Think family vacations have to be expensive or exhausting?
Not this time.
We rounded up five of our favorite affordable family vacation ideas that are actually fun!
No flights to book, no saving for months, and no need to stress-scroll through reviews at midnight.
These trips are easy to pull off, packed with kid-approved stops, and proof that affordable doesn’t have to mean boring.
If you’re ready to travel smarter (and still have a blast), keep reading.
Lancaster, PA:
A Budget Friendly Trip That’s Big on Fun
Lancaster is one of those places that makes family travel feel easy… in the best way.
With hands-on attractions, train rides, farm animals, and more ice cream stops than you’ll know what to do with, it’s full of low-stress wins for every age.
And the best part? It feels like a real trip without wrecking your budget.
Just enough excitement to keep things interesting.
Things to Do with Kids in Lancaster, PA
You won’t run out of options in Lancaster, but if you’re looking for low-cost, high-payoff fun that’s easy to navigate with kids, start here.
These are the spots we’d put on repeat.
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is all about wearing them out in the best way.
✔️ Dutch Wonderland
A childhood dreamland with low-key rides, water play, and just enough whimsy to keep everyone entertained.
Tickets are $30–$45, but you’ll save (and score early entry) if you stay next door at the Cartoon Network Hotel or Old Mill Stream Campground.
✔️ Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
You could spend the whole day here and still not do everything.
There are more than 50 outdoor attractions… jump pillows, corn mazes, pedal carts, and animals galore. Tickets are $25–$30, and evening passes can be a steal.
✔️ Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
A quick, quirky stop in nearby Lititz, where kids can twist their own pretzels. Tours are $4–$5 and take about 30 minutes… short, sweet, and snackable.
It’s also one of our favorite stops featured in our guide to family-friendly factory tours in the Northeast.
✔️ Oregon Dairy
Part market, part restaurant, part playground. Giant farm equipment play structures, plenty of space to run, animals, and a crowd-favorite ice cream window. Great for a chill morning or post-nap reset.
It’s one of several Lancaster restaurants with playgrounds that make dining out with kids way easier.
✔️ Lancaster Central Market
One of the oldest markets in the country, and surprisingly fun for kids.
Pick up soft pretzels, fresh lemonade, and whoopie pies for $2–$6 and call it lunch.
Where to Stay in Lancaster Without Overspending
Lancaster has plenty of family-friendly places to stay, but these picks keep you close to the fun, come with kid-approved perks, and stay easy on the budget.
Where your hotel comes with cartoons and slides.
✔️ Cartoon Network Hotel – $$
Themed rooms, character splash zones, and early Dutch Wonderland access if you book a package. Rooms run $150–$250/night depending on the season, and yes… it’s just as over-the-top as it sounds.
✔️ Old Mill Stream Campground – $
A shaded, quiet campground that backs right up to Dutch Wonderland. Sites start around $60/night and come with playgrounds, clean bathhouses, and the easiest walk to the park entrance.
✔️ Fulton Steamboat Inn – $$
Shaped like an actual steamboat, with koi ponds, a pirate playground, and little extras like treasure chests in the rooms. It’s usually $160–$220/night and delivers on fun without going full theme park.
✔️ Red Caboose Motel – $
Sleep in a real train car. It’s a novelty that kids love, and rooms start at around $100–$150 per night. It’s not fancy, but it’s one of those “they’ll talk about it all year” kind of stays.
✔️ Chain Hotels (Hilton, Comfort Inn, etc.) – $–$$
There are a ton of reliable options with free breakfast and pools. Look just outside the main tourist zone for better rates, especially midweek. Prices usually fall between $100–$180/night
TLJ Lancaster Tip:
Doing more than a quick trip?
Here’s how to stretch it into a 4-day Lancaster itinerary that actually works with kids.
Saratoga Springs, NY:
Affordable, Artsy, and Surprisingly Great with Kids
Saratoga Springs may be known for horses and mineral springs, but it’s also a surprisingly great place for an affordable family getaway.
