Anybody need a vacation? How about a staycation?
Although some states are preparing to open for business, a number of families have already canceled their vacation plans for this spring and summer. All of this time at home has left many of us feeling stir crazy dreaming of the beach, the mountains, the lake, really anywhere to get a change of scenery. Even though you may not get to travel anytime soon, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some “vacation time”. Check out these tips for planning the ultimate family staycation!
Work Hard Now to Relax Later
Just like with any vacation, there’s going to be some work on the front end. Usually before you would head out of town you’d be making travel plans, packing, meal planning, and hiring pet care. With a family staycation, your prep is going to look a little different.
Tackle the Chores
No one wants to be mowing, doing laundry or keeping up with housework while on vacation. Well, not most people anyway. Make a list of what you want to get done before your staycation begins, and delegate to crank it out. If you really want a break from the housework, set some money aside to hire a cleaning service to take care of those chores for you. A clean house may not be a five star bed and breakfast, but it does come close!
Take a peek at our Spring Cleaning Checklist to get started.
Splurge on Comfort Items
Arguably, one of the best parts of a vacation is the accommodations. Fresh bedding, fuzzy robes, complimentary cookies, mini bar… You can enjoy some of these same luxuries at home. Order some new comfort items like bedding, towels, and candles to experience the relaxation of the resort.
Plan Meals
Raise your hand if you enjoy cooking. If your hand is in the air, you might want to spend more of your staycation in the kitchen. Trying new recipes or busting out some old favorites. Either way, make it simple by planning your meals and going to the grocery store ahead of time.
If you’re there with your hand down thinking, “I need a break from cooking,” do it. Take that break. To plan for your staycation you can prepare some freezer meals ahead of time or take advantage of your local restaurants. Many of them are still open for curbside pick up or carry out. And hopefully more of them will be open for dine-in very soon!
Create Your Staycation Itinerary
How do you like to vacation? Are you one that likes to escape and slow down? Or are you a goer that wants to cram in as many fun activities as time allows? Identify what you and your family want to do on your staycation. Make a list, get supplies, and make your staycation dreams come true.
Family Staycation Activities
How do you get your family on board? Fill your staycation with fun and adventure. Here are some budget-friendly activities your family can enjoy at home.
- Spa Time. If the spa setting is what you’re looking for, gather some bath pillows, aromatherapy candles and bath oils. Find a calming space to transform into a home spa, and prepare to relax.
- Camp Out. There’s something special about sleeping in a tent in the yard. Bust out the camping gear, roast some marshmallows, and make some memories!
- Bake Off. Cookie baking doesn’t have to be reserved for Christmas. Throw a bake off and create your favorite cookies, cupcakes, and desserts. Spread the love by sharing your goodies with friends and neighbors, too.
- Drive-In Movie. String up a sheet, find a projector, and enjoy a family movie night under the stars. Don’t forget the popcorn!
- Backyard Carnival. Set up some classic carnival games like ring toss, corn hole, balloon darts and a fishing hole. Many of these are easy to make yourself! Serve some yummy carnival favorites like corn dogs, funnel cake, snow cones, and cotton candy to bring the magic of the carnival to your backyard.
- Build a Fort. Many kids dream of having their own playhouse but never get around to making it happen. This could be the perfect time for a playhouse project.
- Mini-Water Park. Transform your backyard into a mini-water park with sprinklers, kiddie pools, and water slides. Turn it into a game with squirt guns and water balloons!
- Scavenger Hunt. Embrace your inner explorer. Come up with a string of clues and hidden locations to send your family on a hunt for treasure. You can lead them around the house, the yard, or even the neighborhood.
- Family Hike. Find a trail nearby that you’ve never explored before.
We’d love to hear what ideas you have for fun family staycation plans! Drop a comment below.
For more information on Governor Parson’s plan to reopen Missouri, check out this KMOV4 news article. For the full order, click here.