Family vacations are exhausting and exhilarating, but they don’t have to break the bank. From beaches and national parks to historic cities and cultural experiences, there’s an affordable option for every type of family.
Explore 17th-century history without breaking the bank in Philadelphia. Kids will love the city’s charming historic district and a plethora of kid-friendly activities like riding a VR Big Apple coaster.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a top pick for families who want to escape to a fun tropical vacation. This large Orlando Florida resort is designed to simulate the experience of a relaxing Caribbean getaway with its beautiful rooms, lush ambiance, and serene lake. Kids will love the fortress-themed pool with sleepy hammocks, and mom and dad will appreciate the reasonable room rates, family-friendly restaurants, and pristine beaches.
One of the largest resorts on Disney property, Caribbean Beach is a moderate resort that features brightly colored island communities representing Aruba, Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad separated by a 45-acre lake. This makes it easy to island hop across the resort and enjoy its beaches, Movies Under The Stars, pools, restaurants, shopping, and more.
A must-visit is Old Port Royale, the central hub of the resort where guests can find food and gift shops as well as outdoor movies and activities like volleyball and bike rentals. It’s also where the newest restaurants, Sebastian’s Bistro and Banana Cabana are located. This is also the location of the main station on the Disney Skyliner route so you can easily resort hop to nearby hotels like Riviera Resort, Pop Century, and Art of Animation.
Another great option for a family-friendly beach is Ocean City, Maryland. This beach town offers a variety of low-cost and free family-friendly attractions, including soft sandy beaches, an indoor water park, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, and local historical sites such as the Harriet Tubman Park & Visitors Center, OC Life Saving Station Museum and the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.
Hilton Head Island
Consistently ranked one of the top islands in the world, Hilton Head Island offers something for everyone. From pristine beaches and world-class golf to exceptional restaurants and high-energy water sports, this boot-shaped sea Island is the ideal spot for a family vacation that will exceed expectations.
This southern retreat is a nature lover’s paradise with 12 miles of gorgeous sandy coastline that’s perfect for sunbathing, walking, jogging, or biking. It’s also a sports enthusiast’s dream with more than 30 area golf courses, tennis courts and bicycle paths, fishing, horseback riding, and deep-sea fishing charters. The Island will please foodies with dozens of gourmet restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to classic Italian cuisine.
Families who want to explore the Island’s many parks and scenic wetlands can kayak, bike, or walk the miles of trails. Those who are interested in history can visit the historic Baynard Mausoleum or learn about the Island’s civil war past at Fort Mitchel. Beach lovers can stroll the Island’s pristine beaches or visit one of the quieter, less-crowded beaches such as Burke’s Beach which is located near Chaplin Community Park and offers seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, and a parking lot.
If you want to get out on the water, book a dolphin-watching cruise or rent a boat and enjoy a day of sailing or fishing. And when you’re hungry, Hilton Head Island has a variety of delicious restaurants to choose from, including the famous Salty Dog Saloon. The Island’s downtown shopping district is filled with boutique shops, home decor, and jewelry stores, as well as several art galleries. You can also find a great selection of local craft beers at Hilton Head Brewing Company. When you’re planning your trip to Hilton Head Island and want to make the most of your experience, consider looking for deals and offers, such as a Qatar Airways coupon, to enhance your visit while staying within your budget
Atlantis
The Bahamas resort is a destination that lives up to its name, with plenty of ways to swim and play. Families who stay at Atlantis can explore its Aquaventure water park, which features nine waterslides, two river rides, four beaches, and Dolphin Cay, a marine wildlife area.
The resort’s hotels also provide plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge. Guests staying in the Royal Towers are treated to a grand welcome with a spectacular view of the Atlantis Marina and glimpses of ocean yachts. The rooms feature luxury amenities like private balconies, flat-screen TVs, in-room safes, and premium toiletries. The hotel also offers one-of-a-kind suites designed to feel like jungles, caves, and ancient Rome.
