Summer Staycation Ideas

Does the economy or elevated gas prices have you taking a vacation at home this year? If so you are among many millions of people that will be participating in a staycation during the summer season. Staycation can mean different things to different people. Some may interpret a staycation as being in their home state, home city, or even confined to their own home and yard. My interpretation of a staycation is defined as any location that can be enjoyed for the day as long as you can return home by the end of the day. So what do people do to enjoy their staycation during the summer season? Well, I have picked six exciting summer activities that your family can participate in.

Picnic

Everyone loves a summer picnic. Why not spend a staycation day away from work or school at the local or state parks?. Pack the car with a portable grill, picnic food, and some hiking gear. After your family eats lunch, plan a healthy hike through the forest and take lots of pictures. This day time getaway will be a good way to educate your kids about nature and the fragile ecosystems we live in. They will ask many questions and enjoy the hike. Just make sure the kids leave the handheld gaming devices back at home.

Zoo

Pick a local zoo and plan on spending the day. Most zoos have enough exhibits to make your staycation day last until the sun is about to go down. The kids will enjoy checking out their favorite animals whether it be reptile, mammal, or amphibian. The zoo has plenty to offer to all generations. Many zoos also have policies of selling season passes and allow food and drink to be brought on to the premises. Consider these money saving tips to make your summer staycation much more affordable.

Beach

A great way to spend a hot summer staycation day is right on the beach next to some cool water. The beach is always the place to be in warm weather and the kids will have no problem staying busy whether they are swimming in the water, building sand castles, or playing Frisbee or volleyball. The fun only lasts as long as you can put up with the heat. Take necessary precautions with the ultraviolet light and pack plenty of sun block, hats, and a beach umbrella if possible.

Baseball Game

Summertime means not only beach weather, but also a great time to catch a baseball game. Plan ahead and purchase tickets to a daytime baseball game in the bleachers or select a night game in which fireworks will be displayed after the game is over. There is always a buzz surrounding a baseball game regardless of how good the team is performing.

If the professional sports team in your vicinity is rather pricey for tickets, consider going to a minor league game. These games are exceptional value for the money spent, and they all seem to do a pretty good job at keeping the youngsters entertained.

Backyard Camping

A very inexpensive way to do some family bonding under the stars is by having a family campout in the backyard. You can start the day off by having the kids help set up the tent. Further activities can include having a small fire that will allow cooking wieners and marshmallows on a stick. Grab a guitar or cd player and play some fun music that everyone can sing along to. The night can be topped off with a good ghost story or two before everyone gets into their sleeping bags.

Fairs - Festivals

Every summer there will always be the local and state fairs open to the public. This is a great way to see lots of animals, learn about agriculture, and even take in a few rides. Most of these county or state fairs will usually provide top named musicians at least one night during the week of the fair.

If the fairs seem to carnival oriented for your tastes, consider making a family visit to a themed festival held locally during the summer. Many cities offer up summertime festivals oriented around food tastings such as chili cook-offs, corn boils, or even barbecue rib samplings. All these festivals are a fun way to cap off a summer day.