90 Staycation Ideas To Get Your Family Through Summer 2023
If vacations aren't an option this summer due to the rising cost of flights and travel, the hassle of dealing with airport delays or another factor that has you at home for the time being, there are still plenty of ways to stay entertained safely and on a budget.
It can be tough to figure out how to make being home (or close to it) feel like an actual vacation, but you need not either break the bank or stay bored! These 2023 staycation ideas should make you feel refreshed, revitalized and ready to take on the rest of the year.
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90 Staycation Ideas for 2023
1. Explore your own hometown.
Take a stroll or a drive and look at your city or town through a tourist's eyes: Is there cool architecture you never noticed before? A pretty hidden garden? A cool bakery you haven't tried? Explore!
2. Go to an aquarium.
Visit your local aquarium, or if you're interested in a different state's offerings, you can take virtual tours of a lot of aquariums from your own living room, including the New England Aquarium, the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the South Carolina Aquarium.
3. Go on safari.
Can't go on an actual wildlife safari this year? Live-stream safaris and virtual live tours bring a lot of fun without the dangers!
4. Go overseas...online.
Take tours of the places you've always wanted to go. With virtual tours of Japan, The Great Wall of China, the Northern Lights, numerous World Heritage Sites, Maldives and more.
5. Head to a farm.
Pick Your Own farms allow you to pick your own produce, and many will also teach you to can and freeze your picks properly.
6. Have a block party.
Get your neighbors together and toast one another with cocktails, mocktails, stories and treats.
7. Take a "forest bath."
In Japan, one form of major mindfulness and relaxation is shinrin-yoku, which translates to "forest bathing." Don't worry, you don't have to get naked! Just a walk in the woods or even just a nearby grove of trees in a park can help to center and relax you and get you a little closer to finding joy in your staycation.
8. Explore a castle.
Take a virtual castle tour from the comfort of your couch and indulge in history without all the musty smells and drafts.
9. "Go on" an airplane.
Not flying this year? Get the feel of it anyway with a virtual field trip of a plane taking off.
10. Bring your kids on a scavenger hunt.
We've got plenty of scavenger hunt ideas.
Hapinest Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Outdoor Indoor Card Game for Kids
11. Send some love to loved ones.
You don't have to be away from home to send a postcard. Send postcards from home (and have your kids do the same) letting loved ones know how much you miss them.
12. Host a family reunion.
You don't need a special occasion like a wedding to get local family members together for a family reunion.
13. Make your bathroom feel like a spa retreat.
Invest in cushy towels, add a pretty plant that does well in humidity, light a candle and lock the door.
14. Do home projects to make your space feel new and fresh.
Add open shelving, make a gallery wall and hang a statement chandelier or art piece.
15. Grow/glow up your surroundings.
Gardening is huge right now for a reason: It gives us something to focus on and literally breathes new life into your space. Whether it's a window box of herbs, a full-blown garden in your yard or just a cute succulent on your nightstand in your studio apartment, going green is a great way to pass the time this summer.
Related: These 75 Different Types of Succulents Are Not Only Gorgeous—but Also Hard To Kill
16. Info addict? Take an online class.
Here are a ton of free online courses for those of you who never had an issue with summer school!
17. Take yourself on a meditation retreat at home.
You can engage in a free 7-day meditation challenge from the comfort of your own home, courtesy of Dan Harris' 10 Percent Happier podcast. Sign-ups are open here.
18. Visit art museums online.
There is a slew of art museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the Louvre and more, that you can tour virtually.
19. Bring city nightlife to your living room.
Host a dance party!
20. Go camping.
Whether it's in an actual open campsite, a national park or just your backyard, sleeping under the stars in nature can do wonders for your mindset.
Related: 30 Car Camping Tips and Tricks
21. Go on a scenic bike ride.
Endorphins and wind in your hair can make your normal neighborhood feel fresh.
22. Take a hike.
You'll get exercise and be able to enjoy nature, even if it's just in a park nearby.
23. Order takeout from a restaurant you've never tried before.
Not only will you have something delicious without getting your kitchen hot or messy, but you'll also support local businesses.
24. Try out a local escape room.
Get together with pals and enjoy an escape room close to home.
25. Solve a mystery.
Murder mystery parties are so much fun (and give you an excuse to bust out a costume)!
Related: Host the Ultimate Whodunit With 15 Murder Mystery Games to Liven up Your Dinner Party
26. Visit an animal shelter.
You, your kids and some seriously sweet shelter animals could all benefit from some volunteer time. Check with rescues near you to see if they're allowing new volunteers, visitors or dog walkers. You may even be tempted to foster or adopt a cute critter of your own!