Atlantis has 21 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges, with options ranging from casual to high-end. Many families opt to purchase a meal plan to save on food costs and to avoid the lengthy lines at popular restaurants. Kids can enjoy breakfast and lunch at the Marketplace buffet or at casual outposts that serve American-style food for a single price.
During a visit to Atlantis, travelers can explore its three ocean beaches and the Cove Beach. The powder-soft sand and crystal-clear waters are ideal for relaxing and snorkeling. The resort also has several pools, including the Grotto Pool, the Cove Pool, and the Aquaventure Water Park’s Aqua River.
The Coral Towers are marketed towards families, as they contain the family-friendly CRUSH teen nightclub and Sun & Ice ice cream shop. The Reef Towers offer residential-style suites and studios with kitchenettes, which can help keep vacation costs low. And Harborside Resort along the resort’s marina offers villas for larger groups and a private beach.
San Diego
A beach-town paradise, San Diego’s warm weather and sandy shoreline are a natural draw. The city’s ocean attractions include surf and tidepool visits, kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, and more. Land-based activities range from tours of the historic Gaslamp Quarter and the world-class Balboa Park to LEGOLAND California and the San Diego Zoo.
SeaWorld San Diego is a popular family destination with marine habitats and thrilling rides, like Shipwreck Rapids and Manta, as well as the kid-friendly Sesame Street Bay of Play. The famous San Diego Zoo is also a must-see attraction, with habitats and exhibits such as ‘Lost Forest’ and ‘Northern Frontier.’
Along with the pristine beaches, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of other fun-filled activities. Blast back in time at the medieval-themed Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament or dine with pirates at the cheesy Pirate’s Voyage Dinner and Show. Those who want to take it easy can enjoy a day at the pool or explore the upside-down wonders of WonderWorks. Foodies can check out the breweries of Anaheim and grab a bite at the Anaheim Packing House, while thrill-seekers can take on Knott’s Berry Farm’s world-largest wooden roller coaster.
While New York’s iconic landmarks are a must-see, the city also boasts a wealth of family-friendly things to do, from strolling through Central Park’s rolling lawns and walking trails to visiting the Central Park Zoo. And if the kids need a break from sightseeing, the resort-style Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan-Midtown has an indoor and outdoor pool and a playground to keep them entertained. When organizing a family vacation to New York and want to make the most of your experience, consider looking for deals and offers, such as a Travel Promo coupon, to enhance your visit while staying within your budget.
Anaheim
From world-class theme parks to an all-inclusive resort that has its water park, Anaheim offers a mix of family-friendly fun that’s hard to find anywhere else. Plus, Anaheim is a great base for exploring Southern California and beyond.
The king of all theme parks is Disneyland, which features Disney characters and rides for all ages to enjoy. Disney California Adventure Park offers more themed adventures and is home to the popular Star Wars Land, which opened in May 2019.
For a more local flavor, visit Knott’s Berry Farm. This iconic amusement park has roller coasters and water slides along with a backstory that embodies the American dream. It’s also a great choice for families with kids who love to ride roller coasters.
A short drive from Anaheim, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Long Beach offers postcard-perfect swaths of the Southern California coastline. Anaheim visitors can also catch a game at Angel Stadium to cheer on the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball.
Other fun activities for kids in Anaheim include Discovery Cube, which offers hands-on science exhibits, and a planetarium that is a hit with kids. They can also sample the local brews at Anaheim Brewery, which is a revived prohibition-era brewery that’s fun for all ages.
For an all-ages show that’s a little more regal, head to Medieval Times in Buena Park for jousting and horseback riding. The whole family will get into the action, and kids can even purchase costumes and toy weapons at the gift shop. This is a truly memorable experience for everyone in the family and a great addition to a kid-friendly vacation in Anaheim.
Conclusion
there are many amazing family-friendly vacation spots to choose from, but the top five are Orlando, Florida for its theme parks, San Diego, California for its beaches and attractions, Washington D.C. for its history and museums, Yellowstone National Park for its natural beauty, and New York City for its iconic landmarks and entertainment. No matter which destination you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable vacation with your family.
