19 Summer Staycation Ideas To Make Your Summer Extra Special 2024

A summer staycation is the perfect choice when you cannot spare time off. A staycation is literally a stay-at-home vacation. It allows you to unplug and relax without packing your clothes and tons of planning and moving. If you’re not ready for a legitimate vacation away from home for any reason, these staycation ideas are the way to go. Read on to find the best ways to cure your summer sadness and make this season more special!

Without getting on a plane, squeezing things into one suitcase, or breaking your budget, these staycation ideas will leave you refreshed and fully charged at the end of the summer.

Go Camping
Have A Water Escape
Visit A National Park
Have Picnics - Indoor Or Outdoor
Enjoy Fresh Fruits At The Local Farm
Book A Stay At A Local Hotel & Resort
Become A Tourist In Your Own Town
Book An Airbnb
Do A Food Tour Around The Town
Try New Recipes
Learn A Foreign Language
Gaze At The Sparkling Night Sky
Create An Easy Craft
Go On A Scavenger Hunt
Hike In The Area
Have An Outdoor Movie Night
Go for A Bike Ride
Treat Yourself To A Pampering Spa Day
Turn Your Home Into An Oasis.

1. Go Camping

Spend a night under the stars this summer. Photo by Monkey Business - stock.adobe.com

Camping somewhere closer to your home will let you explore the healing power of nature without buying a plane ticket. This summer, let's pitch a tent in your own backyard.

Don’t forget to build a backyard fire pit, as you can’t have s'mores without it, right? Backyard camping is also when you can have spooky fun by telling ghost stories to your kids.

You can also build a teepee for the children. This way, they're kept entertained while you can have some private downtime for a couple of hours. Of course, you will miss the traditional camping things like the glittering pond, the wilderness of the pine woods, etc., But backyard camping does come with its perks. As you have easy access to the house, you'll always have clean bathrooms and real showers.

2. Have A Water Escape

Hot days and cool water are the perfect combination for your summer staycation. Search for the nearby waterparks, local lakes, rivers, or beaches for a day of outdoor fun.

Many amusement parks also offer discounts for locals. This means that you can have a chilling outing with roller coasters, water rides, and sliding at a lower price.

You can also cool down in your backyard if that's what you want. We know you’re not ready to travel to your dream infinity pool somewhere in Tanzania safari. But why not have some quick and affordable alternative experience, whether it's a stock tank pool or an inflatable pool to beat the heat?

Summer is officially pool season. Splash on your sunscreen, wear sunglasses and bring your favourite poolside snacks and cocktails to go on a tropical getaway right at home. Even when you're not ready for some all-out pool parties, a summer staycation is still perfect with some good reads by the pool.

3. Visit A National Park

Visit your closest national park to balance out your couch time.

There's no better time than summer to take in nature. A study has found that people who spend time outdoors and near the water feel happier. That's why spending a day in a state or national park can chase away the summer blues.

This is not to mention scenic hiking trails for you to burn some calories. Public parks offer rental campsites, cabins, and tents for when you stay through the night. Everything is more affordable, but a state park visit is a welcome change of pace from your normal hustle and bustle. Moreover, packing for a day hike is easy, even if you are a newbie.

4. Have Picnics - Indoor Or Outdoor

Everyone agrees that food tastes better when we eat it outdoors, whether it's in your own backyard, by the fountain in the local park, or at the nearest beach.

Pack a worthy picnic basket of seasonal fruits and hearty soups, call your besties and then head to your favourite location. Outdoor picnics are a great way to break from your usual lunch, take in the warm weather and bond with your friends.

It's up to you how you want to tailor your picnic. Bring your picnic inside your house if you don't feel like getting outdoors. Lay a blanket on the floor, make your favourite sandwiches and refreshing cocktails and chill out.

5. Enjoy Fresh Fruits At The Local Farm

Here's the fact: Being surrounded by nature is good for the soul. Check to find a local farm nearby and if it's open for visitors during the season. Kids will love picking peaches, strawberries, or whatever grows in summer.

We love picking our fresh fruits straight off the vine ( tasting some along the way) and bringing them home for some handmade pies. Many farms are super kid-friendly, with activities like horseback riding, educational tours, and haystack climbing.

6. Book A Stay At A Local Hotel & Resort

A staycation doesn't mean you must stay home; let's have your breakfast in a luxurious hotel room. Photo by fotoinfot - stock.adobe.com

See your town from a tourist angle by booking a hotel or resort that has long drawn your attention. You can even scour some of the great deals, as many hotels often offer discounts on unsold rooms. Staying in a freshly cleaned room can help you easily catch up on some desperately needed sleep. You can get stellar room service, bed and breakfast, and pampering spa service without packing and travelling.

7. Become A Tourist In Your Own Town

Who says you can’t find hidden gems in your own hometown?

Why not do touristy things like you would do somewhere far away from home? It can be visiting a museum you haven't been to or a gallery you haven't checked in. There must be a tour in your own city out there you haven't tried.

Let's open a map and check out historical institutions or science centres that most out-of-towners frequently visit. If you always stick to the main streets on your way to work, now's the time to get to know more side streets or hidden corners that you might not know.

A summer staycation is the right time to do all of these things. Without venturing too far, you can still take a break from your usual routine and learn something new about the world and yourself.

8. Book An Airbnb

If you are seeking an escape from your house, you can rent a place on Airbnb or similar websites. Staying in an interesting vacation rental can be a great way to get to know your town.

From a cosy condo in a suburb to a modern loft (or even a penthouse if you have a budget to spare) right downtown, your staycation can feel more adventurous.