With splash pads, a retro arcade, a hidden gem children’s museum, and miles of green space in the state park, it’s easy to fill a weekend with kid-friendly fun… no big budget or long drives required.
Bring coffee, let the kids run, and exhale.
What to Do in Saratoga Springs with Kids
Saratoga Spa State Park is an easy standout, but it’s not the only place worth your time.
These other family-friendly attractions keep the fun going, and most come with budget-friendly perks too.
Entry to this pool is Free, fun, and way better than you’d expect.
✔️ Saratoga Spa State Park
This place is huge and only $10/per car in the summer! Think playgrounds, mineral springs, wooded trails, and two very different pool options.
• Victoria Pool – Historic, heated, and gives off vintage resort vibes. $8/adults, $4/kids 4–12.
• Peerless Pool – Free with park admission and has a zero-entry kiddie area plus waterslides!
✔️ Saratoga Children’s Museum
Best for ages 1–8, this small-but-mighty museum has pretend play stations like a farmers market, treehouse, and construction zone. $10/person, free for under 1.
✔️ Congress Park Carousel
A sweet little carousel in the middle of a duck-filled park. Just $1 a ride, and a perfect post-lunch bribe if you’re walking downtown.
✔️ Saratoga Strike Zone
Bowling, bumper cars, a giant arcade, and a multi-level indoor play zone. Bowling costs $ 6 per game (per person), and shoes are $3. Great for rainy days or post-nap energy.
✔️ Saratoga Race Track (seasonal)
Shockingly kid-friendly! General admission starts at $7, and children 12 and under can sign up for the free “Racing Insider” program, which includes prizes and activities on family days.
Where to Stay in Saratoga Springs on a Budget
Saratoga Springs has a good mix of motels, small hotels, and family-run spots that don’t feel cookie-cutter.
These picks keep you close to the state park and downtown without climbing into resort-price territory, and a couple even come with perks like extra space or kitchenettes.
Cozy stays with just the right amount of kitsch.
✔️ Saratoga Cabins – $$
Cabin-style stays with kitchenettes and outdoor space, just minutes from Spa State Park. Great for spreading out or making your own meals.
Rates often dip under $150/night depending on the season and setup.
✔️ Brookmere Hotel – $$
A low-key boutique option that feels like a splurge but isn’t.
Double rooms start around $136/night, and the location makes it easy to bounce between the park and downtown without much planning.
✔️ Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge – $–$$
A retro motel turned modern stay, right on Broadway. It’s walkable to just about everything, and rooms can hover around $140/night during shoulder seasons.
✔️ Local Chain Hotels – $–$$
You’ll find solid, family-friendly basics like pools, free breakfast, and bigger rooms just outside downtown. Think Comfort Inn, Hampton, and Fairfield… usually $110–$180/night, especially if you book midweek.
TLJ Saratoga Springs Tip:
Saratoga’s splash pads and playgrounds are low-key heroes of any family visit, and most visitors have no idea they exist.
East Side Rec and West Side Rec both have free splash pads that are perfect for cooling off on hot afternoons.
Gavin Park has another great one with tons of open space and a shaded playground.
And Congress Park is a favorite for its downtown location, carousel, and laid-back picnic spots.
Catskills, NY:
Budget Friendly Stays and Retro Mountain Vibes
The Catskills are a sweet spot for families looking for a little adventure without the overscheduling.
Think quirky roadside attractions, splash-worthy creeks, scenic drives, mountain views, and just the right amount of weird.
Whether you’re into outdoor activities, retro motels, or waterfall picnics, this budget-friendly destination has all the ingredients for an affordable family getaway… no credit card regret included.
Because every good trip needs a mug moment.
Things to Do in the Catskills with Kids That Won’t Break the Bank
From roadside art to rail biking and retro factories, the Catskills are filled with family-friendly attractions that feel special without the high bill at the end.
These are our favorite stops to build a flexible trip with outdoor activities, quirky museums, and budget-friendly ways to keep everyone entertained.
