From Alabama to Kentucky, we have budget-friendly travel ideas to ignite your exploration. Don't let finances hold you back; let the journey begin!
Summer is a great time to let that wanderlust forge your family plans. Affordable travel destinations around the US ensure that touring with your family or friends is fun and easy on your bank account. Even if you're on a budget, with your bags packed, updated maps, and a full gas tank, you can travel to undiscovered, cheap vacation spots near you.
Here are some free or budget-friendly tourist attractions from Alabama to Kentucky that will suit the whole family. Keep an eye on our other two blog posts (Part 2 and Part 3) for the top cheap vacation spots in other US states.
The Birmingham Museum of Art and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts offer free admission and an inspiring selection of art exhibitions, sculpture gardens, and programs, including floral arrangements, guided yoga, junior art classes, coffee hangouts, and artist talks.
Explore the 11 miles of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, offering one of the most beautiful coastal trails in Anchorage. Armed with hiking snacks for the kids, wander the scented forest or spot beluga whales as you near the oceanside.
Explore the unknown beauty of cacti, trees, and flowers at the Desert Botanical Garden. For free admission, head there on Community Day, the second Tuesday of every month.
Experience the beauty of Thorncrown Chapel, a serene and awe-inspiring architectural marvel. Free admission and donations are welcomed.
Discover your favorite jelly bean flavor with a free tour of the Jelly Belly Factory. The tour happens at 1 pm every day and comes with free samples! What's not to love?
Visit the elaborate Gothic castle in the San Isabel National Forest. From wrought-iron bridges, stained glass windows, and even a metallic fire-breathing dragon, you'll feel like you've entered a new world. What's amazing about this castle is that it only took one man to build it, starting in 1967. Admission is free.
Gather some books for your summer reading and visit the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University. This unique library is an architectural marvel with its six-story glass stack tower and has the largest rare book collection. A worthwhile tourist attraction for all bookworms, young and old.
Is there an aspiring engineer or pilot in the family? Kids of all ages will love being shown around the Air Mobility Command Museum tourist attraction with a veteran. This free tour includes a tour of over 30 military aircraft.
Discover the historic charm of Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Immerse yourself in rich history, pristine beaches, and beautiful nature trails for an unforgettable coastal adventure. There is a small entrance fee of $6.50 per two people in a vehicle and an additional $0.50 per additional person.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Piedmont Park. This urban oasis offers lush green spaces, scenic views, recreational activities, and a host of events for a perfect day of outdoor enjoyment. Entrance is free, but you must pay $5 to use the pool. Remember the sunscreen!
Indulge in the natural beauty of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and encounter a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life. Free entry for Hawai'i residents (with ID), or $25 per non-Hawai'i resident over 13 years.
Follow our money-saving hiking tips to make the most of a Tubbs Hill Nature Trails visit. The scenic trails are suitable for the whole family, with breathtaking views, shoreline walks, and a two-mile loop with educational historical points. No fee.
Free for the past 150 years, this zoo offers a world of diverse wildlife, engaging exhibits, and family-friendly activities for an unforgettable zoo experience. Time your visit with one of their many fun events.
Take your family to discover vintage trucks and artifacts that showcase the evolution of the trucking industry. The informative exhibits, video content, and historical timelines will help kids understand how trucking has changed. Admission is free, and donations are welcomed.
The Great Plains Nature Center is free to visit. It offers immersive experiences in the region's diverse wildlife and habitats and provides education on flora and fauna, as well as injured or orphaned animals. As a visitor, you can explore the trails, join a specific event (most are also free), and learn about conservation.
Visit Roland Bland Park in downtown Bowling Green. Come ready with your picnic (try these summer rolls) while the kids explore the many offerings from a vibrant playground, hill slides, sports courts, and skatepark. Fire up the grill on one of the available grills while your family spends the day enjoying everything that Roland Bland Park has to offer.
Remember, it's always a good idea to check the operating hours and any adjusted entry fees for these cheap vacation spots. If you're traveling to other states not mentioned on this list, look out for our parts two and three in this series of budget-friendly US destinations.
For more travel and savings tips, explore the Save.com website and submit your details to discover whether we deliver our Coupon Book Savings in your neighborhood. Enjoy your summer adventures with your family!
