Cheap Family Vacation in Orlando, Florida

With gas prices rising and our dollars shrinking, a week in Orlando can still prove to be a frugal option for vacationing families. Although I am not a native, I have been here for twenty years and have learned a few tricks to stretch your vacation budget. First, I will concede that you will probably want to go to a theme park (that is the draw for most folks). Please understand that one day at a theme park will cost the equivalent of all the other six days put together. With ticket prices hovering around $60.00 per person, plus food, souvenirs and parking, you are looking at $350.00 for a family of four. I will publish money-saving tips for theme parks in my next article.

On to the fun (and cheap) part of your vacation -

First, you have to go to Cocoa Beach! It is less than an hour drive and have the built-in fun of the ocean, as well as the following:

Ron-Jon's Surf Shop - open 24/7 and jam-packed with everything you could want (not need, mind you) for a day at the beach. Cheap tip - do not purchase anything but a bumper sticker for each kid to put on their binders back home. Looks cool for next to nothing.

The Cocoa Beach Pier - If you are not a sun-worshiper, park yourself under the pier. You get shade while the kiddos get sun and surf. If you do not already have one, pick up a lounge chair at Wal-Mart on the way to the beach. Bring a cooler with drinks and a picnic lunch and RELAX!

The next day, stay in Orlando and go to Turkey Lake Park. The playgrounds are phenomenal and there is also a HUGE pool. As of last year around this time, there was also a working farm where the kids can pet the animals, but the lady in charge told me they were cutting the budget so ask when you get there. Again, with a well-packed cooler, you can stay all day.

If you have younger children (4 - 9), they will absolutely LOVE Downey Park in east Orlando! Not only are there playgrounds, but there is also a large, fenced splash park for only $1.00 per kid. Nearby, you will find the air-conditioned oasis that is Boardwalk Bowl. Spend the morning bowling, then the afternoon at the splash park.