Home Page > Summer Staycation Ideas

“Have a baseball themed family night. Grill hotdogs and hamburgers at home with a ‘build your own’ condiments station so everyone (adults and kids) can make their hotdog or hamburger just the way they like it (one of my favorite combinations is a mustard, pickle, jalapeno, Swiss cheese, mushroom, guacamole burger on a Hawaiian bread bun) After dinner, head over to watch the Texas Rangers play for less than $10 per person. End the night with a homemade Banana Split after the game at home. This an affordable family night that is especially fun with a large group, so get your friends and extended family to join in.”

"Have a block party movie night. All you need is to find someone on your street who has an LCD projector (or who can borrow one from work), laptop or DVD player, speakers and a big white sheet. Next, scope out a location in either someone’s backyard or at the neighborhood park. Hook up the LCD, DVD player and speakers, and pop in a DVD of your choice. I recommend something kid and family friendly so that the entire street can enjoy the event. Make it even more authentic and pop your own pop corn and serve soft drinks. Invite everyone on the street down and all they need to bring is a blanket to enjoy a night out (literally) at the movies. This can become a weekly event for all to enjoy."

"Convert your home into a health spa for a weekend and treat your guests to great food, yoga sessions, poetry readings, or even a pedicure. Many books and Web sites offer recipes for facials and other treatments that you can make with ingredients found at any health food store or supermarket.  Let friends who practice yoga, healthful cooking, massage, or some other healing art share with the group. No gurus invited? Pick up a few videos.  Candles not only smell wonderful, they provide soft, relaxing light.  If your friends are comfortable with each other, have them swap back massages, manicures, or pedicures.  Set up your CD player with a variety of relaxing background music. Try Enya, or nature sounds such as the ocean or waterfalls, and keep them playing throughout the whole weekend."

"It doesn't matter how long it's been since your last bike ride -- just jump back on and see how fun and easy it can be.  Hit some trails in the area with the whole family.  This is great for a day in the sun and as long as you have the necessary equipment it is virtually free!  You could also pack up a picnic and stop somewhere along the way for a nice lunch in a park or scenic area."

"Grab the nearest video camera and recreate several scenes from your favorite films, making sure you put your own spin on it. Use household items and your own wardrobe to help. If you have a little budget to work with, check out your Goodwill to add to your inventory. Feeling a little more creative? Write your own short film and have your family members and neighbors play the parts. Edit your footage with some free editing software, such as Microsoft Movie Maker or iMovie, to finish your masterpiece. Upload your work to YouTube to share with friends and family."

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