Skip navigation

Ideas for families who can't travel

Family sitting together on a logHaving your vacation at home

So you've gotten a twinge of jealousy perusing the adventures of all your friends on social media as they take their beach trips or explore some exotic location with their families. Maybe packing up your minivan and heading to the beach isn't in your budget this year. Perhaps you have commitments that just prevent you from spending time out of town. The good news is that you don't have to sink your toes into the sands of some exotic locale to experience a vacation. There are simple ways to feel like you've "gotten away," without ever leaving your zip code. Here are a few ways to enjoy a proper "staycation".

Go for a dip
Get your toes in the sand anyway. If you still want to enjoy beach days but aren't able to go for a week, find a local lake or watering hole where you can pack a picnic and spend the day. Splashing in the water and enjoying fresh air isn't isolated to the coast, and lakes usually have more options for boating and other water sports. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite swimming spot, which means you can go back whenever you want without waiting for vacation.

Explore your town
Be a tourist in your own city. There has to be things within driving distance of your house that you simply haven't seen. Most people get so busy with the day-to-day of life that they forget to explore their hometown. Get online and find some historical locations, hiking trails or amusement parks to visit. Find out what historical events happened in your area and go exploring. There are so many history-rich museums and attractions that offer reasonable admission prices to experience.

Find local festivals
Join the celebration. There is at least one festival every day...somewhere. Whether it's a festival that celebrates apples, funnel cakes or cowboys, there are no shortages of small towns hosting celebrations for any little thing they may be famous for. These events usually host a plethora of street food, craft booths and interesting activities for both young and old and is sure to entertain you and your family. Find out what local festivals are in your immediate area and plan to spend the day taking in the culture and fine cuisine.

Do the bucket list
Make a bucket list. Take your favorite vacation things to do and make a bucket list. Maybe all the things you can accomplish during one week at the beach can be spread out over many weeks or even months. Got a craving for crab legs? Find a great recipe online, cook up a feast of crab legs and Pina Coladas (virgin for the kids) while blasting beach music through your house. Love long trail bike rides with the family? Find a new bike trail in your own area to explore and hit up the local ice cream shop afterward. Sleeping under the stars your thing? Declare a campout night and pitch your tent in the backyard with all the fixings.

Have fun
Sure, everyone loves to get out of town and leave the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives behind for a week away. There are times in our lives, however, when a vacation just isn't feasible. Rather than spending one second feeling like you and your kids are missing out, plan an alternative "staycation" that will keep you and your family entertained while allowing you to spend precious time together. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create a fun experience without leaving town that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

Copyright © Rachel on NiceAnswers.com 2017

Editor's Note: Here is some additional related information on having your vacation at home;
More things you can do on your home vacation
Find lakes anywhere in the United States
Find activities and landmarks in your location
Find festivals near your home
Do a world tour from home
Tags: home, travel

Rating

Unrated
Edited