12 Affordable Family Vacation Ideas for End-of-Summer Escapes on the East Coast

The boardwalk, the beach and the rides-Wildwood makes for a memorable summer vacation. Photo courtesy of WIldwood

Summer's in full swing, and if you haven't planned a great getaway, there's still time to pull off a memorable and budget-friendly family vacation on the East Coast. 

From Washington, D.C. to New England, there are lots of great places for East Coast families to unwind and enjoy some family time not too far from home. Here are 12 family vacation ideas that won't break the bank.

Find more great vacation ideas in our Family Travel Guide

Reykjavik with Kids: 17 Best Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Adventurous families can visit a glacier, explore an ice cave, walk on a black-sand beach, or hike up a volcano.

There are so many reasons to add Reykjavik, Iceland to your family's travel bucket list. Iceland is the land of fire and ice. From gazing at volcanos and hiking up glaciers to soaking in geothermal pools, the country has something for everyone.

Visiting Iceland during winter is essential if you want to see the famed Northern Lights. However, experiencing Iceland in the summer—when the days are long, the Midnight Sun shines brightly, and temperatures are warmer—is also fantastic with kids.

Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, is a great place to make your home base. However, we strongly recommend heading to the South of Iceland for a few nights to immerse yourself in Iceland’s gorgeous natural beauty.

Here are 17 top things to do in and near Reykjavik, Iceland with kids, including family-friendly Reykjavik hotels and foods to try. Our Europe Travel Guide details more great European cities to visit with kids, like London and Paris.

10 Campgrounds Near DC to Go Family Camping with Kids

Enjoy a family fire at the Cherry Hill Park campground. Photo courtesy of Cherry Hill Park.

Family camping is a great way to bond with kids in the great outdoors. But for some children, there's only so much hiking and s'mores-roasting they can do before they start to get bored and cranky. And some kids just don't do well completely roughing it. That's why it's helpful to find a campground with extra activities and comfortable amenities for families.

We’ve got you covered with 10 family campgrounds within a four-hour drive from DC that offer fun family activities like pools, mini golf, arcades, and more, as well as some with cozy sleeping arrangements such as cabins, tree houses, and RVs. We tried to include a range of price points to fit any budget.

Once you've chosen your destination, visit our Camping Travel Guide. There, we share everything from classic and funny campfire songs to kid-friendly ghost stories to help make your family camping trip a success

Best Family Fun Centers and Indoor Amusement Parks in NYC

Urban Air Adventure Park is much more than a typical trampoline park, with ropes courses, climbers, VR, and more.  Photo by Diana Kim

We've rounded up the best family fun centers and indoor amusement parks in New York City so active kids—and their parents—can enjoy an indoor escape while still blowing off some steam. There's no need to compromise on wild romping at these family fun centers.

From bounce houses to trampolines to obstacle courses and arcades, we've got you covered for all the fun your kids need. And, if you have a family birthday coming up, most of these spots also host parties. Find more romping spots for all ages in our NYC Kids' Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones.

Best Kid-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries in and around Chicago

Give a cheers in the garden at Two Brothers. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

Sometimes, parents need a break. And maybe a beer. So, we've scoured the city and suburbs for some of the best beer gardens and local breweries in Chicago that welcome kids—many of which have great outdoor seating. We looked for places with quality kids' menus, something for kids to see or do, a lack of raised eyebrows about bringing kids along for the ride, and of course, great brews. Cheers!

For other great places to eat with kids, check out this list of restaurants with space for kids to play, the best themed restaurants in Chicago, and the ultimate guide to kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago

13 Best Skateparks Near Philly

Skateboarding culture has deep roots in the city of Philadelphia.

Whether you've got a kid who's just learning to skate, or you've got a pro shredder at home, there are lots of great places in the city to practice new and old skills alike. Skateparks are a great place to practice tricks, or even learn to roll for the first time. Whether your kiddo loves skateboarding, rollerblading, or rollerskating this is a great way to get your kids moving outdoors. So grab your helmet, strap on your pads, and roll out to one of these great Philly skateboard parks.

Looking for more fun on wheels? Check out our guide to the Best Roller Skating Rinks in Philly.

Fun Max Adventure Park Brings Big Thrills to Wappingers Falls

Fun Max Adventure Park's features include slides, a ball pit, and an obstacle course.

The new Fun Max Indoor Adventure Park, just off Route 9 in Wappingers Falls, is an 80,000-square-foot space featuring trampolines, a ninja course, climbing walls, ropes courses, foam pits, ball pits, and a game room. Think Bounce meets Billy Beez meets Ninja Warrior–if you have active kids, you will not be disappointed. 

The park is entirely indoors, so it's a great option for getting kids' energy out on cold or rainy days. Parents can relax in massage chairs while their kids play or get in on the action and try the obstacles themselves.

Check out our Guide to Indoor Fun for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids for more indoor playground options in the region. 

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