If you have been following along our series Taking Control of your Finances then you may be thinking... "so much for a vacation this year". You may not have a 5 star vacation to an exotic island or an action packed family cruise planned but that doesn't mean you won't be using your vacation days. Why not take a budget friendly staycation with your family. After all vacation is all about reconnecting with your spouse and kids, making memories, and having fun. Its a break from the routine. Here are some ideas for a staycation anyone can afford.
Camping in your own backyard
If you have some camping equipment why not camp in your backyard. It can be fun and inexpensive. There are all different types of camping and this could be a great trial run. If you don't have camping equipment why not camp in your living room. Make beds out of blankets or sleeping bags, turn out the lights and use flashlights or some candles, and tell stories, sing songs, and make smores in the microwave.
Visit a free museum
I did a little research and found free museums all around the country. Some are free all the time and others have a free day. This would be a great thing to do with your family on a staycation. Many of the museums in Washington DC such as the Smithsonian are free. What things do people come to your area to see?
Get a season pass
If there is an activity you love to do like a local theme park, zoo, museum, etc then look into getting a season or annual pass. You may have to pay a little bit up front but you can go twice during your staycation and then other times during the year. We purchased a zoo membership this year for $114. For a family of 5 that's not bad. We also receive a discount at lots of other zoos so we can have a lot of fun for a small amount of money all year long. If its an annual pass you may want to get it at the end of June. Then you can go several times in August and September this year and then June and July next year. Be sure the pass is good for the whole year and not just the summer before you do this.
Theme days
Why not have a theme day if you are going to be home. Have a backwards day where you eat dessert first, then dinner, then lunch, and breakfast in the evening. Wear your clothes backwards, walk backwards, play a game backwards, etc. Maybe wear your pjs backwards all day and then put on clothes to go to bed. Your kids will get a big kick out of this. Do a pool party in your tub, have an old fashion sleep over party with popcorn, movies, and sleep in the living room.
Get outside
Go to a park and have a picnic, go for a hike, or take a bike ride. Don't spend your staycation doing housework or chores. Get outside and play with the kids. Go to a local lake or ocean beach and spend some time together laughing, chasing each other, kicking around a soccer ball, and making memories.
Volunteer
Why not work together as a family and volunteer your time to a local soup kitchen, habitat for humanity, or church. You will feel good about what you are doing, spend time with your family, and do something meaningful. Maybe you can do a food drive and collect food for a food pantry, have the kids make crafts or baked goods and then take them to a nursing home, collect donations for a good cause, or participate in a walk-a-thon.
Break your routine
Wear pajamas all day, eat big ice cream sundaes for dinner, or let the kids stay up for a movie after baths. Anything out of the ordinary can be lots of fun for kids. They will remember those things too!
For even more great ideas check out Staycationidea.com Remember that this is your vacation and although you may set aside a day or two to catch up on some things around the house, be sure to spend lots of time making memories with your kids. Don't spend as much time on your housework as you normally would. You can catch up after your staycation. Just make memories, have fun, and make it a staycation to remember!
Allison is from Magical Memory Planners - Visit her website to get travel advice (especially on Disney) or a free vacation quote.