27. Take a trip to Broadway.
Bring Broadway to you! Hamilton and Newsies are streaming on Disney+, and numerous plays are available for rent and streaming on Amazon Prime. You can watch clips on YouTube as well, but if you're really a huge theater fan? Try out the BroadwayHD streaming service.
Disney+
28. Experiment with a new look.
Try out a new makeup look or hairstyle. Find a tutorial on YouTube that speaks to you and tests your skills, or just practice perfecting your cat-eye liner skills. If you mess up or decide you hate it, who's going to see you?
29. Volunteer at a food bank.
If food banks, pantries and kitchens near you are accepting volunteers, get your family involved. Giving back will make all of you feel good—vacation or not.
30. Deliver meals to those who need them.
Meals on Wheels, God's Love We Deliver and local charities may need volunteers to deliver meals.
Related: Avoid Cabin Fever With These 125 Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained
31. Learn how to decorate cakes.
A lot of us can make something delicious...but not something that's also beautiful. Practice your piping and fix up your fondant with either virtual cake decorating classes or a local class near home.
Yinuoday 2Pcs Edible Gold Leaf, Genuine Gold Flakes for Cooking, Cakes, Makeup, Gilding, Decoration, Health & Spa
32. Make homemade ice cream.
Want mint chocolate Oreo with cake batter but can't quite find that at your nearest ice cream shop? Make it (and whatever other flavor you want) yourself! Here's a handy guide on how to make homemade ice cream.
Ice Cream Maker by Cuisinart, Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Machine, 2-Qt. Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl, Silver, ICE30BCP1
33. Cool off an inflatable pool.
If you can't get to the beach and it's too late to install an actual pool, get yourself an inflatable variety! They've gotten fancier and more Instagrammable.
Kiddie Swimming Pool Extra Large Family Size - 120" x 72" x 22" Inflatable Family Lounge Above Ground Swim Center Large Size 305CM Perfect for Summer Outdoor Backyard Porch Garden Water Party
34. Make a point to use all of your under-used (or never-used!) kitchen appliances.
Have a waffle iron getting dusty? Not quite sure why your Aunt Edna gifted you a meat grinder for your bridal shower? Put them to use now while you have the time. You may surprise yourself with your culinary creativity!
35. Become a master mixologist.
Teach yourself to make craft cocktails. You can improvise on your own or take a mixology class.
Mixology Bartender Kit | 8-Piece Silver Cocktail Shaker Set with Black Pine Wood Stand, Recipe Cards, and Bar Accessories | Home Bar Gift Idea
36. Lounge in a hammock.
You can have the fanciest, swankiest bed in the world, but for some reason, the simplicity of a hammock and a summer breeze will likely make you even more relaxed and zen.
37. Have brunch in bed.
Sleep in as you would on vacation, then either cook up or order delivery and enjoy it in your boudoir to pretend it's room service.
38. Host a gift exchange just for fun.
Use a name-drawing generator, then have everyone send a little something to spread some cheer—it doesn't have to be just around the holidays! Host a party where everyone opens their packages and guesses who their sender is.
39. Embrace the porch!
Get a porch swing, hang some potted plants—if you're really ambitious, you can even install an outdoor ceiling fan.
Harbor Breeze Merrimack II 52-in Matte Bronze LED Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Light Kit (5-Blade)
40. Upgrade your patio and lawn furniture.
Sure, plastic and vinyl lawn chairs are technically furniture, but wouldn't you rather park your tush on something that won't stick to it? If you have the space and the funds, outdoor couches, sectionals and dining areas can seriously upgrade your staycation experience.
Joyside Patio Furniture Set 3-Piece Wicker Outdoor Furniture Conversational Sets with 3-Seat Sofa, 2 Ottoman Patio Rattan Wicker Sectional Sofa Set with Olefin Cushions(Mixed Grey/Beige)
41. Go on a picnic.
Grab a blanket, and your favorite snacks (or takeout!) and dine on the grass.
42. Watch movies outside.
You don't even need a screen—a white wall or sheet can work.
AAXA Technologies P8 Smart LED DLP Mini Projector, WiFi Bluetooth, Android 10.0, Wireless Smartphone Mirroring, USBC & HDMI Input, Built-in Netflix, YouTube, Support 1080p Portable Movie Projector
43. Go to a drive-in movie!
Find a list of drive-in movie theaters near you here.
44. Master cornhole.
This lawn game favorite may be super simple in theory, but it will keep you and your family occupied for hours.
