As we head into an unusual summer, many of us have canceled summer vacation plans and are choosing a staycation to vacation at home. This choice can be challenging as summer camps are canceled, and public pools are not opening. Many parents are struggling with what to do with the kids and something to keep everyone happy. To help, consider ideas that involve everyone and have fun at home!
Plan Backyard Games
Get everyone involved and come up with a scoring system so that by the end of the summer, everyone has a tally, and the winner gets to choose (takeout) from their special restaurant or potentially a gift card of their choice. Discuss it as a family, make it a fun-hearted competition, and choose a nice reward!
Games:
- Cornhole (Click here for instructions on how to make your own, or purchase online here.)
- Family soccer game, not sure of the rules, click here to review.
- Crossnet (Click here for instruction on how to play.)
- Spikeball (Click here for instruction on how to play.)
- Volleyball or Badminton
Indoor Games
- Lego Tournament everyone can take part in this challenge. Decide on the goal, break into teams, and get building!
- Click here for age-appropriate games for young children.
- Team Games: Catch Phrase, Guesstures, Pictionary, Apples to Apple, and click here for a list of 50 games.
Social Distance Entertaining
On a beautiful weather day, invite a couple over, space your chairs so that you maintain your 6′ distance, order takeout, and supply your own drinks.
If you are unhappy with your outdoor living space, think of it as another room, and decorate it according to your taste and style. For tips, review my decorating article on How to Decorate your Outdoor Deck or Patio.
Add an outdoor firepit as a conversation area and solution to outdoor social-distance entertaining. Ideas:
- Wood or charcoal-burning DIY fire pit from Better Homes & Gardens
- Fitted Stone Kit from Home Depot
- Gas Fire Pit Instructions
- Gas Fire Pit Items from Lowes
- Host an Outdoor Movie Night! Click here to learn more about this idea.
Take up Geocaching. If you want to get the kids outside, purchase an outdoor-rated handheld GPS unit, and go treasure hunting! This activity gets everyone out, teaches basic orienteering, and is fun!
If you were planning a week vacation, I encourage you to do the same, while staying at home. What does that look like? If you had already scheduled to take that time off with your employer, still do so. During that week, have your email responder turned on with your “out of office” message. Turn your phone off. Relax.
Be well, have fun, and enjoy your staycation!
For all your home staging, and interior decorating needs contact 610-955-8202 or email.
By Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Houzz, LinkedIn. Feature photo licensed from Shutterstock.