8 Summer Vacation Ideas for Families on a Travel Budget! Sitender Kumar June 10, 2019 Budget Travel, Family Travel, Interests Summer and family go hand in hand, and that’s why memories of these warm and toasty months of the year are intertwined with family get-togethers or road trips to somewhere exotic or interesting. But, in today’s “let’s-fly-somewhere-far-away-and-exotic” world, can family budget travel still be done? We’re pretty sure it can! Summer is the perfect time to get your whole clan together and make unforgettable memories that you will cherish for years to come…without breaking the bank in the process. Need some inspiration? Then check these list of great summer vacation ideas to some truly beautiful — and affordable — destinations! Take Off for a Tea Party in Boston One of America’s oldest cities has plenty to offer the whole family. Whether it’s the rich history that you can soak in while walking the red-brick Freedom Trail, the conversation and food you can enjoy while picnicking at the scenic Boston Commons, or the more boisterous banter (over great beer and fresh oysters) you’ll likely encounter at some of the nation’s oldest pubs, all ages in your family group will find something to keep them entertained. Boston is a charming, picture-perfect city for families wanting to see the sights, explore our country’s rich history, and have a great time along the way. Although the must-see sights are countless, you definitely shouldn’t miss Faneuil Hall, Public Garden, Boston Commo, Quincy Market, and the Museum of Fine Arts Stroll Around and Enjoy the Sights of Seaside, Oregon Downtown Seaside just gives chills of nostalgia. Here lies charm and a great natural beauty that hasn’t faded over time…and it’s still there to be experienced and enjoyed by adventurous families! The Promenade — popularly known as “the prom” — is a perfect oceanfront path for a leisurely stroll, while the kiddos will definitely love the fun and games at Funland Seaside Arcade. The city also has lots of great local eateries and we suggest you dig in at every opportunity. Among other cool places to discover in Seaside, bee sure to visit the Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area, Seaside Museum, Clatsop County Historical Society, and the Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site Make Your Way to the Medley of Attractions in Nashville When it comes to keeping the whole family happy, Nashville is a star performer. The city serves up a heady mix of a lively music scene, amazing food, beautiful outdoors, and hip boutiques, making it the perfect location to satisfy those hard-to-please members of your group. There are also a few hidden gems not restricted to Nashville’s downtown area, such as Nashville Library, home to one of America’s best puppet troupes. For some of the more classic attractions, you can’t go wrong with all the great musical history of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the hands-on interaction with exotic animals at the Nashville Zoo, and the mouthwatering dishes served up at the Farmers’ Market. Bike rides at Harpeth River Greenway are also worth a go. Other top family-friendly attractions in Nashville are the Nashville Zoo, Harpeth River Greenway, Radnor Lake State Park, and the Adventure Science Center. Go on a Gondola Ride in Steamboat Springs While avid skiing families may have heard of Steamboat Springs, it may be a little off the radar for those looking for summer adventures. But, we’re here to tell you that it’s an excellent place to visit during the warm, sunny season too! During summer, the city is less crowded and there are many fun activities on offer. You can easily drive to Steamboat Lake State Park, just about an hour away from the city, to enjoy boating and jet-skiing. For those seeking to get lost in nature in a calm environment where family can really bond, then Yampa River Botanic State Park is a good bet. This will also give you the opportunity to experience the thrill of the gondola ride up the mountain, where the midpoint of your ride up will give you an unbelievable view of the Yampa Valley. Some other highlights of Steamboat Springs are the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Tread of Pioneers Museum, and the Fish Creek Falls Get a Thrill at the Cowboy Coaster in Jackson Hole! Snow King’s Cowboy Coaster offers a thrill for the whole family. Located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, this exhilarating mountain coaster sends you flying up to 25 mph through almost one mile of drops and curves. While many people like to visit during the winter season for views of the snow-capped Teton Mountains, this coaster is also a great time during the summer. During this time of the year, riders will take in the beauty of the wildflower meadows along your journey. Besides, riders get to control the speed of their sled, making it a perfect choice for people of all ages! You may also like: Packing Tips for Your Family Vacation Find a Mini Golf Haven at Myrtle Beach No family vacation is complete without a fun game of miniature golf! And what better place to engage in this friendly competition than in Myrtle Beach, the golf capital of the world? The popular beach resort town is flush with an abundance of mini golf courses, giving you maximum options to find the best theme for your family. Good choices include Treasure Island, Rainbow Falls, Spy Glass, the Black Pearl, and Tribal Island. These courses offer a variety of features, including special effects, adjacent arcades, waterfalls, and more. You will find loads of adventure at budget-friendly prices when you decide to visit one of the many miniature golf courses located in Myrtle Beach. The only hard part is deciding what course to put at the top of your list! Don’t worry too much, though: they are so affordable that you may want to visit more than one during your stay. So if you’re looking for some weekend getaways, look no further. Enjoy the Family-Friendly Attractions of Dollywood View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dollywood Parks & Resorts (@dollywood) Discover the unique charm of the Dollywood theme park! Located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, there’s no doubt that Dollywood is a top family destination. This classic theme park offers over 50 rides along with a full slate of entertainment options and shows. Besides, unlike many theme parks that can deliver a hit to your budget, Dollywood prides itself on its value-driven ticket prices and food options. Regardless of the season, there’ s always something fun happening at Dollywood, and summer is no exception. The natural beauty surrounding the park adds to the charm of this Tennessee gem. During hottest months, be sure to leave time to visit the Dollywood Splash Country water park. You can also choose to stay onsite at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, putting you on the doorstep of all of the fun. Show Your Love for Cars at the Vintage Car Grand Prix! Lastly, car enthusiasts will want to plan their weekend getaway to Pittsburgh to check out the annual Vintage Car Grand Prix! Distinguished as the country’s only vintage street race and its biggest vintage race event, this event takes place over two weekends and the week in between. Visitors will enjoy a wide range of activities, including car shows, parties, parades, and more. The Vintage Car Grand Prix winds through Schenley Park, a perfect backdrop for all of the fun. The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association raises money for autistic and IDD charities, helping you to feel good about supporting this event. Shuttle busses run through the park so that guests can access all of the shows and displays. This summer tradition is definitely a must-see for those vintage car aficionados! Do you have a favorite budget-friendly family destination? Share it with us in the comments below!
