6 Inexpensive Family Vacations For Spring Break

Here's a list of the 6 best inexpensive family vacations for spring break, as well as rough costs, and activities for the little ones!

March 28, 2024

Lauren Stuttaford

Travel

Who doesn’t love spring break? Time to kick back and have some fun. But if you’re planning on heading off somewhere, you’ll want to make sure you’re not losing big bucks where possible.

In this article, we’ll give you a list of the best inexpensive family vacations for spring break, as well as rough costs, activities for the little ones, and ways you can save!

6 Inexpensive Family Vacations For Spring Break

Let’s take a look at 6 of the best locations for affordable family vacations during spring break.

1. National Park Camping Trips

Immerse your family in the breathtaking beauty of nature with a camping trip to one of America’s national parks.

From towering mountains to majestic canyons, these natural wonders offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Estimated Cost

Camping trips can cost around $20 – $30 per person per night. Entrance fees vary depending on vehicles.

Destinations

Some top destinations for national park camping trips are:

Yellowstone National Park
Grand Canyon
Yosemite National Park, California
Great Smoky Mountains

Activities For The Kids

Activities for the little ones include:

Hiking amidst stunning landscapes
Wildlife spotting
Roasting marshmallows
Joining ranger-led programs

Other Ways To Save

Bring your own camping gear, food, and snacks to avoid high-priced camp stores. Utilize free ranger programs and discounted annual passes for frequent visitors.

2. Beach Vacations

Treat your family to the quintessential Spring Break experience with a beach vacation. Whether it’s building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, or simply soaking up the sun, the beach offers endless opportunities for relaxation and family fun.

Estimated Cost

Beachfront condo rentals typically range from $100 – $150 per night. Public beach access is often free.

Destinations

If you’re looking for beach-side inexpensive family vacations for spring break, you’ll enjoy these places:

Gulf Shores, Alabama
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Outer Banks, North Carolina

Activities For The Kids

Activities for the kids include:

Swimming
Building sandcastles
Beachcombing for shells
Fishing

Other Ways To Save

Pack your own beach gear, snacks, and drinks to avoid overpriced beach shops. Look for accommodations with kitchen facilities to prepare meals, and opt for free or low-cost beach activities.

inexpensive family vacations for spring break beach

3. City Exploration

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, cities offer an array of activities for families to enjoy together.

Estimated Cost

Costs vary depending on activities chosen. Expect to spend $10 – $20 per person on public transportation per day.

Destinations

Some top destinations for city exploration are:

Washington D.C.
Philadelphia
Boston
San Antonio

Activities For The Kids

Keeping the little ones entertained is super easy in the city. Here are some ways to do it:

Visit museums
Explore historic landmarks & monuments
Take guided tours
Participate in family-friendly festivals

Other Ways To Save

Utilize public transportation instead of expensive taxis or rental cars. Look for free museum days or discounted family passes. Pack a picnic to enjoy in public parks instead of dining out at restaurants.

4. Desert Destinations

Discover towering sand dunes, stunning rock formations, and desert wildlife. Affordable camping options and budget-friendly accommodations are available.

Estimated Cost

Campgrounds can cost around $20 – $40 per night, while budget hotels or motels may range from $50 – $100 per night. Entrance fees to national parks or recreation areas vary but usually range from $10 – $30 per vehicle.

Destinations

The best desert destinations include:

Sedona, Arizona
Moab, Utah
Joshua Tree National Park, California

Activities For The Kids

Desert activities for the little ones include:

Rock climbing
Junior Ranger program
Stargazing

Other Ways To Save

Opting for camping instead of hotels can significantly reduce accommodation costs. Many desert destinations offer affordable campgrounds with basic amenities. And consider bringing your own food and snacks for picnics or campsite meals.

spring break family vacation ideas desert

5. Rural Retreats

Rural retreats offer families a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration and relaxation.

Estimated Cost

Accommodations range from $50 – 150 per night.

Destinations

Rural retreat dream destinations include:

Vermont
Wisconsin Dells
Branson, Missouri

Activities For The Kids

Activities for the little ones on rural retreats include:

Nature exploration
Farm visits
Outdoor games

Other Ways To Save

Secure accommodations early to take advantage of early booking discounts or specials. And bring camping gear and cook meals over a campfire or portable stove instead of dining out.

6. Coastal Towns

Coastal towns offer families the chance to enjoy scenic beaches, water activities, and charming seaside attractions.

Estimated Cost

Accommodations range from $60 – $150 per night for hotels, but AirBnBs are also available for lower costs.

Destinations

The dreamiest coastal towns to visit for inexpensive family vacations during spring break are:

Cannon Beach, Oregon
Destin, Florida
Pacific Grove, California

Activities For The Kids

Here’s how you can keep the little ones entertained during your coastal town stay:

Beach visits
Boardwalk attractions
Water activities

Other Ways To Save

Keeping your coastal town visit budget-friendly is easy! Consider visiting during the shoulder season for lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds. And pack picnic lunches and snacks to enjoy on the beach or at nearby parks instead of dining out.