Trails, snacks, and no screens in sight.
✔️ Kaaterskill Falls
One of the tallest waterfalls in New York and a favorite for first-time hikers. The trail to the viewing platform is only 0.3 miles… just enough of an “adventure” for little legs.
✔️ Esopus Creek at Marbletown Town Park
Easy creek access, a shaded playground, and picnic tables make this a solid, low-key stop. Let the kids splash while you sneak in lunch and a breather. Totally free.
✔️ Zoom Flume Water Park
Slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool that’s just chaotic enough.
Regular admission is $44.99, but you can often find deals through Price Chopper or Groupon (we’ve seen prices as low as $34.99).
✔️ Catskills Rail Explorers
Pedal-powered rail bikes along a scenic track… part novelty, part workout, and fully fun for all ages.
Babies can be worn, toddlers can ride safely, and no one has to steer. Tours range from 4 to 8 miles. It’s not the cheapest activity, but it’s definitely one of the most memorable. Book early.
✔️ Opus 40
This massive outdoor sculpture park was hand-built from bluestone by one artist over 37 years… and yes, it’s as wild and impressive as it sounds.
The winding paths, tunnels, and unexpected viewpoints make it surprisingly fun for kids to explore. Admission is $16 for adults, $13 for youth ages 6–15, and $6 for kids 5 and under.
✔️ The Den of Marbletown
A tiny museum packed with vintage teddy bears and stuffed animal oddities, tucked inside a historic farmhouse. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for kids, and it’s just the right amount of oddball.
✔️ Emerson Kaleidoscope
Part visual show, part giant trippy silo, this is the self proclaimed “world’s largest kaleidoscope” and a solid rainy-day backup. $5 for adults, free for kids under 12, and the gift shop’s pretty fun too. It’s also featured in our guide to weird road trip stops worth pulling over for.
Affordable Places to Stay in the Catskills
The Catskills have no shortage of motels, cabin-style inns, and small resorts that make for easy, family-friendly hotel stays with plenty of space to breathe in that mountain air.
These picks strike the right balance of fun extras and budget-friendly rates… some even feel like the trip itself.
Records, a fireplace, and enough room to exhale at Hotel Dylan.
✔️ Hotel Dylan – $$
A boutique-style stay with a relaxed vibe and extras like vinyl records, books, board games, and a seasonal pool.
Rates usually start around $199/night, and it works well for families who want something cooler than a chain hotel.
✔️ The Graham & Co. – $$$
This modernized motel has a “disconnect and recharge” feel, with no TVs, limited cell service, and bikes you can borrow.
The deluxe double room has a kitchenette and two bedrooms, making it ideal for bigger families. Expect $250–$300/night.
✔️ Catskill Seasons Inn – $
A classic Catskills pick that keeps it simple: pool, on-site trails, tennis courts, and space for kids to roam.
Rates start at $115/night, and it’s one of the best value stays in the region.
TLJ Catskills Tip:
The Catskills are bigger than most people realize, and trying to cover too much usually just means more time in the car.
Pick one area, such as Windham, Phoenicia, Kingston, or Mount Tremper, and treat it like your backyard for the weekend.
Everything feels easier when you’re not chasing the next town over and trying to do it all.
Mystic, CT:
Small Town Waterfront, Big Family Energy
Mystic may be small, but it packs in plenty… waterfront charm, hands-on museums, and just enough weird to keep things interesting.
It’s an easy win for families looking for a classic New England getaway with kid-friendly attractions, walkable fun, and fewer crowds than the Cape.
Live your best maritime life.
Affordable Things to Do with Kids in Mystic
Most of Mystic’s best family attractions are clustered near the seaport and aquarium, making it easy to plan a full day without a lot of driving.
Whether you’re kayaking, museum hopping, or exploring Olde Mistick Village, these spots offer a mix of fun, flexibility, and easy access.
Mystic’s a great home base, but there’s a lot more to explore nearby. Don’t miss these other fun things to do in Connecticut for families.
