Staycation Ideas

Have you ever thought about a staycation?  Vacations can get over expensive in a hurry.  There are many ways to save for and on a vacation and many resources, too. 

But, sometimes, a staycation makes more sense.  Less stress in planning, the less financial burden on the whole family, and plenty of time to actually “cation” since there’s no travel involved in a staycation.

Sometimes we are so involved day to day in our own lives that we have to have someone on the outside from another place to remind us that there are awesome things to do in our own home town and surrounding areas.

Even from the comfort of your own home!  But, just think about things like the local museums such as your local history museums, national parks, amusement parks, landmarks, local attractions.

It just takes a little planning – which you’d do anyway if you were to take a vacation away from home.  It might also take a little budgeting, so be sure to click here to get your own free printable Monthly Budget Worksheet.

You might also like: 6 Ways To Start A Successful Budget Plan

 

Let’s take a look at how you can plan an inexpensive staycation.

Friends And Family Movie/Game Night

This is one of my favorite fun staycation ideas to spend quality time with the family. You can allow everyone a certain number of guests to invite and plan a movie marathon and/or game night. 

Have everyone bring movies and games such as board games or video games, snacks, and their favorite drinks, and enjoy!  You can also order pizza if that’s more your thing. 

You have this movie night, play games, and more in your own living room, and even maybe tell ghost stories! Or rent a suite at a local hotel to host your night!

Midnight Pool Party

This is a great staycation idea. We used to do this for special events such as our kid’s birthdays.  They loved it – we’d have a sleepover and rent the local pool at midnight for a late night swim!

This is an especially great option in the summer months. Although one year when we were youth Pastors we had an indoor swim party for the youth Christmas party. That was fun, too.

Shaving Cream Fight

Another perfect staycation idea and a favorite of our kids.  I always kept a stash of shaving cream (super cheap just don’t get menthol… not the best for this use 🙂 ) in the house. If you rather do it in your own backyard also has plenty of space so that’s also an option. 

We never knew when a shaving cream fight might break out.  I remember my brother and nephew were visiting during one such time.  One son came running down the stairs with the second one chasing him… the second had a face full of shaving cream – out the front door they went – the fight was on! 

The rest of us grabbed more cans and headed outside.  My brother and nephew weren’t quite sure what to think.  When it was over our nephew – 7 – was covered head to toe…. so, my teen boys lowered him into the pool a few times to “rinse”!  lol 

Those are times I know they’ll remember as much as or even more than the vacations we took.  Make some memories.

I’ve even hosted a shave cream birthday party at the park one year.

Turn Off All Devices

Oh MY!  This will be the test of who can last without their screens and social media.  But, after a few hours or days with no devices, including computers, you might be shocked at how refreshed you’ll feel.

Try New Things

Try bungee jumping, zip lining, sky diving, take a cooking class, exercise class, or dancing class.  Step out and of something new. 

You might find a new hobby and activity you can’t live without!

Ask Friends And Family For Ideas

Some of your family and friend’s every day kid friendly activities are places where everyone can have a good time. There might even be someplace you’ve never been in your local area, like a new restaurant.

Check Out Local Tourist Attractions

Find your local areas tourist attractions.  Historic local places and botanical gardens can be a great way to learn more about and fall more in love with where you live.  

Be sure to check deal sites like Groupon to find the best deals on those local attractions, too.

Go To Your Local Water Park

This is one of the best staycation ideas! Water parks are a great place for kids to run around and let out some energy.

Even adults can have some great outdoors fun with all those water slides and activities.

Make It A Themed Staycation

This is always a good idea! Let each member of the family choose the theme and activities for that day. 

Whether it be all day at the movies, shopping, museums, bike riding and picnic.  That way each member of the family is invested in having fun. 

Don’t forget the camera – there are memories waiting to be made and recorded!

Water Balloon Fight

This is a brilliant staycation idea if you are on a tight budget since all you have to do is buy water balloons and have a blast!

The best part is this is also a great way to cool down during the warmer months while getting fresh air. You could make a whole day out of it and grill hot dogs.

You might also like: Summer Activities For Kids

For Adults

Tour Your Local Eateries

Plan lunch (to help keep costs down) at all of the places you’ve been wanting to try, or at places you’ve never heard of or been to before.  You might find a new favorite place or two!

Do A Happy Hour Pub Crawl

During happy hour most pubs offer great deals on food and drinks.  this is a great time to try out new places, too.

Tour Local Winery Or Brewery

It can be fascinating to see how your Happy Hours beverages are produced.  Some come with great history for the area, as well as tastings, of course!  When you’re at your favorite pub it’s fun to see the local beverages from your own hometown on the menu.

Try A Coffee Shop Crawl

Check out coffee shops you’ve never been to before – you might find a new favorite Cup of Joe!

Book A Local Hotel Stay

I remember one time we went to a local boutique hotel about 30 minutes away and it was an area we don’t frequent so, it was very much like being out of town.

Call A Local Spa Service

Check the spa services in your own city. You might be able to see if they can come to your home. For at home spa days, that sounds like the perfect time to me.

Check Out A Local Museum

Museums are always a great idea. They’re the best places to get away and have some peace and quiet. Just be sure not to go during peak times.

My favorite places to have a day trip are art galleries there’s always a great opportunity to see something new and exciting. Plus, there’s probably one closer than you think in your own town you could, even hit the local shops or local restaurants that are within walking distance afterward.

What would your staycation look like?  Leave your ideas in the comments below.