Summer is nearly here! Our newsfeeds are about to be filled with pictures of distant locations full of wonders to explore, as friends and family members take the much-discussed summer vacation. Sometimes, however, vacations are less fun and more stress. Can you really afford to take that vacation, and if you can, should you? Is the headache of traveling with kids really worth it in the end? If questions like these are running through your mind, it may be time for you to try a staycation! Here are a few ideas for how to make the most of it:
Enjoy Local Amenities
Do you visit your local parks, pools, and attractions? We often forget about the fun family activities that are practically in our own backyards. Maybe there’s a summer festival you rarely go to, or a local park or trail you have never tried! A staycation is the perfect time to explore your area with fresh eyes, and try all the local attractions you may not think about otherwise!
Camping with Comfort
Set up a campground in your backyard with a cozy house and flushing toilet just a few steps away. If you don’t have a tent, ask around to your Facebook friends, someone is bound to have one! If you have a grill, try it out for a fun outdoor dinner, and if you are allowed, build a fire! Don’t forget the hotdogs and marshmallows to roast!
Fun with Food
Since you aren’t spending money on a plane ticket or hotel room, you can afford to splurge a bit on food. Eat at a new restaurant you have never tried, or try experimenting with some local fare! If you don’t know what local restaurants are in your area, ask around your friends or use Google to see your options. You will also save time by not driving too far, so why not use it to cook a meal you wouldn’t normally have the time or energy to make? If your children are old enough, try allowing them to help out to make some lifelong memories!
Home Improvement
Maybe you want to accomplish something while on this staycation. How about including the whole family in a home improvement project? Choose a project everyone can get involved in, such as redecorating the kids’ bedrooms or creating a new backyard oasis. At the end of your staycation you can reap the benefits of this fun project, and many times the children will be proud they were able to help make it happen.
The Most Important Part
Now, on to the most important part of planning a staycation: get creative and have fun! This summer you can create great memories with your family right at home.
