Light wallets are no longer excuses to miss out on a fabulous family summer vacation! Here are three alternative and affordable family get-a-way ideas.

1.    State Park Lodges

America’s national parks are breathtaking making them top tourist attractions. However, travelers don’t realize that there are gorgeous lodges and cabins available to rent in them! When you lodge at a state park, you wake up every morning to the crisp morning air and the sound of wind whistling through the gigantic trees. Your day is open to hiking or biking in beautiful nature and fishing or kayaking in the rivers and lakes. Believe it or not, some state parks even have golf courses!

To find state park lodging in your state, simply Google search, “(California) state park lodging/accommodations.”

2.    Family Camps

I remember absolutely loving going to family camps during the summer. Staying in cabins, eating in dining halls with the rest of the camp, enjoying outdoor activities, and singing songs and making s’mores around a campfire makes it a classic summer camp experience just with your whole fam-bamily!

Staying at a family camp tends to run a bit pricier than other affordable trip ideas. However, the cost evens out because food and activities are all inclusive!

3.    Summer Ski Lodges

Ski resorts are not only for white winters! During the summer months ski lifts carry bikers and hikers up to sky-high trails, lodges serve as venues for concerts, wide open grass plains are filled with kids playing Frisbee golf, creating arts and crafts, and watching evening outdoor movies, and the rivers and lakes are brimming with rafters, swimmers, and boaters.

Don’t limit your travel plans to lodges. Condos are a great affordable way to shack up. Search for summer condo deals in your state at HomeAway.com.

 

-Emily Freeman