The Dummies’ Guide to an Affordable Labor Day Vacation

Labor Day. The day when we celebrate a year of working hard by hardly working, or not working at all. Families barbecue at home or head out of quick three-day weekend excursions. It is a quick respite from back-to-school. Whether you do a “staycation” in your own backyard or a quick hop to a nearby city, enjoy your labor-less long weekend and save a little cash by sticking close to home.

From East Coast to West Coast, cities offer fun and inexpensive family options. There are nationwide state parks offering options for everyone from restaurants to golf, hiking, to boating. Camp onsite in tents or cabins for a fun Labor Day getaway at family-friendly prices.

One of my favorite places for free entertainment any time of the year is Washington, DC. From the Smithsonian museums to the National Zoo, there are a wide range of educational and fun options open to the public at no charge. including the National Zoo with panda bears. On Labor Day weekend Sunday, the National Symphony Orchestraoffers a free public concert on the Capitol West Lawn at 8:00 PM. Just a quick East Coast trip away, the American Music Festival in Virginia Beachoffers big and small names in music from Friday to Monday of Labor Day weekend for $20 a day or $40 for all three days of shows.

Photo via Flickr by Alex E. Proimos

Head south to Daytona Beach for more music and a rocking Labor Day Weekend with the free Rocket Man tribute band at the Daytona Beach Bandshell at 7:15 followed by fireworks.

Photo via Flickr by Ricymar Photography (Thanks to all the fans!!!!)

Florida travelers to the Miami area can enjoy the Labor Day Reload Party on Sunday from 12:00 noon to 8:00 PM for $44 (drinks unlimited for women, men pay an extra $20). For more family fun, Miami Labor Day guests enjoy an inexpensive bike ride with Citi Bike Miamiwith bike rental prices ranging from $4 to $24 for the entire day. Whether you head to Daytona or Miami or any other Floridian getaway on Labor Day, don’t forget the stretches of gorgeous beaches as your best vacation bargain: $0 for family fun for everyone.

Photo via Flickr by Ricymar Photography (Thanks to all the fans!!!!)

Atlanta does up Labor Day weekend with a wide variety of fun and affordable family options. From fireworks and laser show on Stone Mountain to the 3 day Sky High Hot Air Ballon Festival at nearby Callaway Gardens, outside fun is abundant. The DragonCon pop-culture convention from 9/4-9/7 and Art in the Park in Marietta are two additional Labor Day weekend activities that offer something for everyone–staycationers and travelers alike.

Photo via Flickr by FLC

Asheville, NC has all kinds of affordable Labor Day fun as well. From the annual Labor Day Apple Festival in Hendersonvilleto the 9/5 Shindig on the Green with lawn chair celebrate the weekend with fun and not too much green.

Photo via Flickr by JPott

Midwesteners know how to enjoy Labor Day inexpensively as well. For only $40, families can enjoy the African Festival of the Arts in Washington Park from Friday to Monday of Labor Day weekend. After enjoying art of the visual kind, take a listen for free at the Chicago Jazz Festivalfrom 9/3 to 9/6 at the Chicago Cultural Center in Millennium Park.

Photo via Flickr by stevendepolo

The East Coast isn’t the only place for inexpensive Labor Day family fun. Head to Utah for Park City Miner’s Day with live music, games, races, pancake breakfast, 5K and parade. Head to South Bend on the Oregon Coast for Labor Day fun at the 9/3-9/7 “Come and Play” on Labor Day event centered around families and the South Bend landscape.

Photo via Flickr by tomkellyphoto

Celebrate Labor Day on the cheap San Diego style with Festival of Sail on the North Embarcadero on San Diego Bay. The largest tall ship festival on the West Coast includes a tall ships parade, battle enactment and vendors all just a quick walk from Trolley Stop B. Grab and quick bite and explore vendors from around the area at the Old Town San Diego Market with more than 40 unique shops.

Photo via Flickr by Port of San Diego

Whether you stick close to home or head out on a road trip for the Labor Day weekend, you can save some green and have some fun at any of these affordable Labor Day vacation locations! Have loads of fun and stay safe Karmakiss Family!!!

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