staycation*
[stey-key-shuh n]
noun
1. a vacation spent at home or near home, doing enjoyable activities or visiting local attractions.
With back to school on the horizon and summer camps coming to a close, more and more families are choosing to staycation. And why not? You get all of the same family time, the kids have fun, and priceless memories are made right in your own backyard. You will also save money and travel time. Here is our list of ideas and tips for creating a fabulous, relaxing hometown adventure of your own!
Make a plan in advance
Set a budget and decide when your staycation starts and ends. Either make and freeze meals ahead of time, to enjoy during your staycation- or have your take out menus on hand for easy ordering. Create a daily plan, without over-scheduling. Be sure to leave some room for relaxation and spontaneity. Check sites such as Groupon or Living Social for good local deals!
Explore your neighborhood
Visit your area's tourist bureau or their website. They will have a wealth of valuable information for you about the area you live in. Check out what festivals, concerts, free events, and live theater will be going on. You may also find out about local attractions or historical site you aren't even aware of! Now is your chance to become experts on where you live.
Get outside
If it's warm enough, get outside and enjoy the great outdoors with a hike, bike ride, family run, or flying a kite. Plan an outdoor scavenger hunt or bring along some games and balls. Don't forget the snacks and sunscreen! You can even set up a tent in the backyard for camping. Or make s'mores, tell stories, and star gaze when it's nightfall.
If it's still cold in your neck of the woods, how about ice skating, sledding, bowling or an indoor water park?
Volunteering is a rewarding family activity
If your kids are old enough, find out about local volunteer opportunities or think of ways to spread acts of kindness in your community. There is no better feeling than helping others, and seeing your children's' kind acts bring a smile to someone's face.
