Well, today is Day 3 of Summer Fun Week and I wanted to tell you about Summer Staycations. If you’re like me, you’re looking for ways to have some fun at home, and ways to save money doing so. This is where Summer Staycations come in, and it just so happens that I’ve been saving my ideas to share:

1. Have a picnic – Pack a quick lunch and take the kids to the park for a nice family picnic. They can play on the playground and you can sit in the shade and read a book. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
2. Go fishing – I know not everyone has access to a pond or river to fish in, but a lot of cities have public fishing areas that you can take advantage of. And fishing poles don’t have to be expensive set-ups, heck, they don’t even have to be store bought! Wyatt loves to simply tie some fishing line on a stick and fish “like they did in Grandpa’s time”.
3. Pick some apples – Well, okay it doesn’t have to be apples, just whatever fruit is in season in your area. Orchards are typically pretty inexpensive to visit and what could be better than snacking on fresh picked fruits?
4. Get some ice cream – My kids love to go to our local ice cream shop! We usually go to the park then stop and get some ice cream on the way home. They’re hot and tired from playing and it’s so nice to go sit down and cool off with a cold treat.
5. Go floating – Okay, so this may not be for everyone, but we happen to live in “the floating capital of Missouri” and my kids love to go kayaking, canoeing, or rafting for the day. We usually pack a cooler of snacks and drinks, LOTS of sunscreen, and a big umbrella. They splash and play in the river and have loads of fun! Be sure to ask about specials and weekday deals and avoid going Thursday – Sunday because there is always more traffic on the rivers those days!
6. Farmers Markets – A few years ago I was a vendor at a semi-local farmers market, and my kids are hooked! So much fresh produce, baked goodies, and other handmade products. We could easily spend 2 hours walking around and checking out everyone’s goods, and ours is pretty small. This reminds me, I’m out of handmade soap…
7. Make a water park – Set up some lawn chairs, a cheap wading pool, and a sprinkler in your back yard. Kids love water, it’s as simple as that. They play, I take pictures, it’s perfect!
8. Go for a walk – I’m sure you don’t live far from a walking path of some sort, just grab your comfiest shoes a couple bottles of water, and a sling or stroller for your little one and go for a walk.
9. Stay in – turn the A/C up a bit and have a quiet day at home. Read a book, watch a movie, snuggle on the couch, make a fort under your kitchen table, whatever makes you happy.
10. Don’t forget the zoo – Zoos are usually pretty inexpensive to visit, and as long as you pack snacks and drinks you won’t have to make any unnecessary purchases there. Remember to wear a visor or hat and sunglasses.