Family vacations don’t always have to be trips to far-away lands or epic road trips across the country. A local staycation is a great way to explore your own city while spending time with the ones you love. So before you pack a suitcase and buy a plane ticket, consider these at-home vacation ideas!
Try geocaching
This has become a popular trend in recent years, in which people gather together to track down hidden gems throughout your city via GPS.
Play laser tag or paintball
This energetic game is great for adrenaline junkies and is an activity the whole family is sure to enjoy.
Have a board game tournament
Playing board games is one of the best ways to spend time together as a family, and when turned into an epic competition, the stakes are even higher!
Enjoy your local theater
Whether your family enjoys musicals, plays, or the ballet, there is bound to be a production everyone can appreciate.
Visit a nearby theme park
These aren’t only for the roller-coaster lovers in the family! Theme parks typically have everything from arcades to great food, and everything in between.
Check out a children’s museum
There’s nothing wrong with slipping a little education into your staycation! A trip to a children’s museum is a great way to learn up on some local history and keep kids brains from petering out over the summer.
Visit the aquarium or zoo
Who doesn’t love seeing all of the amazing wildlife at the zoo and aquarium? This is one of the most exciting ways to spend a warm summer day.
Watch a sporting event
Sporting events are always fun for the entire family, with most places offering special activities just for kids!
Try mini golf
This is a classic summer activity even little ones can enjoy. For a fun twist, try splitting up into teams (e.g. boys against girls or parents against kids) to add even more excitement to the game!
Go camping in your backyard
There’s no need to trek into the wilderness for a camping excursion when you can make your very own campsite in your back yard! All you need is a tent, flashlights and a campfire to enjoy this fun family activity together.
Tour a factory
There are factories all across America, and many of them offer tours year-round. Whether you’re interested in how your favorite snack is made or how crayons get their wrappers, there is bound to be a tour that fits your interests.
Visit a local tourist attraction
Our towns are filled with fun restaurants, shops, and historical sites that we often take for granted because we drive or walk past them every day. Try stepping inside for a new perspective.
Go paddle boarding
Paddle boarding is a fun summer activity that the whole family can participate in, and is a little more relaxing than jet skiing and other adventurous water sports.
Visit a waterpark
One of the best ways to cool off in the summer months is floating down a lazy river or flying down a water slide.
Go bowling
If it’s a particularly hot day and you’re looking to escape, pop into a bowling alley for an afternoon of old-fashioned family fun.
Play outside
Take advantage of the beautiful weather and get outside, whether you’re playing sports, going on a hike, or simply relaxing in the sun, it’s important to enjoy the outdoors while you can.
Find a local festival
Summertime is always packed full of great fairs and festivals to enjoy that are bound to have great rides, games and food!
Visit a nearby national park
If you live even relatively close to a national park, consider paying a visit to take in all of the natural beauty this country has to offer.
Create your own art
If you’re feeling crafty, starting a family art project, like tie dying for example, is a fun way to get your hands messy and create something you all can enjoy.
Host your own film festival
Family movie night is a time honored tradition, and the perfect way to spend time together on those relaxing summer nights.
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