COVID-19 is here for the long haul, with travel still limited and many people still trying to get vaccinated. As of early March 2021, the United States has vaccinated 15.3% of its population against COVID-19. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy spring and summer. There are many ways the family can enjoy their break without going stir crazy. A staycation is perfect for this situation. Take a look at these ideas to help you make your spring and summer at home worth your while.
Pack a Picnic and Explore a New Park
You don’t have to stay inside for your staycation. You could just spend the day at your local park. Naturally, you have to take the necessary precautions before you head out the door. Aside from a mask and hand sanitizer, pack yourself a little lunch and some equipment for a nice day in the park. You don’t have to pack something fancy to eat. Sandwiches, chips, and juice would make for the perfect picnic. Plus, going outside to the park will do you some good. Indoor air is up to 100 times more polluted than the outdoor air. Just remember to wear a mask when you go outside. One more thing to keep in mind, to truly enjoy your time outdoors, have everyone uplug and turn off their electronics for the afternoon.
Camp Out in the Backyard
Here is a good old classic. Who doesn’t love a good camping trip? You don’t even need to wear a mask for this. This will take a little work, but it will be worth it. Pitch the tent and set up a nice little fire pit in the center. Have your family pack up everything they are going to need for camping. Break out the marshmallows, hot dogs, graham crackers, and chocolate. Tell some ghost stories. Maybe do some arts and crafts. Play some games that require physical activity. You can even look up at the stars as you drift off to sleep in the backyard.
Go on a Treasure Hunt and Try Geocaching
Are you up for a little adventure? Try some treasure hunting and geocaching. Geocaching is a fun activity that uses an app on your phone to find hidden “caches”, whether in your own neighborhood or on a trail. There are many geocaching apps you can buy. Sit down with your children and walk them through what they are going to do. Use the geocaching site to help them get a clearer idea. Stay with your children at all times and pay attention to what they are doing, and don’t forget to wear a mask.
Have a Theme Night
In the mood for changing things up around the house? Stay in and have a theme night. Get out all your favorite board games and have a family game night. Kick Taco Tuesday up a notch and throw your family a fiesta. Choose your family’s favorite movie, pop some popcorn and snuggle on the couch. You can even go all out and transform one room of your house to fit the theme. Just be sure to throw open the windows and enjoy some fresh summer air. When it comes to vinyl-glazed window enclosures, vertical four-track panels offer 75% ventilation of your enclosed porch, deck, or sunroom. Horizontal side slider panels offer 50% to 100% ventilation. Adding theme nights to your weekly routine is a great way to spend time together as a family and create lasting memories. Make sure everyone gets a say, and incorporate theme nights all summer long.
Check Out a Local Farm
Cooking is another way for the family to bond. Plus, you can teach the kids a new set of skills. Take a little trip down to the local farm. Find out what is in season, and go picking. When you pick something fresh, you can feel the kiss of nature at your fingertips. Teach your kids to know when a fruit or vegetable is fresh. You can even get some ideas for your garden. Find some kid-friendly recipes that you can cook together using the fruits and vegetables you picked. Afterward, you can sit down and eat that meal with pride.
Just because you can’t travel doesn’t mean your family can’t have a fun summer vacation. All it takes is a little creativity to make your staycation memorable.