This summer’s vacation plans will look different for many families. Travel by air comes with daunting new protocols and limited flights. Long-distance travel is uncertain. Many people are out of work and don’t have travel plans in their budget. A planned staycation can offer some respite and recovery for families worn down from the stress of the pandemic. Here are some affordable staycation ideas.

Have a spa-cation of pampering self-care. Set up stations for nail, skin care and hair service. Even if we can’t get our hair cut right now, a nice wash and brush out feels good. This is low cost. Just use the items in your own cupboards.
Have your own Mini-Olympics. Come up with your own training schedule, events, awards ceremony, and awards. We can’t cheer on our Canadian athletes in Tokyo, but we can become athletes ourselves at home.
Have a bike parade. Decorate bicycles, tricycles, scooters etc. and parade them through the neighbourhood. This activity can be done safely with physical distancing.
Plan a Canada Day backyard picnic. Have kids plan the menu and participate in preparing the feast. Try making homemade lemonade and play games from Canada’s past. Play hopscotch, have a hula hoop competition, play crokinole, and make different types of paper airplanes.
Try backyard camping. Set up a tent if you have one and have a campfire, real or not. It doesn’t have to be overnight. Serve camping food like s’mores, hamburgers and hot dogs, and potato salad.
Have an artist’s retreat. Paint outdoors using Dollar Store supplies. Keep it simple with easy art supplies. Be inspired by virtual visits to art museums across the world or by the natural beauty of your own garden.
Create a backyard obstacle course. Use items from inside and outside the house. Create your own rules.
Set up an ice cream shoppe. Gather together your fanciest dishes, and serve ice cream sundaes and banana splits.
Create a family Time Capsule. Gather meaningful items, photos, newspaper articles, and personal stories to record this unprecedented time in your family’s history. Let children take the lead on what they want this to look like.
Take the time to sit on the porch and talk to the neighbours, watch the clouds, and look for the rainbow in the spray of a garden hose.

Written by Joyce Williams, Parent Support Coach

10 Summer Staycation Ideas for Families