Staycation Ideas

Posts Tagged ‘Summer’

Daily Mail National Trust reports north east tourism boost as holidaymakers chose a … Daily Mail The north east of England has seen a surge in tourist numbers over the summer as Britons opted to stay at home and explore their own green and …

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National Trust reports north east tourism boost as holidaymakers chose a … – Daily Mail

' Staycation ' bump a bust Longview Daily News The expected “ staycation ” bump didn't materialize for Mount St. Helens tourism this summer, but officials said people sticking closer to … Mount St.

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‘Staycation’ bump a bust – Longview Daily News

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

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

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

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

There’s a trick to flying a kite. It isn’t easy-just ask Charlie Brown about those kite-eating trees. But if you can get that kite in the air, the site is awe-inspiring. Surely, you’ve been to a park where everyone stops to look at the kite flying above them. We all wish it was us.

How to Make it Happen

Perhaps the best way to learn is by doing. Buy a kite, pick a breezy day and an open space, and see if you can get your kite in the air. If you find you need a little more help, check out this website, www.ehow.com/how_1289_fly-kite.html.  There are also video guides on YouTube, which you can find using an online search.

If you want to make this a bigger project for your family, try making your own kites from a pattern or kit. Kite kits can be purchased from hobby stores. Let the kids help assemble the kite and decorate it anyway they want.

Additional Activities

1. Once you have the kite, don’t let it get crushed by shoving it on a shelf in the garage. Take it out again. Become an expert and give advice to others trying to get theirs in the air!
2. Have everyone in the family design his or her own kite. Have a family contest to see which kite flies highest. Which stays in the air the longest. Which looks the best.