Make the Most of Your Summer Staycation

Need a vacation or just a weekend away? What about one without traffic jams, overpriced meals or even much planning?

Enter the staycation. It’s easy. It’s affordable. It’s the at-home vacation you’ve always thought about but never actually taken.

Planning a staycation, even for a family, can be as easy as buying some inexpensive supplies and kicking back in your own backyard. From chalk night to a night away in the next town over, these staycation ideas may have you wondering why you haven’t taken one before – and planning the next one before the first one’s even over.

Staycation ideas

How do you make a staycation fun? Get a little creative, maybe even a little silly, and let the good times roll (or…slide).

• Build a DIY waterpark
  Instead of traveling to a waterpark, bring it to you this summer. All you need are some sprinklers, a Slip ‘N’ Slide-style water slide, kiddie pools for your little ones, some good ol’ fashioned water balloons for the older ones and voilà! A homegrown waterpark – and a home-grown backyard vacation. You may be tempted to run through a sprinkler or two yourself.

• Have your own luau
  Sure, Hawaiian resorts are great. But you don’t actually need to visit one to enjoy a luau. Whether you go fun and festive with décor (plastic leis, tiki torches and drink umbrellas) or get fancy (seashells and twinkling outdoor lights) there’s no wrong way to luau, and there are plenty of easy recipes to make you smile and fill even the pickiest of bellies. Pair the decorations and food with a luau playlist and let the island vibes flow.

• Take a day trip
  Whether you live in the city or the country, chances are there’s local attractions you haven’t visited in a while (or maybe ever!). A staycation gives you an excuse to finally check out that museum you’ve always been interested in, go to a baseball game, stop by a botanical garden, historical site or even the zoo.

• Throw a family carnival
  Carnivals and fairs are always fun, but, between games and food, they can drain your wallet – fast. With a little ingenuity (and the right junk food!), you can stay home and make your own. Games like ring toss, balloon pop and bobbing for apples are all easy to build and are sure to bring on the cheers. Inexpensive prizes – and lots of carnival-style snacks (think cotton candy, caramel apples and popcorn) – make it even better.

• Chalk it up
  While you’re amping up your nighttime creativity, how about chalk night? Here’s how to do it: Buy some multicolored chalk from your local dollar store, grab some cold drinks, turn up the tunes and flip on the porch lights (or flashlights). Draw your name, a cartoon, a flower, anything you’d like. Even just play some tic-tac-toe. You’ll be surprised how quickly your creative juices will start flowing – and how you can make lifelong memories for just a couple of dollars.

• Host a tournament
  Badminton, horseshoes, bocce ball, corn hole – they’re all classics for a reason. Whether you play them in the park or on your patio, backyard-style games are fun. And the more people you have playing, the better. Keep it in the family or invite neighbors for some friendly competition.

• Plant a garden
  Nothing says summer like flowers, plants and farm-fresh herbs and veggies. If you don’t have a yard, look into community gardens. Whether you plant at home or a nearby park, most kids love gardening. The act of gardening is satisfying, budget-friendly and little ones love checking in on their seedlings. Plant kid-friendly crops like basil and tomatoes and save yourself a trip to the store – not to mention grocery money – on pasta night.

• Go camping in your backyard
  This is an oldie but goodie. And you don’t even need to own camping equipment to do it. (Rent the basics from an outdoor store or put out a call on social media to borrow some.) As for entertainment, keep it simple: ghost stories (around a fire pit, if you have one), singalongs (guitar optional but always a plus) and s’mores (up your s’mores game with some rich dark chocolate). While this decidedly old-school activity is sure to go over well with the kids, it’s something the kid inside you will love, too. (Enjoy the great outdoors? And saving money? Here are some more tips to go camping on a budget.)

• “Vacation” in your own town (or one nearby)
  If an indoor retreat is more your style, a weekend away, or even just an overnight, at a local hotel or home rental can be the perfect getaway. It’s a great way to explore nearby areas, enjoy some poolside relaxation or even just some time away from home – without packing much or hitting any traffic.

Tips for planning a relaxing staycation

The best staycation is one with a plan. While you certainly don’t have to map out every minute (it’s actually better if you don’t!), the following tips can help you get the most relaxation from your soon-to-be staycation.

• Create a budget
  Whether you’re vacationing at the beach or in your backyard, it’s always tempting to throw caution – and your budget – to the wind. But resist the urge. Your staycation will be much more relaxing if you to set a limit about how much you’ll spend, then stick to it.

• Fully disconnect from work
  When you go on a traditional vacation, do you fully disconnect from work? You probably do (at least we hope so!). So be sure to do the same thing when you’re vacationing at home. If it’s a weekday, set an out-of-office message and hide your computer. Put your phone on silent if you have to. It’s time to relax and leave work behind.

• Try something new
  Vacationing is often an opportunity to try something new. So why not do it on your staycation, too? Cook a new dish or try a different kind of restaurant. Go kayaking or take a dance class. Getaways are all about breaking from routine. Shaking things up, even just a little, will give you just the boost you need.

• Treat yourself
  You’ve worked hard to take some time off, so be sure to do something to make yourself feel good. It may be as simple as a special coffee drink or a slow walk in the park. Maybe a manicure, a haircut or just time to put your feet up and read a book. It doesn’t need to cost much – or anything at all. But a little can go a long way, so be sure to give yourself some TLC.

A staycation is still a vacation.

Whether you’re with family or relaxing by yourself – at home or at an Airbnb a few miles down the road – a staycation is still very much a vacation. It doesn’t matter what your budget is or how creative you get. The most important thing is to take a break from your normal routine, kick back, unwind and recharge your batteries. And sometimes staying home, or close to home, is the very best way to do it.

This article has been updated from its original posting on July 1, 2020.