Spring Break is almost here. If you’ve procrastinated on deciding what to do or maybe you just need a last-minute getaway, you will find 5 of the best family travel destinations that won’t break the bank, have availability right now, and will scratch that weird travel itch. Spring break is the perfect time to escape the ordinary and create lasting family memories. When budget-friendly is a necessity it is vital to be creative. Here are 5 Affordable Family Vacations that are unique and offer hidden gems and exciting experiences.
5. Cumberland Island National Seashore (Georgia)
If you are desperate for a beach vacation but don’t want the crazy crowds or high price tags, this is the spot for you. Look beyond the usual crowded beaches and explore the hidden gem of Cumberland Island National Seashore. As a national property, the island’s beaches and forests are untouched. This is a gorgeous place for outdoor lovers and beach enthusiasts.
Temperatures average in the delightful 70s during spring break, offering the perfect escape from the winter chill. Imagine long walks on pristine beaches with gentle breezes and the soothing sound of waves. Cumberland Island is more than just a beach escape. Kayak through tranquil waterways, embark on a historical quest exploring the Dungeness mansion and its surrounding forest or go birdwatching and spot diverse wildlife.
Unlike other barrier islands, Cumberland offers limited development, allowing you to truly connect with nature. Hike through untouched maritime forests, discover hidden tidal pools teeming with life, or simply relax on the vast, undeveloped beaches. A ferry will take you to a remote barrier island to get even further away from it all. For those who love a little ghost hunting, a short ferry ride away lies St. Marys, Georgia. This historic town offers a glimpse into the past, with 19th-century architecture and the intriguing legends surrounding the Colonial Cemetery. Spring break at Cumberland Island is a chance to break free from the digital world. Limited cell service allows families to truly connect and create lasting memories. Explore the island together, build sandcastles, share stories around a crackling campfire, and witness the breathtaking night sky.
What Makes It An Affordable Family Trip?
- Estimated Budget: $80-$150 daily(ferry + camping/vacation rentals).
- A 7-day pass per person into the park is $15
- Saturday, April 20th is FREE
- The National Seashore is $45 for an annual pass that covers 3 additional adults 16 and older. Children 15 and under are FREE
- The ferry is $40 per adult, 30$ per child 5-15, $38 per senior, and children 5 and under are FREE
- Camping fees range from $12-$20 per night for six people.
- Offsite lodging in nearby St. Mary’s, Georgia, is extremely affordable, starting as low as $54 a night. If you have an RV, the Big Wheel RV Park is a great choice, and if you’re looking for something with a kitchenette to do your own cooking, The Cumberland King’s Bay Lodges is a great choice. All of these options make this an affordable family vacation.
4. Shenandoah Valley (Virginia)
Spring break doesn’t have to be all sunshine and beaches. Embrace the unusual with a trip to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, where history and the supernatural intertwine. Affordability Reigns Supreme here. Explore the eerie remnants of the Civil War with ghost tours offered at various battlefields like Cedar Creek and New Market ($20-$30 per person). Visit the supposedly haunted Luray Caverns ($22 entry), a vast underground network of caverns rumored to be a haven for paranormal activity.
Step into the shadows and embark on a “Ghost and Legends Tour” ($25 per person) in historic towns like Winchester or Staunton. Listen to local lore about restless spirits, unexplained occurrences, and the town’s haunted past. Visit farms, orchards, and wineries and learn about the Civil War while standing in the place the fighting happened.
Shenandoah Valley offers a captivating blend of historical sites and outdoor adventures. Hike through the scenic trails of Shenandoah National Park, explore the vibrant local art scene, or visit unique museums like the Frontier Culture Museum ($18 entry), showcasing the valley’s rich history. Spring paints the valley in a vibrant display of wildflowers, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your spooky exploration. Temperatures are mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities and historical site visits.
Shenandoah Valley offers a unique spring break experience, blending the thrill of the unusual with the beauty of the natural world. So, pack your sense of adventure and prepare to delve into the mysteries that linger within this historic valley.
- Estimated Budget: $50- $150 per person, depending on lodging and food.
