You guys. Today feels like it’s lasted FOREVER. And… it’s just been one of those days where nothing goes quite right. That’s why I’m SO HAPPY to be snuggled up at home with my kitten and writing about super fun staycation ideas for you. Because let’s be real… sometimes, theres nothing better than staying close to home and just relaxing for awhile.
Growing up, we never went on Spring Break vacations. (We always did our vacations during the summertime.) But, my parents always made sure that we did something really fun and memorable, so that I still had something to talk about when we went back to school. Sometimes it was going out of town to go shopping (the closest mall to Manistee is an hour away… so we always made a fun day trip to go shopping!), or doing fun experiments or exploring a new city that wasn’t too far away.
There was one trick that my parents always used to make sure our “Staycations” were memorable. And that was thinking about them like they were a real vacation. They planned out our activities and dinners, we talked about things we would like to see and do, and they hyped those things up BIG TIME. I never once felt slighted that we weren’t going on vacation when my friends were, because we always had so.much.fun.
When starting to plan your staycation, don’t try to pack every day with random activities. Pick a few days where you’re out of the house, and a few where you’re doing something fun at home. So what are some of my favorite Staycation ideas?
Take a day trip. Get out of town… but not too far. Find a spot that you and your family haven’t visited yet. Something unique to your state that isn’t too far from home. Have you ever checked out the site Only In Your State? It’s filled with fun things to do near you!
Spend the day in a blanket fort. This is STILL one of my favorite ways to spend a lazy afternoon… and I totally think it works best when it’s cold or rainy 🙂 You can find some awesome blanket for inspiration on Pinterest. Add some fairy lights, lots of pillows and blankets and grab the popcorn. It’s the perfect place for a movie marathon!
Head to a local attraction. Do you live by a popular zoo or museum? Maybe an aquarium or butterfly house? These types of places are huge hits with all little ones, and that you ALWAYS end up visiting while you’re on vacation. Why not do it while you’re at home too?
Get Hands On. Do you have an arts and crafts lover? A little scientist? Or the next Master Chef Junior? Whatever your babes love to do, do it. They will be so stinkin’ happy.
Be a tourist at home. Have you ever been chatting with a stranger, they ask where you’re from, you tell them, and they yell “OH MY GOD I LOVE IT THERE!” ? It happens to me all the time. People love my hometown and always vacation there. At first I was like “Uhhhhhh why???” But when you look at your town like a tourist, you see it in a whole new light. So head to TripAdvisor, and see what people love about your town, and spend the day doing it. Only do the top rated activities, and eat at the top rated restaurants. I promise… you will have so much fun!
Go Back Yard Camping. If you’re lucky to have some warm weather where you live, pop a tent and head out back. Camping in your back yard is WAY less of a commitment than going to a campground. (Plus… if it gets cold and damp you can totally go inside!) Build a fire, roast S’mores and do some star gazing. Sounds like a pretty perfect night to me.
Get Out. Whatever you do this Spring Break… take the nicest day to be outside. Go for a hike, a bike ride, fly a kite, whatever floats your boat. And then, make your favorite warm weather dinner. Personally, we like to grill (either hamburgers, steaks or bbq chicken) and serve whatever we are eating with a giant glass of lemonade.
Check In. Maybe you and your family won’t be swimming in the Caribbean sea this Spring Break. But you can be swimming. Check in to a local hotel for the night, and spend some time poolside. (OR grab tickets to an indoor water park if you have one close!)
Check Out. And whatever you do, check out of your normal, everyday life. Take time to relax, unplug, and enjoy some family time together.
I did a Spring Break Staycation list for adults too! Find that one here.
I’m off to cut up approximately 457 pounds of vegetables to go with out dinner tonight. Tomorrow I’m back with my favorite tips and tricks to naviagate Disney World. Trust me on this one… if you’re planning a trip to Disney anytime soon, you’re going to want to read it, save it, and read it again later. I’m about to save you some SERIOUS time, money and patience. You’re welcome in advance 🙂
Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Xx.
Savannah
(PS… Is anyone else really excited for Survivor tonight? I can’t be the only Survivor fan still out there. It’s been my favorite show since I was in 5th grade… and I still watch it religiously every season!)
Savannah Said It 