80 Weekend Staycation Ideas for Great Fun When You Can’t Go Away
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more
Staycations are a great way to take a break while staying close to home. If you can’t go abroad or travel far, there are so many fun things you can do instead.
I’ve enjoyed some of these ideas over the years, and I hope to plan some more. Yes, going away is great, but it isn’t always possible. For those times, use these ideas to help you plan a much-needed staycation.
Not Too Far
If you’re not keen on going too far from home, have a look at these ideas.
- Day-Long Hometown Walking Tour
- Join a Breakfast Club
- Neighborhood Walking Group Afternoon
- Dinner and Movie Theater
- Home Astronomy Night
- DIY Craft Day
- Podcast Listening Party
- Home Reorganization Weekend
- Tea Party
- Chili Cook-Off and Movie Trilogy
Relaxing
Unwind on your staycation with one or more of these activities.
- Home Spa Day
- Chess Meetup
- Play at a Classical Guitar Meetup
- Reading Retreat at Home
- Scrapbooking Day
- Bird Watching Walk
- Scenic Road Trip
- Outdoor Harp Music and Meditation
- Outdoor Yoga
- Leisurely Nature Hike
Active
If you like to do active things or sports when you go away, here are some ideas for you.
- Soccer Tournament
- Open Basketball Tournament
- Beach Volleyball Tournament
- Badminton Meetup
- Outdoor Workout Bootcamp
- Dry Slope Skiing Day
- Volunteer at a Charity Run
- Gardening Weekend
- Hot Spring Hike
- Canyoneering Afternoon
Outdoors
These are great for spring and summer vacations when the weather is good.
- Beach Walk and Coffee Day
- Organized Lawn Games Day at a Park
- Road Trip to a Clear Spot for Stargazing Watercolor Painting at a Nature Reserve
- Fishing Trip
- Community Outdoor Movie Night
- Live Jazz Outdoor Concert
- Woodland Photography Walk
- National Park Day Trip
- Bike Ride
Family
If you’re planning a full family staycation, consider some of these suggestions.
- Backyard Grill
- Game Day Watch Party
- Era-Themed Dance Party
- Organized Family Photoshoot
- Indoor Playground
- Planetarium
- Indoor Rock Climbing
- Mystery Game Dinner
- Homemade Pizza and Movie Night
- Backyard Camping
Cultural
These are great if you love museums, art, history, and other cultural day outs.
- Road Trip to a Book Signing
- Language and Culture Exchange
- Walking Tour of Local Museums
- Urban Sketching Organized Walk
- Storytelling Circle Event
- One-Day Music or Arts Festival
- Art Gallery Meetup
- A Musical or Show at a Theater
- International Street Food Festival
- Historical Site Visit
Fun
If you’re just looking to have a fun time, try some of these.
- Dog Show
- Brunch with Friends
- Food Truck Dinner and Karaoke Night
- Dinner and a Theater Show
- Laser Tag
- Bubbleball
- Retro Video Game Tournament
- Day at a Water Park
- Monster Truck Show
- Day at an Amusement Park
Unique
Here are some ideas if you want to do something a little out of the ordinary.
- DIY Costumes and Convention Day Trip
- Sunrise Silent Disco
- Sandboarding at Sand Dunes
- Ghost Town Tour
- Day on a Sailboat
- Night Safari at an Animal Park
- Stained Glass Art Workshop
- Family Upcycling Furniture Challenge
You can get this list here as a PDF. I’d love to know which of these ideas you ended up planning and who came along with you.
Have fun planning a staycation, and have just as much fun as you would going away.
