Note: This post may contain affiliate links! Check our disclaimer<\/a> if you need more info!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n There\u2019s something special to be said about the bond between mother and daughter.\u00a0 After all, \u201ca daughter is just a little girl who grows up to be your best friend\u201d right?\u00a0 What better way to nurture that bond than mother daughter trips?\u00a0 If you\u2019re looking for mother daughter trip ideas but need to keep the budget in tact, no worries! Here are 14 amazing mother daughter trips on a budget!<\/p>\n Rich in history and culture, Washington, D.C. is one of my favorite cities in the United States [check out our trip there with our itinerary and one of the more detailed Pack Up and Go Reviews<\/a> out there].\u00a0If airfare from your city to Washington, D.C. is high<\/a>, don\u2019t let that put you off! It\u2019s still the perfect location for a mother daughter trip on a budget.<\/p>\n Arguably the most iconic building in the United States, the White House actually offers free self-guided tours<\/a> during the week.\u00a0 Tickets must be arranged well in advance and through your local Congress.\u00a0 If you aren\u2019t able to secure tickets in time, pictures outside this monument are free and so is perusing the interactive Visitor\u2019s Center across the street. [Don\u2019t forget about the Capitol building, the Supreme Court, or the National Archives!]<\/p>\n There are also plenty of guided tour experiences available in Washington, DC.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Jefferson, Washington, Lincoln \u2014 oh my! From the founding fathers to Martin Luther King, Jr. to Vietnam War vets, Washington, D.C. has no shortage of [free] monuments to visit.\u00a0 It\u2019s the perfect opportunity to explore and learn about the capital of the United States.<\/p>\n Take the Hop On\/Hop Off Bus<\/a> around the tourist places for an inexpensive and easy way to navigate the area!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Most of the museums in Washington, DC are free including the National Museum of Natural History [complete with a real life \u2014 ok, not live but you get the point \u2014 mummy], National Museum of American History, National Air & Space Museum,\u00a0 and a personal favorite the National Museum of African American History and Culture.\u00a0 [Complete list of free museums on the National Mall<\/a>]<\/p>\n District Pier at the Wharf<\/a> is one of the newest attractions in D.C. but is full of activities for both mother and daughter.\u00a0 There are, of course, things available there for pay but if you\u2019re doing your mother daughter trip on a budget, the Wharf also has ten acres of green space for a picnic, a game of bocce ball, or just admiring the waterfront scenery of D.C. They also offer inexpensive water cruises to take in the sights.<\/p>\n Money saving tip:<\/span> Save money on your hotel by staying in the suburbs [like Alexandria, VA which has a rich history all its own] or utilizing [my favorite money saving tool] Priceline<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n San Diego is, and forever will be, one of the most popular cities to visit in the US.\u00a0 From its beaches to its sprawling parks, it isn\u2019t hard to see why.\u00a0 Best of all, there are plenty of free things to do in San Diego, CA making it great for a mother daughter trip on a budget.<\/p>\n All of the beaches in the San Diego area are great but the most popular one is La Jolla.\u00a0 It\u2019s one of the largest in the city and has plenty to do.\u00a0 Make a sand castle, catch some [kid-friendly] waves, play at the playground, or go visit the La Jolla seals.<\/p>\n How can you not visit a place with a slogan like \u201cWhere History is Majestic\u201d?\u00a0 With more than 16 museums, several gardens, and a zoo, there\u2019s more than enough for a full day of entertainment<\/a> here.\u00a0 There is a mix of free and low-cost attractions for a mother daughter trip on a budget so plan out your trip in advance.<\/p>\n The Scripps Aquarium in San Diego combines research and fun with tons of interactive exhibits and habitats.\u00a0 Like most aquariums, admission is a tad pricey [$15-$20\/each] but there are plenty of money-saving offers here<\/a> to make it worthwhile while still on a budget.<\/p>\n You can\u2019t visit Southern California on a mother daughter trip without picking some berries! You just can\u2019t.\u00a0\u00a0Most of the options are not within the immediate San Diego area but it is worth the short drive.\u00a0\u00a0Red Tricycle has a pretty comprehensive list of the options in the area complete with prices.<\/a><\/p>\n Money-saving tip:<\/span>\u00a0Renting a car makes some of the far reaches of the area more accessible.\u00a0 Save money on your rental with RentalCars.com!<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n There\u2019s more to Las Vegas, NV than Elvis impersonators and gambling.\u00a0 Turns out it is a surprisingly kid-friendly city with plenty to do and see for both mother and daughter on the trip.