Shopping, sugar, and a serious photo op.
✔️ Mystic Seaport Museum
A full-day win with historic ships, hands-on exhibits, and a 19th-century village that doesn’t feel like homework.
Admission is $32 for adults, $22 for kids (4–17), and free under 3. Pack snacks and the stroller or grab food on-site… it’s a lot of walking.
✔️ Olde Mistick Village
An open-air shopping village with ducks to feed, snack stops galore, and just enough weird little shops to keep kids curious.
It’s free to wander and right next to the aquarium, making it a perfect combo stop.
✔️ Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Live animals, easy trails, and a nature play area tucked into the woods.
Admission is $10/adults, $7/kids (3–12), and under 3 is free. Great for burning energy without overcommitting.
✔️ Adventure Mystic
Rent a clear-bottom kayak for $60/hour or grab bikes to cruise along the river.
It’s a fun way to get moving and see Mystic from a different perspective. Best for elementary-age kids and up.
✔️ Williams Beach Park
Mystic’s only public beach is small but kid-friendly, with a playground and sandy shoreline that’s just right for a post-lunch cool down. Free to use, and often overlooked by tourists.
✔️ The Velvet Mill (Stonington)
A former textile mill turned creative hub, this indoor space is packed with artist studios, small shops, and a mix of food and drink spots… plus just enough room for kids to explore while you sip a coffee.
It’s a solid rainy-day option or a quick stop when you need a break from the downtown crowds.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Mystic, CT
Mystic hotels can be pricey in the summer, but there are still solid options… especially if you’re comfortable with a motel vibe or a chain that keeps things simple.
These spots keep you close to the action and give you a comfy place to crash after a day full of snacks, sea creatures, and wandering the village.
Bonus points for having an indoor pool and a walkable location.
✔️ Holiday Inn Express Mystic – Groton Area – $$
Just a few minutes from the aquarium and Olde Mistick Village, this spot checks all the family boxes: indoor pool, free breakfast, and clean, comfy rooms. Rates typically start around $184/night.
✔️ Hilton Mystic – $$
Right across from the Mystic Aquarium and next to Olde Mistick Village, this one makes it easy to knock out a few big attractions without hopping back in the car.
It has an indoor pool, on-site dining, and rooms that usually start around $170/night.
✔️ Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton – $
A newer, budget-friendly option with free breakfast and an outdoor pool.
It’s a short drive from downtown Mystic and often one of the best value picks in the area. Rates start at $130/night.
TLJ Mystic Tip:
Mystic looks walkable, but with kids in tow, driving and parking is often the better move, especially between the seaport and downtown.
Plan your day around clusters (like Mystic Aquarium + Olde Mistick Village or Downtown Mystic+ kayaking) and don’t skip Olde Mistick Village just because it looks touristy. It’s actually fun.
Pioneer Valley, MA:
A Budget Friendly Family Escape with Artsy Extras
Pioneer Valley is one of those places that flies under the radar but totally overdelivers. Think college-town energy, quirky museums, low-key hikes, and enough farm stand snacks to keep everyone happy.
It’s easy to explore, packed with budget-friendly gems, and feels like the kind of affordable family getaway you’ll want to return to.
Proof that weird can be wonderful.
Inexpensive Things to Do with Kids in Pioneer Valley
The Pioneer Valley is full of spots that feel thoughtful, creative, and refreshingly low effort to pull off.
You’ll find nature trails, interactive museums, and stops that sneak in a little learning without feeling like school.
These go-to picks make it easy to build a fun, affordable day without overthinking it.
Hands-on activities at Yankee Candle Village. Pour, layer, sniff, repeat.
