Texas Family Vacations On A Budget

Texas Family Vacations On A Budget

This year we are all watching our money very closely, especially since gas prices are so high and the airlines seem to be having problems keeping their flights on time. But who wants to stay at home all summer? Probably no one. That’s why I researched and came up with several Texas family vacations on a budget. Maybe some will interest you.

Let’s round out the summer by taking the kids somewhere fun that won’t break the bank.

Related: TX Travel Information Centers Locations

Tips For Texas Family Vacations On A Budget

Cheap family vacations don’t always make the best family vacations. So think about that. However, if you’ve come here, you’re doing homework on a budget vacation for the fam – that’s good. Look around here to see if anything interests you.

1. You could also ask a family member what they would like to do this summer. Let the kids know you’re on a budget and see what they come up with.
2. Pick somewhere close. And, please don’t live above your means. Do only what you can afford and make the most of it.
3. Skip the popular attraction you’ve had your mind set on – Disney World, Disneyland, etc. Maybe that’s for another year. Find an outdoor adventure that everyone will love.
4. Don’t take out a loan for a vacation like those credit unions suggest.
5. Get gas when you see it at its lowest. Check every day. Make sure your car is running smoothly – ie. check tire pressure, oil, water, etc.
6. Pack your own food for the road trip and use one of those fishing tackle boxes for snacks – like this article suggests – budget road trip snacks.

Related: Top Things To Do In Baytown, TX

Day Trips On A Budget In Texas

If you can only take a day trip, there are plenty of fun activities your family can do that everyone will enjoy.

• Go to a water park, let the kids do their own thing, and the adults hang out in the lazy river. Meet back at a specific time for ice cream. If affordable, rent a cabana for some shade and a meeting place for lunch.
• Horseback riding – go early!
• Visit a couple of state parks.
• Dig deep into your pockets, and go to an amusement park – Six Flags, Fiesta Texas, Seaworld San Antonio
• Find a venue that has live music on a Saturday night. Most I’ve seen are free.
• If you’re close to the Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose – that’s a great place to go. It has picnic tables in a few different places. So bring a picnic, swimsuits, and life jackets for all.
• Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Related: Family Summer Getaways In Texas

Tanglewood Resort resort pool

Weekend Trips On A Budget In Texas

If you only have a weekend, there is a road trip for you and your family.

• Take a trip to the Texas Hill Country and find a place to rent with a swimming pool and a hot tub.
• Find a hotel close to home with an outdoor pool and call it a vacation. This is called a “staycation.” Younger kids will never know the difference.
• Take a road trip to New Braunfels and tube down the Guadeloupe River.
• The Fort Worth Stockyards is a perfect location for outdoor activities. There’s a new hotel right in the center of it all.
• Take the entire family to the Live Music Capital of the World – Austin if you dare.
• A weekend at Great Wolf Lodge. Not sure if you can – but bring your own food.
• About a weekend at Tanglewood Resort at Lake Texoma? They have just renovated the pool area and it’s marvelous.

Texas Vacations On A Budget

If you have a week for an entire family getaway, consider these below for a family trip:

Pro Tip: If you can swing it, go during the week (M-F) instead of on the weekend. Some hotels are cheaper during the week.

• Galveston Island – you do not have to stay right on the beach to enjoy it all.
• Brazosport Area – it’s below Galveston and may be less expensive to stay there. We rented a VRBO about 15 minutes from Surfside Beach for about $89 a night.
• Mustang Island in Corpus Christi
• How about one of those dude ranches in Bandera? I met my husband when he worked for a dude ranch in Fort Worth. We had some fun times there.
• Grand Canyon of Texas, aka Palo Duro Canyon. Stay in Amarillo and drive there. And, don’t forget to visit the iconic Cadillac Ranch for a memorable family photo.

Free Things To Do In Texas

If you’re on a tight budget, here is a list of free things, free admission and a nominal fee.

• Outdoor live music at the Toyota Music Factory (Irving, TX). If you’ve never been here, it’s an outdoor area with a big grassy area with picnic tables in the middle of restaurants and a stage. You do not have to order at the restaurants to hang out there. Bring a blanket and your own food and enjoy and enjoy the live music.
• Visit the longhorns at the Fort Worth Stockyards and walk around. If I remember correctly, the petting zoo for children is not expensive at all. I’d bring cash.
• Have a picnic and wine day at your area lake – but you knew that!

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