BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN!
Museums – A lot of museums offer free admission days, so be sure to see if there is one (or call the museum to see!). If there are no museums in the area, you can easily take a virtual tour of museums around the world all from the comfort of your home computer! You can tell your friends that you visited the Louvre in your pajamas!
Go to the beach or pool – How many of us live close to the beach or a community pool but never visit because we are too busy? Pack up a picnic lunch, a blanket and your favorite outdoor sporting gear and enjoy the surroundings! Head over to the beach at sunset with a bottle of wine for a romantic hour or so alone. Some local beaches hold free outdoor concerts and events, so be sure to check their calendar of events.
Go to a movie – Take the time to go to that movie that you’ve been wanting to see. Opt for the matinee showing (usually any show before 4 pm), to save on the movie ticket price. This is a perfect way to beat the heat and enjoy one of the season’s blockbusters.
Play your favorite sport – Dust off your football or tennis racket and practice perfecting your throw or serve. Get the family involved and invite some friends to make a day of it. Fire up the BBQ for a meal after the festivities.
Go to a sporting event – If you are a sports fan, check out the game schedule for your local minor league team. You’ll get a similar experience as if at a major league event, at a lower price. Invite friends and family to come along and set up a cookout beforehand!
Spend time at the park – Many parks offer free entry, even National Parks! Most also offer family-friendly activities to participate in. Bring along a blanket to relax on along with a kite or your favorite book. Hike or bike a trail
Camp out in your backyard – Pitch a tent, grab your sleeping bags and pillows and head to the great outdoors – right in your backyard! If feasible, make s’mores and tell ghost stories or just relax and gaze at the stars above.
Visit your local zoo – When was the last time you went to the zoo? The zoo is a fun filled day of exploration. Head there early and map out the shows and exhibits you want to make sure to visit. Check your local newspaper or Groupon for discounts on tickets!
RELAX!
Your staycation is the time for you to spend quality time with your family and friends and relax. Make the most of the time and create new memories – all without spending a lot of money!
Lori Geurin says
These are some great ideas for taking a staycation with your family! I love to travel with the family, but sometimes it’s nice to stay close to home and do something close to home rather than messing with all the planning, travel and expense that can be involved in a long trip.
Dana says
Agreed, Lori! I love to travel as well, but if you are on a tight budget or a short time frame – staycations are the way to go!
Karen Morse says
It’s fun to be a tourist in your town and just enjoy what the place has to offer! These are awesome staycation ideas! It’s fun and also relaxing!
Dana says
It’s amazing what you’ll find if you become that hometown tourist!
Jeanine says
Great ideas! Going out to eat, picnic and museums are great ideas! Especially if your town has something new to see or do or even try!
Dana says
Thank you Jeanine! I agree – museums are one of my most favorite places to visit!
AnnMarie John says
My kids and I love going hiking, we’re in Colorado after all! But there are days when we just want to stay in town and take things slow. These are awesome ideas to do just that!
Dana says
I’d love to go hiking! Thanks for stopping by!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
These are great staycation ideas. Living in Florida, we do a lot of staycations with a lot of beach and pool days.
Dana says
Thank you Joanna! Beach and pool days are the best!
Melissa Chapman says
It is so true that we have great things happening so close to home that we don’t take advantage of. The nearby museum or park or nature preserve can be a perfect day trip.
Dana says
What is your favorite close-to-home thing to do?
Angela Tolsma says
I love staycations! It’s a great chance to explore where I am and museums are a huge part of that for me! One day I hope to have a backyard to camp out in!!
Jordan Nelson says
It is just starting to cool off here in Las Vegas. I’d love to spend more time in parks and go camping but it is too dang hot. Fall is coming so there will be more opportunity for all of these fun activities now.
Dana says
I hear you about not wanting to venture out in Vegas in the summer! Once it gets a bit cooler maybe!
Jean says
I definitely think I new to explore my city more – there’s such a lot to do on my doorstep that I’m yet to discover. Thanks for spurring me on!
Dana says
I am glad I could inspire you Jean!
Krystle Cook says
These are all such great ideas. Staycations can seriously be the best ever!
Dana says
Thank you Krystle!!
Jennifer says
Right now, a staycation sounds like an amazing thing. We live an hour from Philly, so there is plenty of things we can do on a very small budget!
Dana says
Philly is such an amazing city – there is so much to do there!! (One of my favorite places to be!)
DEBBIE-JEAN LEMONTE says
Staycations are the best! I like disappearing to a speakeasy hotel and hide out. Lol!
Dana says
That sounds very cool!