Planning a family staycation is a great way to enjoy the benefits of travel without leaving your hometown.
Is your family’s budget so tight that just can’t afford to go on vacation this year? Well, instead of planning an out of town vacation, why not opt for a staycation. Friends, you don’t have to travel out of town to enjoy a great time with your family.
A staycation is a great way to take a break without leaving your city. To plan a staycation, start by choosing a theme, such as relaxation or adventure. Then, research local activities that fit into your theme.
If you’re in need of a change of scenery, look for deals and discounts on hotels or vacation rentals in your area, and get away for a couple of days.
There are plenty of things to do in your very own town or the nearest big city. With a little bit of creativity and planning, a staycation can be just as rejuvenating as a traditional vacation.
How To Enjoy A Much Needed Staycation
Set Some Ground Rules
The purpose of a staycation is to make it feel like an actual family getaway, without leaving the comfort of your own home.Thus, to make sure the whole family is on the same page, it is good to start with some ground rules that each and every family member agrees upon.
First, you’ll want to start by setting an actual vacation start and end date. Then you should set a few guidelines for what your family may and may not do during your “vacation.” You could put rules in place such as:
No smartphones, no television, no video games, no checking emails, no housework (all the moms rejoice) – you get where I’m going. The only thing your family should be focused on at this time is plain old FUN!
Be sure to set aside funds for eating out, and the different activities that you plan to enjoy.
Here are several ideas to help get you started with planning a staycation for you and your family.
Find A Local Beach
You don’t have to be on a tropical island to enjoy the beach. Visit a local beach in your area and become “beach bums” for a day.
Visit One of Your National Parks
National parks offer a variety of family friendly activities to choose from. Most park fees are nominal, but you can also check out this page to find free entrance days.
Enjoy Your Local Theater
Check your local newspaper or theater website to see what plays, musicals, or family-friendly comedy shows will be playing during your planned staycation, then book your tickets accordingly.
Tour A Museum Virtually
Several museums throughout the country and the world offer “virtual” tours. There are several that you can choose from, including the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, the Boston Children’s Museum, or even visit the Louvre in Paris.
Enjoy A Day At The Amusement Park
Enjoy a fun-filled day of rides at a nearby amusement park. Check out this list to find an amusement park in your own state or town.
Check Out The Local Library
Most libraries have family-friendly events and activities happening every weekend. I even got my son his very first library card this past summer. Check your local library’s website for details and to find out about kid friendly events.
Pay A Visit To The Children’s Museum
A Children’s Museum is definitely in order if you have younger kids. This is one of my son’s favorite places to visit. Most have a variety of fun and interactive activities that will keep you busy the whole day.
Check out the Association of Children’s Museums website to find one in your area.
Visit the Zoo or Aquarium
Are you an animal lover? Why not pack up a lunch and spend the day at the zoo or enjoy the aquarium with the fam.
Check out the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to find a zoo or aquarium in your area, then be sure to also check what special programs your zoo has available.
Enjoy A Music Fest
Most cities have music festivals during the summer months. Look up music festivals in your area and enjoy a fabulous performance from some of your favorite headliners.
Play In The Water
Spend the day at a local pool or splash pad. This is actually one of my family’s favorites. If you let him, my kiddo would spend the entire day at the splash pad.
You can also turn on the sprinklers in the backyard and have a family water day at home.
Camp In Your Own Backyard
Why not enjoy the great outdoors in your own backyard? Set up a tent and sleeping bags, light the fire pit (or use the grill) to cook hot dogs and s’mores, and take turns telling funny or scary stories.
Go Bowling
Enjoy a game of bowling with your kids. If your kiddos are small, try bumper bowling.
Many bowling alleys around the country even participate in a free bowling program that allows kids to bowl free and parents to join them for just a few dollars more.
You could even invite a few of your neighbor’s or close friends and make it a bowling competition. Your family bowls against theirs. The winner receives a homemade trophy an agreed upon prize.
Go Paddleboarding Or Canoeing
If there is a river or lake near you, chances are pretty good there is also a paddleboard or canoe rental facility nearby as well. Both are a fun way for you and the family to enjoy time on the water.
Play Outside
Fly a kite, take a leisurely walk, go for a bike ride, or how about a nice hike. Head to your local park (most state and national parks have a few walking, hiking, or biking trails to choose from). Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for everyone.
Break Out Those Board Games
A staycation is a perfect time to play a few of those board games you remember from childhood! Whip up several snacks, and spend the afternoon playing all of your favorite games.
Remember, the goal of a staycation is to relax and decompress all while having fun. For a lot of people – especially those of us who are moms, the hardest part of trying to “relax” at home is letting go of our everyday obligations.
Give up the chores for a week, and instead kick back, relax, and enjoy some quality time with your family. Doing so will allow you to create memories that you and your loved ones will cherish for a lifetime.
Great tips! You can discover so many hidden gems right in front or your eyes if you just pay attention.
This is such good advice, I have been trying to do more in my own home town this summer and it’s not only saved me some money but I’ve made really good memories this way! (Plus my partner and I are getting good at bowling now haha) thank you for sharing 😊
It’s so much fun discovering new things to do right in your own hometown. Thank you for reading Emily.
I love these options just to have in mind when we cannot travel too far away from home. A good time can be memorable while exploring your own territory where we live.
We were home all day today and this is great for us to pick your brain for some ideas of what to do around
I would really love to try bowling as I have not been for so long, it’s time to pick up the bowling skill once more.
I Found your article very interesting I learned lot from your tips.
I simply wanted to make a quick message so as to thank you for all of the fabulous items you are writing here.
I love doing staycations in my home city of Toronto! There is so much to do and see right in your own “backyard”, that you can always have a great time.
Perfect idea. In fact we tend to miss beautiful places in our home town. Very nice thought to explore own place first.
I totally agree! Thanks for reading.
I am an adrenaline junkie and unfortunately there are no places near I can get that here. Though the board games may sometime be a great alternative depending on the mood. lol
I love doing things in my hometown. I have a huge list of free and not so free things to do that I call upon whenever I need a break.
Visiting local museums are definitely great. We’ve just been to 2 museums last month and we had a great time.
Great advice, especially for people like me who don’t like to travel a lot and avoids long road trips.
Awesome. There are so many places that I need to go just in my hometown hahaha, did not realize that after reading this. Great article.
There are definitely so many things you can do right in your home town. 😘 You just have to look further.. These tips are awesome..!
Girl I love doing staycation in my own state. Sometimes I just get a hotel or a nice Air b n b and zen myself away for the weekend!
We did a lot of staycation when I was near with my friends! I love your ideas, you can also do picnic and all. Great list. I had fun reading each list. ❤️
Those are some great ideas to do with the family, will definitely try some out someday. Having a mini camping adventure in the backyard with delicious treat would be fun.
Be it any place in the world, spending time with the loved ones are just awesome.
Completely true.
I love visiting my hometown because it can be so calm. Normally, I’m out canoeing or just spending time by the waterfalls. It’s also super nice to play outdoors with the neighbors.
Great tips. Nice way to get away for a weekend, when you can’t plan a big travel
Love this tips| It make easy to enjoy holiday with out spending a fortune!
I absolutely LOVE your ideas! I myself enjoy going by a nearby lake or to the theater – just as you said!