Are you looking for spring break ideas on a budget? You're in luck! We have 10 fun and affordable spring break ideas for families. No matter what your interests are, we have something for you. From visiting nearby national parks to taking a road trip to exploring new cities, we've got you covered. Plus, we'll show you how to find deals and save money on hotels and other expenses. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your spring break today!
Go on a Camping Trip
Spend some quality time with your family in the great outdoors! Camping is an affordable way to enjoy nature and bond with your loved ones.
A family camping trip can be a fun and affordable way to spend quality time together in the great outdoors. Contrary to popular belief, camping does not have to be an expensive activity. With just a few basic pieces of gear, families can enjoy all that nature has to offer without breaking the bank. For example, a tent, sleeping bags, and camp stove are essential items that can be purchased for a relatively low cost. You can all of the basics on Amazon.com {insert Amazon affiliate link to camping gear}
Other items such as chairs, lanterns, and coolers can also enhance the camping experience but are not necessarily required. Families can save money by borrowing or these items instead of purchasing them outright. Additionally, many campsites offer amenities such as restrooms and showers that eliminate the need for expensive RVs or other luxury accommodations.
ReneeRoaming has a great article on How to Camp for Free across the U.S..
By focusing on the basics and embracing simplicity, families can create lasting memories while enjoying the beauty of nature together. Plus your next trip will be even more affordable since you already have everything you need.
Road Trip
A road trip to nearby cities or off-the-main-road attractions can be an affordable and exciting way to spend spring break with your family. Exploring new places together can be a great way to bond while creating lasting memories. There are many destinations that are within driving distance, making it easy to plan a budget-friendly trip that won't require expensive airfare or hotel accommodations.
One of the best things about taking a road trip is the opportunity to discover hidden gems along the way. Off-the-beaten-path attractions like quirky roadside stops, scenic hiking trails, and charming small towns can offer unique experiences that you might not find in more popular tourist destinations. Many of these attractions are free or low-cost, making them an excellent option for families on a budget. Additionally, packing your own snacks and meals and staying in affordable lodging options like campgrounds or budget hotels can help keep costs down.
Beach Day
Taking the family to the beach for a day trip during spring break can be a fun and affordable way to spend quality time together. With miles of sandy beaches, sparkling water, and plenty of sunshine, the beach offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Best of all, many beaches offer free admission or charge only a small fee for parking, making it an inexpensive option for families on a budget.
There are many activities that families can enjoy at the beach without spending a lot of money. Building sandcastles, flying kites, playing beach volleyball or Frisbee, and taking long walks along the shore are just a few examples. Families can also pack their own meals and snacks instead of eating out at expensive restaurants. Bringing a picnic lunch or grilling on the beach can be a fun and memorable experience that won't break the bank. With so much to see and do at the beach, families can create lasting memories while enjoying each other's company in the great outdoors.
If you are going during spring break it's best to avoid well know popular beaches like Myrtle Beach or Daytona. You can find state park beaches or ones between big cities that will be less crowded and more enjoyable.
Museum Visit
A family visit to nearby museums can provide numerous benefits for both parents and children. Museums offer a wealth of knowledge, history, and culture that can be both entertaining and educational. Visiting a museum as a family can create a shared experience that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
Children who visit museums often develop an interest in learning about the world around them and may become inspired to pursue further education or careers in related fields. Museums will often have free kid friendly activities to keep your kids engaged.
Many museums offer free admission or discounted rates for families. Check your destination first to see if they offer a free museum day that lines up with your spring break.
Helpful Tip
Did you know you can use a SNAP card for free entry to many museums throughout the U.S.? Museums4all.org provides a complete list of participating museums.
Visit National Parks
Many national parks offer free admission during certain times of the year, including spring break.
National Parks are some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in the world. They offer a unique opportunity to explore some of America's most stunning landscapes, from towering mountains to vast deserts and everything in between. While visiting a National Park, there are endless activities to enjoy. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in National Parks, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks. Some of the best hikes include Angels Landing in Zion National Park, the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park, and the Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park.
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, scenic drives are another great way to explore the parks. Many parks have designated routes that allow visitors to take in breath-taking views from their car, such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Glacier National Park or the Blue Ridge Parkway at Shenandoah National Park. Additionally, many parks offer ranger-led activities such as guided hikes or educational programs that teach visitors about the park's history and wildlife. With so much to see and do, visiting a National Park is an unforgettable experience that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.
