A summer vacation does not always require travel to distant places. A well-planned staycation can be just as refreshing and memorable, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and reconnect with family without the stress and expense of a trip. With a little imagination, you can transform your home and backyard into a personal resort, creating an amazing summer experience right where you are.
Transform Your Backyard into an Oasis
Your outdoor space holds incredible potential for summer fun. Turning it into a private retreat is the first step toward a successful staycation.
Create a Water Park Vibe
You don’t need a permanent pool to enjoy the water. Set up an inflatable pool, sprinklers, or water slides for an afternoon of cool fun. Add some lounge chairs, festive towels, and a cooler filled with refreshing drinks to complete the resort-like atmosphere. Water balloon fights and squirt gun battles are classic activities that add a playful touch for all ages.
Outdoor Movie Nights
Experience the magic of cinema under the stars. All you need is a blank wall or a large sheet, a projector, and some comfortable seating like blankets or outdoor chairs. Pop some popcorn, grab your favorite snacks, and enjoy a family movie night in the fresh air. It’s a simple way to make an ordinary evening feel special.
Plan Themed Days or Weeks
Introducing themes adds structure and excitement to your staycation, preventing boredom and making each day feel unique.
International Culture Day
Choose a country and immerse your family in its culture. Cook a traditional meal from that region, listen to its music, and watch a movie set there. You could even try learning a few basic phrases in the language. This is an educational and entertaining way to explore the world from your living room.
Sports and Recreation Day
Dedicate a day to friendly competition. Set up a backyard obstacle course, hold a family Olympics with simple events like sack races and three-legged races, or organize a tournament for a favorite sport. For those looking for a more high-tech option, an indoor activity like using a golf simulator at home can bring the fun of the course indoors, perfect for a hot or rainy day.
Embrace Indoor Creativity and Relaxation
A great staycation balances active fun with opportunities for rest and creativity.
Host a Family Cooking Challenge
Turn mealtime into a fun and collaborative event. Pick a theme, like a bake-off or a “mystery box” challenge where family members have to create a dish using a set of specific ingredients. This not only results in a delicious meal but also encourages teamwork and creativity in the kitchen.
Build an Epic Indoor Fort
A classic for a reason, building a fort is a delightful activity for all ages. Use blankets, pillows, and furniture to construct a cozy hideaway. Once built, it can serve as a quiet reading nook, a space for board games, or the perfect spot for an indoor campout with sleeping bags and flashlights.
Focus on Unplugging and Connecting
The true goal of a staycation is to step away from daily routines and connect with loved ones.
Institute a No-Screen Rule
Designate specific times, or even a full day, to be completely screen-free. Put away phones, tablets, and turn off the television. This encourages everyone to be more present and engage in activities that foster direct interaction, such as playing board games, having conversations, or working on a puzzle together.
Plan for Downtime
Do not overschedule your staycation. Part of the appeal of a vacation is the chance to relax without a strict itinerary. Allow for plenty of unscheduled time where family members can read, nap, or pursue their own quiet hobbies. This balance of activity and rest is what makes a stay-at-home vacation truly rejuvenating.