GoSports Classic Cornhole Set – Includes 8 Bean Bags, Travel Case and Game Rules (Choice of style)
45. Listen to music outdoors.
Install Bluetooth speakers and enjoy podcasts and music outside while you enjoy the weather.
OSD 6.5" Slate High Fidelity Outdoor Rock Speaker 150W Weather Resistant Passive Stereo Pair RS670
46. Bring the beach home.
Filling your home with scents that remind you of the beach or the tropics can evoke memories of vacations full of sand and surf—without the risk of jellyfish stings or getting sand in uncomfortable crevices.
Yankee Candle Coconut Beach Scented, Signature 20oz Large Tumbler 2-Wick Candle, Over 60 Hours of Burn Time
47. Get a fire pit.
If you can't get to an actual bonfire, bring the warmth and smoke to your yard to enjoy the vibes well through the fall.
SINGLYFIRE 29 inch Fire Pits for Outside Firepit Outdoor Wood Burning Bonfire Pit Steel Firepit Bowl for Patio Backyard Camping,with Ash Plate,Spark Screen,Log Grate,Poker
48. Make s'mores!
Step your s'mores game up. Hanging out with the kids? These Cookies and Cream marshmallows from xoMarshmallows will be a hit.
Cookies and Cream Marshmallows, $9.95 for 12, xomarshmallow.com
Hanging out with grown-ups? Boozy marshmallows will make it a great time.
Whiskey Orange Marshmallows, $9.99 for 12, Viveltre
50. Have a game night at home.
Whether it's Pictionary, Sorry, Monopoly, Never Have I Ever or two truths and a lie, game nights, whether virtual with friends or at home with the family, are a guaranteed great time.
Related: 50 of the Best Family Board Games That'll Kick Your Game Night (Or Day) Into High Gear
51. Play shuffleboard.
There's a reason shuffleboard is always on cruise ships: it's addictive! Find out how to make a DIY shuffleboard court for your yard.
GoSports Shuffleboard and Curling 2 in 1 Board Games - Classic Tabletop or Giant Size - Choose Your Style
52. Master new recipes.
Is the kitchen your true happy place? We have so many recipes to try.
53. Indulge in afternoon tea.
Whether it's hot or iced, brew up something tasty (here's a cool quiz to find your ideal flavor and type), make mini sandwiches, throw on a cute dress and sip in your yard.
54. Give yourself a mani-pedi.
Who needs a pricey salon day when you can paint your own nails? Treat yourself to a mani-pedi at home instead.
55. Have weekly rituals.
There's a reason Taco Tuesday is so popular: it makes people happy! Whether it's food- or self-care-related (Sleep In Sundays, for example), having weekly rituals can give you something to look forward to all summer, as well as help you keep track of time.
56. Go star-gazing.
Lie out a blanket and embrace the celestial goodness.
57. Make a DIY mask and deep condition your hair.
Try these DIY spa treatments that won't break the bank!
58. Go to a comedy show.
Support local talent by seeing a comedy show near you. You never know, they could be the next big thing.
59. Wake up really early.
We know you're probably like, "But this is supposed to be like a vacation!" We're not suggesting waking up at 5 a.m. to do work, be it for your job, around the house or otherwise—instead, waking up early can give you a few precious minutes or hours to yourself that you may not otherwise have. How you spend that time, whether it's reading a book you've had lying around, really savoring your coffee, going for a run or just sitting in stillness, is up to you.
60. Pitch in at a community clean-up.
Look for community clean-ups in your area and get the family involved.
Related: 125 Summer Activities for Families
61. Master a new video game—or an old one.
On days when it's too hot or rainy to go outside, video games are a great way to blow off steam, whether solo, online with friends or just competing with your kids—and playing safely at home saves you a trip (and a lot of quarters) at arcades.
62. Keep a journal.
You have the time to reflect, so write away! Don't worry about structure, diction, syntax or anything else. Just write.
63. Entertain your artistic side outside.
Whether it's letting your inner Picasso out with paint, writing poetry, or just doodling, take it outside and let the fresh air inspire you.
64. Leave cute pieces of art to brighten a stranger's day.
Decorate rocks with artwork and leave them in your neighborhood for strangers to find. Your 'hood may even have online communities dedicated to the practice, like this one from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
Art by Leigh Silvers / Photo by Parade
65. Send love letters and be a pen pal.
Causes like More Love Letters welcome encouraging notes, and you can nominate a loved one to receive letters. You can also check with local senior centers, like this one, to see if they have a pen pal program.
