These affordable staycation ideas can really make your summer fun! You don’t have to travel far to have a little time away.
The ending of a vacation is so sad, I always dread when it is over. Although we didn’t go anywhere, I think this is one of the most memorable vacations we have had. It was relaxing, fun, enjoyable, and cheap all at the same time. Plus, we got to spend quality time together which hasn’t happened in quit sometime. My husband has very demanding work hours, so this was such a blessing. This type of vacation is so good for the soul (and for your health).
In case you missed it, here was our plans and inspiration for this staycation!
This is a two part series, check out part 2 next which is all the things we did at home. Here is what we did around the area, and some ideas for you to have a wonderful staycation too!
Affordable Staycation Ideas
We do staycations each summer, and here are our favorite ideas! Head to Instagram to see more videos and fun ideas.
The Zoo
The Fort Worth zoo! I love the zoo just as much as I did when I was younger, and we had the best time! We had discount tickets so it was only about $9 each. So many babies this time too. My favorite are the elephants and lion cubs. The zoo is the perfect option for a staycation, if you live near one. Perfect option for kids too! You can always find discounted rates or promotional days to attend and save money!
Swimming Pool
Definitely head to the pool! I have family that live right down the road and we love visiting. They have a wonderful pool too, so we spent time relaxing, swimming, and getting too much sun 🙂 Amelia and Ruger both love the swimming pool. You can head to your local city pool or college swimming pool too.
I always treat the pool like I am on a mini vacation. I bring my favorite books, drinks, snacks, music or anything else that helps me relax. I make it a total experience so it feels like I am stepping away from life for awhile.
Fishing
We went fishing at the lake, and it was a really nice morning when we went which made it even better. Fishing is another fun staycation activity for everyone, especially if you have kids! Most places are only a few dollars to go to, some are even free. I like to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy outside too!
Picnics at The Park
Speaking of picnics, we had a picnic at the park which is so fun if the weather is nice. Then, we walked over to the dog park so Ruger could play fetch…his favorite game of all time! Sitting under the shade trees, talking, and letting the puppy play is a great activity on your staycation. It is free and gets you out of the house for a relaxing experience!
Bowling, Skating, Mini Golf, and Movies
Lastly, we went bowling with some friends. This was the first time I have been in years! Honestly, we had the BEST time! I felt like a kid again, goofing off, eating junk food, and hanging out. It was a great break from the normal activities in life.
If you have a skating rink near by, go there too! I grew up spending summers at the skating rink. There aren’t many around us, but we can drive into the city for some neat ones. This can be fun for everyone!
Other notable mentions that are affordable to do on a staycation are go to a matinee at the movies. We even got a little kids meal for a few dollars, which was fun.
Mini golf is also fun to go do. We definitely would have done that if we lived near one!
In a nutshell, those are the places we went. Don’t forget to check out part II of our staycation which includes the fun things we did right at home. And don’t forget my elements for a perfect staycation post!
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Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
Stay cations ARE wonderful. Most everybody can find fun things to do close to home. Glad you had a fantastic week. Ruger looks like he was having a blast in the pool.
Thanks Lolette! Ruger had so much fun in the pool…we couldn’t get him out! 🙂
Hi Alexis – your staycation pictures look/sound so relaxing. I haven’t been to the local zoo in forever. And Ruger in the pool – big puppy “awww”. How’s Ruger with fireworks? Ann’s scared by them, so it’s stay at home weekend for us. Our area is a no fireworks zone, but that doesn’t stop them, and it’s been going on for over a week (and California is in a drought). Blessedly, no fires, only a few pops, and later at night, when our windows are mainly closed. (rolling eyes) Praying for quiet! Have a great day!
Ruger doesn’t mind them too much if he is sitting with me, but he gets scared alone! Last year, he slept in my lap through them 🙂 It was such a great staycation, I can’t wait to share some more of it next week. Have a great day Laurie!
I love the idea of a staycation! We almost ended up doing that this year because we waited so long to decide on something and book it. Instead, we are going to a German themed inn called the Bavarian Inn in West Virginia. I am so excited. I will have to bookmark this particular post for the next time we think about a staycation!
Oh that sounds like fun! Little getaways like that are always fun too! I hope you can find some inspiration for the next time you do a staycation 🙂 Next week I will share my part II also. Have a wonderful day!!
Stay Cations can be so much fun! I have a bulldog too! They can swim but, you have to be careful because their heads are so heavy. I think a doggy life vest is in order for mine! You have a great looking bully! Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you again. PS if you didn’t see I have weekly parties on Fri & Sat feel free to drop by and share your posts. Love to have you join us!
Aw I love meeting other bulldog moms 🙂 Their heads are so heavy!! He sinks pretty quick because he gets tired so I keep his harness on an carry him around 🙂 They are so silly! Thank you for telling me, I would love to join your link up! Have a wonderful day!
Looks like you have had a great time.
Thanks Jo-Anne, we did! It was very relaxing!
Stopping by Idea Box. Loved the post and tweeted it too!!
Thank you! Have a great day!
It looks like you had a blast! Thanks for joining the #funsummerfinds linkup party! Have a happy 4th!
Shellie
http://www.thefabjourney.com
It was so much fun, we had a great time! 🙂
I love stacation! We hope to take one day a month for the rest of the year and enjoy things with a few hours drive of our house. So glad you had a great time.
Thanks Susan, that sounds like a lot of fun!
It looks like you guys had a great Staycation! There is something to be said for staycations, we may possibly like those even more! #Summerfamilyfun
I think we had more fun on this vacation then we have in years (even when we went to fun places 🙂 ) Thanks Shirley!! Have a great day!!
It sounds like your staycation was wonderful and relaxing….just what any vacation should be. I am so glad you were able to have this time with your husband and your sweet dog 🙂
Thanks for joining Roses of Inspiration this week…always a joy to have you at the party!
Thanks Stephanie! We were so grateful to have that time to spend together 🙂 And the puppy loved it even more!!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty – we love partying with you! Hope to see you next Friday. 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Thanks Lorelai! I love your party, see you Friday 🙂
looks like such a blast! Your dog in the pool – so adorable!!
Thanks Tianna! It was a great time, and the bulldog is totally addicted to swimming now 🙂
Looks like you had a wonderful time! And cheap too?? Best of all!
Here from Leisure Link.
I love your leisure ethic and all the great activities you had with your family! Thanks for stopping by and posting on #TheLeisureLink!
Thanks Terri! We had a great time!
Ruger is adorable! 🙂 It’s so cute he is afraid of swimming 😉
I know, he is so silly! He thinks he is big and tough, but he gets scared so easily 🙂
I find it interesting that we all have places near our homes that are touristy and yet we have never been. My friend lives in northern France, and has never been to Normandy. We have just moved and I am slowly working my way through some of the places to see in our area, a botanical garden, a zoo, a minor league ball game etc. It is fun, and pretty inexpensive.
That is so true! When we lived in San Diego, we never did anything touristy. I knew people who just came for vacation and did more things then we did. Sometimes it is fun to be a tourist in your own area 🙂
Your staycation sounds relaxing and enjoyable! I also enjoy the zoo. 🙂
Thanks for linking up at Tuesday Talk!
The zoo is always so fun! 🙂