29 Brilliant and Unique Ideas for The Best Staycation with Kids

Going on a staycation with kids is the new way to travel since worldwide travel came to a screeching halt in 2020.

Although we are beginning to move about a bit more this fall, it is still is somewhat scary to embark on any long haul travel. Who knows what to expect?

So, as we have done over and over again this year, we must pivot.  

When you can’t go away on vacation with your family, how about a family staycation instead?

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

The benefits of a staycation with kids.

• It won’t break the bank.
• You won’t have to fly with kiddos.
• There’s no packing involved.
• And no massive trip planning.
• No airport anxiety or motion sickness.
• The most important benefit is the puppy can stay with you.

Ground rules for your staycation with kids.

First things first—set some ground rules, similar to the boundaries set while on a classic vacation.

#1) Unplug. All of you.

#2) No chores or work allowed, except during the specified time block (just like when on vacation).

#3) Lift some rules such as bedtime, snack time, and snack choices.

#4) Keep an open mind.

#5) Laugh a lot and have fun.

Beyond movie night and spa day, here are 29 brilliant and unique ideas for the best family staycation.

#1 Tailgate from home.

It’s football season, so let’s start there. Saturdays in the South, gameday, tailgate 2020 has turned into homegate 2020. Let’s do this. Grab your tailgate chairs, chicken wings, burgers, chips, dips, juice boxes, and adult beverages. And don’t forget the brownies. Turn on ESPN and get the homegate party started. 

#2 Build a s’ mores bar.

The weather is cooling off, so it’s s’more time. You can do the original s’more because there is nothing better. Or kick it up and try adding something unique.  Here are a few ideas.

• Bacon
• Bananas
• Kit Kat bars
• Caramel apples
• Oreos
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Raspberry jam

#3 Travel vicariously through your dinner.

Choose your destination, your meal, dessert, drinks, music. And of course, what to wear.

Learn how to say all of your food and drink choices in a different language. Plus, how to order, and say please and thank you.  

Learn it all for a weekend dinner staycation to …

• Mexico
• Italy
• Spain
• The Caribbean
• New York City
• South America

#4 Go glamping in your living room.

You know, camping, but glamorous. Inflate a couple of mattresses, cover with the most superior sheets you own. If you have a tent, set it up or build a glamour fort—and light faux candles (if you fall asleep, don’t want to burn down the house).  

Turn on your essential oil diffuser and fill it with Lavender and Eucalyptus. Serve champagne for the adults and Shirley Temples for the kiddos in your fanciest crystal flutes. Make indoor smores. And tell glamorous scary stories.

#5 Create a travel bucket list.

Did you have a canceled or postponed trip in 2020? So disappointing, but understood. Let’s create a bucket list for those family holidays that didn’t happen. There’s always next year or the year after.

#6 Bake around the world.

I already added travel through your dinner, but you can bake around the world, too.  

#7 Prepare your favorite dessert from your past adventures.

What are the best desserts you have ever had while traveling? Flan in Spain, a Cannoli in Italy, Arroz Con Leche in Cuba, or Chocolate whatever in France? Learn how to make it yourself.

#8 Or travel around the world, one cocktail or mocktail at a time.

I would keep it simple and start with a Margarita. But, Pinterest has all sorts of worldwide cocktails to try. And there are always virgin options for the kids.

#9 Put together a puzzle with the family.

Remember, at the beginning of COVID, all puzzles sold out? Well, they’re back in stock. Put together a puzzle of Paris or one of your dream travel destination with your family’s help.

#10 Get outdoors.

Simple as going for a stroll in the neighborhood, riding your bike, drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, sitting on your porch or patio.  

#11 Family game night.

Stay inside for a family game night. Our favorites are Pictionary and Uno.  

#12 Start a garden.

The same outdoorsy theme, but a little more ambitious. Check out the Farmstand by Lettuce Grow. I have had tons of cherry tomatoes and lettuce in all varieties—endless basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, peppers, and cucumbers. Makes me feel like I have a green thumb (and I do not).

#13 Tour your town.

You have heard it before, be a tourist in your town. Google “best things to do in _______.” I bet you haven’t been to a few. So tour your town. Here are some ideas that many cities have to explore.

• Botanical Gardens
• Zoo
• Planetarium
• National Park
• Breweries
• Hiking or biking trails
• Bookstores
• Universities
• Antique stores

#14 Spend the day on the water.

Find a local waterway and go kayaking, standup paddleboarding, or canoeing.

#15 Let the kids decide for the day.

Allow them to plan their itinerary, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, activities, games, hikes, all of it. Let them be the family tour guide for the day.

#16 Make a family TikTok.

It’s all the rage. And making a family TikTok will probably be on their planned itinerary, anyways. The kids love it, it’s silly, go for it.  

#17 Become an artist.

