Plan a Spring Break Staycation

Spring break is right around the corner and heading off on a trip with your family would be amazing, but it’s not always in the cards. Work, money, health issues and more can get in the way of planning a vacation out of town. A staycation can be a great alternative, but how do you make it a success? Here are some tips and ideas to get you going.

Set Some Ground Rules and Make a Plan
Start by deciding exactly when your staycation begins and ends, and then set a few guidelines for what your family may or may not do during this time. Consider disallowing mobile phones, electronic devices, working from home, arguing, cleaning, cooking, and whatever else will interfere with your family time. Next, book some activities and entertainment, just like you would on a real vacation. The following ideas will give you inspiration for planning your spring break staycation.

Go camping. Reserve a site at a local campground and spend a night or two in the great outdoors. If it’s not camping season yet, hit your backyard or take it indoors in rainy weather. A family sleepover in the basement or living room is a novelty for most kids! Bake s’mores in the oven, cook dinner on the grill, tell ghost stories around a fire bowl, and cuddle up in your sleeping bags.

Be a tourist in your own town. Stay in your area or visit a neighbouring town and have each family member choose a local attraction they want to go to. There are always places you haven’t gotten around to visiting, or ones worth revisiting. Think museums, heritage sites, mini golf, waterfalls, art exhibits, indoor waterslides and more.

Book a room. Consider staying at a hotel or resort in your home town. Book adjoining rooms so parents and kids have space to themselves and choose a location with great amenities including a pool, gym, restaurant and maybe even a movie room or entertainment centre for kids.

Have a movie marathon. Pick a theme or have each family member choose a favourite film and do it up in style with lots of comfy pillows on the floor, hot buttered popcorn and other goodies. Grab movie-theatre-style popcorn containers at the dollar store for a more authentic experience.

Take on a family project. Have your kids been asking for a play structure in the backyard or wanting to paint their rooms? Consider spending your week together working on a project to improve your home. You’ll spend quality time together, and have something to be proud of by the end of the week!

So what are you waiting for? Gather the family and start planning your official spring break staycation. Lasting memories are created when you spend quality time together – no matter what the location.