Staycation!

Vacations are great, but let’s get real about it for a minute–they can cost a pretty penny to plan and execute, especially when you’ve got a large family. Still, taking time to relax and enjoy the summer is key to feeling refreshed and re-energized for the months ahead. With more folks taking staycations at home, we thought you might appreciate some tips on how to make staying local a lot of fun with a little imagination and a lot of activities.

1. Themed Travel Day

Is there a popular destination you and your family have always wanted to visit? Whether it’s a trip abroad or a city here in the states you’ve never experienced, use your imagination to re-create your own vision of these dreamy destinations. For instance, to create a Paris-themed staycation, research some traditional Parisian dishes to cook (Yes, French fries do count!) and find recognizable Parisian clothing, such as a signature beret. You can even watch a movie that’s set in Paris to help immerse yourself in the atmosphere, all from the comfort of your home. Bon Voyage!

2. Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

There’s nothing more exciting than discovering hidden treasure! Plan a fun scavenger hunt for the entire family right in your own neighborhood. You can either repurpose items you already have or pick up a few inexpensive items from the dollar store such as toys, books, etc. and “hide” them in familiar areas or landmarks in your community. Get creative with your scavenger hunt instructions.

Bright Tip! Instead of writing your instructions on a plain piece of paper, make a paper scroll and tie it with a piece of twine or string to add to the experience. You can even tear or burn the edges of the paper for a more authentic look.

3. Get Crafty!

Summer afternoons are perfect for arts and crafts projects. Search online for creative projects that can be done either indoors or outdoors. Whether it’s finger painting, jewelry-making or tie-dying t-shirts, you can create your own at-home workshop at little to no cost. Crafting is not only a great activity to help keep kids busy during the summer months, but it also inspires creativity and healthy self-expression.

4. Plan A Day At The Museum

Find the nearest local museum in your area for a day of learning and exploring. If there isn’t a museum near you, don’t worry! You can still get the experience by planning a day to learn about a culture, country or historical event by finding relevant content online, such as documentaries, movies, websites or even your local library. No matter what you choose to do, explore these staycation ideas for fun-filled summer without the extra expense and hassle of travel.