Affordable weekend getaways for families

We all want to travel, but kid-friendly vacations shouldn’t be limited to pricey amusement parks, brand-name resorts or cruise lines pulling the ol’ “kids stay free” bait and switch. Sometimes a vacation is one or two nights and a short drive away. Here are a few fun and cheap family trip ideas to make the most of a weekend getaway.

The state park you’ve never visited

Answer the call of the great outdoors whether it’s a fishing trip on a large lake, a lookout from the highest point, or the whistling of a grassy plain. Fortunately, such tranquil desktop backgrounds are usually a relatively short drive away.  

State parks preserve the natural beauty of our settings often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of our urban settings. They offer a chance for adventure at various levels. Families can afford fun in many facets such as camping, canoeing, hiking, crystal mining, wild caving and much more. Fees may vary, however, there are many free activities offered, and some at a discounted rate especially for seniors, active duty and military veterans. But don’t just save these weekend getaways for the summer. Often the colder seasons offer the serenity of less tourism. Think fire pit smores under foliage and cozy cabins in snowy scrapes often at a value that reflects the decline of tourists.  

State parks offer families cherished getaways on the home front and a variety of lodging options. You can pack your tent or park an RV on the campgrounds. Many parks offer cabins and even hotel lodging with restaurant options. Need more information on what’s available around your neck of the woods?  Visit www.stateparks.org for your nearest escape to nature. 

Free attractions in the city 

If you’re fortunate enough to live near one of America’s more populated cities, you might be mindful of the free attractions and events available to locals and tourists alike. However, free admittance isn’t always isolated to the largest metropolis. The cities lesser known for tourism have their tokens of fun as well. 

Make your family explorers of a new locale. Find the mom-and-pop shops and dining the locals rave about. Visit the museum that makes the city one of its kind and stroll the parks for their picturesque beauty.  It’s best to keep updated on what’s happening at your neighboring destination. Follow their website, or social media platforms to stay in the know of upcoming events. You may find weekly attractions open to the public that might stir your family’s interest. 

You’ll be surprised what you’ll find going off the beaten path from highly sought-after places.  Each city and town has its unique offering—something that makes it a place called home to many.  Want some ideas of towns you and your family could snoop around?  Here’s an article on the recently ranked best small towns in America: Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA in 2023 | U.S. News Travel 

A smorgasbord of lodging possibilities

Gone are the days of deciding between branded hotels and motel chains.  Although those are still tried and true options, a quick trip is a great time to stay somewhere new.  Platforms such as https://www.airbnb.com and https://www.vrbo.com/ offer vacationers a variety of bungalows that will fit any traveler’s budget, necessary amenities and style. Enjoy the quaintness of a bed and breakfast where you’ll experience the charms of guesthouses and private venues that offer more eccentricities than the typical hotel. Rental houses, apartments and condos have a selection of rooms able to accommodate multiple guests with the advantage of having appliances to save money on dining out. Prices vary based on size, setting, season and vicinity.  They may also include maintenance  and housekeeping fees.  It’s important to read the renters’ agreement and reviews of the property and its owners to ensure a seamless stay.  

Check out the Netflix show The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals for ideas on just how unconventional your vacation dwelling can be. You might find yourself staying in a cave or even in an igloo.  Have your camera ready for a surreal sleep you and the kids will boast about.  Make sure to hashtag the spot!

Affordable weekend getaways through the seasons 

Pumpkin patch visits are usually a prime pick for parents on an autumn rendezvous with kids.  But a pumpkin patch isn’t just a place to visit in the fall. Many family-friendly farms offer year-round activities that celebrate the seasons. 

Check out holiday light drives, usually stationed at area parks, that create a twinkling, winter wonderland.  Some are made for strolling and snapping selfies, while others allow only a drive-through viewing from the warmth of your car. Spring brings its fling of tulips, and late summer brings sunflowers. These gardens provide a beautiful tapestry of colors perfect for landscape pictures. Some flowering patches even allow patrons to pick a few blooming bulbs to take home.  For those who prefer picking produce, orchards offer sweet treats.  From strawberry fields to apple orchards, families can enjoy fresh fruits of the season and help support small family farms.

Are you hoping to leave the kids with the grandparents for a staycation for two?  Don’t forget the wineries, a parent’s paradise of local tastings and vineyard sunsets. It’s the ideal occasion to finally pull out the sundress and bonnet you’ve waited to wear all winter.  

Family vacations don’t have to be long, nor do they have to carry a hefty expense and endless luggage. With a bit of curiosity and creativity, you and your children could be on the road to an affordable weekend getaway filled with little-known gems a short distance away.