50 Best Family Vacation Ideas on a Budget
From all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean to quick beach U.S. getaways, there's something for every traveler.
Your kids are practically travel influencers, according to a new survey from Hilton involving more than 13,000 travelers. About 70% of respondents with kids reported that they choose vacation destinations based on their children's preferences. So where will your tiny tourists love that will also be a vacation for you? Behold our heavily researched, expert-vetted list of the best family vacation destinations to visit now.
We checked out most of these 50 spots, often with our kids and teens, as part of Good Housekeeping's Family Travel Awards program for 2024 and 2025. "It was the first real vacation we ever had," beamed one parent of an elementary schooler who previously tried several other resorts. Another added, "We're coming back next year with my sister and her kids — it's that good!"
In addition to rave reviews, travel experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute kept budget in mind when choosing our favorites. It's not lost on us that travel is getting more expensive. So we focused on resorts that provide great value, from kids-stay-free deals to complimentary breakfast. For the few splurgier spots, rest assured they're worth every penny.
Whether you're looking to chill out at an all-inclusive resort, get active in the great outdoors, check out new attractions at a theme park, hit the beach or cozy up at a ski resort, there's a destination or experience here to match every vacation vibe and party size.
Mexico and the Caribbean
Spend your days rolling in the waves, relaxing by the pool or enjoying quiet time (thanks to some superior kids' clubs) at these island resorts.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Rivera Maya, Mexico
With massive waterparks, daily slimings and character meet-and-greets galore, the kids have it made at both locations of all-inclusive Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts. But grown-ups aren’t left out of the fun. Tequila tastings, spa treatments and romantic dinners can be on your agenda thanks to the supervised club for kids ages 4 to 12.
While you probably wouldn’t be booking a SpongeBob-themed room if you didn’t have the kids in tow, the decor is as mod and classy as it can be. "This was hands down the best experience we’ve had taking my 3-year-old son anywhere," said a Good Housekeeping tester of the Dominican Republic location, which was named a GH 2025 Family Travel Awards winner. "I have already recommended it to a bunch of neighbors."
All the accommodations are suites that sleep up to five and have two bathrooms. Suites have direct access to a pool from the balcony. (Yes, even on the top floor!)
Embassy Suites by Hilton Resort, Aruba
A brand that's popular with families because it offers separate sleeping spaces for kids and adults, Embassy Suites opened a location in Aruba. (Pinch us now.) The 330-suite hotel boasts a kids' pool and playground and is just steps away from the iconic Eagle Beach. A breakfast buffet (with made-to-order items) is included in the price, which is already a value. Rooms also feature a kitchenette, so you can stash drinks and snacks and save your budget for the island's many incredible water activities. "The service at the resort was great. The staff was warm and personable, making us feel welcomed from the moment we arrived," said a Good Housekeeping staffer who recently visited. A kids' club is coming soon so you can enjoy some adult-only R&R or hit the fitness center.
SLS Playa Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico
Kids ages 12 and under stay free at this new all-inclusive in a gated community about a half hour from the Cancun airport. The kids' and teen clubs are leveled up, including enriching activities like Mexican cooking classes and photography lessons. A variety of room options, some with swim-out access, allow you to easily bring the whole family (including the grandparents). A variety of restaurants, featuring different cuisines, cater to most taste buds and dietary preferences.
Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Winner of a 2025 Family Travel Award, Atlantis is a top choice for families of all ages looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Its adrenaline-pumping waterpark features high-speed slides, including a one-of-a-kind tube slide down a Mayan pyramid. Animal encounters, like getting up close to a dolphin, are thrilling in a different way. But on the other side of the massive resort, the beaches are super chill. The gentle water is just perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Supervised clubs for kids, tweens and teens truly wow, so adults can enjoy the casino and a meal at one of the resort's fine-dining restaurants. "Our two favorite restaurants were Silan and Bimini Road," said our Family Travel Awards tester.
Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic
Movies under the stars, trapeze lessons, windsurfing — with cool activities like these, kids will never want to leave this newish resort in the lush, away-from-it-all part of the island. Supervised clubs for babies through teens keep the good times rolling while you’re at the adults-only Zen pool or doing treetop yoga. (Yes, that’s a thing.) Solar panels, recycling, plastic-free water bottles and other sustainable efforts are part of the resort culture.
