Summer is here, the kids are just about out of school and you need to start planning your vacation. However, money is tight and so is your schedule so an elaborate getaway might not be possible. So what do you do that is fun, gives you and your family the break you need and deserve while also creating lasting memories? Create a fabulous stay-cation!
Here are some of our favorite stay-cation ideas that are fun, eco and even budget friendly that the whole family will enjoy!:
Be a Hometown Tourist
Many residents don’t take the time to visit all the landmarks and attractions that their hometown is famous for. Make like a tourist and visit a popular monument, a local museum or attend a hockey game. Sometimes exploring a hidden gem in your city is all you need to recharge ; )
Theme Park it!
Be a kid again. Gather some friends and spend a few hours at a nearby theme park. Let loose and ride the roller coasters. Look out for resident deals to save you some cash. If you’re afraid of what to chow on while you’re there, check out my healthy theme parks article! Summer time brings out the kid in all of us so a theme park suits the mood.
Sleep Away
Go online and find a reasonably priced hotel in your own city, book a room for a night or two and go. Since your stay will be short, you can even splurge and go for that five star hotel that you have always wanted to visit.
Enjoy the luxuries of room service and all the amenities, such as the pool and jacuzzi. This provides the feeling of being away without the mileage or the airfare. Take the night to just relax by yourself or with someone special. If you have kids, find a hotel with fun activities or a neat pool while you take time to chillax!
Backyard Glamp-out
Pitch a tent or fill up an inflatable kiddie pool with pillows and blankets and camp out under the stars while having all the amenities of home like your bathroom, kitchen and wi-fi! You can even host an outdoor “drive-in” by projecting a movie onto a wall or sheet while you hang in your tent, on blankets or in comfy lounge chairs!
Shakespeare in the Neighborhood
Gather up your friends and neighbors and put on a “community” show that debuts at the end of the summer. Be it a talent show, a short film or a play, getting together regularly to rehearse, plan, decorate, etc to put together a fun project will not only bring you closer and provide hours of enjoyment, it will keep everyone creative and leave the summer with a lasting memory everyone can look back on!
Take a Hike!
Find a nearby nature preserve or mountain with marked hiking trails. Grab your boots, backpack and water bottle and get moving. Make the most of the sun and warm weather by taking in all that nature has to offer. Pack a lunch and make a day out of it with pals.
Day Tripping
Plan to do something fun for the day. Look up towns and landmarks that are up to 2 hours away so you can make it up and back comfortably with time to explore. You’d be surprised how even being 30 minutes outside of the city can feel like being a world away ; )
Weekend Getaway
Plan ahead to take the whole weekend off and devote it to yourself, your friends or your family. Find good last minute deals for spas, hotels and even flights. For us Southern Californians, Vegas is a quick and inexpensive getaway if you know where to look. For Floridians, Orlando. Explore as far as you can for as long as you can.
Camping is also a great, affordable weekend trip that gets you away from the big city stress and in touch with nature.
Water World
Create an outdoor waterpark with what you have on hand. Slip n’ Slides, kiddie pools, sprinklers and more. Find ways to cool off this summer and have some chlorine-free fun!
Get Creative
No matter what you do this summer, get out there and do SOMETHING! Whether you need some time to yourself, your significant other or your family, explore your local world and enjoy summer the fullest ; )
