6 Ideas for Your Summer Staycation

If you can't take a vacation, why not bring the vacation to you? While this would normally be prime time for planning a summer vacation, this has been anything but a typical year. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the summer close to home, and planning a summer staycation is the perfect way to add some spice to your day while sheltering in place. Whether spending a night under the stars or working on fun home improvement projects with your whole family, a staycation keeps things fresh while helping you see your home through new eyes.

1. Spend an Evening Stargazing
   There's nothing quite like spending an evening beneath the stars with the people you care about most, and stargazing truly never goes out of style. Summer is the perfect time for an evening of backyard stargazing, with warm nights, clear skies, and some of the most dazzling meteor showers of the year. Plan an evening of stargazing to soak it all in, whether you dust off your old telescope or simply lay on a blanket staring up at the sky.
2. Plan a Backyard Camping Trip
   Stargazing is great, but what if you want to spend the whole evening sleeping under the stars? Then it's time to organize a backyard camping trip! Break out your camping equipment, grab the ingredients for s'mores, and get ready for an evening around the campfire. Kids will love taking a camping trip, and it can really feel like taking a vacation even if you're just a few steps from your back door.
3. Order a Family Feast from Your Favorites
   Enjoying a fantastic meal is often one of the best parts of a vacation, and you're sure to have a few restaurants close to home that you love. Order a feast of family favorites, and mix it up by ordering different courses from different restaurants in the area. You can make your feast as fancy or laid-back as you like. The key is simply to have fun!
4. Create a New Space for Family Fun
   While painting walls or pulling weeds probably don't qualify, the right home improvement project can feel like a little vacation. The key is to focus on home improvement projects that add something fun to your property, like an outdoor fire/barbecue area, a new play area for your kids, or a space to enjoy your favorite sports. Be sure to spend time enjoying your new space when it's finished.
5. Enjoy a Family Movie Night
   There's never a wrong time for a movie night, with a few extra bells and whistles to make it feel like a special occasion. Pick up your favorite movie theater treats, let everyone in the house contribute to the playlist, and settle in for a night of cinema. If you have a projector, this is the perfect excuse to set up a big screen.
6. Set Up a Scavenger Hunt
   Are you looking for a way to keep younger children entertained during your staycation? You can't go wrong with a scavenger hunt. Scatter items around the home, set up a list of clues that leads your kids around your property, and pick up a few fun prizes to reward your kids for all of that searching.

Family fun starts at home this summer, and there are so many unique ways to enjoy your home while staying safe. Customize your staycation to suit the needs of your household, let your creativity shine, and enjoy a well-deserved break from the norm.

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