Just like with any traveling, you need to have a travel budget in place. Include items such as activities, meals, transportation, etc. Making sure that your travel budget works with your everyday budget is important because you don't want to make taking money away from another expense without having a plan in place.
Do research to find activities in your area that are free or have little charge. This could include museums, parks, libraries, festivals, and more. Remember to check for discounts for local residents. You can look for other ways to save money such as going to a matinee instead of an evening movie. Find a different mode of transportation than you usually take. Ride bikes, take the bus or train,
Make everyday activities a little more fun and special. For example, pack up dinner and have a picnic at the local park. Turn dessert into a sundae bar. Create an at-home spa. Camp in your backyard. The possibilities are unlimited. Get the whole family involved with the planning and let each member be in charge of an activity or meal.
Check to see if an organization that you are a member of, such as AAA, provides discounts for hotels and attractions. There may also be discounts by booking hotels or rental cars on blind sites. While you may not be able to pick exactly which hotel you stay in or which car you get, it's a great way to save money and have the space you need.