17 Spectacular Staycation Ideas

There is nothing that our family loves more than spending time together, creating incredible memories while exploring a new destination and culture. We are wanderlusters at heart – always craving the next great place. However, there are times when traveling to a far {or even near} off land just isn’t in the cards. So, for that reason, creating a Staycation that feels just as good as a fantastic vacation is a great alternative. Read on for 17 Spectacular Staycation Ideas to create your very own, well-curated vacation at home.

1. Camp In Your Own Backyard

Own a tent? An RV? How about a few sleeping bags and a tarp?

Get CREATIVE! One of my children’s favorite things to do in the summer is pitch a tent and count how many consecutive nights they can sleep out there. How fun to be a kid again, right?! But, you don’t need to be a kid, or on a vacation far away from home to enjoy the fun of camping outdoors.

Is there anything better for us outdoorsy types than to fall asleep to the sounds of the breeze or maybe even frogs, loons or other wildlife? How about waking up to the fresh scent of dewy grass and a crisp morning while enjoying your coffee…sounds a little like heaven, right? And, the best part – You don’t even have to drive anywhere to have this experience. Get creative with your own backyard and you’ll soon be experiencing your own camping Staycation.

2. Bonfire + Craft S’mores

One of my favorite summer activities is enjoying a bonfire with craft s’mores down by the lake.

Getting all sticky with roasted marshmallows coupled with the crunch of a graham cracker and a face full of gooey, melted chocolate is like a summer right of passage. But, you don’t have to live on a lake, or even have a fancy fire pit to make this happen. A simple fire ring, stack of wood and some folding chairs will do the trick.

I should mention that when I refer to ‘craft s’mores’ I’m referring to the special kind of s’mores. Not the ones I make in a mad hurry every Friday and Saturday evening. For our Staycations, I buy that really great bar of dark, organic chocolate with roasted almonds. Or I get the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (this makes a ridiculously amazing s’more, by the way) or the Milky Ways. What if you took a snack-sized Almond Joy and put it in there and LET. IT. MELT.? Ohmyheavenly stars. Your Staycation bonfire + s’mores just went next level.

3. Order Takeout From Someplace NEW

We eat 99% of our meals at home. I LOVE to cook and am a recipe creator so this should come as no surprise that eating out is actually a luxury for our family.

When we vacation, OR Staycation, I do put limits on how frequently I cook, though. If I didn’t, it wouldn’t feel like a vacation! So takeout, curbside pickup or delivery is the very best thing to make your Staycation feel like a real vacation.

It’s worth mentioning that I’m not referring to the same old takeout pizza, either. I’m thinking of food you don’t eat on a daily basis. Make it special – this is a vacation, after all! Craft breweries. Wine bistros. Farm-to-Table eateries with locally-inspired menus. Even if they don’t have a formal take-out menu, give the restaurant a call. Most restaurants are more than happy to put together an awesome to-go meal for families.

4. Cook A NEW Recipe

Alternatively, if you’re someone who eats a majority of their meals out, try something new by cooking at home during your Staycation. It can be so fun to try out a new recipe and cook as a family!

There are SO. MANY. RECIPES. out there to try! My blog is loaded with time-tested, family approved recipes. Pinterest has literally gazillions of great ideas. Go ahead. Pour yourself a glass of wine, sip on a craft cocktail and spend some time in the kitchen. Who knows? It could turn into a hobby 😉

5. Picnic Time

I love making special memories around meal time if you haven’t already caught on ;-). Vacations are no exception.

Picnics are SO fun! Grab some old blankets and a basket or tray. Use paper plates + napkins to make things easy if you wish. Simple sandwiches or salads in a jar can be fun ways to enjoy eating outside. Whatever you serve, make it unique and different because this is YOUR vacation. The Staycation way.

6. Stay Up Late + Star Gaze

When on vacation, are you one to stay up a little later? I am because vacation days are not the time to be concerned about carrying out the routine of tomorrow. They are about embracing the NOW. I love taking the opportunity to stay up late on a crisp, clear night to go out in my yard and catch a glimpse of a full moon. A rare site of a shooting star. Gaze at an ink-black sky full of sparkly stars. I’m no astronomer, but doing a simple Google search can lend you all sorts of information on maps of stars. This could be a really fun way to enjoy a little science lesson as well!

7. Bike Ride On A New Trail

We love adventures and being outdoors and our vacations are no different. Instead of exploring the same old roads with your bike that you do everyday, take this Staycation time to try out NEW trails.

Where we live in Northern Minnesota, we are blessed enough to have an outdoor mecca of spaces to explore. Our county boasts a brand new, world-class trail system at the Tioga Recreation Area. People come from all over the country to ride or hike on these incredible trails.

But, you don’t have to live in Northern Minnesota to explore something just as great. Check out your local listing of bike trails OR head out on a new road. Whatever you choose, choose the wind in your face and the quiet, open road for your Staycation.

8. Hike On NEW Trails At A State Park

Your Staycation doesn’t have to be the time for you to just ‘stay put.’ It could be a great time to check out a new-to-you local or state park or recreational area and go for a great hike! Our state and national parks are brimming with outdoor activities for folks at all levels of fitness.

In Minnesota alone, there are 75 state parks and recreation areas, many within a short distance from home and even more that are reachable within a day trip. Check your state’s recreational listing for park maps, rules, permits and hiking trails within each. You could be a tourist in your own local area all while getting some great exercise and a new view, too!

9. Go For A Drive

How many of us take the time to explore new roads?

That’s kind of a rhetorical question if I may poke a little fun! The answer is not many of us. Most of us are creatures of habit: we drive to and from work, the grocery store, school, activities, but not much else.

