Are you interested in planning a staycation this year? Whether you’re looking to save money or you don’t feel comfortable traveling during the pandemic, a staycation may be a good option. If you’re planning to stay at home and still have a great time, don’t fret.

There are a number of ways you can plan a week of fun-filled activities your whole family will enjoy! Here are some tips on how to plan a memorable staycation.

Take Advantage of Local Events

When planning your staycation, do some research ahead of time to see if there are any events planned for your area. Search the internet using terms like “festivals in my city” or “carnival near me.” See if the nearby aquarium or zoo is offering any events your family might enjoy. Planning your staycation around these events can make the experience even more memorable.

Think Outside the Box

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to planning your family’s staycation. Have you been dreaming of a beach vacation? If you’re not near an ocean, consider visiting a local beachfront lake or a waterpark instead. Do your kids want to visit Disney World? If it’s not in the budget this year, consider planning a trip to your area’s local amusement park. Your staycation might not be the vacation of your family’s dreams, but you can still create fun lifelong memories.

Visit Local Top Tourist Attractions

When planning your staycation, think of yourself as a tourist visiting your area for the first time. Try searching online for some of the top tourist destinations. Pick out a few that you and your family have never visited before and try them for the first time.

You might check out that museum you’ve never been to, the arcade you always planned to visit or that ice cream stand that’s known for its rainbow sprinkle cones you’ve never tried.

Plan Fun At-Home Activities

If your budget is small, it might feel impossible to create a staycation your family will enjoy. The good news is there are a number of fun — and budget-friendly — activities you can plan without even leaving your house. Here are some ideas:

• Camp out in the backyard. Get tents and sleep outside with your family. Roast some marshmallows for s’mores, tell ghost stories, and play other fun camping games. Consider letting your kids invite some of their friends over for the night to make the experience even more fun.
• Turn your home into a salon. Offer your kids manicures and pedicures, do their makeup, style their hair, and offer temporary tattoos. This can create a fun at-home experience that’s out of the norm.
• Plan the ultimate family movie night. Choose a fun movie to watch with the family, and think of ways to theme your snacks or an accompanying meal (Chinese food with Mulan or spaghetti and meatballs with Lady and the Tramp, anyone?). You might even consider turning your backyard into an outdoor movie theater.
• Host a family BBQ. Grill up all of your family’s favorite foods, from hamburgers and hot dogs to corn on the cob and watermelon. Play fun BBQ games like corn hole, horseshoes, and water balloons. You could open up the swimming pool (or purchase one if you don’t already own one). Though you could choose to keep it limited to your immediate family, why not invite extended family and friends for an even more enjoyable experience?

These are just some ideas for planning a memorable family staycation. There are so many things we can do to create fun-filled memories with our loved ones, even if it means staying in our backyards!