Best 4 Illinois Family Vacations That Won’t Break the Bank

Are you trying to plan a family vacation for this summer, but also trying to avoid overdrawing your bank account? If so, there's good news. I have found 4 great family-friendly vacation options in Illinois that won't break the bank, but don't compromise on the fun factor either.

If you just want to drive to one city in Illinois and spend your entire vacation there, I can't think of a better option than Galena. Why Galena?

• Walkable historic downtown (free entertainment just exploring)
• Outdoor activities: hiking, river views, parks
• Budget lodging options (cabins, small inns, Airbnb-style stays)
• Feels like a “real vacation” without big-city costs

You see Galena's downtown mentioned by a lot of "best of" lists and there's a reason. It really is a place where you can park your vehicle and just walk around for the entire day. There aren't many Illinois places that can say that.

If you're looking for a nature getaway, you should consider a region and not just one town. That region is the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. Why consider this heavily-forested part of the state?

• Free hiking, sightseeing, and exploring
• Cheap camping or cabin stays
• Unique spots like Garden of the Gods rock formations

I get in trouble when I call the Shawnee National Forest the prettiest part of Illinois, but I believe my opinion is backed up by some science. Where else can you hike for free with the view of all of those pretty rock formations in Garden of the Gods? Answer: nowhere. That's why I say science backs me up.

There are a couple of honorable mentions for cheap Illinois family vacations which rarely come up on these types of list. One is Peoria. I know, I know. I give Peoria a hard time about some things, but it does have vacation advantages for budget-conscious families:

• Riverfront parks, splash pads, playgrounds (free)
• Affordable attractions like zoo & museums
• Easy to get around, cheap parking

The other Illinois city that you should consider is Decatur. I can recommend it because of one big attraction for my family and that's the zoo:

• Scovill Zoo is surprisingly good and inexpensive
• Playground, train rides, and lake activities nearby
• Less crowded and very budget-friendly