- Shenandoah National Park is $30 per car or $15 per person. An annual pass for $55 gets the entire family in for a year and the America The Beautiful Pass does apply here.
- There are many ghost tours, and they range from $10 to $25 per person. Find a full list here, with reservation options for all.
- Vacation rentals are between $100-$200 nightly, making them very cost-effective if you use the kitchen and make most of your meals.
- Shenandoah National Park is $20 a night.
- Luray Caverns is $60 per adult and $30 per child, but it is worth the extra cost as you could easily spend hours here.
- Natural Bridge Zoo is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $14 for children. Children under 2 are FREE.
3. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is a wonderfully inexpensive and interesting city for families. Make it your home base and explore two unique side trips. It’s like three vacations in one. This is a great vacation with older kids who want a little more action and adventure and are old enough to appreciate some of the spookier aspects of the trip. Let it serve as the central hub for this spooky adventure. Explore the supposedly haunted Hotel Luna Mystica, rumored to have been a brothel in the Wild West. Visit the quirky Rattlesnake Museum and learn about the region’s venomous inhabitants. Hike through the volcanic landscapes of the Petroglyph National Monument and witness ancient rock art. There is so much to see in New Mexico, and so much of it is cheap. This is an affordable family trip find.
A quick 2.5 hour miles south sits White Sands National Park. Here, you can explore the vast gypsum dunes, the largest in the world. Witness the stark, white landscape under the midday sun, creating an almost lunar feel. Get wild by trying your hand at “dune surfing”. The White Sands Missile Range has plenty of legends and ghost stories to explore, and there are constant UFO sightings and unusual phenomenon to expore.
Not quite 3 hours away is Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Step back in time and explore the ancient ruins of the Chacoan civilization. These massive structures, built between 800 and 1300 AD, remain shrouded in mystery regarding their purpose and abandonment. The remote location and Chaco Canyon’s unique acoustics can create an eerie atmosphere, especially during sunset. Rangers offer night sky programs for stargazing under the vast, inky black sky.
This spooky itinerary through New Mexico promises a unique blend of historical exploration, otherworldly landscapes, and a touch of the mysterious, making it an unforgettable spring break adventure.
Why It’s An Affordable Family Hidden Gem?
- Estimated Budget: $30-$50 a day per person, depending on lodging and food.
- Hotel Luna Mystica is just $120 a night.
- Rattlesnake Museum is $8.95 per adult and $7.95 for seniors, veterans, active military, teachers, and students with ID. Children 3-12 are $6.95, and younger than 3 are FREE. Dogs on leashes are welcome, which means you can bring the well-behaved pooch and save on pet lodging.
- Petroglyph National Monument is FREE to visit.
- White Sands and Chaco Culture Center are $25 per private car or $15 per person. You can also purchase a $45 annual pass that should get everyone into the park for an entire year. The American The Beautiful Pass works at both of these parks.
- White Sands is Free on April 20, 2024.
- Lodging choices include entire homes near White Sands for approximately $100 a night, Hyatt Place, which comes with breakfast daily for $102 a night, and a host of similar hotels around Albuquerque.
- Camping is only $20 per night at Chaco.
2. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Wisconsin)
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin is an underappreciated treasure. This archipelago offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and a touch of the strange, making it an ideal escape for families seeking an unforgettable experience.
Camping is the most budget-friendly option, with campsites starting around $20 per night. Vacation rentals on the mainland or nearby towns like Bayfield range from $100-$200 per night, providing a comfortable home base for exploring the islands. The Apostle Islands boast a rich history of shipwrecks, with over 200 documented vessels scattered across the lakebed. Embark on a guided kayak tour to explore the Apostle Islands Shipwrecks National Historic Site and learn about these underwater mysteries.
Explore the islands by kayak or join a boat tour for breathtaking views and historical insights. Hike to the top of the historic Raspberry Island Lighthouse for panoramic vistas of the archipelago. The isolated beauty of the islands can feel strangely captivating. Legend speaks of “Old Betsy,” a ghost ship said to haunt the waters around Raspberry Island. Night sky enthusiasts can witness the Milky Way in all its glory due to minimal light pollution, adding an otherworldly touch to your spring break.
