As summer travel charges full steam ahead, many people are making plans to spend at least a few weekends away from home in the coming months. But if you don’t have time or the budget, there are many fun and creative ways to relax in your own backyard that will make your time at home feel special and different from your everyday life.
These staycation ideas are suitable for the whole family and are location independent, meaning that no matter where you’re located, you can do these things yourself and have the best summer holiday of your life.
Backyard Camping
As staycations become more common, backyard camping is becoming quite a trend. For couples and families looking for something fun and different to do without leaving home, camping in your backyard makes a lot of sense. You have the convenience of a refrigerator and bathroom just steps away while getting to enjoy time outdoors and sleeping under the stars. For a more authentic experience, pitch a tent and bring out the sleeping bags.
Gather Around the Campfire
A night around the campfire goes perfectly with backyard camping but can also be enjoyed separately if you prefer the comfort of your bed. If you do not have a fire pit or patio fireplace, you can order portable options online or pick one up at your local garden center. Once you have your fire feature figured out, stock up on all the fixings for hotdogs and s’mores. Bring out some throw blankets to curl up under after your fire-roasted feast so you can hang out around the fire with your family or friends.
Backyard Movie Night
Any night is a good night for a backyard movie. You can organize an at-home date for dinner and a movie, bring out cushions and throw blankets for a double feature with your family, or get your friends together for a night of classic films and wine. The most important thing you will need to order beforehand is a projector. While you can also get a projector screen and speakers, you probably have things at home, like a bed sheet, that will work for those in a pinch.
Board Games
There are board games appropriate for any age group or occasion, so this one is an easy staycation activity to organize. If you do not have a stash of board games in your hall closet, you can easily order a variety of board games online that can be delivered within days. Make sure to pick some classic options that most people will know how to play, as well as some for younger participants that are easy to teach. This way, it will be easy to host an impromptu game night that everyone will enjoy.
Obstacle Course
When you are spending lots of time at home, it can be difficult to find new, fun ways to get your family off the couch and outside for some physical activity. One way to bring a little excitement to your backyard is to set up an obstacle course, which you can do with things you have around the house or in the garage. To make it even more fun, create award certificates or buy small prizes to give out.
Lounge by the Pool (even if you don’t have one)
You can bring a little piece of resort living to your backyard by spending an afternoon lounging by the pool. Of course, this is easiest if you actually have a pool but, if you don’t, you can still dip your toes in the water and lay out a towel beside an inflatable pool.
Backyard Picnic
You probably already spend plenty of time in your backyard grilling and eating with family and friends. Staycations should involve activities you do not do every day, so why not switch things up and have a picnic instead? Instead of sitting at your patio dining room table, spread a blanket on the ground for a backyard picnic. Instead of dining on hamburgers or steaks, make sandwiches or a charcuterie board to take outside. You might want to bring out some floor cushions to make things a bit more comfortable or some games to have a fun activity to do while you eat.