13 Top Vacations for Families on a Budget
13 Top Vacations for Families on a Budget
Not having a ton of money to spend doesn’t mean you can’t have an awesome vacation! With the right guide, you can learn how to save money on great resorts and trips, so you can pull off feats like visiting Disney on a budget!
Whether you’ve got your sights set on a big city like Las Vegas or are dreaming of a budget-friendly beach vacation, these 13 destinations will inspire you!
Top Budget-Friendly Family Vacation Destinations
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Branson, MO
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Kissimmee, FL
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Tampa, FL
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Gatlinburg, TN
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Kalispell, MT
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Mesa, AZ
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Las Vegas, NV
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Williamsburg, VA
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Bar Harbor, ME
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Myrtle Beach, SC
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Washington, D.C.
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Cocoa Beach, FL
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Lake Wales, FL
With careful planning, families can find affordable destinations that offer memorable experiences for everyone.
Budget Vacations for Families to Enjoy
From researching the best deals to balancing activities and downtime, thoughtful preparation ensures that your getaway is both enjoyable and easy on your wallet.
Keep reading to learn more about the best budget-friendly destinations to vacation with your family on your next trip.
1 | Branson, Missouri | Step into the glitz and glamour of the “Live Music Capital of the World” or make it a nature getaway in the Ozarks! Branson, MO, has something for everyone.
This popular vacation destination in the Midwest is ideal for families looking to save money but still have plenty of fun things to do.
Whether you’re spending an afternoon at Lake Taneycomo, fishing at Table Rock Lake or catching a show at one of the many live music venues, there’s always something to see and do here.
Hot Tip: Westgate Resorts has two of the most family-friendly Branson resorts: Branson Woods and Branson Lakes. Each one offers special deals to help lower costs, plus themed accommodations with views of the mountains or lake!
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2 | Kissimmee, Florida | Kissimmee is a short drive from Orlando, but it offers plenty of exciting attractions and beautiful sights. It’s the home of Walt Disney World and tons of family-friendly entertainment options.
If you’re looking for two of the best places to stay in Kissimmee, check out Westgate Vacation Villas Resort and Westgate Town Center Resort.
Both resorts, located right next to each other, share amenities, including onsite restaurants and an on-property water park, Shipwreck Island.
Families will love the spacious accommodations and proximity to Disney. Both resorts are just minutes away! They’re also not too far from Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, International Drive and other top tourist spots.
3 | Tampa, Florida | Tampa is known for its beautiful scenery, food and attractions.
This family-fun destination is an hour and a half from Orlando, offering lower rates and thinner crowds than you’ll find in the Disney area.
As for theme parks, Tampa has its own: Busch Gardens is an African adventure with animals, rides (big roller coasters) and entertainment!
And don’t forget to tour historic Ybor City, the original headquarters of the cigar industry. There’s also the Tampa Riverwalk, Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay Zoo, Tropicana Field for baseball fans (home of the Tampa Bay Rays) and the Amalie Arena for hockey enthusiasts (home of the Tampa Bay Lightning).
Overall, Tampa offers a budget-friendly family vacation in Florida that has all the fun and excitement of a city with lower costs than Orlando or Miami.
4 | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Visit Gatlinburg, TN, and enjoy the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains!
This charming country town is the perfect place to get away from the crowds and connect with the outdoors!
If you aren’t hiking through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you might be visiting Anakeesta theme park or another one of Gatlinburg’s sightseeing attractions.
While in the city, consider a stay at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park, home to the year-round, indoor Wild Bear Falls Water Park!
Hot Tip: For a rustic lodge that truly captures the mountain feel, check out Westgate’s Wild Bear Inn! It’s located about 15 minutes outside of Gatlinburg in Pigeon Forge, another great city to explore during your time in Tennessee.
5 | Kalispell, Montana | Kalispell is a good base town for Glacier National Park in Montana. It’s just a 45-minute drive to the west entrance.
The town, itself, is a nature lover’s paradise, encompassing 2.3 million acres of protected land. It’s perfect for all-season outdoor adventures, whether you’re ready to hike in the spring or snowshoe through winter.
Known for its mountain peaks, grizzly bears, fresh alpine trails and charming downtown, Kalispell makes a great budget-friendly family vacation idea for those craving a wilderness escape but aren’t looking to break the bank.
6 | Mesa, Arizona | Just southeast of Phoenix, Mesa, AZ, is a wonderful family vacation spot that offers affordable family vacations.
Exploring the Grande Cultural Park’s artifacts, unearthing history at the Arizona Museum of Natural History and appreciating the desert landscape make this an enriching spot for a vacation.
The gorgeous Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort offers comfortable accommodations with onsite activities like, you guessed it, golfing. The 18-hole championship course boasts stunning greenery and amazing views.
Plus, kids can play on the playground, the family can challenge each other at the sand volleyball or basketball courts and the pool and hot tub promise instant relaxation.
