With many people considering the Fourth of July the halfway point of summer, this holiday can create a sense of urgency to get some family vacation time in the books. Summer calendars are usually filled to the max with as many events as can fit into the warm, sunny days of the season. Given how busy everyone is this time of year and the fact that we may often find ourselves with limited resources—like time, money, and more time—now is a perfect opportunity to consider taking a staycation this summer.
The Value of a Staycation
A staycation, what a clever idea. Few things are better than the ability to stay in your own community and enjoy the amazing sights and options for fun that exist all around you. You’ve likely seen lists that promote exploration or creative things to do in your hometown. However, have you stopped to also consider the value of what you can get from a staycation?
Think about the outcomes you want from a typical vacation. Perhaps you are seeking a sense of adventure, an opportunity for relaxation, or a chance to get away from the daily grind and connect with family. Let your staycation planning bloom from these same ideas.
Staycation Planning
If you are seeking adventure, you’ll need to define what that means to you. The possibilities are virtually endless and range from trying out a new restaurant or even a new type of food to checking out an event or hiking trail you have yet to explore. Think new and outside the box.
If relaxation is more your cup of tea, embrace what is relaxing for you. Maybe it’s an actual cup of tea or a day of leisure away from the tasks of everyday life. Perhaps a day at the beach or a stroll through a garden is the type of relaxation you’re after. The idea is to pick the theme and fit the activity that meets that specific need for you.
If family connection is the goal, maybe you need to find a way to unplug from technology and plug into each other. Take family game night outdoors with a round of Yardzee, bocce ball, bean bag toss, or other lawn game. Have a backward menu day that starts with dessert and ends with breakfast. Pick a different theme each day and stick with that.
Staycation Ideas
Staycations are full of possibilities and are a truly rich and inspired way to connect with your family and your community. Need a list of great ideas to inspire your staycation? Try some of these:
- Hike a trail or take a bike ride.
- Eat at a new restaurant or try a new ice cream shop.
- Visit the farmer’s market.
- Make a lemonade stand.
- Fly a kite.
- Have a picnic.
- See an outdoor movie.
- Play at the beach or plan your own water day with sprinklers and water balloons.
- Pick strawberries or some other kind of in-season berry.
- Read a book.
- Go to a local festival.
- Go roller skating.
- Go to the zoo or a museum.
- Camp out in the yard.
- Cook dinner over a bonfire.
- Check out a new playground.
- Shop garage sales or a local boutique.
- Connect with family and friends for a family play date.
- Visit a local bakery.
- Try a new recipe.
- Stay up late and stargaze.
- Go canoeing.
- Play mini golf or catch a local sporting event.
- Find fireflies.
We Can Help
If you decide to take a staycation this summer, we hope it delivers all the adventure, the relaxation, and the family connections you’re after. The beauty of a staycation is that it’s designed by you and can change at any time to fit your mood or your goals. Keep that in mind when planning your perfect summer. And don’t hesitate to let our team at The Calli Institute know how we can help you discover your goals for a balanced season of wellness.