How to Plan a Family Staycation in Houston

Haven't heard of a "staycation?" It's like a vacation, but closer to home! Easier for young families and those on a budget, staycations are all the rage because they are less stressful and cost less than a traditional vacation. The way you plan your close-to-home vacation will largely depend on the ages of everyone that you want to include, but one guideline remains: everyone from newborns to teenagers to parents should have a good time! Here are some ideas to plan your very own staycation!

Don't Leave the House. Young families will likely want to stay really close to home when it comes to planning a fun weekend "away." Consider starting in your backyard and having a weekend or overnight camping trip. Help the kids pitch a tent, and be sure to provide them with everything they'll need for their time "away from home"! Flashlights and snacks are a necessity, and if space permits, consider building a fire (or emulate with battery-powered candles).

Stay Local. Have you ever taken time to actually explore what's in your neighborhood? What is within a 30-minute drive? Have you and your family enjoyed a picnic at your local park or visited Houston's Museum District recently? The Houston Zoo is a perennial favorite and Houston's museums are some of the best in the country. Check permanent and rotating exhibits to see if something interests you, and book a hotel in the area for a fun weekend "away."

Galveston. Families with older kids have a world of options available! Houstonians are fortunate because we have so many green and public spaces available to us, and they are usually free! One of the most popular staycation sites in the Houston area is Galveston. With lodging that is affordable and available, and an hour drive (or less) from most places in the Houston metro area, Galveston Beach is an easy destination for most families. Bring an umbrella, towels, chairs and a full cooler with you, and you won't even need to leave your seat. Many various beaches are available: some allow dogs, and some allow cars, so check ahead to be sure you have found a beach that fits your needs.

Area Lakes. Southeast Texas is home to many different bodies of water, including Lake Livingston and Lake Conroe. Take the kids to a freshwater lake for a day trip or the weekend to enjoy warm summer days in a cool body of water. Many area lakes even rent boats or jet skis, if that is something your family is interested in. Lodging near these areas is usually very inexpensive and many options are available.

3 Hour Drive. Within 3 hours of the Houston metro area, we are fortunate enough to have Austin , San Antonio and Lake Charles. Families with grown kids might consider a gambling trip to Lake Charles, and families with kids that are any age should consider a weekend road trip to Austin or San Antonio. Lodging in all three cities is easy to find and can be relatively inexpensive, and many activities are available for every age group.