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Budget-Friendly Staycation

Jul 25, 2019

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It seems like all we did was blink and suddenly, back-to-school season is upon us. Gathering all of the necessary school supplies can quickly eat up the budget. If you need one last break before summer is over, consider a staycation! You’d be surprised at how fun your own backyard could be. If going out of town before school starts isn’t an option, get creative with ideas for relaxing at home. 

 

Backyard Campout

Pitch a tent in the backyard and leave electronics inside the house. Spend an evening stargazing with the family and make s’mores over a fire pit! Don’t forget the bug spray and citronella or else you’ll be mosquito dinner. 

 

Family Fair

This is one for friends to get involved in and create new summer memories. Create a table in the yard for carnival-style food like hot dogs, lemonade and cotton candy. Set up games like a ring toss, balloon darts and corn hole! You can even offer small prizes for game winners. No crowds and no money wasted on games or overpriced food- sounds like the perfect carnival! 

 

Build a Fort

Building a fort is a classic childhood favorite and a timeless source of entertainment. It can be done with chairs and a blanket or sheet, or old cardboard boxes that the kids can personalize with markers. Have friends over and start a fort-building contest for an all-day event and snuggle up inside for a movie at night. Bonus points for adding twinkling lights! 

 

Water Play 

While “summer” may be nearing an end, the hot weather still plans on staying for a while. Turn the backyard into a makeshift water park by splashing around in the sprinkler, hop in the kiddie pool or have a water balloon fight. If you have a trampoline, place the sprinkle underneath for an extra fun way to jump. 

 

Plan a Scavenger Hunt

Set up clues for the kids to follow around the house and yard. You can find inspiration online for clever ideas or make up your own. Up the incentive by naming a big prize at the end like a gift card to a local ice cream shop or letting them pick out something they want on your next shopping trip. 

 

These fun events won’t eat up too much of the free time you have left and it’s easy to stay within budget while still allowing the family to have fun. Enjoy every moment before school starts back!