Beaches Resorts & Spa, Negril, Jamaica and Turks & Caicos
While this all-inclusive resort chain caters to all ages, toddlers and preschoolers will be starstruck. Sesame Street characters entertain them with story times, dance parties and even puppet-making! That’s on top of the mini water slides, splash areas and a playground that makes little ones squeal with glee and wears them out so they’ll hit the sack early.
Private childcare and supervised kids' clubs (for babies through teens, including those with special needs) are an option when you want a spa treatment, a quiet dinner or just to read a book on the resort's idyllic beach. "I loved the Sesame Street theming in the kids' club," said an editor who recently visited the Turks & Caicos location, which won a 2025 GH Family Travel Award. "Kids learn a letter and number of the day! Plus, the kids' club has its own mini pool with the most adorable plush tiny lounge chairs!"
Grand Velas Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico
When you're trying to zero in on a vacation spot in Mexico to take the kids, Los Cabos doesn't usually come to mind. But resorts, like the all-inclusive Grand Velas are helping the Family Travel Award-winning destination appeal to the under 12-crowd and their parents. "Grand Velas has the best food I've ever eaten at an all-inclusive resort," said one editor, who travels frequently with her daughter. "It's such a great value! A restaurant led by a Michelin-star chef is included in the price." And at the resort's buffet restaurant, open for breakfast and lunch, kids have their own selection of American and Mexican food, displayed on tables at their eye level!
New England Cozy
Lakes, lighthouses and hiking trails make New England a great place to visit in almost any season.
Quisisana Resort, Lovell, ME
Kids will get a digital detox at this all-inclusive lakefront resort, but they’ll be too busy playing to miss their devices. Without TV or a Wi-Fi signal in the comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and cabins, they’ll be fully immersed in the slew of included activities — from paddle boating to tennis to sandcastle-building. They might even learn to kayak or catch their first fish.
At night, music fills the resort. Broadway-style shows, held in a new outdoor theater, entertain all generations. There’s something about the fresh air and a choice of lollipops that keeps most kids from getting too wiggly, and the caliber of the performances is at least on par with good community theater. "My teen daughter, who has performed in many local and regional productions, thought the quality of the singing and acting was excellent," said a Good Housekeeping editor. "The shows were the real highlight for her."
The three included daily meals — with menu items like lobster rolls and Maine blueberry pie — will leave your crew’s bellies happy and full. And if you do need Wi-Fi occasionally, you can pop in the main lobby for a signal. Shh: The kids will be fine without it.
Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
Nestled in the Green Mountains, this resort is just as fun in the summer months as it is during prime ski season. Besides eight heated pools (some with waterslides!), the action-packed lineup of family activities has plenty to do whether you’re traveling with a toddler, teen or both. Sing-a-longs, magic shows and scavenger hunts keep little ones entertained while older kids will welcome the chance to take a guided hike, design and launch a water rocket or play glow-in-the-dark volleyball. "There's something to do even on rainy days," said our Family Travel Awards tester. "The resort's indoor Funzone is filled with giant inflatable slides and play structures, as well as games and play space toys."
A GH 2025 Family Travel Awards winner, condos at this property accommodate up to five bedrooms, making it possible for extended family and friends to stay together. Condos are spread throughout the resort; our tester recommends looking at the resort map to find a condo near the activities that you think your family will want to do the most often.
Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, Brewster, MA
Beach, pool, eat, repeat — that’s how your crew will spend laid-back days at this Cape Cod gem. The private beach has gentle surf and at low tide, kids can spy little sea creatures in the tide pools. When the tide changes, head to the heated outdoor or indoor pools. Outdoor movies are the perfect wind-down to bedtime. And if you can pry the kids out of the water, activities like scavenger hunts, curated by the resort’s new director of fun (for real!) await. Just make sure to stay in the “mansion” section of the resort because that’s the part with private beach access.