The National Park Service has created a database to find parks near you. You can search by the park name or browse nearby locations in your state. Check out: https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm
For smaller parks, a Google search for "National Parks near me" will provide a map and directions to the closest parks.
Picnic in the Park
Pack a picnic lunch and head to your local park for an afternoon of fresh air and sunshine.
Volunteer Together
Find opportunities to volunteer as a family at local organizations such as animal shelters or food banks. It's an excellent way to give back while spending time together.
Explore Local Farmers' Markets
One of the best things about visiting a farmer's market is the opportunity to try new foods and learn about where your food comes from. Many farmers are eager to share their knowledge and expertise with visitors, providing information on how their crops are grown, tips for cooking with seasonal produce, and more. Additionally, many markets offer live music or other entertainment, making it a fun outing for the whole family.
Visiting a farmer's market can also be an affordable way to spend time with your family during spring break. While some items may be more expensive than what you would find at the grocery store, many vendors offer competitive prices on high-quality products. Moreover, by purchasing directly from farmers and artisans, you're supporting local businesses and helping to strengthen your community.
These days many stands will accept SNAP EBT benefit cards or other debit cards like Healthy Option cards offered by some Medicare Advantage plans.
Check Out Flea Markets for Hidden Treasures
Taking your family to flea markets can be a fun and exciting experience. Flea markets offer a unique shopping experience, with a wide variety of vendors selling everything from vintage clothing and antique furniture to handmade crafts and artisanal foods. Browsing through the stalls together can be a great way for families to bond while discovering hidden treasures that they might not find anywhere else.
One of the best things about flea markets is the element of surprise. You never know what you might find as you wander through the aisles. Your family may stumble upon rare collectibles, quirky home decor items, or even valuable antiques that have been overlooked by others. The thrill of discovering these hidden gems can be an exciting experience for both parents and children alike. In addition, many flea market vendors are passionate about their wares and love sharing their knowledge with customers, making it an educational opportunity as well.
Overall, taking your family to flea markets is a great way to spend time together while exploring new places and discovering unique treasures. Whether you're looking for something specific or just browsing for fun, there's always something interesting to see at a flea market. With so much variety and potential for discovery, it's no wonder that this classic pastime remains popular among families today.
Check which days the flea market is open to line up with your spring break vacation. Many markets are not open during the week.
Google will be your best friend for finding flea markets and the days they are open.
How to Save Money Planning Your Spring Break Trip
Once you have your trip planned you can lower the costs even further by maximizing your rewards points to get things like free hotel rooms.
Use Rewards Programs
Sign up for rewards programs from airlines, hotels, and credit cards to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights or discounted stays.
Companies like Marriot have credit cards that offer bonus points when you sign up and free bonus nights for using their card. Turn an expensive spring break into a cheap spring break trip when your room is paid with points.
If you are unable to get a credit card you can find low-cost rooms on discount sites like:
or check for places to stay on sites like:
- Airbnb
- Virbo
Get Money Back When You Fill Your Tank
You can find gas apps that will pay you money back for every fill-up. Companies like Shell and BP run their own programs while Get Upside finds cash-back options from many different companies. Use these apps all year and you could have your spring break trip gas bill covered.
Do a Side Hustle and Earn the Extra Money for an Incredible Vacation
You could be putting $500 - $1000 a month towards your vacation. If you have a couple of extra hours a week you could consider donating plasma.
Or become a driver for UberEats or GrubHub and put that extra income towards booking a trip to an all-inclusive resort for the family.
Share Your Spring Break Destination Pics for Free
One last great way to save money for your spring break trip and share photos and videos with your friends and family is with free cell phone service.
The government created the Affordable Connectivity Program to help over 40% of U.S. households just like you get connected to the internet and cut or even eliminate their monthly cell phone bill. When you apply for this program with EASY Wireless you may be eligible for FREE Wireless Cell Phone and Data service.
It only takes a couple of minutes to see if you qualify for this program and enjoy month after month of free cell phone service. Learn more at EASY Wireless.
Tons of Fun Spring Break Ideas
Make sure to maximize the fun and minimize expenses on your spring break adventure! Whether it's a picnic in close proximity or an affordable vacation with amazing deals, there are countless ways for everyone to enjoy this memorable time. With our convenient tips, you can come back from spring break without any hefty bills but only fond memories.
