Trends seem to indicate that the concept of the staycation isn’t just a passing fad.
And that makes sense: long trips can be costly and stressful, and a lot of us live in communities we’ve never had a chance to explore.
So this year, take a day trip with your family. Explore your town’s past, check out some community events and relax in the backyard. We’ll even give you some tips to get started:
1. Shut Out The World
Make yourself hard to reach. Turn off the ringers on your phone and check your voice mail only when you want to. Stay away from the news and from social media, and try to get your kids to do the same. You can even ask the post office to stop your mail for the week. You wouldn’t stress about bills when you were in, say, Cancun, so why worry about them on your local vacation?
2. Pamper Yourself And Your Family
You may be staying at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the comforts of vacation. Have your dinner delivered every night during your staycation, maybe having something as simple as pizza one night, and something a little more exotic the next. You could even hire a cleaning service for the week, and send your laundry out to be washed.
You can also act like a tourist in your hometown. Take the kids to the nicest local hotel for a family sleepover, and let them indulge in room service, maid service, and a heated pool.
3. Get Caught Up On Your Reading (or your watching)
One good thing about a staycation is that it’s easier to cope with bad weather. A week of rain in the Caribbean can wreck your plans. A week of rain at home gives you a chance to get caught up on your reading. Escape into the classic novel you’ve always meant to read or the latest summer hit. You can also use this time off to catch up on the TV show everyone keeps saying you have to watch.
You can also gather your kids and hold a family film festival in the living room. One night could be scary – but still kid-friendly -- movies another night could be based around comedies or musicals.
4. Take Your Family Out To The Ball Game
You might live near a Major League ballpark, but the country is filled with minor league ball teams. Consider catching one of these games with your kids before spending MLB prices. A lot of minor league parks have added some really neat amenities – outdoor play areas for kids, water parks—while giving you the chance to watch a solid game of baseball.
5. Take A Nap
OK, so this tip isn’t that elaborate, but neither is taking a nap. Get into a hammock and catch up on your sleep. You’ll return to work re-energized.
6. Get Some Exercise
It may be tough fitting exercise into your normal schedule during the work week, but now you have plenty of time. Maybe you can try something new, like yoga or Pilates, or just go on a family hike in a park near your home.
7. Explore Your Local Area
Your town has history. Track down historic markers, take your kids to check out some local museums and other landmarks that you’ve driven past but never actually explored. Check out community events: you might find some great local restaurants and small businesses, and get to know your neighbors.
8. Have Some Backyard Fun
Your kids have the right idea: they spend time in your yard, whether that means playing on a swing set, throwing a ball around or inventing new games. Learn to enjoy your yard as well during your staycation. Play some games with your kids, or set up a tent and have a backyard camping trip.
If you’re looking for ways to make your backyard more fun before your staycation, visit Swingset & Toy Warehouse. We can find the equipment that’s right for your kids, and help you have a memorable summer, even if you don’t leave home.
