6 Summer Staycation Ideas for Families. 

Long lines, children begging for expensive souvenirs, and hours spent in the car? So many summer vacations just aren’t worth the work (or money). Still, that doesn’t mean that you have to deny yourself a bit of fun. Instead, it’s time to try out something different: a staycation. Not only can you enjoy endless fun, but you can spend time with your children too, making fun memories. Worried you don’t have anything to do? Try out these sensational staycation ideas for families.

• Create some crafts.
  Tie-dying shirts, painting nature scenes from your backyard, or decorated picture frames you can create some cool crafts during your staycation. Plus, the end products can even serve as souvenirs!
• Head to the park.
  Another option among our summer staycation ideas for families is visiting local parks. You can pack picnics, soccer balls, and even the camera. Plus, if your hometown has pet-friendly parks, you can bring along your canine family members too!
• Camp in the backyard.
  If you have little ones, camping out in the wild just isn’t always feasible. However, camping in the backyard, that’s all the fun without the stress. Grilling out for dinner, dining on s’mores for dessert, and making shadow puppets sounds like a blast. Plus, if your child gets tired of it, he or she can be in bed in no time.
• Try out a local restaurant.
  On vacations, you probably go out to eat several times. On your staycation, consider eating out at a new or interesting local restaurant. If you’re worried about finding one that’s in the range of your child’s palate, call ahead or look online to see the restaurant’s menu. That way, you won’t have to worry about your child refusing to enjoy the occasion.
• Check out the pool.
  One of the best parts of summer vacations is taking a dip in the hotel pool. Whether you have your own, a neighborhood pool or you have some friends with a place to swim, it’s time to get on some sunscreen and floaties. If your child is too young to swim, you could also find a small plastic or inflatable wading pool to splash around in.
• Welcome, Pinky Bear to your home.
  It’s time for a new guest! A summer staycation is a great time to start potty training. After all, you won’t have to worry about the stress of getting your child to a public restroom every time they need to go. Why not use this time to welcome Pinky Bear and start reading the child-friendly Potty Train with Pinky Bear book?