Why There's No Shame in an Awesome Staycation

 

Family. Pie. Fight.

 

Every time I mention those three words together, people do a bit of a double-take.

You did what?

A family pie fight. We filled like 100 pie crusts with pudding and Cool Whip and put down a tarp in our backyard and went at it.

That's awesome!

It was.

[caption id="attachment_1607" align="alignnone" width="340"] And gross. Awesome and a little gross.[/caption]

 



The whole thing was my dad's idea - something he wanted to do for quite a while.  And it was glorious, I tell you. Something you dream about in your childhood made reality.  That, that, is an example of exceptional staycationery.

The staycation gets knocked a lot. Why is that folks? It represents two very good qualities: thrift and an understanding that fun ought to be a priority in your life. It's always an option to say you don't have the money, therefore you're not doing anything fun this summer, but staycationers still find a way to make it work. I respect that. I love that, even. Plus, it's an opportunity to do something so unusual that you'll never forget it.  I love Disney World as much as the next gal, but no one oohs and aahs when I say I've been there. Mention that I've thrown a pie at my mom, however, and folks are intrigued. Play it right, and you'll be talking about your staycation for years to come.

Some guidelines:

1.) Don't worry about imitating an experience you can't afford.
There are exceptions to this, of course.  If your kids want to create a waterpark in your backyard, then absolutely make that happen.  But for the most part, think about things you or your family have always wanted to do that either time or your own rules have not permitted. Maybe this is finally the summer that you will try every sno-cone flavor on the menu, or go to the top floor of the highest building in your city.

2.) Determine ahead of time how much time you can set aside.
The more the merrier, of course, but knowing just how much time you have to work with can make or break a staycation.  Rushing through your Pauly Shore film festival because you've got work in the morning is going to be a real mood killer - commit to whatever time you can, and choose an activity that fits it.

3.) Research what your town has to offer.
It's as simple as Googling "free fun in ______".  Look at the city website for event schedules, hit up blogs that list activities, and always, ALWAYS ask on Facebook. :)

4.) Remember, attitude is everything!
Saying that something is too weird or too dumb is just weird and dumb.  Give each idea a fair chance! You don't have to do everything you come up with, but don't worry about an activity turning out a disaster - those are memories, too! And ones that you can have a good laugh about, to boot.

Some ideas:

Go to a storage auction. (Don't scoff. You know you want to.)
Give geocaching a try, and hide a cache of your own.
Hold the "Glowstick Olympics" one night, with bowling, a water balloon toss, glow-in-the dark charades, etc.
Go to a specialty foods store and try something new!
Parade of Homes, y'all. It's more fun than you might guess.
Turn your house - or backyard, or both! - into a giant fort.
Family food fight (see above)
All Night Game Night - have prizes for winners, and make sure to stock the kitchen with grab-n-eat food and paper plates, 'cause nobody's gonna want to function the next day.

Those are a few to get the ball rolling - what are some great staycations you've had? Planning any for this summer? We'd love to hear!