Family Adventures on a Budget. Free Things to do Across the US

Free things to do in the US

A family road trip across the United States is an exciting adventure. While we are exploring new destinations, I also want to keep in mind our budget. Although the US is full of amazing attractions and destinations, it is important to travel without spending too much money on excursions alone. There are so many adventures that are FREE, and it is my job to uncover those hidden gems to ensure our family adventures are filled with exciting memories.

This is a list I created of FREE attractions to help you when planning your next vacation. I try to find things to do within each state we travel that are FREE or really cheap. Follow the links to my blog post with more information on each attraction.

**Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The reviews of the items in this article are based on my own opinions. Throughout this post you will find tour options at some of the locations listed for more adventurous options while traveling. Prices are from 2024.

Arizona

• Devil’s Bridge 3.6-mile round trip hike in Arizona

  • Sedona Stargazing Tour. Prices start at $120.00 per person

California

• Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, California

• Visiting the Full House house in San Francisco, California

  • Cruise in a 1970’s Volkswagen Bus San Francisco Tour. Prices start at $85.00 per person

  • San Francisco Bike Tours can be booked online.

• Big Sur California

• Umbrella Alley - San Francisco, California

• Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk in California

Colorado

• Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado

  • Sightseeing Jeep tours at Garden of the Gods. Book this tour online. Prices start at $90.00

  • Pikes Peak Jeep tours you can book online. Prices start at $100.00

Florida

• Beer Can Island (Greer Island) in Longboat Key - Beach in Florida with FREE parking

• Tampa Riverwalk

• Blowing Rocks Preserve

• Disney Springs

• Castillo De San Marcos - outside grounds are free. St Augustine

  • Take a Scenic Boat Ride in St Augustine. Prices start at $26.09 per person

  • Don’t get scared on the St Augustine Ghost Tour. Prices start at $25.00 per person

Georgia

• Self-guided ghost tour of Savannah, Georgia.

  • Book a Savannah Ghost tour. Prices start at $36.33 per person.

  • Book a Popular Savannah Walking Tour. Prices start at $30.00 per person.

• Fountain at Forsyth Park

Illinois

• The Bean (Cloud Gate)

• Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, Illinois

• Navy Pier - Chicago, Illinois

  • Enjoy a 90-minute Chicago River Architecture Tour. Prices start at $44.00 per person

  • Experience a thrill at the Skydeck Chicago. Prices start at $44.00 per person

Iowa

• Snake Alley - Crookedest street in the world in Burlington, Iowa

• Starr’s Cave Park & Preserve

Nevada

• Seven Magic Mountains 20 minutes outside of Las Vegas, Nevada

• Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

  • Grand Canyon Helicopter tour. Prices start at $504.37

• The Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas

• Freemont Street Experience

Texas

• Visiting Magnolia Market at The Silos in Waco, Texas

  • Fixer Upper Tour and city tour can be booked online. Prices start at $84.50 per person.

Utah

• Toadstool Trailhead in Kanab, Utah

• Forrest Gump Point in Mexican Hat, Utah

  • Hell’s Revenge 4x4 tour can be booked online. Prices start at $161.03

  • Arches and Canyonland 4x4 Adventure tour in Moab, book online. Prices start at $336.96

National Parks

• Purchase an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass which allows for free entrance into any of the National Parks.

FREE PRINTABLE LIST

Sign up below to receive this FREE printable list of the sites listed on this post.

Free Boondocking

While we are traveling across the US in our campervan, I like to be able to find FREE places to camp. I always say, the more I save, the more we can do. See the list of FREE boondocking locations across the US that we have personally stayed at and recommend.

By seeking out free family-friendly adventures, you can create lasting memories without spending too much money. From exploring scenic landmarks to immersing in colorful experiences, the possibilities are endless.

This will be an ongoing list that I will add to as we visit more FREE attractions. I will only add locations that we have personally visited so I can give you an accurate and honest review of the area. Click on the links for more details of each location throughout my blog. Bookmark this post for later. 📍

I have so many new places on my list of places to see that I cannot wait to share with you. Keep checking back for updates. What is your favorite FREE attraction in the US? Comment below. 👇

Enjoy your journey,

Purchase some of my favorite products for travel inspiration below!

National Geographic Bucket List Family Travel: Share the World With Your Kids on 50 Adventures of a Lifetime

By Gee, Jessica

Buy on Amazon

Kelty Discovery Basecamp Backpacking Tent, 4 or 6 Person Camping Backpacking Shelter, Large Capacity, Fast Setup and Easy Tear Down, Stuff Sack Included (4 Person) Buy on Amazon

Coleman Triton—2 Burner Propane Camping Stove Buy on Amazon

Follow me on social media to discover more travel ideas

Instagram @adoptinglifesjourney 

Pinterest /adoptinglifesjourney

If this post was helpful, follow me on Instagram @adoptinglifesjourney and

Hashtag your photos at #adoptinglifesjourney

Meet the author: Jennifer

I’m just a girl who loves to travel. 🏝️🏔️🛶 My favorite travels have been traveling across the US in a campervan, visiting all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, marking National Parks off my list, & many smaller trips. I love to share my adventures to inspire others to travel more. If you can dream it, you can do it! Want the whole story?

Like this post? Pin for later ❤️