Staycation Ideas » Summer Staycation Ideas

Future Leader Field-Trips

Cynthia Igasan — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:31:11 +0000

Set up a field-trip with one of the local companies, and tour with the class or your own children. Gain insight, and give the children an opportunity to see how a business operates. This post was submitted by Cynthia Igasan. Related posts:Visit an Art Museum Related posts:

Visit an Art Museum

Attend a Farmers Market

Paul — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:45:03 +0000

Produce, flowers, crafts, entertainment, baked goods—today’s Farmers Markets have something for almost everyone. It’s much more than just garden vegetables. If you haven’t been to one in a while, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

How to Make it Happen

Call your local Chamber of Commerce to find out the locations and times of markets in your area. Some markets are large enough that they may have their own website. Arrive early to find the best deals––if it’s a popular market merchants may sell out of goods early. If you become a regular, booth operators may hold back special items for you upon request.

Buy whatever looks good that week, or make a weekly meal list before you go and buy items for the week. Buying from local producers is a great way to eat fresh. But don’t assume that all produce at a Farmers Market is organic. If it is important to you, ask.

Once you have what you came for, just take the time to stroll around. Grab a drink, enjoy the entertainment, and watch other people go about their business.

Additional Activities

Consider growing your own vegetables in a backyardgarden.
If you can offer a product or service you think people would like, consider renting your own booth at the market.
Go to an open fish market for fresh fish.

Host a Croquet Tournament

Paul — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:40:26 +0000

Croquet is one of those great backyard games that no one is completely sure how to play. But trust me, it’s worth learning. All you need is a croquet set, a copy of the rules, and a group of willing players. Spend an hour learning the rules, and you’ll spend the rest of the summer challenging family and friends to a game of croquet.

How to Make it Happen

If you don’t already have one, inexpensive croquet sets—and other backyard games—are available through sporting good stores or discount store chains. Look for these in the spring, or discounted by mid-summer.

Croquet is best played on short grass. Basically, it involves knocking your ball with a mallet and trying to hit the ball through a series of wickets that are set in a figure-eight pattern. For a list of croquet rules, visit www.croquet.com.

If croquet isn’t your style, try other great backyard games, such as badminton, bocci ball or horseshoes. Always remember—safety first! Some games might not be safe if small children are around.

Additional Activities

Combine a backyard game tournament with a neighborhood barbecue.
Enter a horseshoe contest at a state or county fair.
Croquet Australia has a great set-up for kids: http://www.croquet-australia.com.au/Kids/

Learn to Fly

Paul — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:57:22 +0000

If humans envy any other animal it would be birds for their ability to fly. The Wright Brothers made it possible. And now the sky’s within reach for almost anyone who wants to try.

How to Make it Happen
There are a lot of misconceptions about taking flying lessons and becoming a pilot. And let’s set the record straight about two common myths: You don’t need a lot of money and you don’t have to have perfect eyesight to learn how to fly.

Want to get started? Now is a great time! Saturday, May 15, 2010 is the first annual “Learn to Fly Day”. Learn to Fly Day is about sharing the joy of flight with everyone. Learn to Fly Day is happening all over the country at participating flight schools, airports, and with independent flight instructors so that YOU can learn more about the wonders of flying! In fact there are over 300 locations in 147 cities participating in Learn to Fly Day. And you want to know the best part of Learn to Fly Day? It’s totally FREE!

This Saturday, flight schools and other aviation organizations will host a variety of events including learn to fly seminars, tours of the schools and/or airport and even first flight experiences.

Want to attend or get some more information? Here are some links:

All about the Learn to Fly Day: http://www.learntoflyday.com
Free Learn to Fly Kit: http://www.pilotjourney.com/learntoflykit/

Take a introductory flight lesson

Orienteering

Paul — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:05:48 +0000

To find your way in the world, all you need is a compass and a map. Those are also the two things you need for the fast-growing sport of orienteering. Orienteering challenges participants to find their way on a pre-determined path using a compass, a map, and one’s own physical and mental abilities.

How to Make it Happen

According to the US Orienteering Federation, www.us.orienteering.org, the objective of orienteering is to “…run, walk, ski, or mountain bike to a series of points shown on the map, choosing routes––both on and off trail––that will help you find all the points and get back to the finish in the shortest amount of time.”

Designed as a sport, participants pass a series of control markers that they must punch to prove they’ve been there. The goal is to finish the course as quickly as possible.

For more information on how to get started with orienteering, important safety tips and competition locations, visit www.us.orienteering.org.

Additional Activities

Practice your skills with a compass by taking an off-trail hike in the woods. Use caution and never hike where it’s prohibited. Always let someone know where you are going.
Try geocaching.

Research Your Own Home

Paul — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:01:28 +0000

You weren’t just buying a place to live when you purchased your house. You were buying your part of the American dream. It’s where you would make your home, raise your family and write your history. But how much do you know about your own home? When was it built? What has it survived? Who has it comforted? Maybe its time to learn a little more about this place you call home.

How to Make it Happen

Start with the basics. Contact your county assessor’s office for information on when your home was built, who the previous owners were, and if/when there have been any additions to the original building. These records are often online. If online records do not go back far enough to identify the original owners, pay a visit to the assessor’s office for historical records.