Explore the charming town of Bayfield, the gateway to the Apostle Islands. Visit the Apostle Islands Maritime Museum to delve deeper into the region’s rich maritime history. Spring brings mild temperatures and vibrant wildflowers blooming across the islands. Witness baby animals like fawns and fox kits emerging during this time, adding to the natural wonder of the destination. The Apostle Islands offer a unique blend of adventure, history, and a touch of the unusual, making it an extraordinary spring break destination for those seeking affordable family travel options.
- Estimated budget: $75-$180 (hotels/vacation rentals) + ferry fees per person.
- Kayak rental is $70 for 24 hours and comes with all the safety equipment. Information can be found here.
- The ferry can take you to all 21 islands for $27.25 per person one way or $54. 50 round trip per person.
- Camping is just $20 a night, and vacation rentals in the area are inexpensive, ranging from $100-$200 depending on size.
- Boat tours are 51.95 per adult and $29.95 per child and last 2-3 hours. Shuttle tours have similar pricing and can last 4-5 hours, so they would be best enjoyed by older children. Information on all the tours can be found here. Reservations are necessary.
- Rasberry Island Lighthouse is FREE.
- The Bayfield Maritime Museum is FREE.
1. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
There is no place in the United States that quite captures the weird and spooky like the Badlands. Venture into the strange and captivating landscapes of Badlands National Park in South Dakota. This hidden gem offers an affordable adventure packed with unique experiences for families seeking an escape from the ordinary. Step into a world sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Witness the park’s namesake, the badlands, where colorful rock formations jut from the earth in a surreal display. Hike through sharply eroded canyons and valleys, aptly named “The Notch” and “Fossil Exhibit Trail,” and marvel at the ever-changing vistas. Take a short drive into Wyoming and visit The Devil’s Tower and have a close encounter with the alien kind.
Explore the Fossil Exhibit Trail, where ancient creatures like mammoths and saber-toothed cats once roamed. Embark on a self-guided tour through the Badlands Wilderness Area for a true backcountry experience. Join a ranger-led program ($5 per person) to delve deeper into the park’s fascinating geology and paleontology. With minimal light pollution, Badlands National Park transforms into a stargazer’s paradise. Witness a blanket of stars on a clear night, making it an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
The journey to Badlands National Park itself is an adventure. Be sure and stop at Wall Drug just off of I-90. Drive through the dramatic landscapes of the Pine Ridge Reservation and immerse yourself in Lakota culture. Visit Wall Drug Store, a roadside attraction famous for its kitschy charm and vast collection of Western memorabilia.
What Makes It An Affordable Family Vacation?
- Estimated Budget: $15-80 dollars per person per day, depending on lodging and food.
- Entrance fees for Badlands National Park are $30 per vehicle, making it a cost-effective option.
- Camping options start around $20 per night, allowing families to explore the park without breaking the bank.
- Badlands Frontier Cabins offers more comfort than camping and a breakfast every morning, making it a great choice for noncampers starting at $161 per night. The Days Inn and Travel Lodge are also very inexpensive options at $79 and $86 per night. They both have pools. They are approximately 22 miles away from the park, so plan accordingly.
- Plenty of educational opportunities are available in the rich fossil beds and rock formations in the Badlands.
- You can hike scenic trails and observe the park’s unique geology, visit the Badlands National Park Visitor Center, and participate in ranger-led programs to learn about the park’s history and wildlife.
- Mount Rushmore is only an hour and a half away from the park allowing for day and side trips within your park adventure. Mount Rushmore is Free, but parking is $10 per car.
Affordable family vacations don’t have to be boring. Some of the most enriching experiences are the most unexpected. With a little last-minute planning and an open mind you can have the family trip you always dreamed of. Make your affordable family travel something they will never forget.
Pro Tip: For just $85, you can buy the America The Beautiful Pass, which will get you and your whole family into every national Park for one full calendar year. This annual pass is FREE to all active duty and veterens with applicable ID. Find all the details on what is required here.