These 10 Educational Trips for Families to Take in the U.S on a Budget are wonderful memorable vacations. Education for us is in everything we do including travel. The Best way to learn is with hands on experiences and travel often provides great opportunities. While we learn on almost every trip, we take these are the trips that really packed a punch as the most memorable, fun and education trips in the US with Kids on a Budget.
1. Hawaii
You might be shocked to see Hawaii on a list of Budget Trips but where there is a will there is a way. Utilizing Family Travel Hacking you can cover your flights (southwest companion pass) and Hotel with very little out of pock.
The Big Island is a great option on a budget because there are plenty of national park sites and beaches to visit on a budget. Learn about Geographical features of Hawaii, it’s marine life and its history by visiting Volcano National Park. Explore their Rainforests, and the diverse local food.
Oahu is another one of our favorites with a lot of history and cultural opportunities. The Polynesian Culture Center on Oahu is a great place to learn about the various Polynesian islands and there’s plenty of crafts for kids to complete. Pearl Harbor is another historic site to visit on Oahu.
2. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a wonderful place to visit with kids and learn about various geological features and its volcanic activity. In addition, there’s numerous wildlife to see and learn about. Stop the parks several visitor centers and attend some of the Ranger Programs. For Accommodations you can stay inside the park with hotels being very pricey, but you can also camp. Alternatively, you can stay outside the park and even utilize hotel points to cover your stay. The kids loved this visit so much they are itching to go back.
3. Gettysburg, PA
Head to Gettysburg, PA and visit Gettysburg National Battlefield, site of a turning point in the Civil War. Part of Gettysburg National Military Park, the park also has a Museum and Visitor Center, displaying Civil War artifacts. Make a stop at Gettysburg National Cemetery, where a memorial marks the site of Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Gettysburg Address.
Take some time to stroll Historic Downtown Gettysburg on a self-guided tour including the David Wills House, where Abraham Lincoln put the final touches on his Gettysburg Address, The Shriver House and the Jennie Wase House.
This is a great weekend trip that can be combined with trips to Washington Dc or New York City. If heading to DC before or after the visit, make a stop at Harpers Ferry
4. Boston, MA
Head to Boston for a weekend or more and enjoy a fun filled education trip. Follow the Freedom Trail to many historic sites. Learn about the Boston Tea Party. Visit the Science Museum of Boston, one of the best Science Museums, which you can easily spend a day at. If your children are younger, they will also love the Boston Children’s Museum. Learn about Sealife at the Boston Aquarium and on a Whale Watch.
5. Washington, DC
Washington, DC is a wonderful budget friendly trip thanks to the free Smithsonian museums and monuments. In addition, there are many National Park sites around the DC Area that are great to visit. I recommend visiting in early spring or fall when the weather is cooler. Depending on temperatures start at the monuments in the morning. take a break for lunch then head to an airconditioned museum in the afternoon. I would mix it up with a national park site visit to break up the long days of monuments and museums.
Staying outside the city, near Dulles Airport can be very affordable. We usually stay at the Hyatt Regency Dulles Airport, as Globalist we get a free breakfast buffet, free parking on point stays and they have a nice indoor pool. If you aren’t a Hyatt Globalist, I would head to one of the Hyatt Places nearby that offer free parking and breakfast for anyone for a low rate. We have also stayed at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill which is a wonderful location and is a great use of Hyatt Cat 1-4 free night certificates if you have any.
6. Utah Mighty 5 National Parks Road Trip
This Utah Might 5 National Parks Road Trip is a fun way to explore a handful of our amazing National Parks. This particular itinerary is designed around staying at Hyatt Hotels on points, making it a budget friendly trip.
Explore that natural geological features of the parks that have created interesting formations, as well as petroglyphs left behind by Native Americans. The Visitors Center offer a glimpse into history as well.
7. Mystic Connecticut
Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut gives families the opportunity to walk through an old seaport village and ships to learn about what life was like. There’s even a tiny house full of hands-on play for younger kids. The Mystic Aquarium is a great way to learn about SeaLife.
8. Williamsburg, VA
There is so much history in Williamsburg and surrounding area. The city was the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780 and played a significant role in the American Revolution. Part of the “Historic Triangle” together with Jamestown and Yorktown. Colonial Williamsburg is a historic district and living-history museum. Include Historic Jamestowne and the Jamestown Settlement as part of your trip. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is another great option for your visit to the area. If you need a break from history, learn about velocity at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
9. New York City
New York City has so much to offer. Some of the best fun and educational sites include Liberty National Monument which includes Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The American Museum of Natural History is a wonderful museum you could spend a full day at. Madame Tussauds is a great way to experience and learn about pop culture. There are loads of museums such as the New York Transit Museum, NYC Fire Museum, and Liberty Science Center. You can also check out the New York Botanical Garden’s or the Bronx Zoo. Don’t forget to take a stroll down to Central Park for a Picnic and a break from the Hussle and Bussle of the city.
10. Orlando Florida
It may be surprising to see Orlando on a list of educational trips. Mostly theme parks come to mind but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of educational opportunities packed in. Discover Cove is one of our favorite Sealife Experiences where kids can learn while experiencing SeaLife. With your all-inclusive Discovery Cove Day pass you can usually add on up to 2 weeks at Sea World and Aquatica for next to nothing. Sea World is another great place to learn about Sealife and conservation. If you’re looking for a smaller aquarium opportunity, you could visit Sealife Aquarium.
Kennedy Space Center is less than an hour away and is a great educational day trip from Orlando. Crystal River is about 1hr and 40 minutes from Orlando and is another great educational day trip to learn about and see Manatees. Visit the Orlando Science Center for more scientific exploration or the Crayola Experience. One of our favorite educational experiences is visiting Epcot and vising the various countries, and of course living on the land ride where you can learn about various growing methods.
10 Educational Trips for Families to Take in the U.S on a Budget
These are our top 10 Educational Trips for Families to Take in the U.S on a Budget. There’s no better way to learn to learn than through experience. These fun family options will make wonderful memories.