Summer is well underway.  But, there’s still time to plan an affordable summer getaway the whole family will enjoy.

Whether your family enjoys the great outdoors, relaxing on the beach, an activity-packed destination or a trip that combines it all, here are several great vacation ideas that won’t break the bank.

San Diego, California 

There are tons of family activities in sunny San Diego…from

theme parks, water parks, and family-friendly museums to miles of beautiful beaches. San Diego’s top family attractions include the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Legoland California and the museums in Balboa Park. The Go San Diego Card offers up to a 50 percent discount on these attractions. 

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park offers an array of activities to inspire the entire family. From the park’s renowned geysers, geothermic wonders like Grand Prismatic Spring and Mammoth Hot Springs, this destination is sure to create long-lasting vacation memories. Summer is peak season for hotel rates, but you can drastically reduce this cost by bringing your own tent or RV.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls State Park is an adventure-packed experience everyone in your family is sure to love.  Enjoy breathtaking views, miles of hiking trails, fireworks over the falls, and more. This destination offers reasonably priced hotels and attractions…plus a favorable exchange rate if you visit the Canadian side of the falls.

The Outer Banks

The barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina offer relaxation and adventure. The coastline’s quietbeaches are its main draw but the area also affords a multitude of activities for the family including horseback riding, hand gliding, water sports, touring shipwrecks and historical sites such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Branson 

Nestled within the Ozarks in Missouri, this town has become a favorite family vacation destination. Described as a “Disney World Meets Nashville,” this destination offers Silver Dollar City, with its thrilling rides and good, clean fun family atmosphere as well as ample educational opportunities like the Titanic Museum and the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. For the music lovers, there are also a variety of performance venues that are sure to entertain the whole family with singing, dancing and music.

Winter Park 

Not only is this Colorado resort town a wonderful family winter destination, it’s great in the summer too. Families can enjoy affordable hotel rates and plenty of fun-packed activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting, zip lining and the state’s longest alpine slide.

Williamsburg 

Virginia’s colonial Williamsburg offers all the history a family could want. This city appeals to all age groups with nearby Water Country USA and Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Combo tickets are available to reduce costs.

Catskills

This spot in southeast New York offers many ways for families to occupy their vacation time. Just a scenic two hour drive north of New York City, families can hike the Catskill Park, walk through Thomas Cole’s house, paddleboard out to the historic Hudson-Athens lighthouse or fly down the longest, fastest and highest zipline canopy tour in North America. In addition, all-inclusive, family-oriented resorts are available for extra savings…or you could rough it at one of the many local campgrounds. 

Cruising

Cruises are virtually all-inclusive vacations. One price includes accommodations, meals, activities on board the ship, kids programs and entertainment. It’s all included in one price. It’s a great vacation for both parents and kids.

So, before the sun goes down on summer, get planning!