Family vacations are a great way to bond and take a step
back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time
or money (or both) make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter.
However, a staycation – a vacation you take right in your
hometown (or nearby) – can be much less expensive and fit into nearly any
amount of available time with the added bonus of skipping out on potentially
stressful travel.
Consider these staycation ideas to take advantage of your
local area’s attractions and prove you don’t have to go far to spend quality
time together.
Visit local landmarks.
Just because it’s not a traditional vacation doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to
be tourists. Start by visiting the places you recommend to friends and family
from out of town or pick up a city guidebook to uncover hidden spots you may
not even know exist. Make a plan to seek out historic sites, visit local
landmarks like museums or try an out-of-the-way restaurant (or two) you’ve
never eaten at before.
Camp out in the
backyard. Camping doesn’t have to be done far from home. In fact, it can be
done right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent to sleep under the stars and plan
a night full of traditional camping activities like roasting s’mores, telling spooky
stories by flashlight and trying to identify stars and constellations.
READ MORE: NYS Parks: Great Family-Friendly Vacation Spots
Set up a picnic in
the park. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit and other treats and head to
the park. You can enjoy a casual meal then take advantage of the open space for
a family walk or game of tag before retreating to the playground to let the
little ones expel any leftover energy.
Have a home spa day.
If you’re looking for some relaxation but don’t want to splurge on the full spa
treatment, plan an at-home oasis instead. Light some candles, run a bubble bath
and break out the facial masks and fingernail polish.
Visit an amusement
park. No matter where you live, there’s probably an amusement or water park
within driving distance. A quick online search before you arrive can help
prepare a strategy for hitting the most popular thrill rides and waterslides
while skipping those that may not provide quite the same entertainment value.
Find more tips and tricks for enjoying family time together
at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Source: eLivingtoday.com
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