Summer is almost here. Many are still hesitant about embarking on a worldwide adventure. Therefore, summer staycations are the way to go. Here are 45 summer staycation ideas that your family will love.

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Don’t you love summer—the feeling of the warm sun on your face (covered in sunscreen, of course), the ocean breeze and salty air, the sound of belly flops splashing in the pool, and the sweet, refreshing taste of your favorite umbrella drink?

And then there is this…

• What are we doing today?  
• I am bored.
• What’s for lunch?
• There’s no wifi.
• Lexy flipped me off (I have teens)!
• Why is the dog barking all the time?
• There’s nothing to eat here.
• Lucas won’t give me the ticky (the remote control).

Do you get the picture?

Get those kids outside to discover fun and exciting things to do right in their own backyard.

You don’t have to be sailing the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Islands, hiking through the mountains, or walking the streets of London to enjoy a family vacation.

Savor where you are right now and enjoy every moment.

Often it’s the smallest of moments that create the most significant memories.

What is a Staycation?

Well, it’s just what it sounds like, a vacation where you stay at home. It’s all the rage, especially during a pandemic.

“A period in which an individual or family stays home and participates in leisure activities within day-trip distance of their home and does not require overnight accommodation.”

Wikipedia

Advantages to choosing a summer staycation.

1. Minimal travel expenses — no flight, lodging, or vehicle rental. Your family will save tons of money.
2. No jet lag, eternal lines at the airport, or long drives.
3. You don’t have to pack a giant suitcase.
4. No need to prepare your home for safety.
5. You get to sleep in your own bed.
6. If your staycation is a weekender, you won’t have to take off work.
7. The local economy will appreciate your contribution.
8. You may find hidden gems in your neighborhood.
9. A summer staycation is a lot easier to plan.
10. And a lot easier to carry out — no language barrier, no currency exchange, and no culture shock.
11. A staycation will reduce your carbon footprint, and every little bit helps. Jet airliners emit CO2 — a significant contribution to climate change.  

Summer Staycation Ideas and Tips to Make It Just Like a Real Vacation.

• Turn off your notifications and the television. Forget about the news, social media, and emails. Be present and enjoy where you are and what you are doing at this very moment.
• A staycation is NOT spending all day doing chores and running errands. Get these things done before your staycation. And don’t schedule your annual GYN visit during your summer staycation, either.
• A quick road trip is still considered a summer staycation.
• Even if you are not spending on flights, lodging, and vehicle rental, you still need to set a budget or even build a summer staycation fund.
• Devise a flexible plan (I have lots of summer staycation ideas below that will help).
• Step out of your comfort zone. For example, zoos nowadays have adventure courses — way out of my comfort zone, but it’s on my summer staycation bucket list.
• Try new things, a new local restaurant, learn a new skill or discover a local hike.
• Learn about summer safety with this thorough Summer Safety Tips e-resource that includes 120 practical and smart tips.
• Schedule me-time to pamper yourself.
• Practice self-care and gratitude every day.
• Ask the kids to write a bucket list of things they want to do over the summer.

I asked the teenagers to make a bucket list of summer staycation ideas, and they were a huge help, although I added more ideas than just naps, burgers, and basketball.

45 Ideas for a Glorious Summer Staycation with Your Family.

1) Create a bucket list of summer staycation ideas.  ~ Start the summer by asking every family member to list ten things they want to do this summer. You may have to get creative with their answers, especially if you have teenagers. For example, “I want to eat lots of burgers” can evolve into “complete a local burger tour to find the best burger in town.”

2) Make a summer staycation playlist. ~ Use it for your pool deck parties, beach days, campouts, and road trips.

3) Plan a pool deck party with your family. ~ Summer is synonymous with pool deck parties. Chill your favorite beverages, find the best burger recipe, fire up the grill, and spend the day floating around the pool and chatting on the pool deck. 

4) Movie night on the lawn.  ~ You will need a projector, lawn chairs, popcorn, and Twizzlers.

