7 Summer Staycation Ideas With Your Kids

Summer vacation is starting to change. What used to be an automatic trip to the beach, mountains or resort is now being questioned. Parents, in particular, are starting to see that heading off to a distant locale might not always be the best thing. Sometimes you just want…a staycation. Staycations were created for us parents, you know.

They involve little to no travel and the comforts of home for the most part. Your wallet or purse will be a little bit fatter in most cases and you might even get some rest and relaxation. You won’t however, sacrifice fun on a staycation. Best of all, your kids won’t feel like they did either. They will enjoy a good staycation as much as you will.

If it sounds to good to be true, try one of the following seven staycation ideas this summer with your kids and see if you don’t change your tune:

Go Camping

Camping might sound complicated and a bit like a typical vacation, but it is not when you consider your backyard as prime camping territory. It is quite fun to set up the old tent and spend the night in the back yard. Even if you camp in the local woods, you still are not spending a ton of cash or traveling. Think it over.

Play Laser Tag

Laser tag was created for boys and men that want to be boys. Best of all, the girls love it too. Simply hook up these little sensors and you get to play tag with a laser gun just like Star Wars. If your kids have never played it, they will lose their minds with fun. If they have experienced it before, you will have no trouble getting them to sign on board for this staycation.

Attend Your Local Theater in Style

There is something about dressing to the nines (or close to it) and then heading out to the local community theater. This can be a wonderful staycation idea that will also spur a creative side to your kids. Allow them to experience it in style where possible. Take them out to a nice dinner and let them feel grown up for a day.

Tour Your Local Historical Sites

We are quick to seek these types of things out when we are out of state or visiting, but we rarely pay attention to what is already around us at home. Check around and you might be shocked at the culture and history that is right around the corner for free.

Go Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a staycation idea that will always be enough for a kid. Getting on a horse (or pony) and taking a trail ride never gets old and it is plenty fun for a vacation idea. Perhaps you can do it for a weekend to make the experience a bit longer than usual.

Have a “Summer of Giving”

Visiting a homeless shelter, a nursing home or even a children’s hospital can all be a wonderful way of spending a staycation. When we see and help those in tough circumstances, it has a way of helping us put things in perspective as well. For a child, that can literally change his or her life. Spend a summer getting to know those that are in need and you will quickly be thankful for that decision.

Go Tubing Down A Local River

This is a ton of fun and it is a wonderful way to feel like you are on vacation for a few hours. Spending time lazily drifting down a slow moving river is a way to truly enjoy your time together and get back to nature. Best of all, you are almost certain to have one nearby without travel!

I can remember one fun night my kids will always remember. We pitched a tent in the backyard, caught fireflies, roasted marshmallows and told good old fashioned ghost stories around the campfire. It’s not about where you go, but rather the quality time you have together.