7 Fun spring break staycation ideas

Mar 02, 2012 12:00 PM by Lisa Steinke

Posted in Parenting / Family Fun / Family Activities

Got the staycation blues? Close your eyes and imagine that Go-Go's song, "Vacation," and swap out the word, vacation for the word staycation. Staycation all I ever wanted, Staycation all I ever needed...Okay, now that you're in the mood (sort of), here are some fun theme day ideas that will make you less sad you aren't heading somewhere tropical with the family.

Sundae day

Go crazy with ice cream today. Stock up on multiple flavors and all the trimmings -- whipped cream, fudge sauce, nuts and cherries. Get some cones or hit the dollar store for fun containers for your dessert creations. Dive in and feel the smile cross your face. Because ice cream always rights all wrongs.

Concert in the park day

Check your city's website for a list of all the concerts in the park. Pack a picnic meal, a blanket and chairs and make a day or night of it. The kids can run around and play while you and the hubs sit back, relax and enjoy some music. Who needs that tropical beach now?

Swim day

So maybe you're not headed to Cabo San Lucas, but that doesn't mean you can't don a bikini and lie poolside or beach side (depending on where you live). The kids will enjoy a day of swimming and you can hopefully catch some rays and not have to spend too much time in the chlorine or salt water (unless, of course, that's your bag).

Farmers market day

Take a field trip to your local Farmer's market and have the kids help pick out tonight's dinner. They'll love choosing the brightly colored fruit and vegetables. When you get home, they can be your sous chefs in the kitchen and help you put it all together.

Movie day (or night)

Spend the day (or evening) in your jammies or comfortable clothes, watching your favorite flicks. Use this opportunity to share movies with your children that you loved growing up. Grab some popcorn and goodies and have fun bonding.

10 family fun nights under $20 >>

Take me out to the ballgame day

It's true that your local neighborhood major league baseball team's ticket prices are sky high, but what you may not know is that the minor league club near you has great prices, great entertainment and great talent on the field. Can't score a ticket? Bring the park to your living room. Dress up, make hot dogs with all the trimmings, wave your team's pennant and enjoy America's favorite pastime as a family.

"You can't go anywhere you've been before.„

Tourist day

Be a tourist in your own city. Go online and look up some fun things to do in your town that you've never done before. Maybe it's riding a double decker bus, taking a boat tour or trying the city's signature pizza. The only rule? You can't go anywhere you've been before. There are people that have traveled thousands of miles to visit your city. Shy not drive just a mile or two and experience the same enjoyment?