\u00a0 So Viva Las Vegas!<\/p>\n All of the large hotels on the strip have their claim to fame from aquariums to gondola rides to caged tigers. Some even have amusement parks! Take your time exploring each one and all that they have to offer.<\/p>\n The Linq Promenade<\/a> is located right next to the \u2014 yep, you guessed it \u2014 Linq Hotel.\u00a0 It is a small strip adjacent to The Strip with some fun attractions like the Linq High Roller [the world\u2019s tallest observation wheel] and Brooklyn Bowl which are relatively inexpensive.<\/p>\n Las Vegas is laden with spots for totally Instagram-worthy shots.\u00a0 The \u201cWelcome to Las Vegas\u201d sign, the Seven Magic Mountains art installation, the huge LOVE sign in the Venetian, the fountain show at the Bellagio, Make it into a scavenger hunt of sorts, and spend an afternoon getting those perfect pictures.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re up for the drive, the Hoover Dam is less than an hour from the strip and is a sight to see.\u00a0 They do charge a small fee for admission to the Hoover Dam [and for parking in the adjacent lot] but it is a worthy expense!<\/p>\n Money saving tip:<\/span>\u00a0 Hotel prices in Las Vegas may look scary but you can often get an extremely good deal using Priceline<\/a>! Check there first.<\/em><\/p>\n [BONUS] Money saving tip:<\/span>\u00a0 Ask your hotel front desk or concierge if they have a coupon book for the city! It\u2019s often filled with money saving coupons that can be used throughout your mother daughter trip.<\/em><\/p>\n Atlanta is one of the best cities to visit for a mother daughter vacation on a budget.\u00a0 Between the parks, the attractions, and the culture, A-town is just plain fun!<\/p>\n Tour The World of Coca-Cola \u2014 a museum dedicated to the history of Coca-Cola corporation.\u00a0 There are plenty of fun exhibits and interesting tidbits but the highlight?\u00a0 At the end of the tour, you can taste Coca-Cola products from all over the world! Feel like a VIP and skip the line with this special ticket! <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This magical place holds the crown as one of the largest aquariums in the world.\u00a0 With over 100,000 animals represented in its glass walls, it is a must do for all mother daughter trips to Atlanta.\u00a0Be sure to check their specials page for discounts.<\/a> <\/p>\n Atlanta is home to the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. where you can see where the civil rights leader was born.\u00a0 It is described as a living monument to the great man who serves as the building\u2019s namesake.\u00a0 Admission and parking is free. You can also take an inexpensive walking tour to the sites dedicated to MLK Jr and his work.<\/a><\/p>\n Atlanta is home to some of the largest, most family-friendly parks in the United States.\u00a0 Piedmont Park, Woodruff Park, and Olympic Park are all stock full of [free] activities and worth the visit.<\/p>\n There are plenty of great museums in Atlanta but for mother daughter trips on a budget, try to visit some of the free ones.\u00a0 Both the Monetary Museum<\/a> and the Fernbank Science Center<\/a> offer free admission and parking.<\/p>\n Money saving tip:<\/span>\u00a0 Look for coupons to The World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium in the local grocery stores like Publix and Kroger.\u00a0 The Atlanta Tourism site often has discounts too. Also, be sure to ask your hotel front desk [or concierge] if they offer any coupons!<\/em><\/p>\n St. Louis isn\u2019t just the birthplace of the rapper Nelly [although that is pretty cool, isn\u2019t it?].\u00a0 There\u2019s plenty to do there and is a great mother daughter trip idea!<\/p>\n Catch a killer view of the city while learning about its history by visiting the Gateway Arch<\/a>.\u00a0 Starting at only $12\/person, it is also an affordable option for your mother daughter trip on a budget.<\/p>\n Their zoo is free [YAY!].\u00a0 Yep, you read that right.\u00a0 Over 16,000 animals<\/a> are there to see and experience on your mother daughter trip for a whopping $0.<\/p>\n Splash pads, climbable art installations, and sprawling green space<\/a> make this a great place to spend a free afternoon.<\/p>\n There are plenty of great museums in Atlanta but for mother daughter trips on a budget, try to visit some of the free ones.\u00a0 Both the Monetary Museum<\/a> and the Fernbank Science Center<\/a> offer free admission and parking.<\/p>\n Money saving tip:<\/span>\u00a0 Viewing the Gateway Arch from the ground floor is absolutely free if you want to save some coins.\u00a0 There is plenty to see\/do there.\u00a0 You can also save money on your admission if you have an America the Beautiful<\/a> pass.<\/em><\/p>\n The windy city has a lot to offer someone looking for a mother daughter trip on a budget.\u00a0 From the sprawling parks to the budding landscape, you\u2019re bound to have a blast.