End of Summer Family Stay-Cation Travel Ideas

It will be August in 48-hours. That means the dog-days of summer are upon us. Wow, that went fast, don’t you think? I don’t know about you but it seems like we just figured out the right mix of chemicals for our pool and then it started raining and we needed to add more chemicals. But, that’s a blog for another day–back to the dog days of Summer.

For those with school-age children, it’s time to start getting the back to school supply lists in order. It’s also the time that the kids are becoming bored with the town (or your own) pool and their morning sports camps. Even though you have a trampoline, a soccer net and a basketball hoop in the driveway, all you hear is, “there’s nothing to do.” Even the adults are feeling bored. The vacation to the Outer Banks you took during July 4th week feels like it happened two years ago. You are sick of eating hot dogs, hamburgers and baked beans outside. What’s a family to do?

For starters, you need to get creative. The vacation budget has already been used up so flying somewhere or overnight trips are out. But, stay-cations are just perfect! Here’s some ideas:

– Pack some sandwiches and head to the beach late in the day and have a sunset dinner. Maybe try a beach you have never been to before.

– Take a train ride. Many commuter lines offer special trips and discounts on weekends. The Long Island Railroad offers trips and getaways. http://web.mta.info/lirr/getaways/
– Find a nearby state park and pack a picnic. New York divides their parks by region on their website. Here’s the info for Long Island: https://parks.ny.gov/regions/long-island/default.aspx
– Look up reviews on the best ice cream stores within twenty miles of your house. Plot out a tour and go indulge!

– Find an Animal Rescue that needs volunteers and spend the day as a family helping out. It’s also a chance to get to pet the puppies, and, who wouldn’t love that?
– Find a farm within driving distance and go pick some fruit and vegetables. Split the family into Team Mom and Team Dad and have each team prepare a dish made with their fresh produce once you are all back home.

– Have a family photo competition. Everyone gets a half hour to go into the neighborhood and take pictures of something pre-defined, (ex: flowers, something yellow, bicycles, etc.). Set a time limit and then re-group and see what pictures everyone took.
– Pretend you are at a hotel and all pile into one room and watch TV and/or a movie together. Order take-out and call it Room Service.

Sure, these aren’t “real” vacations but they are certainly a change of pace. If you use your imagination, your mind can help you travel anywhere you want to go. Is it too much to suggest you go to the diner, order scones and spend the entire time speaking with British accents? Okay, yes, I’m pushing it too far.

My point here is, there’s lots to do if you take the time to think a little. And, not everything you do has to “break the bank.” There’s plenty of time for that on your upcoming Target trip for back to school supplies.