Summer Staycations!

Summer is a magical time. The weather is warm, the sun is shining, the afternoon thunderstorms give you the perfect excuse to take a nap. When you think of summer, you think of beach vacations, drinks with little umbrellas, sunshine, and sunscreen. But sometimes those epic vacations complete with tiny umbrellas and long walks on the beach just aren’t in the cards. Whether you’re trying to save money, lack transportation, or just can’t take time off of work, here are some “staycation” and summer activity ideas that are just as good as that fancy vacation.

Swim at your community pool. Most apartment complexes will have a pool with free access to residents, and a lot of neighborhoods do too. Although it’s not quite the beach, it’ll give you some time to sun yourself and listen to the water.

Take pictures of your city. Pretend to be a tourist in your own city. Google things to do, visit museums, and document it all on your camera. Bring friends you haven’t seen in a while, and see how many new places in your city you can go to in one or two days.

Set up a sprinkler in your yard. While this may be more for kids, there is always some amount of fun in running through sprinklers, sunning yourself in the grass, and shooting someone with a water gun. Bring out your inner child, and spend the day at your very own, homegrown water park.

Go for a hike. Preferably in the woods with some shade. Don’t be afraid to drive a little farther for a better view. Spend some time in nature. Leave your phone at home, or on do not disturb to really get that vacation fell. Pack a picnic if you’re so inclined.

Do a bar crawl/go bar hopping. Try to find some new bars you haven't been to in your city. Pack up some friends in an Uber, and see what tiny umbrellas you can find.

Start a book club. While not exactly a staycation idea, it’s still a great way to spend time with friends and family, while also enjoying some good books.

Schedule a massage or facial. Treat yourself to something luxurious that you normally would only indulge in on vacation.

Learn how to make mixed drinks/tropical smoothies. Add vacations to any day by making that little umbrella drink yourself. Most cocktails and smoothies are relatively easy to make, and putting your own spin on them can be fun!

Have an at home spa day. Invite your girlfriends over for face masks, pedicures, hair treatments, etc. Break out the sangria and the rosé and have a grand old time.

Book a special work out class, or invest in a new workout regime. Sometimes preparing for the bikini body is half the fun, especially when you bring your friends or your significant other.

Look for free events on Facebook or on your city’s website. Often times there are groups on facebook that host free events like yoga, music, or exercise classes. It can be a great way to get a taste of a vacation, while also meeting people in your own city.

Book a reservation at the fanciest restaurant in town. Or pick a new restaurant you’ve been really wanting to try, and treat yourself to a great entry and dessert!

Take a cooking class! Learn how to make the dishes from the fancy restaurant yourself. Having good food around can make every day feel like a vacation!

Take a social media break. Pretending you don’t have cell service can give you ultimate vacation vibes, and keep you from FOMO when you see the vacations others are taking on social media. Leave your phone in the drawer, or delete your social media apps for a week for a refreshing break from all that stimulus.