How to Enjoy A Family Vacation At Home

Bad economy got you planning a "staycation" this summer? Here are some ways to make it extra special!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Connection
• Newspaper

1. 
    

   Check your official city website, Chamber of Commerce and newspaper for any festivals or special events coming up. Look at surrounding neighborhoods, too.

2. 
    

   If your city has a tourism website or visitor guide, look for deals or special events at local attractions: museums, aquariums, nature reserves, etc.

3. 
    

   Spend a day enjoying the local skating rink, rock climbing wall, laser tag, paint ball, horseback riding, or other activity.

4. 
    

   Go off the beaten path by asking for a tour of a local fire station, factory, farm, train station, etc.

5. 
    

   Learn to make something. Take a class at a craft or home improvement store.

6. 
    

   Create your own water park: obstacle course, water balloons, water gun fight, etc.

7. 
    

   Go camping in your back yard. Pitch a tent, make smores, and sing campfire songs around a fire pit.

8. 
    

   Use a portion of the money you're saving by forgoing a pricey vacation, and splurge on a new outdoor summer toy for the kids (key word here: "outdoor"!) Make it a fun activity that the family can do together, like a slip-n-slide or street hockey set.

9. 
    

   Have a family tournament of checkers, chess, poker or board games. Winner takes all!

10. 
     

    Watch a movie marathon. If you're going with a trilogy like Star Wars or Indiana Jones, you can invite a few friends over and make a themed party out of it!

11. 
     

    One night, have an ice cream bar for dinner. Get all the fixin's and let everyone make themselves their own custom sundae or banana split.

12. 
     

    Volunteer. On vacation? You bet! Spending a day helping out the community helps us to gain perspective, foster compassion and gratitude, and feel less sorry for ourselves.

[iSeeHowNow]

on 8/31/2008 What a super article....makes me smile just reading the ideas....I think I have used my tent one time since I bought it about 3 years ago...I am going to pitch in the back yard this fall for sure! How fun. I also like the water obstacle course, that will be fun the for the neighbor kids too. Great ideas all around!

[dsarokin]

on 8/14/2008 Excellent article. There are some really clever ideas here, that I would never have considered otherwise. Thanks a lot.

[JulieMayfield]

on 7/20/2008 I love these ideas!

[Limowreck]

on 7/20/2008 Great article! We are stuck at home most of this summer. These tips will be handy! Thanks!*****

[LilacGirl]

on 7/20/2008 Some very good staycation ideas.