We also have colleagues who swap their houses with each other so they can experience their city in a new light. How about pet-sitting for a close friend or even a stranger? If this sounds great to you, you can find your next location via TrustedHousesitters.com.

9. Do A Food Tour Around The Town

Grab a bite of a new place that you’ve never been to. IG: @szuchun.huang

One of the best ways to know about a city is through its local cuisine. Unless you're a seasoned food reviewer or avid food lover, we bet that you're not confident that you can name all the worthy bars and restaurants in the area. This staycation is a chance to make you a better local, at least from a culinary perspective. So, let's sign up for a food tour or have your own self-guided tour to different restaurants you’ve always wanted to try.

10. Try New Recipes

Calling all home cooks, it’s watermelon season. Summer is the time when you can try different ways to eat these sweet and refreshing fruits. Or, how about trying a new recipe for corn on the cob for your next cookout?

You can find endless ideas on Pinterest for the summer and turn you into a better cook. And because your crockpot, instant pot, and many kitchen appliances have gotten so much time off, your staycation is perfect to let them resume work and show off their skills.

11. Learn A Foreign Language

Are you reminiscing about immersing yourself in a foreign language while on a vacation abroad? You can try to recreate the experience at home by cracking open a language book and teaching yourself some new words each day.

It's even greater if you can join an international community in your local areas, and make new friends while learning new phrases and new cultures. This welcomed change of pace makes you feel like you are abroad without even jetting off.

12. Gaze At The Sparkling Night Sky

Avid stargazers can travel far to the best stargazing destinations and plan extensively so that their trip can coincide with the New Moon (and nice weather, too!).

But, if you're new to the night sky, and your backyard, luckily, has little light pollution, backyard stargazing is a nice thing to do in your staycation. On a warm and clear summer night, you can grab some blankets, stargaze binoculars, and snacks to see some beautiful constellations.

13. Create An Easy Craft

Get away from the screens and work your creative muscles this summer. Photo by LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - stock.adobe.com

Even when you're not a DIY lover, it's still fun to create your own craft and have it displayed in your house. You can proudly say to someone (or think to yourself): “This is what I made during my relaxing summer staycation."

You can also adopt a new hobby this season. From online sessions and local workshops to courses at the local gallery, it's easy to find something that intrigues you to learn and create. For example, watercolour painting or pottery making are great ideas, whether you want to do them solo or with your kids.

14. Go On A Scavenger Hunt

Awaken the child in you by joining a scavenger hunt, or even better, have your kids in your team. Hunting and hiding treasures intrigues people of all ages, and this also will get your family active by running around the neighbourhood, reading clues and having fun competing with each other.

15. Hike In The Area

Get outside to get some fresh air and a healthy dose of vitamin D for your body. We bet there are many local trails in your hometown that you've yet to explore.

If you live near a mountain or a hill, then there are many options for your trails. But if you’re downtown, a local park can be the place you head to for a change of scenery.

Note: Hiking in summer means you will deal with greater heat. The key takeaway from seasoned hikers is to start early. The trail is less crowded for you to enjoy more tranquillity and, most importantly, the sun is milder.

16. Have An Outdoor Movie Night

This is guaranteed to be fun! Nothing feels like summer than having an outdoor movie night. Bring the big screen to your backyard, and then throw in a lot of pillows, blankets, and your favourite lounge chairs.

Don't forget your favourite snacks, like cheese and wine, or popcorn and soft drinks. And finally, add some s’mores and stargazing to your dreamy night. If you want less hassle, you can even order takeout so you can have even more bonding time.

We also love the idea of serving foods that go with the movie themes, to make the movie night feel extra special. Think about pizzas for “Eat Pray Love”, apple pie for “American Pie”, and the like.

17. Go for A Bike Ride

Why not get around town with your bike to take in the weather?

Dust off your bike in the garage and try going around your neighbourhood on two wheels. If you don't have one, you can rent it at your local shop for a day.

The streets and trails can look entirely different on the two wheels as if it's not the familiar way that you normally commute from home to work. Being outdoors and getting active will create endorphins - the “feel-good" hormone, and also a change of scenery.

18. Treat Yourself To A Pampering Spa Day

You can spend the night in a local resort or book a spa day for an indulgent self-care treatment. You can even do it with your partner or even with your friends.

If you want to recreate the experience at home, you can buy some face masks, essential oils, and bubble bars. Play some relaxing music and light the candles to set the tone. Then, start with whatever type of body maintenance you think you need. Summer vacation is great for anything that makes you feel better, from doing your nails and body scrubbing to steaming your face.

19. Turn Your Home Into An Oasis

If you’re a homebody, there's nothing wrong with staying at home, reading a book or binge-watching a TV show that you've planned to do for such a long time.

There are also ideas for making your home a perfect summer staycation destination. Order some beach-themed decor items, light some summer-scented candles, and sit back to sip on a refreshing grapefruit Paloma.

Sleeping in can also be a perfect summer staycation activity, especially when you feel totally worn out at work. To have the best shut-eye time ever, treat yourself to new pyjamas, swap in new bed sheets, and switch off your phone to avoid any disturbance.

Summer Is About The Time To Relax - Home Or Away!

With these summer staycation ideas, this summer is sure to be your best one yet. The season is all about creating memories and spending time with your loved ones.

But, if travelling somewhere abroad is not impossible this summer, you can still plan some interesting ideas and have a staycation instead. No more delayed flights, stressful planning, or cramped seats.

Bookmark this post, and fill those hot days with activities you love to do when the summer rolls in. We hope you can enjoy the summer holiday to the fullest in the comfort of your city. And we would love to see you more in our upcoming articles!

Kesley