Texas Family Vacations On A Budget

Discover Texas Travel Talk’s weekend vacations in TX, suggestions with families in mind.

It seems we are always watching our money very closely, so we can enjoy a family vacation. No one wants to stay home, especially in the summer or school holidays. That’s why we researched and came up with several Texas family vacations on a budget. We are positive that some of these ideas will interest you.

Start planning affordable getaways in Texas that won’t break the bank that your kids will love too. Let’s go!

But First – Tips For Texas Family Vacations On A Budget

As we all know, inexpensive family vacations don’t always make the best family vacations. However, if you’ve come here, you’re doing your homework on a budget vacation for the family – that’s good. Take a look around to see if anything interests you.

1. You could also ask a family member what they would like to do. 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 attractions, such as Disney World and Disneyland. Maybe that’s for another year. Find an outdoor adventure that everyone will love.
4. Don’t take out a loan for a vacation, as credit unions often suggest.
5. If driving, fill up with gas when you see it at its lowest price. Don’t wait until the weekend to do so – that’s when gas is the most expensive. Check every day. Ensure your car runs smoothly – i.e., check tire pressure, oil, water, etc.
6. Pack your food for the road trip and use one of those fishing tackle boxes for the perfect size snacks.

Weekend Family Vacations On A Budget In Texas

If you only have a weekend, a road trip is perfect 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. We suggest looking somewhere other than Fredericksburg if you’re on a budget. Other small towns are just as fun, and may offer cheaper stays.
• Find a hotel close to home with an outdoor pool and call it a vacation, or, as it’s often called, a “staycation.” Younger kids will never know the difference.
• Take a road trip to New Braunfels and tube down the Guadeloupe River. Again, consider looking for affordable hotels or opt to camp out in a tent.
• The Fort Worth Stockyard is a perfect location for outdoor activities and fun for the whole family. Make it a day trip.
• Take the entire family to the Live Music Capital of the World – Austin, if you dare. Consider visiting during the week for more affordable hotel rates..
• How about a weekend at Tanglewood Resort at Lake Texoma? The renovated pool area is marvelous, and you can rent a villa and cook in the large kitchen.

Texas Vacations On A Budget

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

Again, if you can swing it, consider going during the week (Monday through Friday) instead of on the weekend. Some hotels are cheaper during the week. We have found that Mondays and Tuesdays are the least crowded days.

• 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. Check smaller towns for home rentals.
• Mustang Island in Corpus Christi is always fun.
• How about one of those dude ranches in Bandera?
• 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.

Day Trips in Texas On A Budget

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 shade and a meeting place for lunch.
• Go horseback riding – go early in the day, especially in the summer! Horses do better when it’s not hot outside, and some outfits don’t let their horses ride in the heat.
• Visit a couple of Texas State Parks.
• Dig deep into your pockets, and go to an amusement park (look for discounts) – Six Flags, Fiesta Texas, and 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 features picnic tables in several locations. Bring a picnic, swimsuits, and life jackets for everyone.
• A day trip to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is always a great idea.

Free Things To Do In Texas

If you’re on a tight budget, here is a list of free and low-cost options, including free admission and a nominal fee.

• Outdoor live music at the Toyota Music Factory (Irving, TX). If you’ve never been there, it’s an outdoor area featuring a large, grassy area with picnic tables at its center, surrounded by restaurants and a stage. You do not have to order at restaurants to hang out there. Bring a blanket and your own food to enjoy a picnic on the grass while listening to live music.
• Visit the Longhorns at the Fort Worth Stockyards and walk around. If I remember correctly, the children’s petting zoo is not expensive. I’d bring cash. And don’t forget that there are cattle drives twice a day, at 11 am and 4 pm.
• Have a picnic with wine at your area lake – but you knew that!

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