Before you had kiddos, you might have gallivanted across the globe, hopping country to country with just a backpack and blind ambition. But now that traveling means packing strollers, coloring books and at least three changes of clothes, closing your eyes and pointing at a map is out of the question. And when you consider you’re now shelling out for several plane tickets, your budget can go from $1 meals on a beach in Thailand to $30 for meals for three fast. But that doesn't mean you can't share your passion for travel with your children — just that figuring out how to do it on a budget is key. Luckily for you, travel agents and experts know how to find the best deals while still making lifelong memories with your mini passport-holders.
More: 10 tips for traveling with Baby from moms who've been there
Here, they spill the secrets on the most cost-effective destinations to take your kids on vacation this summer.
National parks
Have visions of a National Lampoon’s cult classic in your mind when you think about road-tripping with children? While we’re sure your trip will be just as entertaining, it won’t have as many kinks as the film, and it’ll give your kids a glimpse into the great west. As Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic, says, national parks offer plenty of nature and adventure, but won’t require you dip into your savings for your carload. She explains that an annual pass of $80 will include everyone who can fit into your car (or SUV or van or truck) and allows you access to Arches, Canyonlands, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and more. "Not only can you hike, bike, swim and explore our national landscape, the parks offer free programing and a junior rangers program with activities specially designed for various ages and activity levels," she notes.
And you can stay on the land itself, just make sure to pack some gear to get you by. “Camping is often an option inside and just outside the parks to help save even more on accommodations," says Poirot. "KOA campgrounds even offers cabins with kitchens and beds, along with swimming pools for those who don’t want to rough it.”
Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach
If you’re an East Coast family who wants to get away without going too far away from home base, Poirot says a getaway to a Southern surf-and-sea town might be your best bet. Not only can you book a home that’s a hop and a skip away from the beach, but with the added kitchen in most rentals, you can save money on dining out. Another perk? If you have enough to plan in your everyday life and you want a break from scheduling and booking activities, a beach will engage your kids without much effort on your part.
"Beach vacations are generally pretty low-key in that there’s not a ton you have to plan for — no airfare or expensive park admission and not a completely filled itinerary of must-see attractions," says Poirot. "Kids are thrilled to play on the beach or in the hotel pool, and if your beach has a boardwalk, you have plenty of low-cost entertainment to enjoy in the evenings."
More: 11 awesome summer reads for tweens and teens
Walt Disney World
OK, bear with us here. When you start thinking about making your kids’ dreams come true with a trip to Disney World, you probably start seeing dollar signs. But according to Disney travel expert Greg Antonelle, a vacation to the most beloved theme park of all can be as expensive or cheap as you make it. The trick is to pick and choose your adventures and to look out for special deals or work with a professional.
"If you go during value season when it is less crowded and stay at a value resort, you can save a lot of money," says Antonelle. "Additionally, if you are lucky enough to get free dining or another promotion, you can save even more money. Incredibly, it is possible to go to Walt Disney World with your family and not break the bank. Utilizing a travel agent that specializes in Disney destinations can assist you with getting the lowest possible price for your vacation."
Next up: More budget vacation tips for you and your kids
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Washington, D.C.
During the summer months, your kids probably aren’t actively engaged in learning. While their teachers will encourage summer reading, another way to make sure they’re growing their impressionable minds is to take them on an education-focused getaway. Though they will look at it for the fun adventure, you’ll feel good knowing you did more than hand over quarters for the ride and a dollar for an ice cream cone. Both Antonelle and Poirot suggest our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., as a go-to destination for the summer with kids.
"Washington, D.C., is a great destination for families that won't crush your bank account," says Antonelle. "If you get a hotel near the National Mall, you can walk to so many different destinations. Also, many of the museums and landmarks in D.C. are free, so you won't have to pay to see these great sites. The same with the monuments, zoo and memorials. The key is to do a little more legwork before you pack up the car or your carry-on and look ahead for museum closings or peak travel times when you might have to battle other families for lawn space.
Chicago
Want to skip D.C. but into the idea of a city vacation with your children? Poirot says that cities are often overlooked as destinations for families because it might seem overwhelming to take children on public transportation or figure out how to navigate while answering your kid’s 10th ‘why?’ question of the day. But if you’re looking to save money, cities are a smart option because of their central location. "With so many attractions in close proximity, visitors have access to inexpensive public transportation and a wide range of attractions to visit at once — museums, great restaurants, parks and more," says Poirot. Many destinations will even offer free rides for kids on the train and will have plenty of kid-friendly sites to check off your itinerary. "Chicago offer CityPass discounts; you can skip the lines and save more than half of admission to the biggest attractions like the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium by purchasing a pass," she adds.
More: The best summer camps in the U.S. for kids with unique interests
Lake towns
Maybe your babe is a little too young for the beach or your partner has a deep aversion to sand, but you all still want some water and relaxation. Antonelle suggests looking for a nearby lake that offers cabin rentals where you can set up camp for the week. You might even consider nearby hiking trails, where you can pack the baby in a carrier and give your older kids the freedom to explore the great outdoors. Just like renting a beach house, a lake house lets you cook your meals and maybe even drink a glass (or three) of wine since you don’t have to drive. If you’re in the northeast, Antonelle suggests Lake George for an affordable destination. He mentions vacationing in Lake George, which allows you to hike, see fireworks, attend concerts and go to the beach and more for free. There are also many historical museums you can visit and "outlets of some of your favorite stores and brands where you can get great discounts," he says.
Hopefully this will inspire you to get on the move with your kids this summer — without having to remortgage your house.