Top 5 Kid Friendly Vacations

When it comes to kid friendly vacations, you have more options than you think. From the best beach vacations and the best family resorts to your basic cheap summer vacations (or staycations) at local theme parks or campgrounds. Make the most of your family time this year with one of these great kids vacations.

All Inclusive Family Resort

Although this type of resort can be spendy, most all-inclusive resort fees include lodging, food and drink (including alcohol), taxes, tips, non-motorized water sports, organized activities, and children's day programs, and evening entertainment. When you take all this into consideration, you may save money.

High season is generally Christmas through Spring Break. Prices usually drop by April. Off season rates are a good option if you can work around school schedules.

Midwest Vacations

Midwest vacations allow many people to drive instead of fly to their vacation destination. That almost always saves money. Midwest vacation destinations give you everything from the beauty of an urban skyline to that of a rugged mountain range. The Midwest truly offers a vacation destination for every family. Take your pick from the entertainment of Branson, the sophistication of Chicago, or the wet and wild fun of the Wisconsin Dells. Take in the natural beauty at a Jellystone Campground and expand your family's horizons at Mt. Rushmore.

Beach Vacations

Yes, beach vacations can also be cheap summer vacations. The key to the best beach vacations (at least those that are inexpensive) is planning. If you don't live near the ocean, a trip there is an amazing adventure that kids will never forget. In fact, they may beg to return every year! While a beach vacation is one of the best trips you can take with your children, you’ll need to be strategic to pull it off without overextending your credit cards. Important things to remember for kid friendly vacations at the beach: plan your accommodations well ahead of time, drive/don’t fly, plan to cook!

The Staycation

The term staycation grew in popularity after the economic downturn in 2008. However, thrifty types like me have been “going” on cheap vacations by vacationing at home for years. You’d be surprised what you can find in your own hometown (or close by) when you get creative. Staying home for vacation can actually be quite fun if you approach it with the right attitude and a plan. Pamper yourself and your family, be a tourist, eat at strange restaurants, and learn something new about home.

Camping

Camping is one of the best (and least expensive) vacations with kids you can take. And the experience creates memories that can last a lifetime. The trick is in the planning. There’s nothing worse than running out of marshmallows or toilet paper halfway through your time at the lake. I recommend state parks because they are cheap and usually have a nice (decent?) bathroom with showers. Other than that, camping is all about the food. Bring lots of easy to cook items like hot dogs and ready made burger patties. Also load up on premade salads and desserts at the deli (or make them yourself). And don’t forget the sunscreen.

Image Credit: Jerry, Flickr