“As a mom of three boys, planning family vacations can feel like a juggling act—finding a destination that’s fun for the kids, relaxing for me, and affordable for our budget is no small feat. Over the years, I’ve learned how to pick destinations that everyone loves while keeping costs under control. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled getaway or a relaxing retreat, here are my top five family vacation spots that offer something for everyone.”
1. Yellowstone National Park
For families who love outdoor adventures, Yellowstone is a dream come true. With its vast landscapes, geysers, and wildlife, it’s like stepping into a different world—and it’s perfect for kids who are curious about nature. My boys were mesmerized by Old Faithful, and they loved hiking the shorter, family-friendly trails.
One of the biggest benefits of visiting Yellowstone is the cost—park entrance fees are relatively low, and if you plan ahead, you can book affordable accommodations nearby. Whether you choose to camp or stay in a nearby cabin, there are options for every budget.
- What to Do: Beyond geysers and hiking, Yellowstone offers educational programs for kids and ranger-led activities. Our favorite was the Junior Ranger program, which gave the boys an opportunity to learn about the park while earning badges. It kept them engaged, and they came home with great stories to share with their friends.
- Where to Stay: If you’re looking to keep costs down, consider camping in the park. We stayed at a nearby cabin booked through Expedia and it was a fantastic, budget-friendly choice. Staying outside the park is another great option for families, as prices tend to be lower.
Link to Expedia for booking Yellowstone trips: Find Yellowstone Accommodations. - Pro Tip: Be sure to pack plenty of snacks and water for the kids, as there aren’t many places to grab food once you’re deep into the park. If you’re planning on hiking, don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes. You can find some great family-friendly hiking gear on Amazon, like this backpack for carrying snacks and supplies: Check out family hiking gear on Amazon.
2. San Diego, California
If you’re looking for a mix of beach fun and family-friendly attractions, San Diego is a fantastic choice. Our trip to San Diego was packed with excitement, from playing on the beaches to visiting the famous San Diego Zoo. There’s so much to do here that it’s impossible to fit everything into one trip, but that just means you’ll want to go back!
- What to Do: Of course, the San Diego Zoo is a must. My boys were thrilled to see the pandas and lions up close, and we spent an entire day wandering through the park. After that, we hit the beach—La Jolla Cove is great for kids, with its calm waters and friendly sea lions. We also loved exploring Balboa Park, which is full of museums and gardens to explore. If your kids are into science, the Fleet Science Center is a hands-on experience they’ll never forget.
- Where to Stay: San Diego has plenty of family-friendly hotels, and if you book through Expedia, you can often find great deals on vacation packages that include hotel stays and attraction tickets. We found a fantastic deal that bundled our hotel and zoo tickets, saving us a lot of money.
Find San Diego Accommodations. - Pro Tip: San Diego’s public transportation system makes it easy to get around without renting a car, which saved us money. We took the trolley to many of our destinations, and the boys loved the ride!
3. Washington, D.C.
For families who love history and learning, Washington, D.C. is a fantastic destination—and many of the top attractions are completely free! When we visited, the boys were blown away by the Smithsonian Museums, and I loved that we didn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for tickets. Whether your kids are into dinosaurs, space, or art, there’s something for everyone in D.C.
- What to Do: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History was a huge hit with my boys—they could have spent all day looking at the dinosaurs and gemstones. Another must-see is the National Air and Space Museum, where the kids can check out real rockets and airplanes. And of course, we had to visit the National Monuments, where the boys learned about U.S. history in a way that was far more engaging than any textbook.
- Where to Stay: Staying in D.C. doesn’t have to be expensive. We found a great deal on Expedia at a hotel just outside the city, which was a quick metro ride away from the main attractions. Staying a bit outside of D.C. can save you a lot of money while still giving you easy access to all the sights.
Find Washington, D.C. Accommodations. - Pro Tip: Bring comfortable shoes! You’ll be doing a lot of walking in D.C., and trust me, you don’t want to hear complaints from your kids about tired feet. You can find great walking shoes for the whole family on Amazon.
4. Orlando, Florida
Of course, no family vacation list is complete without mentioning Orlando. With Disney World, Universal Studios, and countless other attractions, Orlando is the ultimate destination for families with kids. But it’s also easy to overspend here if you’re not careful. With a little planning, you can have the time of your life without breaking the bank.
- What to Do: Disney World is obviously the big draw, but don’t overlook Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, especially if your kids are into Harry Potter. My boys couldn’t get enough of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and seeing their faces light up as they drank butterbeer was worth every penny.
- Where to Stay: Orlando offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hotels to all-inclusive resorts. We saved a lot of money by booking through Expedia, where we found a family suite that included free breakfast—this was a lifesaver when traveling with three boys!
Find Orlando Accommodations. - Pro Tip: One of my biggest tips for families visiting Orlando is to bring your own snacks and drinks into the parks. We packed a small cooler with water bottles and snacks, which saved us a ton on overpriced park food. You can grab a compact, travel-friendly cooler from Amazon.
5. Grand Canyon, Arizona
If your family loves adventure and the great outdoors, Grand Canyon is the perfect destination. My boys were in awe of the sheer size and beauty of the canyon, and there were plenty of activities to keep them busy. Whether you’re hiking, taking a mule ride, or simply enjoying the views, the Grand Canyon offers endless opportunities for family fun.
- What to Do: There are so many ways to explore the canyon. We did a combination of hiking and a guided mule ride, which gave us an incredible perspective of the canyon’s size. If your kids aren’t up for a full hike, there are plenty of scenic viewpoints that are easily accessible by car. We also took a guided ranger tour, which was both educational and fun for the boys.
- Where to Stay: You can camp in the park for a truly budget-friendly experience, or stay at one of the nearby lodges or hotels. We found a great deal on Expedia that included a stay at a nearby lodge with views of the canyon. It was an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Find Grand Canyon Accommodations. - Pro Tip: Be sure to pack layers! The weather at the Grand Canyon can change quickly, especially if you’re visiting different parts of the park. I found great deals on hiking gear and outdoor clothing for the whole family on Amazon.
“These five destinations are perfect for families who want to create lasting memories without breaking the bank. From the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Grand Canyon to the magic of Orlando, there’s something for every type of traveler. Whether your family loves the outdoors, history, or theme parks, these destinations offer the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.”
“Ready to start planning your next family vacation? Check out some great deals on Expedia, and don’t forget to use your travel rewards to save even more!”
