Is It Stacation or Staycation – Stacation Survival Guide Part II

So I was thinking of things to do for the continuing Stacation Survival Guide – Part One series, that would be fun, economical (cheap or free) and the whole family could do together, and was quite surprised myself in just how many things there are to do.  So whether you call it a stacation – drop the v in vacation and add a st, or staycation – since you won’t be going too far from home, as in “stay” at home vacation, you can create memories that your children will never forget.  You know that kids (especially younger ones) really don’t care where you go or what you do, as long as you are giving them attention so make a staycation that will last a lifetime!

Here are some ideas that will bring the family together, be tons of fun, save on your pocketbook or wallet, and just possibly make this summer the best vacation or stacation ever!

  1. Set up a tent in the back yard and ‘rough it at home’ – this is a great idea for dad and son(s) and mom can take out eats and drinks, or join right in.
  2. Go to a local park or your own backyard – and play Frisbee, baseball, volleyball or more – you will be doing things as a family and getting exercise in the process.
  3. Go out at dusk and catch fireflies – young children will love taking jars out and capturing lightning bugs.
  4. Visit the local police station, fire department, post office or dairy farm  – (make sure to call ahead to set up an appointment).
  5. Go to the library – check out books for some summer reading.  Many libraries have summer programs going on and a great time to take advantage of them.
  6. Have a weenie or marshmallow roast – adult supervised, of course.  You can take a cheap charcoal grill placed in the backyard and pretend you’re sitting around the campfire roasting weenies and marshmallows and tell ghost stories.
  7. Scavenger hunt – one great way to do this is to make a list of things to find on Friday and then Saturday morning go for your scavenger hunt to yard and garage sales and flea markets.  You might also find some great treasures. 
  8. If you live near a museum – spend the day touring the museum, which can be fun and educational.
  9. Go for a hike or walk – I happen to live near the Smokey Mountains but if you don’t live near good hiking trails, just walk through your neighborhood, together as a family.
  10. Have a rummage sale – let the kids go through their things and get rid of things they have outgrown and have a yard sale.  You are de-cluttering your home and making a little extra cash.  You can tell the kids that they get to keep the money their items make and spend it on something new.
  11. Tie Dye – teach the kids how to tie dye and each member does a shirt.  Then you can all wear them to show off, maybe even have a contest to see who has the best tie-died T-shirt.
  12. Build sand castles – if you live near a beach, you can go and have a sand castle competition.  You can do it in the backyard if you have a sandbox.
  13. Go rollerblading, roller-skating, bike riding, and bowling – just something that can be done as a family and keeps everyone active in the process.
  14. Have a family talent show – encourage every family member to participate and show off their talent, however big or small.
  15. Keep a summer scrapbook or journal – this will help you to capture all the great memories of your stacation for years to come.

I know there are many more great things you and your family can do on your staycation this year.  Just use your imagination and I’m sure you can come up with more.  If you have any suggestions for stacation ideas please share them with us.  Have fun as a family and make some great memories together.  Hope to hear from you!  Enjoy Life!!!