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In January, I was eagerly awaiting warmer months and finalizing our spring and summer vacation plans. Toward the end of March, plans changed. We found ourselves in need of some viable staycation ideas that would work for an active 9-year-old and his travel-obsessed parents.
The coronavirus pandemic has, of course, created a shift in how the world is moving forward in 2020. Many are opting to travel only when essential and taking to their backyards for the remainder of the summer. A staycation provides a sense of adventure close to home when you're unable to travel.
Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, author Sarah Ban Breathnach often writes of the simple joys in life. She emphasizes the importance of making your house a source of comfort and creating an oasis that is uniquely yours. In her book she says, "Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need."
This is the reminder, especially during these difficult times, that at this moment cherishing what we do have is essential. While we may not be traveling right now, we can take time to enjoy the simple things in life. These staycation ideas allow us the space to appreciate what really matters.
Backyard staycations
We've lived in our home for eight years, and while I love my backyard, screened patio, and deck, I don't spend as much time out there as I could. I decided that since we're on lockdown for the remainder of the summer, now would be a good time to make that area my backyard oasis. There are several ways to create a cozy backyard.
Refresh your patio furniture.
Just having a relaxing backyard area to retreat to after a long day of back-to-back Zoom meetings can boost your mood exponentially. Add a pop of color with patio cushions, put down a colorful outdoor rug, and set up a grilling area so you can enjoy your patio well into the fall months.
Add some new plants or a container garden.
What better time to spruce up your backyard space than the spring and summer months? You can grow an inviting DIY herb garden and create delicious meals with your harvest. Another option would be to add some interesting looking plants, like string of pearls succulents or a dramatic monstera plant, to add depth to your decor.
Start a family DIY project.
Staying close to home this summer has given many families an opportunity to work on new backyard projects. Jen Potter is an outdoors enthusiast who wanted to bring the campground home. "We are staying put to protect our family and decided to build a treehouse. It’s a family project and we are camping in our own backyard," the mother of four told Mom.com.
Backyard vacation fun for kids
Larger than life yard games.
If you need staycation ideas that include the kids, try some backyard games to foster some healthy competition. A large tic-tac-toe set, jumbo Jenga set, extra-large checkers game, and badminton or cornhole sets are all you need to get the party started.
Install a ninja slackline.
Create a ninja obstacle course in your backyard with a slackline, some cones, and maybe even a trampoline. This is a great way to keep the whole family active after they've been cooped up in the house for months. A slackline helps develop balance and agility — skills active kids need to stay healthy and strong.
Jen has had a slackline set up in her backyard for a while now and her family enjoys it regularly. "I love my slackline! It is great for your core and it’s a work out full of laughs for everyone," she explained.
Go on a backyard camping trip.
S'mores over a fire pit, a backyard tent, and some ghost stories can make for a fun backyard staycation for the whole family. For a fun glamping staycation idea, set up a backyard theater and enjoy your favorite movie outdoors.
Things to do on a staycation
Explore hiking trails in your town.
Get the family out in the fresh air. If you practice social distancing, you can get in tune with nature without the need for a face mask.
It's farmers markets and berry picking season
Take advantage of the plentiful bounty. Head out to the weekly farmers market or better yet, find a pick-your-own field and bring a taste of early summer into your home. You can get everyone involved and bake a blueberry pie or peach cobbler with fresh local produce.
Staycation ideas for couples
Enjoy each other's company.
Maintain social distancing while still celebrating your spouse with these staycation ideas for couples looking for some quality time together. If you're looking for things to do on a staycation, you'll likely have luck finding some great options close to home. With attendance low due to state restrictions and lockdown, many attractions are offering significant discounts to entice customers. You'll probably be able to find some staycation deals near home at locations you've always wanted to visit, but never had time to check out. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these precautions for visiting parks and recreational facilities.
Lyn Dick is a mom of three and an applied behavior analysis tech who has been working from home since March. "We spent the spring making our backyard our own personal oasis. Staying home and staying safe is our staycation," she told Mom.com. Lyn will continue to work with her students through the summer and retreat to her backyard after working hours. "I am doing summer school virtually and home services with a new client," she told us.
Discover historical tours in your city.
Spend time together exploring the area's stories. No matter where you live, there's bound to be a staycation location in your state that's worth a visit. As museums and galleries start to reopen with strict social distancing guidelines, now may be the perfect time to take advantage of staycation deals and feel like a tourist in your own city.
Go off the grid.
Disconnect from social media and shut off your phone for a few days. Order a meal subscription kit and spend time creating a delicious dinner or pick up those books you've been meaning to read. Studies have shown that using multiple devices simultaneously has been linked to depression and anxiety. Removing all screens and distractions and spending time, even if it's just at home doing DIY projects or deep cleaning your bedroom, gives you time to talk, work together, and reconnect without interruptions.
However you decide to spend your vacation for the summer months, staying safe and protecting your health and the health of others is the goal. These staycation ideas can help make for a fun and safe vacation at home for you and your kids.
