With gas prices soaring and the cost of living at an all-time high, many families have had to forego a much-loved American tradition – the family vacation. Today, budget-conscious families must consider their necessities over their desires, placing travel low on the list of priorities.

With travel becoming something of a luxury, some hotel chains are taking measures to make travel both affordable and convenient. Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts offers over 1,500 locations found in popular destinations and a host of kid-friendly policies and accommodations, ideal for the family traveling on a limited budget.

From coast to coast, Holiday Inn hotels provide families with outstanding money-saving policies for travel with children. With a fantastic “Kids Stay and Eat Free” program, Holiday Inn hotels help make traveling stress-free. Holiday Inn knows that vacation expenses add up quickly so saving money on lodging and food for the kids can free up your funds for sightseeing, souvenirs and all the other little items that seem to come up while away from home.

Kids Stay Free Program
When sharing a parent’s room, children 19 and under stay free

Kids Eat Free Program
Kids Eat Free is available for kids age 12 years old and under dining in the hotel's restaurant from the Kid's Menu and when accompanied by a family member dining from the regular menu. For registered guests only. Limit 4 kids per dining family. Not available for room service. Not available with room rates negotiated for groups of 10 or more, travel industry rates or employee rates.

In addition to these valuable programs, Holiday Inn offers a myriad of perfectly-located accommodation options near popular attractions and activities for all types of vacations, from seaside escapes to big city getaways. Here are some recommended Holiday Inns throughout the United States and some family-friendly things to do during your stay.

Holiday Inn Orlando International Drive Hotel
Treat your family to an exhilarating trip to Orlando, Florida, a favorite spot for sun-seekers and amusement park enthusiasts. This Orlando family vacation hotel features a host of on-site facilities and services to accommodate the little ones. After a long day at the area theme parks, the outdoor swimming pool with sundeck is the best place to cool off while the arcade room provides a place for the kids to let loose.

As a top option among vacation resorts in Orlando, Holiday Inn offers an unrivaled locale on lively International Drive, your gateway to the best of Orlando. Check out some renowned Orlando attractions during your visit.

• Wet ‘n Wild, get drenched at this water park (0.25 mile)


• Universal Studios, City Walk & Islands of Adventure, with non-stop entertainment for the whole family (1 mile)


• Sea World Orlando, Aquatica & Discovery Cove, featuring shows, rides and up-close animal encounters (6 miles)


• Walt Disney World Resort Orlando, experience the magic (10 miles)

Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay Hotel
San Diego, California is well-known for its fantastic climate and its amazing array of activities. At Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay, you can experience this city and visit all the must-see attractions and then return to the comfort of this full-service San Diego family vacation hotel to refresh.

Lounge by the sparkling pool or rent bikes on-site to explore the city up-close. Dine at the hotel’s three restaurants or just spend some downtime in a newly-renovated room featuring Nintendo Game Cubes with video game rentals. The most ideally-located of San Diego downtown hotels, Holiday Inn on the Bay is positioned right on the waterfront on Embarcadero, offering a close proximity to the most popular kid-friendly sights to see, including:

• Balboa State Park, offering extensive activities such as museums, playground, historical attractions, puppet theatre, gardens and a free tram (4 miles)


• Old Town, learn how the city of San Diego began (2 miles)


• San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa State Park, a celebrated San Diego attraction (4 miles)

Sea World San Diego, where the kids can meet Shamu and his famous friends (6 miles)

Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center Hotel
Reserve your travel to the Big D at Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center hotel, an unrivaled option among hotels in downtown Dallas for family vacations. On-site amenities include a restaurant for a delicious family meal and a beautiful outdoor pool to soak in the sun.

With a central location in the heart of the city, families can check off items on their itinerary with ease. Don’t miss all the attractions near this Dallas Market Center hotel.

• Museum of Nature and Science, with interactive hands-on activities for kids (6 miles)


• Dallas World Aquarium, featuring an amazing indoor rainforest (3 miles)


• Dallas Zoo, the first zoological park in the Southwest (5.4 miles)


• Dallas Arboretum, a lush 66-acre botanical garden (10 miles)

Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Resort
Savor an unforgettable beachfront vacation without breaking your budget at Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach hotel. As a premier option for Cocoa Beach hotels near Port Canaveral, Holiday Inn offers relaxing, affordable accommodations and a great variety of services and on-site facilities for your family travel.

Let the kids run wild at the pirate ship-themed children’s pool and enjoy some fun and games in the arcade room. With four on-site dining choices at this Florida family resort, including the tasty Captain’s Grill where Kids Eat Free, this hotel’s restaurants are sure to please. In addition to all the activities on-site, guests will find numerous entertainment options just outside and Orlando theme parks are just a short drive away.

• Kennedy Space Center, witness a shuttle launch (17 miles)


• Cocoa Beach Pier, with shops, restaurants, arcade, beach rentals and more (2.5 miles)


• Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, a famous 24-hour surf shop for all your beach accessories (1.6 miles)


• Manatee Watch, take an up-close look at Florida’s most famous residents with Wildside Tours (3 miles)

Holiday Inn Nashville Hotel
Let your family experience the excitement of Music City U.S.A. with a trip to Nashville, Tennessee and reserve family-friendly lodging at Holiday Inn Nashville. A comfortable and affordable option among hotels in Nashville near Nashville Airport, accommodations are relaxing and the amenities are extensive.

Take a dip in the indoor pool and whirlpool and spend some quality family time in your room by getting a meal delivered from the on-site pizzeria. This city offers endless activities for families and this Nashville Airport lodging provides simple access to it all.

• Frist Center for the Visual Arts, with a delightful program and exhibits just for kids (7 miles)


• Adventure Science Center, interactive science and education museum (6 miles)


• General Jackson Showboat, set sail down the scenic Cumberland River (6.5 miles)


• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, learn about the history of country music (6 miles)

Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel
The fun never stops at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, and Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf offers the perfect location among San Francisco hotels to discover this world-famous California attraction. Take in the sights of the Wharf and then retreat to refreshing accommodations ideal for the family.

Let the kids splash and play at the heated outdoor pool while you catch some rays on the sundeck. Head to Bristol Bar & Grill to start your day or cap off the evening with delicious American favorites. The Bay City offers limitless action and adventure for the family and many activities and sights-to-see are within walking distance of our San Francisco lodging.

• Ghirardelli Square, a chocolate-lover’s paradise (2 blocks)


• Pier 39, a great place to shop, stroll and dine (5 blocks)


• Cable Car line, take a ride on these “moving” landmarks (3 blocks)


• The Cannery, featuring family events, shopping, and dining (2 blocks)

The Holiday Inn Boston at Beacon Hill Hotel
A city steeped in history and culture, Boston, Massachusetts is an incredible destination for a unique family vacation. Explore the area and make your home base the Holiday Inn Boston at Beacon Hill, setting the standard for downtown Boston hotels.

While on-site, families can enjoy leisure facilities like a seasonal outdoor heated pool and a fitness room. Foster’s Bar and Grill, where Kids Eat Free, is always a welcome option for delicious on-site dining. Holiday Inn Boston hotel is located in historic Beacon Hill, just minutes from the city’s most celebrated attractions.

• New England Aquarium, an amazing underwater universe (1 mile)


• USS Constitution, the oldest warship of the U.S. Navy (1.25 miles)


• Freedom Trail Walking Tour, U.S. history comes to life with this intriguing tour (1.5 miles)


• Boston Children’s Museum, an engaging and educational experience (1.6 miles)