Summer Staycation Ideas: 7 Ways to Enjoy Your Time Off

Whether you have budget or time restraints, a summer staycation could be just what your family needs. Read for ideas of things to do and places to visit with examples from our family’s staycation experiences.

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Talk to just about anyone around and the economy continues to be bad enough that the idea of a vacation seems far-fetched. 

Back in 2014, we didn’t have grand plans beyond doing some RVing that summer, possibly including a trip into the Yukon area of Canada.

But between wildfires in Alaska and vehicles breaking down on us, that didn’t pan out. 

Fast-forward to 2022 with inflation leading to everything costing more and we were right back to finding ways to relax without breaking the bank.

The only difference is one less boy at home and we are now in southern Mississippi with a beach about an hour away.

2023 wasn’t any better. If anything, it was tighter purse strings with one son headed off to college away from home.

2025 brings enough uncertainty, so we are still trying to minimize spending.

I suspect that our family isn’t alone in continuing to embrace a summer staycation.

So what can you do?

Summer Staycations

Summer staycations offer families the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories and experience the joy of vacation without leaving the comforts of home.

Picture this: exploring local attractions, trying out new activities, and spending quality time with your loved ones, all without the stress and expense of traveling far away.

It’s the perfect recipe for creating unforgettable memories and enjoying the sunny season to the fullest.

A huge bonus is that a staycation can feature activities that fit your family’s budget.

Get ready for a summer of adventure, relaxation, and pure bliss, all right in the comfort of your own backyard!

Visit local museums

Have you looked at what museums are in your area? 

It’s a great way to learn about the history and culture of your area.

I have found that many communities have local gems that are often overlooked and may be low-cost or free to enter.

For a staycation, I consider how far we are willing to drive for a day trip and then see what is available. Then I look at the cost to visit the different museums.

In Anchorage, there are not only larger venues like the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Museum but there is a small natural history museum I plan to bring my 4-year-old to enjoy.

My older boys could enjoy a visit to the Alaska Aviation Museum or the Alaska State Trooper Museum. 

There’s also the Wildlife Refuge about an hour from Anchorage and the Alaska Zoo that we can visit.

Or, heading north there are plenty of exhibits (e.g. the Iditarod Museum) in the Mat-Su Valley.

Depending on where you live, a membership to one museum could open up the doors to many in driving distance.

The Anchorage Museum membership we had gave us access to both the ASTC Travel Passport Program and ROAM Museums.

You need to read the guidelines carefully as some have minimum distances from your home museum. A few of those will look at your driver’s license to determine the place of residence as a second gateway.

Here in southern Mississippi, we took out a membership to the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi.

This includes reciprocal admission privileges to several smaller museums including many within a 2-hour drive of home. North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association® network is the program that museum participates in.

Get out and enjoy the outdoors

There’s nothing like some fresh air and sunshine to lift your spirits and give you a little boost.

Whether it’s a picnic at a local park, hiking, or riding your bikes, this can be a refreshing way to enjoy yourself. 

Pack up your food, plenty of water, and a blanket to spread out on. Then, head on out for some fun. 

Explore the natural world around you, breathe in the fresh air, and take in the stunning scenery.

More than once, we tried our hand at gold panning in the area of Hope, Alaska as it is basically the cost of gas to get there and back.

As I mentioned, we now live about an hour from the beaches along Coastal Mississippi. We can pack up lunch to go and enjoy some time in the sun for the cost of gas.

Another outdoor activity that is fabulous for summertime is canoeing or kayaking. If you don’t own either a canoe or kayak, you may be able to rent one or borrow from a friend.

Have a campout in the backyard

It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends, and it can be a fun and memorable experience for kids of all ages.

To set up your backyard campout, all you need is a tent, sleeping bags, and some camping gear.

You can even make it more adventurous by building a fire pit for roasting marshmallows and hot dogs, or by setting up a tent fort for the kids to play in.

And don’t forget to bring along some board games or a deck of cards for some family-friendly entertainment under the stars.

Back in Ohio, the boys and hubby would set up tents at the back of the property to camp out.  It was a great way for them to bond and help build skills with the safety net of the house just steps away.

Our RV currently lives in the backyard and my husband and I have been tempted to have a ‘night away’ in our own backyard. 

Plan Theme Days

For parents with kids that attend school, you’ve probably encountered theme days. Maybe it was wear your pajamas to school or crazy hair day.

You can do the same thing when you plan a staycation!

Have a beach-themed day! You can all dress in your favorite beachwear and head to the nearest waterfront for a day filled with water activities, sandcastle building, and tropical-inspired snacks.

Bring water toys, like inflatable rafts or water guns, and spend the day splashing around with your loved ones.

Pack sunscreen and hats to stay protected from the sun!

Or perhaps a movie marathon day with popcorn, cozy blankets, and your favorite films.

You can theme the movies based on genre, actors, or even a movie series.

Don’t forget to stock up on snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout the day.

Add some competition to your movie marathon day with trivia at the end.

You could also use a Summer Camp bundle for use at home. Invite friends and have fun!

Get creative and tailor the themes to your family’s interests.

Visit Area Festivals & Flea Markets

Every place we’ve lived has had an abundance of festivals in the area. Some have admission while many of them are free to wander.

The common theme for many of the festivals is a blend of food, music, and booths where people sell their wares.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses, mingle with your neighbors, and soak up the colorful atmosphere of your community.

At a flea market, you’ll discover a treasure trove of eclectic items ranging from vintage clothing and antique furniture to handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind collectibles.

We did not have many to experience up in Alaska, but here in south Mississippi there are many.

Create a Backyard Water Park

Summer days can be really hot and nothing beats the heat like a backyard water park. With just a few fun additions, you can turn your backyard into a cool oasis for you and your family.

Set up a variety of sprinklers to create a fun water maze, or invest in an inflatable pool that your kids can splash around in.

Water slides are also a great way to add some excitement to your backyard and will keep everyone entertained for hours.

If you’re feeling adventurous, organize a water balloon fight or play some fun water games like Marco Polo or water volleyball.

Water guns can add a bit of extra excitement to the traditional game of tag.

And don’t forget about the snacks and drinks! Make some refreshing fruity drinks or popsicles to enjoy while you take a break from all the water play.

With a little bit of creativity and planning, you can transform your backyard into a mini water park that will make your summer days unforgettable.

Cook and Bake Together

One great way to make the most of your staycation is by getting creative in the kitchen. Why not use this time to try new recipes and cuisines that you’ve never had before?

You can even have themed cooking nights, where you pick a different country or region to explore each night. This is a fun way to learn about other cultures and try new foods while staying safe at home.

Not only is cooking a great way to pass the time, but it’s also an opportunity to bond with your family.

Everyone can get involved in the process, whether it’s chopping vegetables, stirring the pot, or setting the table.

And of course, the best part is getting to enjoy the delicious results together.

 What are some ways your family has enjoyed a Staycation? 

This post is part of the TOS Crew Carnival. Check out what other TOS Crewmates have to say on this topic.

This post was originally published on May 27, 2014 and has been updated since.