Staycation Ideas That Can Make Your Summer Sizzle

Soaring gas prices are putting a damper on the Great American Road Trip, a summertime staple for millions of vacationing families.

But staying at home can be a lot less disappointing for families who think ahead and plan activities that are sure to be fun, fun, fun. Start with these ideas and see where your imagination takes you:

• See the City – Do a little research and you may be surprised at the fun locales you have never toured right in your local area: museums, petting zoos, live theater, a host of nearby attractions. Make a list, set a schedule, use public transportation if available.
• Cook International Menus – Families who cook together enjoy fabulous meals. Have each family member pick a destination from any place in the world. Research its food favorites, plan a menu, then shop and cook the meal together.
• Take Virtual Tours – While you’re at it, find a travelog online, or search for one at the local library, for the country featured in your menu. Gather some spot-on snacks, settle on the sofa and enjoy a different virtual tour each evening.
• Go Backyard Camping – Set up your tent, portable grill and camp lanterns and spend a few nights camping under the stars. Cook marshmallows, sing songs, take turns telling stories. The good news? There’s a bathroom nearby!
• Do Some Stargazing – Lying in the grass and staring up at the millions of stars dotted across the sky can fill you with inner peace and wonder. Do some research in advance and be prepared to identify constellations and more.
• Have Outdoor Movie Nights – Especially cool if you have a swimming pool, outdoor movies are a singular treat no matter where you are. Hang a sheet or set up a screen, lay your hands on an inexpensive projector and a speaker to connect to your laptop and enjoy a week of film classics under the stars.
• Rent a Cool, Nearby AirBnB  – Choose one within easy driving distance near a beach, lake, or scenic getaway. You won’t be on the road much, but a few days in a fun setting can open new paths to family fun even less than 50 miles from home.