Sebasco Harbor Resort, Phippsburg, ME
Kids will never forget sleeping in a lighthouse next to the ocean. The resort’s 1945 lighthouse contains recently renovated guest rooms with amazing views, sea breezes and conveniences like a fridge and microwave. The lighthouse rooms are also near the resort’s iconic oceanfront saltwater pool, which recently got a makeover. A vintage bowling alley, weekly pirate cruise and old-school kids' club add to the New England charm.
The Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport, ME
Winner of a 2025 GH Family Travel Award, The Nonantum Resort is a throwback in the best way possible: The kid activities and prices are nostalgic! "My kids loved the bracelet making, crabbing and kayaking offered at complimentary kids' camp," said our tester who has a travel blog. "The young, hands-on counselors made it extra special compared to other resorts." Family rooms that sleep up to six and have twin beds built into a separate space can start as low as $229 per night. Breakfast and a shuttle into town are also included.
Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge, Stowe, VT
A fantastic value, this new '70s-inspired cozy lodge is perfect for families who want to explore Vermont's Green Mountains. The scenic trails of Cady Hill Forest are just steps away and downtown Stowe is about a 10-minute walk. Two- and three-bedroom cottages at Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge have plenty of space for families and a kitchen to boot. A game room, fire pits for s'mores roasting and a pool make hanging at the lodge a nice respite in between nature activities.
California Dreamin'
Choose your Cali adventure: You can find bustling cityscapes, tranquil trails, stunning beaches and even a fairytale castle.
The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa, Oceanside, CA
This stunning So Cal beachfront property is so well-priced, with rooms starting at $349 per night. Located at the mid-point between Anaheim and San Diego and just a few miles from Legoland California, the resort is awesome for recharging after theme park days. There are even family-friendly flicks on the rooftop! A kids' club keeps the littles entertained so you can make an appointment for a treatment at Sunny's Spa & Beauty Lounge.
Los Angeles, CA
Tweens and teens won’t roll their eyes if you suggest a vacay in L.A. — where, trust us, they’ll ask you to eat at In-N-Out-Burger (look cool and say you already had it on the list). Some more must-dos: Visit the Griffith Observatory for the out-of-this-world exhibits and a stellar view of the Hollywood sign, and if you're an outdoorsy family you can hike down from the observatory to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and famous TCL Chinese Theaters.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where anyone 17 and under gets in free, is conveniently located near the classic La Brea Tar Pits and the cool LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). Some outdoor shopping at The Grove L.A. and a beach day in Santa Monica with a spin on the iconic wheel at the Santa Monica Pier will get you more well-deserved parent cred. Or, you can take a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, where, for now, you can find the only Super Nintendo World open in the United States. Stay at the Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood, a hotel from IHG Hotels & Resorts, for a great location near all the action, pool, fantastic service and good value. "We even had a view of the Hollywood sign from our room," said a Good Housekeeping team member who recently visited.
San Diego, CA
Can’t decide between heading to the beach or exploring a big city? San Diego has the best of both worlds, with near-perfect weather to boot. Make your home base a beach resort like the Kona Kai San Diego Resort & Spa, San Diego Mission Bay Resort or, if you're bringing a big group, The Hyatt Vacation Club at the Welk where the starting rate is $150 per night. Intersperse oceanside fun with short drives to the city’s famous zoo and museums in Balboa Park. Plan to spend at least a half day at Liberty Station, a cultural attraction that has many places to eat and shop. New stores and restaurants are open at Seaport Village, which has a classic carousel for kids to ride.
RELATED: The Best Things to Do in San Diego With the Whole Family
Monterey, CA
The number one reason to book a vacation in this coastal town: the aquarium. Yes, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is that good. It levels up the typical touch tank experience by letting little kids crawl through tunnels surrounded by tropical fish displays and use squirt toys to learn how animals stand up to big waves. There’s even a padded zone with eye-level exhibits for toddlers! And the whole family will be wowed by the aquarium’s exhibition "Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean." Some of the creatures in the 21 live exhibit areas are newly discovered and haven’t even been named yet. Mind blown! Stay at the hotel next door, InterContinental The Clement Monterey.
Karen is a seasoned journalist who specializes in travel, book, lifestyle and food coverage. Cicero has visited almost every state with her family (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you next!). She has spoken at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and was previously the senior editor at Parents. A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, Cicero lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
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