Family Travel in Your Own Town

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The word staycation has always made me cringe; however, I see nothing wrong with family travel in your own city or town.  There are so many great things in your very own city that you probably haven’t even thought about exploring yet because work, school, or just wanting to spend your day off on the couch always seems to get in the way.  We are going out of town this year for spring break, but for the past few we didn’t.  Work schedules, ball schedules, and saving money for later trips kept us home.  Staying home for your family vacation does not mean that your vacation has to be completely miserable!

Read Guidebooks for Your Area

Have you ever looked at a guidebook for your own city?  If not, stop by the library or spend an afternoon in a bookstore.  Jot down some activities that you haven’t had time to experience.  Look for activities and restaurants that take you out of your comfort zone.  For me, that meant trying activities that are in a neighboring town twenty minutes away.  We don’t take the time to drive over so there are a lot of great activities that we never get a chance to do.

Involve the Kids

When you are planning your stay at home family vacation, ask the kids if there is anything that they have really wanted to do.  There might be some great park, movie, or other activity that their friends keep talking about.  Use this opportunity to explore something you have avoided because of time or cost.

Find a New Park

If your kids are still at the age where they enjoy a good park, then head to your local Parks and Recreation (sometimes called Leisure Services) website and find a park that you have not been to yet.  Look for a park that offers something that your favorite park does not. 

Try a New Food

Just because you aren’t traveling to another region or country doesn’t mean you need to stick to the same old food.  Try a restaurant that serves a dish you have never tried before.  Pick a restaurant that you might have avoided in the past because of the crowds, the wait, or the length of the drive to it.

Don’t Wait Until Your Vacation

You don’t have to wait until you have vacation time to explore your own town.  Head out on a weekend and explore a new nature trail or visit a new playground.  We have been visiting a new playground twice a month and my children love guessing what kind of equipment will be at the playground!  Just enjoy the time spent together as a family!