5) A driveway drive-in movie. ~ Here’s how. Pull your SUV out of the garage and shut the garage door. Set up the back of the SUV with pillows and blankets, and stock with snacks. Project the movie onto the garage doors — instant summer staycation drive-in movie. If you don’t have an SUV or truck to back up to the garage, set up snacks and drinks in your car and watch the film from your lawn chairs.

6) Or actually go to a drive-in movie. ~ The drive-in movie theatre experience is not dead. OK, maybe a little, but let’s resurrect the past and support a local mom-and-pop business rather than the AMC.

I did a little research and found over 300 drive-in movie theatres in the United States still in operation. And, in a pandemic, it is the safest way to watch a movie.

7) Get up early to watch the sunrise. ~ Pack bagels with cream cheese and lox, a thermos of coffee, your water bottles, and head out for breakfast watching the sunrise.

8) Take a nap. ~ Since you were up so early watching the stunning sunrise, you will probably need a nap. You are on vacation, so do as you wish. In all seriousness, this summer staycation idea was from my 13-year-old son. He says he wants to take naps and play basketball all summer.

9) Make Tie-Dye shirts. ~ Another activity that needs to be brought back. AND, you can show off your artsy skills, too. Here is a tie-dye kit for inspiration.

10) Go hammocking in your backyard. ~ Take a nap, read a book, meditate, or just be present. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?

11) Learn to ride a skateboard. ~ It’s all the rage. AND it looks doable. Once you master a few skills, visit the local skate park.

12) Set up a family photo shoot. ~ Find a cool wall or a colorful door, pick out coordinating outfits, and get those Christmas card photos out of the way ahead of time.  

13) A morning of wellness. ~ This summer staycation idea can (and should) be done year-round. Here are a few ideas for a spa day. Or you can do them all.

• Start the day with slices of avocado toast and a green smoothie.
• Followed by family yoga for 30 minutes.  Yoga with Adriene is our favorite. She has simple, beginner, family-friendly yoga videos on YouTube.  
• Hydrate throughout your wellness day with lemon-infused water.
• Roll on a sheet mask for a quick facial.
• Take a bubble bath. Kiddos love this, teens not so much. Make it memorable by surrounding the tub with candles, listening to relaxing tunes, and using your diffuser for aromatherapy (lavender combined with eucalyptus is dreamy).
• Then moisturize with your favorite body butter.

14) Host a yoga retreat in your living room. ~ Yoga with Adriene will teach you a few easy, family-friendly yoga poses that everyone can do. Or read this, Twelve Family-Friendly Yoga Poses for Travel. 

15) Go for a family bike ride in your neighborhood. ~ We often take for granted the beauty we have right outside our front door. The pandemic had us purchasing new bikes, exploring our area, and discovering trails we did not know existed. Those trails are becoming more popular by the day, with people doing the same.  

One positive that came out of the pandemic is people are outside exercising and enjoying the outdoors. Join them; it’s the cool thing to do.

16) Go on a local hike. ~ Use the almighty Google to find a local hiking trail. Pack water bottles for everyone and snacks in reusable containers and hit the trails. A perfect way to burn a few calories, spend time outdoors, and love on your family.

17) Become a Restaurant Critic.  ~ Remember that teen who wanted to eat burgers all summer? Well, she can become a local restaurant critic this summer in search of the best burger in town. And of course, this goes for any type of restaurant or any type of food. You never know what childhood summer staycation idea may lead to a promising career choice.    

Here is a fun form they can fill out for each review.

18) Set up a picnic on the beach (your backyard beach). ~ This summer staycation idea is easy and fun. Prepare your menu, chill a bottle of wine, and water for the kiddos. Roll out a beach blanket, set up a couple of lawn chairs, your packed picnic basket, and enjoy a picnic under the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen.

19) Be a tourist in your town. ~ Visit a local museum followed by dinner at a new local restaurant. Then a quick stop at the ice cream store you’ve always wanted to try. If you really want to be a tourist, utilize local transportation to get around town.

20) Travel vicariously through your dinner. ~ Travel around the world, one meal at a time, and bring home a taste of your favorite destination. Add music and decor to your dining experience. Dress up in typical or even traditional clothes from that part of the world. And don’t forget your favorite cocktail.

