From laid-back islands to charming small towns and bustling cities, here are some great getaways on a budget.
Family vacations take some planning, especially if you’re looking to stay within a certain budget.
It’s full of hands-on exhibits, including a touch tank with creatures from Frenchman Bay.
Getty Images
Once you visit, you’ll see why Maine is considered one of thebest places to travel in August.
Lisbon
Ready to take your kids to Europe?
InLisbon, families can enjoy an all-in-one city and beach vacation.
Getty Images
Ribeira Beach is popular in the summerit overlooks the fishing harbor and has calm water perfect for swimming.
There are other beaches just east of this spot if you need more room to spread out.
Its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and great waves are perfect for families.
Walter Bibikow / Getty Images
Families can enjoy hiking, ropes courses, gondola rides, and climbing walls in a single day.
Buy yourday passesearlythese provide access to all the activities notedto secure the best available prices.
The star of the island is the historicGrand Hotel, which opened its doors in 1887.
Getty Images
Kids can also spend the day playing lawn games and mini-golf.
Booking in advance and choosing apackage or less-busy “value dates"will make your stay less expensive.
If your family wants to visit multiple attractions, it can get expensive.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Kids will love visiting the resident burros and the blacksmith shop.
Grab a Junior Ranger booklet from the visitor center to get the full experience.
TheSaint Louis Zoois another free option, where you might see lemurs, elephants, and anteaters up close.
Chelsea Loren/Travel + Leisure
TheSaint Louis Art Museumis especially kid-friendly on Sundays when it offers a special program with hands-on art activities.
you’re able to’t visit St. Louis without a stop at the iconicGateway Arch.
If your family is into mini-golf, this seaside town boasts over 30 courses.
Barry Winiker / Getty Images
Many families choose to stay at a property with its own entertainment to keep costs down.
The pass has single- and multiday options, including up to six days at a steep discount.
Plan ahead, though, as some of these attractions require free timed passes for entry.
Haizhan Zheng / Getty Images
you’re free to also reserve free timed tickets online for a guided tour of theU.S.
When you need a break, grab a bite atSylvester’s Burgersthe garlic fries are out of this world.
Cozy up in theGrand Canyon Lodgebook early to secure a roomor reserve a campsite at the North Rim Campground.
Getty Images
Sean Pavone Photo / Getty Images
Maria Klenner,/Travel + Leisure
Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure
Danita Delimont, Getty Images / Gallo Images
Mitch Diamond / Getty Images
Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure
Dean Fikar / Getty Images
