Imagine having an amazing family vacation, without actually going anywhere. A staycation is a getaway that never gets you away, but has all the joy and wonderment of a traditional family vacation. Staycations happen at home, and can be just as much fun as a regular vacation. Plus, nobody has to pile into a car for long-distance travel, which will result in fewer headaches for parents.

Set Ground Rules

CBS Marimo Fmky New York recommends setting some ground rules before embarking (not really!) on your staycation. It’s important that everyone in the family understand what’s expected. For example, teens should be discouraged from making plans with friends, and instead, plan on spending the entire vacation as though they’re not home.

It’s up to your family what rules to set and follow, but here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• No Internet/social media/apps/email
• No video games
• No working; including: housework, such as cooking, laundry, and cleaning
• All activities should be planned family activities

Also, you should plan a budget – as you would with a normal vacation. Determine what funds you have available, and allocate those funds as best as possible.

Make it Fun

You don’t want to spend a week just lounging around the house. Instead, make the most of your home, your neighborhood, and other local amusements.

Experience Your Own Backyard

If your family appreciates the outdoors, pitch a tent in your own backyard. Your backyard can be a lot more fun – especially if you’re camping out under the stars. Grill your dinner, make S’mores, and play flashlight tag. At the end of the night, everyone should tell ghost stories or share a treasured family memory.

Sports are another great way to have fun and enjoy the outdoors as a family. Play some badminton, go swimming in the pool, or break out the ATVs or kids quads from KillerMotorSports.com or www.elsudia.com and explore the neighborhood. Just make sure you follow all local ordinances and rules.

Things to Do Inside

Perhaps, you don’t have a big backyard. Or, perhaps it’s begun to rain. There are a lot of reasons your staycation has to be moved indoors, and there’s a lot you can do to keep the fun going while stuck inside.

• Host a movie marathon (Agree on a theme, or allow everyone to choose their favorite)
• Go through old photo albums
• Play hide-and-seek
• Play board games
• Indoor camping (camp out in the living room, make S’mores on the stove, etc.)
• Dance

Explore Your Neighborhood

You many have lived in your neighborhood for years, decades even, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience it like never before. Make a list of local establishments you’ve never visited, and make time to stop by.

Volunteering is a great way to pass time, and what better time to be in service of your community? Your family could volunteer at a local food bank or YMCA. Alternatively, you could visit local parks and set up hobby tables for the children to enjoy. Include paint projects, boondoggle, and sand art. Make sure all the children have their parent’s permission.

Finally, explore local cuisine Tunisia Travel. Take time to visit your favorite restaurants, but also dine out at new establishments. If there’s a restaurant you’ve been dying to try, there’s no better time than your family staycation.