How to Plan Fun, Family Staycations

Whether you’re short on time or low on money, don’t abandon a family getaway just yet. Instead of vacations, consider planning fun, family staycations!  

Staycations can be entertaining activities, such as a backyard luau. However, staycations also include day trips. Even if you live out in the countryside, you may be surprised by the possibilities within a two-hour drive from home-sweet-home.

Besides the obvious parks and museums, which are also entertaining, here are a few ideas on how to plan some special days for your family.

First, Check the Map

Obtain a map of your county and the surrounding counties. Make a copy of the map for each family member. Ask them to highlight the places where they’ve been, and to circle a few new places they’d like to visit.

Consider venturing on unusual routes. One time our family visited gorgeous, twin waterfalls. The only way to get to them was to park in a neighborhood cul-de-sac and hike from there. No one could imagine majestic waterfalls were looming behind these little homes. Unusual delights may lie on the road less traveled!

Research

Research the history of your area. Local librarians or town historians can help you locate valuable resources.

Have any famous people lived in, or visited your town? Were any movies filmed nearby?
Check out the information on those historical landmark signs you drive by every day. Find out what important events occurred in your area.

There’s a plantation home not far from our home that is rich with history. One can see indented hoof prints on the wooden floor of the house. They were made by the Union soldiers’ horses when they stormed inside the southern home. Every county has interesting tidbits like that. You just have to dig a little to find them.

Do an internet search for free or inexpensive things to do within a two-hour’s drive of your hometown. You may be surprised by what you discover.

Ask the Locals

Stop by antique stores. See something intriguing? Ask about it. Antique store owners are usually knowledgeable about local history.

Check out some of the smaller museums such as car and farm equipment museums. Not only will your children gain an education of the past, but perhaps also they’ll gain a greater appreciation for the conveniences of today.     

Visit a visual or performing arts guild. Several of these offer classes for adults as well as children. Are there other local artisans open for tours? What other businesses allow tours?

Conduct a social media survey asking your friends about their favorite places to visit in the area. They may reveal a new pick-your-own farm or a tasty roadside ice cream stand.

Record Your Fun Family Staycation

Are there aspiring photographers in your family? As you travel, look specifically for great photo opportunities.

A mulched path winding between tall, lush green trees presented a gorgeous backdrop for some of our daughter’s wedding photos. We discovered the path in an unusual place. It emerged between a mammography office and an assisted living center!

Create a special book of photos. Or, draw sketches and write in a travel diary of your family’s adventures.

Perhaps younger family members would enjoy creating their own Visitor’s Guide for a destination. Ask them to include photos, drawings, and descriptions of the things they found interesting.

Other Fun Staycation Ideas

Other ideas to consider:

airports to watch planes

bus tours
house tours

tea rooms

farms and gardens

historical sites, battlegrounds, and battleships

water activities, tubing, splash pads, creeks

fairs and festivals

service opportunities

try a new sport

learn a new creative art

taste a new food

play a new game

You don’t have to live near a big city in order to enjoy an entertaining staycation. A little time spent investigating will provide plenty of gratifying locations. Be creative! Carving time out time to do something fun together is what counts. Cherish the moments and create precious memories for your family.

Share with us! What’s a fun staycation idea near your hometown?

A freelance writer, Sally Matheny’s writing is published in worldwide, national, regional, online and print publications including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, and The Old Schoolhouse.

As a writer, blogger, and speaker, Sally encourages parents to live victorious and to courageously tell the next generation wondrous things. Connect with her on several social media sites, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and Pinterest.