If you don’t want to go all out and plan a destination-themed dinner, travel to Mexico or Italy with the local takeout menu.

21) Visit a botanical garden. ~ Botanical gardens are stunning during the summer months. Giant water lilies have floated in the ponds at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens since the 80s. They grow to lengths of nearly 100 feet, and they are spectacular. I would have never known had I not ventured out on a summer staycation at the local botanical gardens.

22) Or a local, national park. ~ Type “national parks near me” into Google. I found almost twenty national parks right here in my town. Pack your picnic basket, go on a hike, and eat lunch surrounded by nature. Fantastic family time, exercise, fresh air, what more do you need on your summer staycation?

Also, the National Park Service website has a search bar to find national parks by state.

23) Create a family travel bucket list for the future. ~ Involve everyone in this endeavor. Ask them all to list five places on their bucket list and start planning. We can’t travel too far right now, but we can still dream.

24) Explore the local library’s summer reading program. ~ Reading a book is a way to travel somewhere when you can’t actually go yourself. Take the kiddos to the library and join the summer reading program or help them pick out a few books related to their dream destination.  

25) Go canoeing or kayaking. ~ Explore nature on a canoe or kayak. Don’t forget your waterproof camera.

26) Set up a scavenger hunt for the kiddos. ~ Here are a few ideas for your scavenger hunt.

• Create a scavenger hunt Bingo card.
• Find items from each letter of the alphabet.
• Here is an easy one for the littles of things you can find in your backyard: Find a crawling bug, flying bug, a butterfly, blade of grass, a flower, a rock, and a leaf.
• Find something for all of your senses: something you can smell, taste, see, hear, and touch.
• For more scavenger hunt ideas, Pinterest is your best friend.

27) Berry-picking. ~ Go for the popular strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, or blackberry picking. These juicy berries are delectable by themselves, but there are so many other ways to enjoy their deliciousness — sprinkled over pancakes or ice cream, baked in pies or pastries, canned for jellies or jams, and fermented for wine.

Here are a few berry picking tips:

• Call the orchard before you go to make sure they are open, and the weather has not caused an issue with the crop’s picking condition.
• Go early in the day. You will get the best berries, it won’t be too hot, and you will beat the crowds.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, shades, a baseball cap, or a stylish big hat.
• Pick strawberries when they are ripe; they will not continue to ripen off of the vine.
• When you get the berries home, wash them and dry them thoroughly. If you aren’t going to use the berries within a few days, freeze them (they are perfect in smoothies).

28) Plan a farm to table dinner. ~ Here is a healthy summer staycation idea. Visit the local farmer’s market and gather up ingredients for a farm to table dinner. Encourage the kids to commit to trying a new fruit or vegetable and have them pick one out to add to the menu.

29) Make your yard a water park.  ~ Cool off in your own personal water park. Set up a slip and slide, sprinklers, and maybe even some water guns. Set up a blow-up water slide (any places offer rentals).  

30) Plan a family domino competition. ~ A game of Dominoes can range from friendly family competition to a bit intense (we are competitors in this house). The concept of dominoes is simple, and kids of most ages will understand. However, there are a few strategies and some luck that makes the game interesting and exciting. 

31) Or a watermelon spitting competition. ~ Can you tell I am from the South?

32) Or crown a new Giant Jenga champion. ~ It’s still me, by the way!

33) Cupcake decorating contest. ~ Bake cupcakes, decorate, award the winner, and eat all the cupcakes.

34) Camping under the stars…in your backyard. ~ This summer staycation idea was on everyone’s bucket list. Set up a tent, bring your sleeping bags and a pillow, and tuck yourselves in for an evening of family fun. Build a fire, cook s’mores, and tell scary stories. Don’t forget the mosquito spray.

If it’s too hot (sometimes in Florida, it is), then build a fort and camp out in your front room. Fall asleep under the ceiling fan instead of under the stars.

35) Go on a road trip. ~ A summer staycation doesn’t have to be at home; you can head out for a few days of fun and still stay close to home.  Pack the car with these essentials and spend a weekend of fun.  Bring your pup, too — he will love it.

Prepare your car survival kit with these practical and useful tips [printable checklist included].