I don’t know about you, but I’m in my car enough during the school year toting children to and from that I don’t consider exploring outside of my typical route. BUT, when I’m on vacation, that’s an entirely different story! I love venturing out on new roads. Seeing new spaces. Exploring new boundaries. The trees, lakes, oceans, mountains, trails…all of this exploration can be so much fun if we do so within the framework of a vacation {or Staycation}, rather than our routines. So, pull out that paper map. Drive down that country road. You could find the next perfect spot for some much needed relaxation.

10. Rent A NEW Form Of Transporation

Perhaps instead of going for a drive in your own vehicle, your Staycation could be elevated with a fun new method of transporation!

Many communities have rental businesses that charter out specialty vehicles like ATV’s, Side-by-Sides, the ever-popular Polaris Slingshot, motorcycles, trike motorcycles, boats, jet skis and so much more.

Of course, before embarking on any road or open water, check with your local and state regulations of motor vehicle operations. Some of these are allowed on roads, trails, and public lakes. Others are not.

IMAGINE the fun you could have during your Staycation exploring in a fun and very different form of transporation!

11. Scavenger Hunt

If you’re in need of something to keep the kids engaged during your Staycation, a planned scavenger hunt could be a really fun activity!

We’re created our own scavenger hunts and I’ve also found printables on Pinterest with lots of ideas and tips. The trick here is to create a scavenger hunt that everyone in your group can partake in (little ones, too!). Make it difficult enough that the search becomes the adventure, but easy enough so everyone remains interested and most importantly, has fun!

12. Journal

When on vacation, my husband exhibits a steady journaling habit. He writes down each of the day’s events so he can refer back to them at a later time. I find this to be fantastic since we do not journal regularly at home and this is an activity only related to our travels.

Staycations do not need to be any different! Take some time during your Staycation to write down the days activities: what did you do today that felt like a vacation? What unique activity did you do to create an unique Staycation? What meals did you make? Where did you go? All of these Staycation memories will be ones you refer back to someday, just like the ones of your far-away vacations.

13. Take An Online Class

Here I’m referring to an online course that would support an interest that IS NOT work related. Whether it be a new hobby you wish to explore or a class that helps you hone your skills in something you already love. Online courses can be a fun way to spend time during a Staycation.

Do you love to garden but want to be better at it? Take a gardening class.

Do you want to learn how to do stand-up comedy? Learn from the very best in the field.

Do you desire to be a world-class chef? Let one teach you how.

Whatever your desire is, Masterclass has a course taught from a professional in the field who will teach you, all from the comfort of your own home. What fun it could be to allow yourself to hone a skill during your Staycation? After all, there’s no better time than the present!

14. Take A Virtual Tour

Did you want to vacation at one of our nation’s National Parks but it didn’t work out? Take a virtual visit to any one of our parks by clicking HERE.

Had you planned to visit the Museum of Natural History or the Smithsonian, but your plans went sideways? No problem. Many of the world’s museums are offering virtual visits. Click HERE for 10 amazing virtual museum tours.

Technology can be so GREAT. Let it positively impact your Staycation by seeing the cool things you want to – when you want!

15. UNPLUG

I’m a BIG fan of turning off technology while on vacation. As a travel writer, that can be tough, though. Nonetheless, I try to find pockets of time where the phone and computers get turned off and we all just engage with each other. Being present is the key here.

In a time where we are so digitally connected to the outside world, but emotionally disconnected to those right in front of us, vacations and Staycations are the perfect time to unplug from technology and social media. Even if you aren’t able to take the whole Staycation away from your devices, studies show that being away from tech for even just a few hours can be highly beneficial. I prefer a few days, though. That really makes it feel like a vacation! I can’t wait for my next Staycation and the ability to really UNPLUG.

16. Spa Day

I personally love vacations that include spa treatments…better yet spa DAYS. This is probably because a majority of my routine days are spent in non spa-like ways: working, cooking, cleaning, mothering, chauffeuring, kids activities, etc. I imagine most of us are much like this!

A Staycation could be a great time to explore a local day spa. It could also be a great time to hire a travel masseuse or someone who performs spa-like services at your home.

Another great way to experience a spa day could be to turn your own home bathroom into a spa like sanctuary.

Buy a few new ultra-plush bath towels. Purchase new bubble baths, salts and light a few candles. Enjoy a great glass of wine in the nice glassware instead of your regular stuff. Apply a moisture-rich mask to your face. Soak your feet. Whatever your vacation heart desires, let it happen during your Staycation. You’ll go back to your regular routine relaxed and very refreshed.

17. Film Festival

It may sound a little silly, but watching movies is sort of a treat for our family!

We are so busy. With a family of 5, composed of three young boys who are super active, we are rarely indoors just bingeing on movies.

Staycations can be a great time to line up several movies you’ve been dying to watch! There’s no better time than to purchase some awesome movie snacks, climb onto the couch with cozy blankets and have your very own film festival. The idea here is being together and practicing presence.

I love Staycations – they can be SO FUN and feel just like a vacation if you let them be. Create a real vacation at home by choosing any number of these 17 Spectacular Staycation Ideas. By doing this, you can create the Staycation of your dreams.

Travel Advisor Services

I offer a full service global travel agency in addition to my blog! I would be honored to help you curate the vacation of your dreams when you are ready to travel. For more information, please contact me:

218-259-7090 or tarahallie@hotmail.com

Once you’re ready to head out on a vacation away from home in a more traditional sense, check out all of the adventures back over on the blog. There is sure to be some great inspiration over there! From Iceland, to Paris, to the Florida Keys and beyond – the world is your oyster. Go tackle it when you’re ready.

Until next time…Eat Well. Travel Often. Love Much.

XOXO