If you live in an older home or neighborhood, you might be able to find information at a local historical society. Consult old newspapers or county records to provide cultural context for your home throughout its history. If you can identify the original owners, try to research how they came to your town, how they were employed, and what happened in their lives. Again, local historical or genealogical societies may be able to help with this research.

If you live in a newer house you have the honor of starting its history. Our homes acquire personality through our memories and shared experience. So write down the important events of your history in the house––the milestones and accomplishments your family shares in this home. Take before and after pictures when you renovate or redecorate a room. Save clippings of important local events or natural disasters that your house witnesses or even survives. Some day you can pass these memories on to your grown children, or leave it as a gift to the next homeowners.

Additional Activities

Research an historic site. (Idea #51)
Join a local historical or genealogical society.

Fall Staycation Idea: Research an Historic Site

Geocaching

Paul — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:55:14 +0000

Geocaching is a fast growing phenomenon that involves using GPS technology to locate specifically placed, but hidden containers, called geocaches. Think of it as a treasure hunt for adults, although children will enjoy this too.

How to Make it Happen

To participate in geocaching, you will need a GPS device and the ability to hike, sometimes in rough terrain. The website, www.geocaching.com, provides helpful tips on how to get started, the location of geocache, and reviews on GPS devices.

Active geocachers not only hunt geocache, they also place them and create hide and seek adventures for others. When you find a geocache, you sign the log left with the marker. You then get online and share your adventure—including stories and photos—of locating the geocache.

Geocaching.com claims there are almost 765,000 active geocache in the world: surely one of them is near you!

Additional Activities

Visit different geocache locations around the country.
Try orienteering.
Go trail hiking in the mountains.

Spend a Summer Day at the Pool

Attend a Summer Art Festival

Paul — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:18:36 +0000

Not just for watercolors, modern art festivals offer everything from original paintings to sculpture to photography and even jewelry. These summer festivals are increasingly popular and are a great way to increase your personal art collection, collect an original piece, or just have fun on a summer day.

So grab a drink, stroll through the booths and admire other people’s talents. It may even inspire you to explore your own.

How to Make it Happen

Do an online search to locate major summer art festivals in your area of the country. You can also try contacting your area Chamber of Commerce or arts council for information on local exhibitions. Your state tourism website may also have a list of community art festivals.

Additional Activities

Create your own masterpiece
Attend an exhibit of a local artist.
Check out a book on a favorite artist or one you want to learn more about.

Spend a Summer Day at the Pool

Paul — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:54:48 +0000

Pack up the goggles and the sunscreen and take the family to the city pool for a day of wet ‘n wild fun. Any cold pool will do on a hot day, but if you’re up for more adventure, look for a city water park in your area with slides, fountains and waterfalls. Take a book and lounge poolside, but don’t forget to get in and play with the kids or you’ll miss out on all the fun.

How to Make it Happen

This one’s pretty simple. Pick the pool, pay admission, and enjoy. Call ahead to see if floaties or other water toys are allowed. If going to the pool might be a regular activity for your family, consider buying a season pass to save money.

Pack all the pool essentials in a carry-all bag:

Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Visors
Goggles
Beach towels

Don’t forget some extra cash to treat yourself to a snack at the concession stand. It’s your vacation, so go ahead–indulge!

Additional Activities

Sign the kids up for swim lessons. If they’re all ready good swimmers, sign them up for a summer swim team.
Create your own backyard waterpark.

Visit a Pick-Your-Own Farm

Paul — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:37:52 +0000

Fresh Strawberries

Fresh strawberries were a staple on my grandmother’s summer table. She picked them from her own garden and to this day I’ve tasted nothing better in the world. With so many meals coming out of cans and boxes, lifestyles today don’t always encourage eating fresh, and few of us still tend our own gardens. But Grandma’s garden is making a comeback—with a twist. Pick-Your-Own farms are increasingly popular and allow you to pick as much fresh fruit or produce as you want, usually paying by the pound. These farms allow you to reconnect with the food chain, as well as providing fresh, healthier produce without the commitment of tending your own garden. Cherries, berries and grapes are all popular pick-your-own farm staples.

How to Make it Happen

Finding a Pick-Your-Own farm is the trick. Look for ads or information in community parent magazines, web searches, or simply call your local Chamber of Commerce for leads. These farms survive on consumer use so they do advertise. Word of mouth recommendations and roadside signs are also good ways to find a popular farm destination.

Once you’ve found a nearby farm, plan your day and go. It is important to come prepared for sun and insects. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellent and gloves. Remember, berries stain! So don’t wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. You can take your own sacks but most farms should provide baskets. You are usually charged by the pound and pay when you leave.

Additional Activities

Learn how to make jelly with your fresh picked berries.
Visit a local Farmers Market to support local growers and to supplement your fresh produce intake.
Like eating fresh from the farm? Start your own small garden and commit to growing a few of your favorite summer foods.

Did you like this staycation idea? It came directly from my book “101 Great Staycations” You can learn more about my staycation book here

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