Staycation Rather than Vacation: Ideas for Fun at Home

Louisiana has been in phase two of reopening for the last few weeks. I know a lot of families who still just aren’t sure if a summer vacation is going to work out this year. Families have lost jobs, have decreased wages and then there is the overall safety issues that have people wondering, should we just… Staycation?

I wanted to provide a resource of ideas for fun things to do for a summer staycation. We have done the best we could during the stay at home order to find fun where we can. This meant keeping our weekends full of at home fun. I have some ideas that just may help you get that relaxing, vacation feel without having to leave home.

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Beach

We were planning to go on a trip the week after Easter which was cancelled due to Covid-19. I wanted to try to do something exciting and fun for the boys the weekend that we were supposed to be gone. I came up with a beach party staycation for our Spring Break fun.

What you need

We have a large inflatable pool (get this pump too because it is awesome), umbrella and fun chairs, pool floats, a bluetooth speaker and you are in business. Looking for a game? How about this

Music Festival

WWOZ offering Jazz Fest in Place really inspired this one. All of the spring (and many of the fall) music festivals have been cancelled. Everything from Hangout Fest, French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. We participated in all of them but this is an easy concept to replicate any day of the week.

What you need

We didn’t buy any additional items for this. We used all the things we had in our garage. Chairs, Wagon, Beach Towels, Outdoor speaker,

What to Make

https://www.crawfish.com/crawfish-recipes/crawfish-monica/

Emeril’s Crawfish Bread for Jazz Fest

Mango Freeze

What to Drink

Rosemary Mint Tea

Hurricane

Drive In Movie

Last summer we had an outdoor movie night for Peyton and Paxton’s birthday. You can read more about that here. They really had a blast and so did their friends and the concept would be easy to do on a smaller scale.

What you Need

We have done outdoor movie nights several ways. Dragging a tv outside is an option if yours is easily accessible. If not think about buying a projector. You can get them small or large and they can project onto your garage door or wall if it is a smooth surface. If not you can look at one of these blow up screens.

What to Make

https://sweetandsimpleliving.com/easy-pull-apart-pizza-bread/

Camping Party Movie Night with Free Printables

What to Drink

ITALIAN CREAM SODA RECIPE

Splash Pad

I started making at home splash pads after Peyton ran away from me when he was 2. I was like no more running down the street after a crazy two year old when I know I can keep them contained in my yard. There is really only one component of a fun splash pad and that is spraying water.

What you Need

We recently purchased a water blob from Target which has given us endless days of fun! Other items you need: a sprinkler like this, this or this, buckets, water play items like this, beach balls and this slip and slide would be the perfect addition.

What to Make

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Rainbow Fruit Skewers with Vanilla-Honey Yogurt Dip

Movie Series

There are a few movie series that we love to watch in the summer. I don’t know why but summer seems like the perfect time to lounge back when it’s hot outside, close the curtains and snuggle up with the AC turned down low.

These are just a few series that we love…

• Harry Potter
• Hunger Games
• Star Wars
• Jaws
• Hotel Transylvania
• Avengers
• Shrek
• Despicable Me
• LEGO Movie
• Toy Story
• Oceans 11 (12, 13 and 8)

What to Make

Popcorn Recipes that will Make Movie Night Delicious

Margherita Pizza

What to Drink

A&W Root Beer Floats

Camping

I am not a camper but I know people who love it. Just not me. I think this could be a lot of fun though especially if your kids love being outdoors.

What you Need

You are going to need a place to get away from the mosquitos so a tent (larger tent) is necessary. I would think air mattresses before sleeping bags but if you want to make this a monthly thing you likely need both. Smores will definitely be on the menu and you will need this and this.

What to Make

Easy 3 Ingredient S’more’s Dip

Over 30 of the Best Campfire Recipes for Camping and Backyard Summer Fun

What to Drink

Homemade Blueberry Lemonade

Whether you are looking for staycation ideas or just something fun to fill the weekend many of these ideas can be used for either need. Sometimes it’s just fun to break up the summer with a little impromptu themed weekend. Have fun and stay safe!

XO,

Tiffany