Many cities have a place you can go and get your Vincent Van Gogh on. Choose from pottery, glasses, canvas, or mosaics, and find your inner creative. They typically supply paint, brushes, stencils, and other tools needed to bring out the artist in you and your family. Many even serve mimosas for some extra creativity. And many studios have created art projects to go, so now you can bring your craft home. 

#18 Have a picnic on the beach…in your backyard.

Simple, grab a couple of lawn chairs, a giant beach blanket, sunscreen, your cool shades. Pack a picnic lunch, ice-cold beverages, and spend the day on “the beach” in your backyard.

#19 Go on a family wellness retreat.

Setting up a family wellness retreat takes planning. So, create a flexible schedule, do your shopping, and let’s do this.  

• Put away all devices. Yep, I said it.  
• Start the day with a green smoothie.  
• Spend 20-30 minutes on simple family-style yoga.
• Then go for a stroll. 
• Upon return, roll on a sheet mask for a quick facial. I love these. 
• Hydrate with lemon-infused water.
• Set up candles around all the tubs, choose soft relaxing music, lavender, and eucalyptus in the diffuser, and draw a bubble bath. The younger kids will love it; the teens may not. But you can always try.  
• Afterward, use your favorite body butter to moisturize.
• And then move on to a movie night.

#20 Scavenger hunt for the kids.

Your scavenger hunt can be anywhere from creating a scavenger hunt BINGO, to finding items that start with each letter in the alphabet.

Create a simple list for the littles. For example, locate things in the yard, including a crawling bug, flying bug, and a butterfly. Add a tree, blade of grass, herb, flower, bird, and a rock (you can paint the rock later).  

Pinterest is your best friend when looking for kids scavenger hunt ideas. I like this sensory list. Things that I love to…

• Touch
• Smell
• Taste
• See
• Hold
• Wear

#21 Set up a “drive-in movie.”

I am going to one-up the movie night and suggest a “driveway, drive-in movie.”  

Pull your car into the driveway and close the garage. Set up your projector to project the movie onto the garage door. Arrange several blankets and pillows in the back of your truck or SUV.  

If you don’t have a pickup truck or SUV, set up your popcorn, Twizzlers, sodas in the car. And watch your movie in lounge chairs.

#22 Build a city skyline with Legos.

Purchase a Lego set for a travel dream. The options here are so exciting. Build a Lego jet, speed boat, or train, depending on where you’re going. Build Big Ben and the Tower Bridge and head to London. Or the skyline of San Francisco, Paris, or New York City.

#23 Set up an obstacle course.

Keep it simple and fun. Here are a few easy ideas to set up an obstacle course at home. These are mostly quick ones that you can set up with stuff around the house.

• Start with a bean bag or ball toss into a target box, bucket, or basket.
• Then hop through a ladder on the lawn, add a bit of difficulty by hopping on one foot.
• Add calisthenics: 20 jumping jacks, ten sit-ups, five pushups, and a cartwheel.
• Walk the plank. Set this up with concrete blocks and a 2×4 like this.

• Hopscotch with sidewalk chalk.
• Buckets and pool noodles. Set up two buckets a few feet apart, place the pool noodles across the buckets to create a jumping course of 3-4 jumps without knocking the noodles off the bucket.
• Roll a tire in and out of poles.
• Climb hay bales.

#24 Create a summer or winter bucket list.

Everyone needs a summer bucket list, no matter the age. Involve all of the kids in this endeavor and then add all of the ideas to a master list.

#25 Build a fort.

Build a fort out of chairs, couches, sheets, pillows, and blankets. Call it the “Quarantine Quarters,” or just “The Q.”

#26 Set up a smoothie bar.

Here is what you will need to create a basic smoothie bar at home that kids will love. You may need to leave out the green stuff.  

• Blender
• Ice
• Fruit: Bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple.
• Milk
• Orange Juice
• Yogurt
• If you want to be extra (that’s what my teen calls it), add chia, oats, protein powder, chocolate chips, coconut, kale, and almond butter.
• Mason jars look stylish and fun when drinking the smoothies.

#27 Host a Jenga Giant tournament.

And you must include Bracketology. BTW, I am the reigning Jenga champ in this family.

#28 Attend a fancy dinner in your dining room.

Bring out the china plates, crystal glasses, real silverware, and silk napkins. Set the table with formal place settings, candles, and flowers. Dress up fancy and style your hair, maybe even a little makeup. 

The meal doesn’t have to be fancy; it can be burgers, pizza, or even takeout. But be sure the set up is five star.

#29 Have an entire day of doing nothing.

I had to include this as how often do we get a full day of doing nothing? Spend the day in your pajamas. Let the kids do whatever they want, within reason, of course. Order takeout. And make sure to include a nap and your favorite novel.  

Here is a printable PDF just in case you love checklists as much as me.

I hope we can travel soon, but while we can’t go too far, we can always have a staycation at home with kids.

Let me know what you would add to this list of fun ideas. Or send me a picture of your family staycation.