Summer this year is a bit different for our family. We have a big trip planned but not until September when school starts back up.  So this summer we’ll be sticking around. Sticking around doesn’t mean we can’t have fun! It means we’ll be planning some fun staycations closer to home and I’m super excited about it! Here are a few fun staycation ideas we put together as a family for summertime…

This post is sponsored by Discover Boating but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Staycation Ideas For This Summer!

A Night of Camping

• Head out for a night or 2 and go camping at a local campground! If you look up “camping near me” you might be surprised how many campsites there are close by. You could even camp in your own backyard.

Go Boating

• Get on a boat! Ok, if you don’t know someone who has a boat this one could be tough. Thankfully there is a site called Discover Boating, they are a  great interactive online resource for anyone who wants to get out on the water this summer! On Discover Boating, you can find how to get on a boat today by simply entering your zip code into their interactive online tool. You’ll also find boating programs for youth, resources for buying your own boat including a boat loan calculator, and so much more.

Boating is a great way to relax, unplug from it all and spend quality time as a family. According to a Discover Boating Survey by Wakefield Research, 82% of Americans say being around water is relaxing. I’m definitely included in this 82%. Being on the water is calming. There is something for everyone as long as they enjoy being outdoors. Fishing, water sports, relaxing in the sunshine, a boat has it all.

Will you be getting on a boat this summer? Make sure to check out Discover Boating! 

 

Play Tourist in Your Closest City

• When’s the last time you played tourist in your own city? Take the cable car through San Francisco, tour the Empire State Building or the Space Needle. Every city has something iconic and if you live there you might not have experienced it yet!

Find the Water

• In my opinion, there is nothing more relaxing than the sound of running water. Head to the beach, the lake, a stream or waterfall and enjoy the peaceful sounds with a book or a picnic.

• Collect some treasures as you walk along the water’s edge.

Fruit Picking

• This time of year there are always fun places to go fruit picking. We’ve already been strawberry picking this summer and can’t wait to go back for Boysenberries and Apples soon.

Explore a Museum

• Are you an art lover? Or maybe you love science or history? There’s a museum for just about everything. Children’s museums are fun too. I love taking my young children to museums, not just children’s museums. An appreciation for art and culture is important to our family and museums help introduce that appreciation.

Appetizer Hop

• Whenever my husband and I travel we love to go appetizer hoping so we can experience several different restaurants. Why not try this in your local city or town? Make a day out of it, eat and talk, or play a game while trying small plates from a few different places.

 

Go for a Long Hike and Bring a Picnic

• If you are an outdoor lover head out for a nice long hike. Find the perfect spot for a picnic lunch before heading back home.

 

Stay in a Hotel for 1 Night

• Breakfast in bed is calling for you!

 

Forget The Housework and Relax

• Plan an entire day where you don’t do any housework. Just forget about the pile of laundry, it can wait. Read a book, play board games with your kids. Turn the music up and dance. Whatever makes YOU happy, do it! Your staycation can be right in the comfort of your own home!

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy it! Vacation doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. It’s the experiences in life that matter most and will be remembered.