In these tough economic times, many families are foregoing the traditional summer vacation to save money. Taking a road trip has become an expensive proposition with high gas prices and airline ticket prices can be downright hostile to families trying to make ends meet. That’s where stay-cation comes in. It’s an inexpensive alternative that solves the problem of having quality fun time with your kids without the high cost and hassle of travel.

What exactly is a stay-cation?

My personal definition would be a period of time where your usual routine is temporarily put on hold so you can focus on having fun with your family. Kids really just want to spend time with you. They don’t necessarily care if that happens at a theme park or in your backyard. The entire travel vacation can be exhausting and overstimulating for kids who often yearn for equality (you know what I’m talking about, you’ve read that same storybook to Joey 132 times and counting).

Explore and do things you normally wouldn’t. Take the time to really see the best places your city has to offer. Your local tourist office or chamber of commerce can help point out the most popular or overlooked places to visit. There are often cultural gems sitting right under your nose that you have forgotten about. Try to think like a tourist. What would you like to see if you were only going to be here for a week or two? “Mom, remember that time we got dressed up and went to the Star Wars Convention. That was awesome!”

Some simple and fun ideas for staycation activities might include:

1. Focus on one topic. Imagine that you are going to another country or state. Go to Hawaii for the day by renting a video on how to learn to hula dance, decorate with fake tropical flowers from a party supply store, and wear Hawaiian-print shirts all day. Try a backyard camping trip. Set up the tent, cook all your meals outside, and play Frisbee and other outdoor games.

2. Try a family project. Maybe finding the best ice cream in a 50 mile radius would be just the ticket. Have your kids research and make a list of all the local ice cream shops, and find and mark them on a map. Take a notebook with you when you visit each location, so everyone can write down their favorite flavors and shops. You can then vote on your top three spots.

3. Consult new destinations and activities.

  • Museums and parks often have free events throughout the year. Everything from music programs, children’s art, and hands-on science exhibits can be fun and educational.
  • Public libraries often have story hours, arts and crafts, children’s music shows, and maybe a puppet show.
  • Don’t bypass local colleges. Community events and sports happen all the time at universities. Go see what’s going on on campus.
  • Community festivals are held throughout the year throughout the country. Maybe something is going on in your neck of the woods. They could focus on all sorts of things, like chili cook-offs, blues music, lavender, and one of my favorites, Skijoring (being pulled on snow skis behind a galloping horse through an obstacle course—yes, the people actually sign up to do this).

The family stay is alive and well. Your “trip” could be for a weekend or a few weeks. Go out into your city or even your backyard and explore. Happy trails!