<\/p>\n Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park are both fabulous [and dare I say iconic] parks in the middle of the city.\u00a0 Best of all, they are full of free [YAY!] activities for both mother and daughter.<\/p>\n Frequently described as an urban playground, Navy Pier is the highlight of Chicago.\u00a0 Some of the activities here can be pricey but the sights are free.<\/p>\n Chicago is home to some of the top museums in the country like Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, and more.\u00a0 Some offer free admission year round but the ones for cost are extremely reasonable.\u00a0 They also offer free admission days<\/a>.<\/p>\n Money saving tip:<\/span>\u00a0 Save money on your lodging by staying at the Getaway Hostel<\/a> with your daughter.\u00a0 Learn everything you need to know about staying in a hostel with kids here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Money saving tip:<\/span>\u00a0 Public transportation in Chicago is phenomenal.\u00a0 Save yourself the cost of a rental car and use public transit<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n The stars at night! Are big and bright\u2026 *clap clap clap clap* DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS! If you sang along as you read that, Austin might be the place for your mother daughter trip on a budget. The city is a perfect blend of city and country [and a personal fave from this list of mother daughter trip ideas].<\/p>\n Touring the capitol building of Texas is [surprisingly] fascinating.\u00a0 The building itself is beautiful and steeped in history.\u00a0 Plus, it is free to visit \u2014 even the guided tours are free of charge.<\/p>\n Think of Zilker Park as the Central Park of Austin and you\u2019ll have an idea of how major this park is to the city.\u00a0 They even offer free festivals and events<\/a>.<\/p>\n Barton Springs Pool stays a cool 68 degrees year-round and is completely free to visit and swim.<\/p>\n Bats and kayaking \u2014 need I say more?\u00a0 The bridge crossing this downtown Austin lake is home to a super huge colony of bats \u2014 super cute ones that fly out in a mass exodus at dusk.\u00a0 It\u2019s a sight to see [and more fun than I\u2019m probably making it sound].\u00a0 You can also rent paddle boats or kayaks and view the city from the water.<\/p>\n Money saving tip:<\/span>\u00a0 Austin is a college town so many businesses cater to budget-sensitive clientele.\u00a0 Look for events designed for the broke college kids and try to blend in.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cBudget\u201d might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of a mother daughter trip to New York City.\u00a0 But it is totally do-able!\u00a0 Besides, the city is just way too iconic not to include in this list.<\/p>\n Central Park and Chelsea Park are amazingly kid-friendly and located in the heart of New York City.\u00a0 Playgrounds, basketball courts, bike rentals, and more will provide more than an afternoon\u2019s worth of fun. Be sure to check Central Park\u2019s event calendar<\/a> for fun [FREE] events.<\/p>\n Catch a ferry over to Liberty Island and visit Lady New York herself,\u00a0 the Statue of Liberty.\u00a0 Visiting the island is free of charge but additional items like admission to the pedestal or ascending to the crown have a small fee.\u00a0 If you want to keep it on a budget, you can explore the grounds, take a free self-guided tour, let the kiddo become a certified Junior Ranger<\/a>, and tour the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.<\/p>\n Catch the cool adverts and the free entertainment on your mother daughter trip in the hubbub of Times Square.<\/p>\n This is no ordinary library.\u00a0 It is the most well-known library in the city and has special exhibits like the Gutenberg Bible and the Declaration of Independence.\u00a0 Free guided tours are given throughout the week as well.<\/p>\n Money saving tip:<\/span>\u00a0 Look for a TKTS booth<\/a> to snag some discount tickets to popular Broadway shows!<\/em><\/p>\n Armadillos, Tex-Mex, and the Alamo make San Antonio one of the best Texas style mother daughter trip ideas.<\/p>\n Remember the Alamo\u2026. for free! \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 Get a Texas history lesson while seeing one of the most memorable monuments in Texas.<\/p>\n San Antonio is filled with family-friendly parks but one of their newest parks, Yanaguana Garden, is especially cool.\u00a0 There\u2019s a garden, splash pads, and innovative play scapes \u2014 right in the middle of downtown San Antonio.<\/p>\n Walk along the 15 mile long canal, watch a mariachi band performance, and pop into one of the restaurants for a [virgin] daiquiri.\u00a0 It\u2019s one of the many areas in San Antonio super rich in culture and history and the scene is free.<\/p>\n Money saving tip:<\/span>\u00a0 VisitSanAntonio.com<\/a> has lots of money saving coupons!<\/em><\/p>\n Memphis BBQ, educational monuments, and the Piggly Wiggly are just a few reasons why Memphis, TX would be ideal for a mother daughter trip on a budget.