✔️ Eric Carle Museum – Amherst
A beautiful, creative space focused on picture book art, with hands-on exhibits, an art studio, and a well-curated shop. $15/adults, $8/kids (ages 1–18)
✔️ Yankee Candle Village – South Deerfield
Not just candles… this place has indoor snowfall, toy shops, and a make-your-own candle station. Free to visit, activities vary in cost
✔️ Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – South Deerfield
A tropical indoor greenhouse filled with butterflies, frogs, and birds. Great for little ones and a solid rainy-day option. $16/adults, $10/kids (ages 3–17)
✔️ Flayvors of Cook Farm – Hadley
A working dairy farm where you can visit the cows, say hi to a goat or two, and eat some seriously good homemade ice cream.
Don’t skip the ice cream taco… it’s as fun as it sounds and made with a gluten-free shell.
✔️ Three Sisters Sanctuary – Goshen
Whimsical and weird in the best way… outdoor mosaics, sculptures, and art that kids can explore and touch.
$20/adults, kids 12 and under free (*nobody turned away, but give what you can)
✔️ Great Falls Discovery Center – Turners Falls
Free, interactive exhibits about the Connecticut River’s natural and cultural history. A quick but meaningful stop.
✔️ Poet’s Seat Tower – Greenfield
Climb this stone tower built on a 190-million-year-old lava flow. Totally free and feels like a mini-adventure with stunning views.
✔️ Hometown Arcade – Northampton
A retro arcade with 40+ vintage games like Pac-Man, pinball, and other classics you forgot you loved.
Play unlimited all day for $20, or grab a one-hour pass for $10. Kids 4 and under play for free, making it an easy yes when you need some indoor fun.
Where to Stay in the Pioneer Valley for Less
You won’t find resort-style stays here, but you will find charming inns, solid chain hotels, and the occasional rental that hits that sweet spot of space, comfort, and price.
These places to stay in the Pioneer Valley make a great home base without eating up your whole budget.
A peaceful place to stay... with a waterfall soundtrack at The Old Mill Inn.
✔️ D Hotel & Suites – Holyoke
One of the more family-friendly hotels in the area, with updated rooms, an indoor pool, and free breakfast that actually hits the spot. Around $130–$160/night
✔️The Old Mill Inn – Hatfield
This riverside boutique B&B sits above a charming waterfall, so you can literally fall asleep to nature’s soundtrack. Mornings begin with a complimentary breakfast featuring house-baked scones and fresh-brewed local coffee.
Rooms are generally under $200/night… great value for a place that feels like a getaway.
✔️ Airbnb
If you’re the type who values space, a kitchen, and not sharing walls with strangers, Pioneer Valley has plenty of solid Airbnb options.
Look around Amherst, Deerfield, or Hadley for homes with backyard space, kid-friendly setups, and easy access to the area’s best things to do.
TLJ Pioneer Valley Tip:
Pioneer Valley looks spread out on the map, but most towns are 15–20 minutes from each other.
Base yourself in Amherst or Hadley, and you can get almost everywhere without a long haul.
How to Choose Between These Affordable Family Vacation Ideas
All five of these affordable family vacation ideas bring something different to the table… but, they’ve got one thing in common: they’re fun, flexible, and don’t require a second job to pull off.
Here’s how to determine which one best suits your family.
If your family loves farms, amusement parks, and full-day play…
You’ll love Lancaster, PA. It’s packed with all-day attractions that are built for younger kids and easy on your budget if you play your cards right (hint: hotel perks matter here).
If you want a mix of beach-town charm and hands-on fun…
Head to Mystic, CT. With an aquarium, a seaport, kayaking, and indoor options for rainy days, it’s a win for short trips or weekend escapes.
If splash zones, arcades, and classic summer vibes are your thing…
Saratoga Springs, NY is a solid bet. The state park alone can keep your family busy, and the lodging options make it surprisingly easy to stay near the action.
If your crew loves offbeat art, retro stops, and nature with a twist…
Check out the Catskills, NY. You’ll find everything from waterfalls to rail biking to kaleidoscopes, with just enough weird to keep it interesting.
If you’re looking for creative, low-key, and a little educational…
Pioneer Valley, MA has that thoughtful New England feel, with picture book museums, farms, and trails that are actually fun for kids—not just scenic for parents.
Happy Travels…
