If you’re trying to cut family travel costs and have never stayed in a hostel before, hear us out! Hostel rates are considerably lower than average hotel rates. There are beautiful and welcoming family friendly hostels throughout the US and especially in popular tourist areas.
Doing your research ahead of time and reading advice on how to find the best family friendly hostels will help you make your decision. To get you started, here’s our top 6 family friendly hostels in the US.
1. Adelaide Hostel (San Francisco, CA)
The Adelaide Hostel in San Francisco, California was ranked the “Best Hostel in San Francisco” by Hostelgeeks in 2021. Budget-friendly dorm rooms and private rooms with bathrooms are offered at this family friendly hostel. If staying in a dorm room, you’ll have the option of renting a 4, 6, or 10-bed (bunk beds) dorm room. In addition, Adelaide offers a ton of perks such as free WiFi, free breakfast, free bed linens, free laundry detergent, and more. There is not a minimum stay at the Adelaide but the maximum stay is 14 days.
- Perks: Free Wifi, free breakfast, free laundry detergent, free bed linens
- Rates: $35+ per night
2. Green Tortoise Hostel (Seattle, WA)
The Green Tortoise Hostel in Seattle, Washington is conveniently located near popular tourist attractions for family travel such as the famous Pike Place Market (where you’ll witness fish throwing), Seattle Aquarium, and Seattle Art Museum. Private rooms are available to reserve for the family and while you have to share bathrooms, each bathroom is an individual unit and can be locked for complete privacy. In the evenings, the family can enjoy competitive games of foosball and in the mornings, enjoy free breakfast.
- Perks: Free breakfast, free linens, foosball table
- Rates: $40+ per night
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3. Pirate Haus Inn (St. Augustine, FL)
For a great family friendly hostel near the beach, check out the Pirate Haus Inn in St. Augustine, Florida. Not only does the Pirate Haus oppose loud parties, which is great for families, they also were named one of the best kid-friendly B&Bs in Better Homes and Gardens. You can reserve private themed rooms for your small or large family. The largest room holds up to 8 people! There is a TV in a central location for all guests and plenty of free board games to play. Love pancakes? Each morning you and your family can enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes.
- Perks: Free WiFi, free board games, free guitar, free all-you-can-eat pancakes, wash & dry laundry for $10
- Rates: $75+ per night
4. The Crash Pad (Chattanooga, TN)
The Crash Pad located in Chattanooga, Tennessee may be considered a well-designed family friendly hostel in comparison to others. Bunks, private rooms, and a suite are available to reserve with the “Chatt Room” holding the most guests (6). This hostel is really fun for family travel because of its beautiful shared common areas (indoor and outdoor) plus it’s located close to hiking, biking, and more adventures. Keep in mind that prices are similar to hotel prices unless you reserve a budget-friendly super bunk room.
Perks: WiFi, free bed linens, outdoor hangout, private bathroom in Hemingway Suite
Rates: $38+ per night
5. Wanderlust Hostel (Gunnison, CO)
At the Wanderlust Hostel in Gunnison, Colorado, families can reserve rooms for well under $80 a night. Known as the “finest, funkiest lodging,” this family friendly hostel includes dorm rooms, private rooms, and a large family room that holds up to 6 people. There are yard games, movies, and lots of adventuring to do nearby. Because there are designated quiet hours, you shouldn’t have to worry about your children’s sleep getting disrupted. Finally, if you have pets, you may be able to bring them with you, plus you’ll love meeting Cole the hostel dog!
- Perks: Free bed linens, free WiFi, free parking, laundry available, pets considered
- Rates: $32+ per night
6. Denali Hostel & Cabins (Denali, AK)
This family friendly hostel is located in the beautiful wilderness of Denali, Alaska and offers dorm rooms, private rooms, and canvas castles (glamorous tents) for reservation. When you and your family stay at the Denali Hostel, you can explore trails right off the hostel property.
There isn’t cellular service, which may be a nice cellphone break for the whole family, but there is free WiFi available if needed. Bathrooms and showers are in great shape, in a central location and only a few yards away. For a large family, private bunk houses can be reserved that sleep up to 7 guests so that everyone can lounge and rest together.
- Perks: Free WiFi, free bed linens, free coffee & tea, firepit and s’mores, laundry
- Rates: $45+ per night
Thankfully, you can cut family travel costs by staying in budget-friendly hostels that offer many, if not all, the necessary things you need for a good night’s sleep. Many hostels offer private rooms at a reasonable price that allow you and your family to stay together after a long day of exploring. Just make sure to check recent reviews, amenities, and room options before reserving so that it will be the best hostel for you and your family.
Have you stayed at any family friendly hostels that you loved? Let us know below!
Morgan French is a wife, mom of two, writer & editor. After traveling for 3 years with her family, she now lives back in her hometown of Dayton, OH. She makes frequent stops for coffee, enjoys the outdoors, and loves board games.
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