36) Plan dinner around all of your favorite meals you’ve experienced in your travels. ~ Ask your family for input on the menu. Start with your favorite cocktail, followed by the appetizer, main meal, and then dessert. My favorite dessert is Bread Pudding; it’s a New Orleans thing.

37) Set up an ice cream sundae bar or banana split with the works. ~ Simple, and you can individualize for different tastes. Here is what you need to set this up.

• Individual cups or cones
• Spoons and napkins
• Bananas
• Ice cream
• Chocolate syrup or caramel sauce
• Strawberries
• Chocolate chips
• Sprinkles
• Oreo cookie crumbles
• Gummy Bears
• Mini marshmallows
• Coconut
• Nuts (if no allergies)
• Top it off with whipped cream

38) Attend a sporting event. ~ Baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer run throughout the majority of summer. Try them all.

39) Go stargazing. ~ Find a friend with a telescope or invest in one yourself if interested.  Binoculars will work, too. Find an open field with minimal light pollution and learn the constellations.

40) Learn how to fish. ~ There are bodies of water everywhere. Learn how to catch a fish, scale it, debone, and then cook it fresh.

41) Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. ~   Maybe your town has a zipline or rock climbing. Take a helicopter ride or go up in a hot air balloon. Laser tag? Paintball? Axe-throwing? Or go skydiving. That’s a big nope for me.

42) Family Pictionary. ~ You will need a glass of wine for this one, but it’s tons of fun.  

43) Journal the pandemic experience. ~ This isn’t a summer staycation activity per se, but a good idea for all ages. Ask your family and yourself how the pandemic has changed the world. It will be interesting to view all perspectives, different ages, and different seasons of life.  

Ask them to document how they felt when the schools closed. What did they learn? What was the worst part? And what was the best part?  

Save the journal for them to read when they are adults.

44) Learn how to create the best charcuterie board ever. ~ It’s meat and cheese, what is not to love? Add fruits, crackers, and nuts (if no allergies), and don’t forget the chocolate truffles.

45) Parent’s night out. ~ Parent’s night out kicked up a notch. Hire a babysitter for an all-nighter. Book a room at a local hotel, order room service, and snuggle up to the one you love with no interruptions.

46) Plant a garden.  ~ Or better yet, a hydroponic garden. Check this out from Lettuce Grow.  Lettuce for days with minimal upkeep. Perfect for those of us lacking a green thumb.

Check out my quarantine project.

47) Give back to the community.  Here are a few ideas for giving back to the community during your summer staycation that involve the entire family.

• Spend the day going through closets and drawers, collecting clothes that don’t fit and items that aren’t being used. Include jackets, blankets, and shoes. Deliver at the local shelter or Goodwill.
• Volunteer at a Pet Rescue. 
• Or serve meals at a Homeless shelter.
• Make get-well cards for the kids who are sick and hospitalized.
• Hold a garage sale and donate the profits to charity.
• Host a Give-Back Party where neighbors and friends bring an item to donate to charity.  
• Start a Peanut Butter Drive. Why peanut butter? Because it is the #1 requested item for food banks in the United States.

You will need a few special items for your upcoming summer staycation.

• A projector for movie night on the lawn or the driveway drive-in.
• Waterproof speakers for the pool deck.
• Sheet mask, Jade roller, bubble bath, and body butter for your spa day. And you’ll need this to make green smoothies.
• Diffuser for aromatherapy.
• Yoga mat for the Yoga Retreat.
• Reusable water bottle and a thermos for hot coffee.
• Beach blanket, lawn chair, and a picnic basket.
• Waterproof camera.
• Slip and slide.
• Blow-up water slide.
• Dominoes, Giant Jenga, Pictionary.
• Hammock.
• Tent and sleeping bag.
• Telescope or binoculars.
• Charcuterie board.
• Lettuce Grow hydroponic garden.
• Tye-Die Kit.
• Skateboard.

Let’s do this summer thing; it’s going to be a blast, even if it’s still close to home. Often you discover what you love right in front of your eyes.

Be safe and have the best summer ever.

I would love more ideas. What is on your summer staycation bucket list?