<\/p>\n Viewing the interior of the king of Rock and Roll won\u2019t be free but snapping Gram-worthy shots at the Graceland Gates is completely free.\u00a0 You can also peruse the meditation gardens free of charge if you visit in the early morning.<\/p>\n Visiting the official Civil Rights Museum is free on Mondays for Tennessee residents from 3 pm to close.\u00a0 If you\u2019re not a resident, it is still a worthy investment.\u00a0 Learn more about Civil Rights Trail in Memphis here<\/a>.<\/p>\n If your daughters are anything like mine, they are all for anything with the word \u201cpink\u201d in it.\u00a0 Lucky for us, The Memphis Pink Palace Museum in Memphis, one of the largest museums in the Mid-South region, offers free admission Tuesdays from 1 pm \u2013 5 pm.\u00a0 Other Memphis museums like the Center for Southern Folklore and the Art Museum at the University of Memphis are free all the time.<\/p>\n Money saving tip: There is a pretty comprehensive list of free things to do in Memphis, TN<\/a> here.<\/em> Also check here for a complete guide to spending a weekend in Memphis<\/a>.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thespringbreakfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Mother-Daughter-Trips-on-a-Budget-Pinterest-341x512.png\"\/)
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\nMother Daughter Trips On a Budget<\/h2>\n
Washington, D.C.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe White House<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Monuments<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Museums<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The District Pier<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nSan Diego, CA<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nBeaches<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Balboa Park<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Aquarium<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Berry Picking<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nLas Vegas, NV<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe Strip<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The Linq Promenade<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Photo Ops<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Hoover Dam<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nAtlanta, GA<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nCoca-Cola<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The Georgia Aquarium<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The King Center<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Parks<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Museums<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nSt. Louis, MO<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe Gateway Arch<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The St. Louis Zoo<\/strong><\/h4>\n
CityGarden<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Museums<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nChicago, IL<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nParks<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Navy Pier<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Museums <\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nAustin, TX<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Mother](\"https:\/\/www.thespringbreakfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/motherdaughtertripsonabudget-Austin.jpg\"\/)
![\"Mother](\"https:\/\/www.thespringbreakfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/motherdaughtertripsonabudget-Austin.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe Capitol<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Zilker Park<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Barton Springs<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Lady Bird Lake<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nNew York, NY<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nParks<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The Statue of Liberty<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Times Square<\/strong><\/h4>\n
New York Public Library<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nSan Antonio, TX<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAlamo<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Parks<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The Riverwalk<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nMemphis, TN<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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![\"Mother](\"https:\/\/www.thespringbreakfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/motherdaughtertripsonabudget-Memphis.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nGraceland<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Civil Rights Tour<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Museums<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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