66. Explore the world from your kitchen.
Cook up or order in cuisine from all the cultures you wish you could have seen firsthand.
67. Take up sewing.
Learn a new hobby and make a homemade gift for someone at the same time. You can always start small (think scarf, etc.), then work your way up to cable-knit sweaters or a quilt.
68. Tight on cash? Embrace DIY decor that just looks pricey.
Lusting over expensive decor to spruce up your space? Scour YouTube for guides to DIY dupes—there are a ton devoted to just Pottery Barn DIY hacks alone.
69. Enjoy a beach read.
Just because you can't make it to the beach or pool this year doesn't mean you can't enjoy a juicy beach read. We've rounded up the best books to read this summer.
70. Get musical for your mental health.
It's a great time to learn an instrument or just sing your heart out. It's great not just for a creative outlet and pastime, but also for your mental health through music therapy.
Related: The #1 Unexpected Benefit of Music Therapy for Dementia Patients, According to a Geriatrician
71. Have a family day of completely unplugging.
We don't just mean putting your phones and tablets down for a few hours. We mean no TV or devices at all. Get creative of what activities you can do at home, outdoors and/or by candlelight.
72. Take in live music.
See if your area offers outdoor concerts—or see who's playing in your local venues.
73. Go on a virtual house hunt.
Hop on Zillow and indulge in some fantasy home exploration. You may be inspired to bring some of those elements to your current space, or even stumble upon an affordable dream home.
74. Plan your next "real" vacation.
A lot of the fun in vacationing really is in anticipation. Start looking at fun places to go and things to do for 2024 or 2025, when it will hopefully be less expensive to travel.
75. Go golfing.
Tee up! Golfing is relaxing, and you'll be able to enjoy it on your own or with a group.
76. Upgrade your lemonade.
Feel fancy! These unique lemonade recipes will make you feel like you're sipping the sweet stuff at a fancy resort restaurant.
77. Declutter and deep clean your space.
You'll feel zen and productive, and chances are your home will smell heavenly when you're done.
78. Put a fresh coat of paint on your favorite space.
Always wanted an accent wall? Have a dresser that you think would look great going from espresso to Robin's egg blue? Do it! Home projects, especially simple ones like these, can make your surroundings feel new, which is half the fun of going away.
79. Host a home luau.
You may not be able to go to Hawaii this summer, but you can bring Hawaii to you. Whip up some pina coladas, get creative with decor and get ready to get lei'd.
80. Get spiritual.
Indulge in virtual or local retreats from spiritual leaders and advisors.
81. Nap!
It's still a vacation. Get your beauty rest!
82. Do karaoke.
Hit up your pals and take turns belting out your favorite tunes.
83. Master your Instant Pot or Air Fryer.
Don't want to spend a ton of time cooking during your staycation? Put your Instant Pot or Air Fryer to work! Here are 14 of our favorite Instant Pot recipes for an easy meal.
Related: Clueless About How To Use an Air Fryer? Consider This Your 101 Guide
84. Give yourself a scalp massage.
Scalp massages are one of the best parts of going to a salon! Here's how to massage your own scalp at home to make your shower into a spa-like experience.
85. Go geocaching!
Geocaching is addictive, and you'll be able to participate In a global-inspired treasure hunt from your own backyard.
86. Try aromatherapy.
Ease your mind and lift your spirits. Whether it's candles, lotion diffusers or essential oils, make "scents" of your emotions with aromatherapy to mentally go on vacation.
87. Enjoy a frozen adult beverage.
Grab the blender for frozen margaritas or daiquiris, or pop some mimosas into an ice cube tray.
88. Take a swing at swinging.
Not like that! Invest in a porch swing, a tree swing, a tire swing or the old-fashioned kind to give your gams a workout and embrace the nostalgia of playground days gone by.
YITAHOME 3-Seats Wicker Hanging Porch Swing Chair Outdoor Gray Rattan Patio Swing Lounge 3 Back Cushions Capacity for Garden, Balcony, Living Room, Gray Rattan Black Cushion
89. Have an overnight couple's retreat.
If your kids are old enough to stay home solo—or you have a trusted sitter or family member with whom they can stay — get a local hotel room for you and your partner. Sometimes a night away without having to worry about laundry is all the vacation you need.
90. Practice gratitude.
Being thankful for what you have right now—your health, your family, supportive friends, a cheery mailman, a juicy slice of watermelon—can bring on feelings of abundance, so you feel more like every day is a treat.
Up next: 6 Weeks of Weeknight Dinner Ideas
