Planning a memorable summer vacation for your family doesn’t have to mean going far. A family staycation means spending time vacationing in your hometown, which can involve trips to local tourist attractions. Many people don’t explore the place where they live — they think they’ll always have time to visit the top destinations, yet they never actually go. This is the perfect chance to explore what’s already in your area and make the most out of where you live. 

According to Bankrate’s 2022 Holiday Travel Survey, the average cost of a week’s vacation is $3,156 for two people. However, this doesn’t have to be the case if you choose to go on a staycation instead. One of the most significant advantages of a family staycation is its budget-friendly nature. Instead of spending a fortune on travel expenses, accommodation, and dining out, you can save money by exploring affordable and accessible attractions and activities in your area. 

How to Plan Your Family Staycation

There’s no formula for planning a staycation. Each family is different and has a different dynamic. However old your kids are, you can find activities they enjoy and responsibilities they can handle. The most important factor is finding things any family can enjoy as long as they are together.

Start with these three steps:

1. Research for local spots in your town: Look for parks, museums, zoos, botanical gardens, historical sites, or other places that offer engaging experiences for children and adults. Check online resources and local tourism websites or ask fellow parents for recommendations.
2. Organize the schedule: One strategy you can use is to visit places closer to each other to make your day worth it. The number of areas can depend on how many days you’ll allot for the staycation.
3. Try the outdoors: Take advantage of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or picnicking in nearby nature spots. Research trails or parks that are family-friendly and offer scenic views or fascinating wildlife near where you’ll be staying.

Three Popular Staycation Activities

There are many activities you can do that won’t cost you a fortune. It’s about being resourceful and knowing what’s nearby. When you look around, you might be surprised that there are many things your kids can enjoy around the town or even at home.

1. Cozy Movie Night 

Transform your living room into a mini theater and indulge in a fun-filled movie night with the whole family. You can set the ambiance by dimming the lights, gathering pillows and blankets, and popping popcorn. You can enjoy many family-friendly movies such as Toy Story, Moana, or Lion King. You can even make this a thing weekly if your kids love to watch movies with you.

2. Cultural Exploration Day

Search for art galleries, local museums, or other cultural spots in your town to discover more about the history of your community. Don’t just look at the artwork — engage with the kids and ask their opinion. Search for cultural centers or libraries offering workshops or classes that interest you and the kids.

You can even enroll in a hands-on activity like pottery making, painting, or learning a traditional dance. Search when a cultural festival is happening in your town and participate if they have any activities. Be open to trying different cuisines and knowing about the local culture.

3. Family Chef Challenge

Divide your family into teams or work together to plan and prepare a special meal. Start by brainstorming a theme or cuisine you all want to explore, such as Japanese, Italian, or Mexican. Then, create a full-course menu with appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Head to a local farmers market to gather fresh ingredients, supporting local vendors.

This activity allows you to bond over food while promoting teamwork, creativity, and culinary skills. To make it more fun, you can:

• Allocate cooking stations for each team or family member and let the friendly competition begin.
• Encourage creativity and teamwork as you prepare and present your dishes.
• Once everything is ready, gather around the table to enjoy the delicious feast everyone worked hard for.

 

An Affordable Family Staycation

There’s so much you can do to save money and have fun during your staycation. Bring refreshing drinks, sandwiches, fruits, and snacks to keep everyone fueled throughout the day and prevent unnecessary costs. You can also check websites and social media pages or sign up for newsletters about tourist attractions around your hometown to get the best deals.

When planning for a staycation, keep in mind that there are almost endless undiscovered gems within your community — you can enjoy them without breaking the bank.

What are your staycation plans for this summer?