The Best Staycation Ideas for Families

Here’s how to plan a memorable summer weekend in your own backyard.

By: Amanda Mushro

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Host Your Next Adventure at Home

The last weekend of summer is going to feel very different for all of us. As we navigate through all of the changes, you may be wondering if a vacation or short getaway with your family can even happen. While this may not be the summer you originally planned, it can still be packed with family fun and sweet moments. With a little creativity and extra planning, you can have a staycation that will keep your family entertained, leave everyone feeling relaxed and make some of your best summer memories yet.

Camp in the Backyard

Enjoy the great outdoors and sleeping under the stars without leaving your house with a backyard campout. Put up a tent, roast delicious s'mores, and, when the sun sets, it's time for games, songs and a few ghost stories. With backyard camping you don't need all the gear that you would need for traditional camping and, if your campers don't want to sleep in the tent, you can always head inside at bedtime.

Get Soaked

When the sun is shining and the weather warms up, it's time for inflatable pools and water toys for hours of outdoor water play. From splash pads and water tables to water balloon battles, kids and adults can't resist fun in the sun with water toys. Even if you don't have a large backyard, your family can still enjoy plenty of outdoor water play. So grab your bathing suits and a towel because it's time to play.

See the Stars

Do some stargazing with your kids. They'll love staying up past their bedtime and you can turn this activity into an astronomy lesson with a little help from apps like Star Walk 2 and Sky View that show where planets and constellations are located in the sky near you.

Get the Grill Out

It's officially grilling season so take dinner outside. Enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers or change up the menu with grilled pizza or grilled pineapple. Everything seems to taste better when you are eating outdoors!

Watch the Sun Rise

Find a scenic place near your home and catch a sunrise or sunset together. For an early morning, have everyone stay in their pajamas and pack breakfast to go. For watching the sunset, a few snacks or treats are a great addition to Mother Nature's show.

Hack a Drive-In Movie

Upgrade movie night by taking it outdoors. Hack an outdoor movie with your phone, a shoebox and bed sheets. Here's how to create your own outdoor movie so that you can watch the big screen in your own backyard. Don't forget the popcorn and snacks!

Host a Slumber Party

If your kids have been begging for a slumber party, an at-home staycation is the perfect time for a living room sleepover with the entire family. Break out the sleeping bags and have a slumber party with your kids that they will absolutely love. Here's how to set the mood by creating a pup tent and glow-in-the-dark lanterns.

Go on a Picnic

Just changing up where you eat can feel like a fun adventure. So take your family on a picnic. Even if it's in your own backyard, a picnic is a sweet way to spend some quality time with your family. Here are a few ways to plan the perfect family picnic.

Get Active with Activities

Get creative with your family walks and hikes by adding scavenger hunts, taking out bikes and scooters, or trying out different trails. Everyone gets fresh air and exercise all while having some family fun. A walk outside is a great boredom buster and it's perfect early in the morning or right before bedtime.

Bake

Get into the kitchen with your kids and get creative with some baking and desserts. From making yummy cookies and over the top brownies to personalized ice cream sandwiches, everyone is a winner with this activity.