Life with kids brings an abundance of fun and games, as well as a constant budget. But keeping an eye on the wallet doesn't mean we don't want the best vacations for our kids and loved ones. Yes, planning a cheap family vacation means setting out to find the ideal beach for the little ones, with easy access to the ocean, shallow waters, clear seas, plenty of playgrounds and family-friendly restaurants nearby.
Algarve – Portugal
A perfect family holiday destination for this year is the famous Algarve in Portugal. Here you will find all kinds of entertainment for your little ones. Zoomarine is definitely worth a visit as your children will enjoy park shows, pools, rides and slides, and even a Dolphin Interaction programme. For the hyperactive kids who need more adrenaline, you can take them go-karting. More than four places have karting tracks, the one in Albufeira has an indoor track - Hot wheels Raceway. Besides the adrenaline rush on the tracks, you can also take your kids to one of the many water parks - we recommend Aqualand.
Besides the fun your kids will have, you will also enjoy your not-so-empty wallet.
Informative prices here:
- A family meal costs around 50 EUR
- Family snack lunch: 10 EUR
- Coffee: less than 1 EUR
- A glass of wine: 1,30 EUR
Since the Algarve is the region where Faro is located, you can explore this charming city with your family when you are there. Renting a car won't cost you much, as car hire rates in Faro are among the lowest in the world. Click here if you want to learn more about amazing Portugal.
Costa del Sol – Spain
Another perfect place for cheap family holidays in the Costa del Sol. It is a region in the south of Spain and it is simply beautiful. Blue waters, palm trees, and friendly locals are just a few of the reasons why you should visit it at least once. Vacationers also appreciate this holiday destination because it is not too expensive.
Games, workshops and a wide variety of animals in Bioparc Fuengirola Zoo is something your kids will definitely like. The very well laid out zoo houses silverback gorillas, crocodiles, tigers, birds, monkeys, and free-ranging lemurs that will delight the little ones. Prices at this zoo are reasonable - around €14 for children and €19 for adults.
Just a 20-minute drive away, another interesting place awaits you and your family; Visit Selwo Marina, to watch dolphins and a sea lion show. Children's tickets cost €13, but the memories will last forever. At Selwo Marina, your kids can feed the penguins and you enjoy those 5 minutes of peace while they are at it.
A popular place for a family holiday in Andalusia is also Aquamijas Waterpark; there is a hot tub for mum and dad, water slides for children, and a mini-golf course for the whole family. If we can give you any advice though - buy tickets online.
The prices here:
- Family meal: 45 EUR
- Family snack lunch: 13 EUR
- Coffee: 1,30 EUR
- A glass of wine: 2 EUR
Riviera Maya – Mexico
Riviera Maya in Mexico offers a great selection of all-inclusive resorts for family vacations with loved ones. The best part is that it's so cheap, you won't have to sacrifice your savings for the end of the year. Adolescents can spend hours at the 3D Museum of Wonders. Little ones will have lots of fun in Croco Cun Zoo where they can pet and feed monkeys and macaws. To be fair, Croco Cun Zoo is perfect for families with children of all ages, but admission is completely free for toddlers aged 0-5.
If you want to spend the rest of the day on the beach, you don't have to go far. We recommend visiting Mayan Beach, which is right next to the ruins, which you can explore when you've had enough of swimming and playing in the water. If you want a real cheap family holiday adventure - which is all about great experiences and not a big-budget - skip the restaurants and enjoy some delicious but cheap street food - tacos.
Prices here:
- Family meal: 20 EUR
- Family snack lunch: 5 EUR
- Coffee: 1 EUR
- Domestic Beer: 1,20 EUR
Ljubljana – Slovenia
Besides being cheap and friendly, Slovenia's advantages lie in its short travel distances. You can see the whole country in less than a week. And there is a lot to see and do. Especially in Ljubljana, your kids can have fun at the Atlantis water park while you can go to the sauna. If you rent a car in downtown Ljubljana, you can reach the sea in less than an hour. And for your toddlers, you will find numerous playgrounds in and outside the capital: Mala Ulica, Arboretum, and Lolland.
Prices here:
- Family dinner: 45 EUR
- Family snack lunch: 12 EUR
- Coffee: 1,30 EUR
- A glass of wine: 1,50
Sunny Beach – Bulgaria
The most expensive place in Bulgaria is still cheap. Miles of sandy beach has its own appeal, but water parks keep the little ones busy, pirate ships with a program full of fun games, and resort pools. And last but not least, there's Khan's Tent - a restaurant where you can finish your dinner in peace, as the place is designed to keep your kids busy and give you some peace of mind. How do they do it? Well, the little ones are pretty excited about their show with gymnasts, dancers, jugglers, and clowns. While they watch, you can enjoy a nice dinner while you should be chasing those bundles of energy.
Prices here:
- Family dinner: 33 EUR
- Family snack lunch: 4 EUR
- Coffee: 1 EUR
- A glass of wine: 1,50 EUR
Read more about car hire with child seats.
