Staycation ideas to keep the kids happy – until school starts!

Between airfares, car rentals, gas, hotels, food, and admission fees, the costs of a family vacation can quickly add up. So if you’re on a tight budget or simply just don’t have enough time for a ‘real’ getaway, there’s plenty to do in and around your area. Here are some staycation ideas you can try out with the kids until they’re back in school.

And the great thing is –these are mostly free and can apply to any holiday, so just adjust for seasonal changes. When it’s cold simply do the indoor stuff on this list. There’s no place like home –so enjoy going nowhere this summer!

Be a tourist in your own town

Are you familiar with all your local hotspots? You’d be surprised how much fun stuff is happening right on your own doorstep. Scope out your hometown as if you were a tourist. What would you find to do if you were here on vacation? Local newspapers and parenting magazines (usually free) are great resources, as are community calendars, city websites, travel blogs/sites, tourist information, and parent/mom group sites. And of course, the old fashioned word of mouth –just ask around! Friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and work colleagues are sure to know about some gems.

Check out your local parks

Every city has at least one park so do your research and plan some outdoor activities. If there are several parks to choose from in your vicinity, why not spend a day park hopping. You could also plan a family bike ride, have a special picnic(many parks have grills available for cookouts), devise some nature spotting games, take advantage of boat rentals, play bocce ball or throw a frisbee–the possibilities are endless!

Museums

A trip to the museum is a perfect activity for rainy days, hot days, and cold winter holidays! Many state museums are free and not only can you visit the usual exhibits there are also special events, storytime, animal encounters, hands-on discovery rooms, and educational series. Plan a group trip with the neighborhood kids or make it a fun family day out.

Library Events

Local libraries are a lifeline for parents and most plan special events during summer breaks and other school holidays. So check out your local branch and see what’s happening. There are ongoing storytime and craft activities for a range of ages, as well as one-off activities that can range from learning about snakes and superheroes sewing and space exploration.

Go Camping

You can either pitch a tent in your own back yard or find a nearby campsite for a quick and easy little outdoor getaway. Build a campfire, pull up your camping chair, roast some marshmallows, and take turns telling creepy stories! All for under $50max!

Local festivals

Check out local listings for any free festivals scheduled in your area this summer and fall. Festivals can involve food, international music, dancing, crafts, folk art, bluegrass, horse riding, and even yoga.

Beach or lake day

Nothing beats a day trip to the beach or lake! If you’re lucky enough to live near a body of water, pack up a cooler, blanket, shade umbrella, swimwear, sunscreen, picnic…and the kids, and go enjoy a day of (safely) soaking up the sun and splashing in the surf!

Go Hiking

Stuff some snacks and water in a backpack and hit some trails with the kids. Plan your hike accordingly, by making sure everyone can handle the intensity and length of your chosen route. Usually, trails are marked easy, moderate, and difficult or strenuous. Get outdoors, immerse yourself in nature, savor the fresh air, and drink in the view!