Call your loved ones and book a night in their guest room or on the couch. These kinds of trips can indeed be priceless.
5. Get Out of Town
If getting out of town and visiting a different city is more what you have in mind, there are ways to keep it cheaper.
- Skip the cost of flying and choose a city within driving distance.
- Book your hotel stay through a site like Airbnb. Here you can rent directly from a homeowner for less than a hotel stay. You can make your booking even cheaper if you share the space with other families. Depending on the city, you can often book rooms for $25 or less per night!
- Save on purchasing costly restaurant meals by bringing your own food, snacks, and beverages to last through the trip.
- Google cheap or free things to do in the city before you leave and make plans for the things you want to do and see. Preplanning your activities instead of making spontaneous decisions is always the way to go.
- Plan your trip during whatever the offseason in the area is. Local events and room bookings will be less expensive due to lower demand. Another plus - smaller crowds.
6. Visit a Lake or Beach
If you live within driving distance of a body of water, take advantage and plan a day trip. Inexpensively feed you and your family by bringing your own food and drinks, grab a good book to sunbathe with, and let the water provide the rest of the activities! A fun day in the sun and water is always an excellent way to refresh and reset.