7 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Staying in Vegas doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
When you stay at a resort just outside the city, you can save big, get more room and enjoy a more peaceful getaway.
Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort is one of the best budget-friendly vacation ideas for families. Just a few minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll be able to relax at the pool, appreciate the landscape and enjoy a free shuttle to and from the Strip, Fremont Street and other famous Vegas landmarks.
Vegas itself makes an awesome family trip. From world-class museums to exciting live shows, shops, hiking and trips to the Grand Canyon, it’s a fantastic place everyone can enjoy.
Hot Tip: Check out our guide on free things to do in Las Vegas to get you inspired!
8 | Williamsburg, Virginia | Williamsburg, VA, is a great family budget vacation destination. Rich in history, natural beauty and fun things to do, this city makes an ideal weekend getaway.
At the Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort, you’ll travel back in time in a stunning, period-specific hotel. Just 1.2 miles from Colonial Williamsburg, the resort is also just a 10-minute drive to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.
While in Williamsburg, you can learn about the history of the American Revolution, tour the Governor's Palace and explore dozens of amazing historical museums, like the Jamestown Settlement.
9 | Bar Harbor, Maine | Beautiful Bar Harbor is a coastal jewel! This breathtaking Maine city is home to Acadia National Park and the tallest point on the Eastern seaboard, Cadillac Mountain.
The downtown area is something out of a postcard, complete with shops, art galleries and family-owned restaurants.
The natural beauty and rich history of this Maine city make it the perfect affordable family vacation destination.
10 | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | The ocean is calling! You’ll feel truly at peace when you step onto the sandy shorelines right outside Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort!
Myrtle Beach is a great family getaway in South Carolina. Play on the beach, visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and make new family memories that last a lifetime.
Book a cozy one-bedroom or spacious two-bedroom villa with a view. On the property, families can grab a bite at Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, ride the lazy river or soak in a heated pool.
While in Myrtle Beach, enjoy Family Kingdom Amusement Park and the SkyWheel, one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels, and mini golf because Myrtle Beach is considered the “Mini Golf Capital of the World.”
Hot Tip: When staying at a Westgate Resorts property, sign up for the World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty Program to receive exclusive discounts on dining, water park admission, resort fees and so much more!
11 | Washington, D.C. | History lovers can enjoy a wide range of affordable hotels and rentals in the nation’s capital.
You can see landmarks like the White House and U.S. Capitol Building for free. Plus, the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, U.S. National Arboretum and all of the monuments along the National Mall are totally free to explore. Although staying in the city is expensive, exploring it doesn’t have to be.
Hot Tip: Stay in Maryland or Virginia to save a little bit of money when visiting D.C. You can take the train or drive for a day trip.
12 | Cocoa Beach, Florida | Cocoa Beach is an ultra-fun family beach vacation, perfect for doing Spring Break on a budget!
During your stay, have the family head to the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier! It’s fully renovated and features restaurants, shops and beach access.
Imagine relaxing with a drink in hand as you overlook the ocean during sunset or peddling around the beach town on two wheels… Whatever you do, Cocoa Beach is full of sun and fun!
And don’t forget about the waves! Cocoa Beach is a great surfing spot for pros and newcomers. Many lessons are offered around town.
Hot Tip: With so much to explore, you’ll need a comfortable place to stay. Look no further than Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort. It offers great deals that let you plan the best Florida family vacation on a budget.
13 | Lake Wales, Florida | For a true dude ranch experience, visit Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. Glamp in teepees, tents and covered wagons as you explore a rustic and rural side to Florida without skipping out on luxury.
Located about an hour and a half to two hours away from Orlando, Lakes Wales is a small Florida town that allows guests to step away from the bustling attractions of Orlando and settle in to a more intimate and relaxing getaway.
From horseback riding to archery, skeet and trap shooting, a petting zoo, airboat ride, Saturday night rodeo and more, Westgate River Ranch offers guests all there is to see and do without ever leaving the resort!
Hot Tip: While visiting Lakes Wales, make sure to visit Bok Tower Gardens, a sprawling garden with a beautiful bell tower at its center, and Spook Hill, an eerie phenomenon you’ll only experience there.
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How to Book Vacations for Families on a Budget
If you want to visit a popular city, it’s best to stay somewhere 20-30 minutes outside of the main area. This can drastically lower costs, give you more space and offer cheaper dining options as well.
It’s also important to book ahead. Planning a vacation early can help you save more money, especially if you book six months in advance.
Be sure to sign up for resort emails, so you can be the first to know when there are discounts and new package deals! Plus, signing up for free loyalty programs helps you secure lower rates and take advantage of exclusive offers.
We hope your next vacation is one you’ll never forget! For more travel tips, sightseeing guides and restaurant recommendations across the U.S., check out our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your vacation awaits! Start planning your next vacation today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.
* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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