We have done several frugal staycations in the past few years and I have come to love them as a much needed change of pace for everyone but not something that will break the bank and ruin the budget for months. Here are a few of my favorite staycation ideas.
While we do spend a lot of time playing while on our staycations we also take time for skill building and relationship strengthening too. We work together on projects and enjoy each other’s company during these times. We have built a tree house, fenced some pasture, and even worked my Dad’s sawmill during some of our staycations. These projects make for some great memories.
Before our frugal staycations I usually try to pick up a few novelty toys that will offer lots of interaction and will be something “different”. We spent a whole morning with these airplanes and kites last fall. Exercise. Fun. Science lesson on wind and aerodynamics. And it only costs about $10.
We don’t have a pool but my parent’s do so we are blessed with a free place to swim. Many times if you have friends or family members that have a swimming pool they are more than willing to let you use it and if they work during the day or have plans one evening while you are on staycation you might be able to score a pool all to yourselves.
We live close enough to take advantage of the FREE St. Louis Zoo a couple times a year, but I know not all zoos are free. Sometimes even a frugal staycation can allow for a trip to a local attraction that you wouldn’t otherwise pay for. If that is your biggest expense it might be feasible. And for most families it is a rare treat to visit these types of places so it could be the highlight of the staycation!
Cooking over a small bonfire is a fun way to celebrate your staycation. A meal as simple as hot dogs and chips becomes a huge treat when done on sticks! There is just something about sitting around the campfire (even if you live in town and it must be in a pit) and telling stories, talking with your children, investing in their hearts, and growing closer to each other as a family. It is one of my favorite things to do with my children.
So, no matter where you live a frugal staycation doesn’t have to be boring or full of work. Just because your summer isn’t full of huge resort pools or lots of meals in restaurants it can still be full of memories and fun. And trust me, I have learned through experience that children seldom notice if you spend a lot of money or if you create fun with little to no budget. It is all in how you present it and how we, as the parents, react and treat the time together. Make it special this summer, even if it is in your own backyard!
What is your favorite staycation thing to do? Leave me a comment and I might use your idea in a future post.
Great suggestions and photos. We get out and see local attractions here in NYC since we don’t have a backyard option. Looks like – fun staycation. :)
I definitely agree that vacations dont need to be full of expenses to be full of fun and memories! Thanks for sharing your post.
We haven’t really have any staycations but this summer we are planning on going camping a few times. Does camping count? We are also planning on sending the boys to grandma’s so mom and dad can have a staycation (either here in town or down in Seattle, where my MIL lives).
These are great ideas. We’ve only done 1 big family vacation but we do lots of little trips and Staycations. It’s the quality time spent together that counts!