Go camping, build an indoor fort, home swap, watch free movies, throw a chocolate party, join a local museum, and more on a summer vacation at home.
When the budget is tight, it’s no excuse not to have adventure. Create memories to last a lifetime with a stay-at-home vacation, also known as a staycation.
Staycation Camping Ideas
Create a camping oasis or stay in a homey resort without leaving town.
- Backyard camping – Pack up the camping gear and head to the great outdoors in the backyard. Pitch a tent, lay out the sleeping bags, and then set up the portable s’more maker. To make this camping trip more authentic, use a camping stove to make dinner and breakfast. Sing some campfire songs while enjoying s’mores and when bedtime arrives, tell scary stories in the tent before going to sleep for the night.
- Build an indoor fort – As an alternative to sleeping in the yard, build an indoor fort. Use indoor pop-up tents to sleep in for this indoor camping adventure. Eat popcorn and watch a video inside this indoor mini-bungalow.
- Home swap with a friend – When a change of scenery is desired, consider home swapping with a friend for a few days. Set up each home like a luxury hotel to include placing chocolates on the pillows for guests to find upon arrival.
Inexpensive Staycation Activities
The following reasonably priced party and excursion ideas may help fill the need for entertainment.
- Free movies – Save money on entertainment by checking out movies from the local library, swapping with a friend, or going to Regal Entertainment’s Free Family Film Festival
- Throw a chocolate potluck party – Have a party, inviting everyone to bring a dish made from chocolate. Set up a chocolate fountain or use a fondue pot to keep chocolate warm for dipping fruits and cookies into. To prevent stomach aches, designate several guests to bring a non-chocolate entrée or salad.
- Throw a camping themed party – Pitch several large tents in the yard and create a theme in each one. For instance, set up one tent with throw pillows and blankets, and a portable DVD player to create a movie room; in another tent, set up a camping themed craft station. Yet, in another tent create a scary story room for those who dare enter.
- Local day trips – Check out specially priced admission fees for local residents at museums, amusement parks, zoos, and aquariums. Alternatively, join each organization’s Facebook business group where special deals are oftentimes posted, or find discounts online through coupon websites.
These are only a few of the plethora of activities available at little to no cost in place of a summer traveling vacation. Stay home and enjoy these staycation ideas in lieu of staying home and moping.
Copyright Linda Hatton. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Linda Hatton - Linda Hatton has a BFA in Acting from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Her work has appeared in Rainy Days, The Writing on the Wall, on ...
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