Looking to travel as a family without breaking the bank? If you and your kids want to explore an exciting, new locale without dipping into retirement funds, consider taking a vacation off-season.
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Here are three destinations where families with children can travel off-season between five to seven days for under $2,500.
Mexico City
If you’re looking for somewhere vibrant and affordable, there may be no better location than Mexico City.
David Quintero, CEO at Newswire Jet, listed Mexico City as his favorite place for him and his wife to take their two kids, ages 3 and 5. He said roundtrip flights from Florida typically cost between $250 and $300 per person, nice family hotels can be found for $70 per night and the city’s infamous street food is no more than $3 to $5 per plate. If you’re feeling fancy, “meals in restaurants rarely break $40 for four,” stated Quintero.
In terms of fun and free activities, Quintero recommended any of Mexico City’s parks which are huge and full of playgrounds for kids; Chapultepec Park is a favorite. Additionally, Estacion Mexico Free Tours offers free, historic walking tours of downtown. You can even see the Teotihuacan Pyramids (30 miles outside the city) and surrounding museums for just $4 per person.
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Costa Rica
Think off-season means limited offerings? Think again.
“Our Costa Rican colleagues tell us that families see more animals during the rainy season because plants are rich and there is plenty of water for wild things to drinks,” stated Carlos Nasillo, CEO at Riderly, who described “Green Season” as the best value because everything is in bloom.
According to Expedia, roundtrip flights from New York (in October) cost around $250 per person — that’s 50% less than December through April. Nasillo said eco-lodges with family rooms can be found for $40 to $60 per night, “sodas” (local restaurants) cost $5 to $10 per meal and car rentals run $300 per week.
In terms of free activities, check out the beautiful beaches, hiking trails, hot springs and butterfly gardens. For wildlife tours and ziplining, expect to pay $400 to $500 combined.
San Diego
If traveling domestically is more your speed, Miguel Angel Gongora Meza, co-founder of Evolution Treks Peru, suggested San Diego, California. Per Expedia, roundtrip flights from Chicago can be found for around $175 per person (in November). Meza stated hotels near the beach or Gaslamp quarter run $120 to $150 per night and restaurant meals cost an average of $12 per person.
In the fall, kids get in free at the San Diego Zoo (while adults pay $72 per person). Then, of course, there’s the infamous LEGOLand, running $109 per adult and $99 per child. Free activities include exploring the gardens of Balboa Park, observing sea lions at La Jolla Cove and spending afternoons at Mission Beach.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Oct. 8, 2025. Prices and availability may vary by location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Top 3 Places to Travel Off-Season Under $2,500 with Children
