Looking for things to do this summer? Make memories and have fun with these 12 summer staycation ideas.
Traveling to faraway places isn’t always possible. No worries — you can still enjoy an amazing summer by planning a memorable staycation close to home.
What Is A Staycation?
A staycation is a vacation spent at home or in your local area. It lets you enjoy time off without the cost or hassle of flights and hotels. You can explore nearby attractions, sleep in your own bed, and avoid packing. For many people, skipping the travel stress is a welcome perk.
How Do You Make A Staycation Feel Like A Vacation?
Treat it like a vacation:
- No chores: Avoid household chores during your staycation so it feels restful and different from everyday life.
- Plan it: Schedule activities in advance just as you would for a trip.
- Treat yourself: Dine out or order takeout, splurge on a fun activity or a spa treatment, and give yourself permission to relax and enjoy.
What To Do On A Summer Staycation
Here are 12 summer staycation ideas that work for adults and families alike. Choose a few to mix and match for a full week or spread them across a long weekend.
Plan a beach day
Visit a local beach and enjoy a day in the sun. Explore smaller, less crowded spots for a relaxed experience. If you don’t live near water, transform your backyard into a beach scene with towels, umbrellas, sand play and cold drinks.
Play tourist
Explore your city like a visitor. Look up local sights, museums, historic neighborhoods or viewpoints. Visiting local attractions with fresh curiosity often reveals hidden gems you’ve overlooked.
Board game night
Host an evening of board games for family or friends. Create a cozy atmosphere with snacks, music and prizes for winners. Try classic favorites or pick up a new game to learn together.
Make your own frozen treats
Make homemade popsicles or ice cream with creative flavor combinations or simple classics. Involve kids in mixing and freezing for a fun, hands-on activity everyone will enjoy.
Have a movie night
Set up a movie night with your favorite films, popcorn and cozy blankets. For a special twist, set up an outdoor screening in the backyard or visit a local drive-in if available.
Plan a picnic
Pack a picnic and spend time in a park, by the lake, or on a hillside. Visit a farmers market, bakery or specialty shop to assemble delicious, no-cook picnic items and find a scenic spot to relax.
Create a travel bucket list
Use your staycation to dream and plan future trips. Research destinations, compile sights you want to see, and create an inspiration list. Make it playful by cooking a regional dish and listening to local music to bring the place to life.
Enjoy the outdoors
Get active outside: try a new bike path, hike a trail, paddle a lake in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or explore nearby natural areas. Fresh air and movement are great for recharging.
Pamper yourself with self care
Devote a day to relaxation. Book a spa treatment or create a spa atmosphere at home with a bath, face mask, calming music and a favorite drink. If you have children, involve them in simple pampering activities like nail painting or making bath bombs, or take turns so everyone gets some downtime.
Have a BBQ
Fire up the grill and enjoy classic summer meals—burgers, sausages, steaks or kebabs. Prepare ingredients in advance so you spend more time socializing and less time grocery shopping. Add simple sides and refreshing drinks to complete the meal.
Make some fun drinks
Enjoy creative beverages during your staycation. Try refreshing summer cocktails or alcohol-free mocktails, and experiment with fresh fruits, herbs and sparkling water to create festive, seasonal drinks at home.
Have a lazy day
Sometimes the best staycation activity is doing nothing. Curl up with a good book, binge a show you’ve been meaning to watch, or relax on a lounger or hammock and enjoy a guilt-free day of rest.
Do you have kids? Keeping young children entertained can be a challenge. Consider age-appropriate activities like simple crafts, outdoor games, water play, scavenger hunts or themed activity days to keep them engaged.
- Outdoor scavenger hunts and nature walks
- Simple backyard science experiments and crafts
- Water play, sprinklers and DIY obstacle courses
Have other staycation ideas? Share them with friends or family and make this summer one to remember.
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