STAYCATION! 7 TIPS TO MAKE IT SEEM LIKE A VACATION WITHOUT LEAVING THE HOUSE!

September 22, 2020 /

Written by Feba Maryann   

Let’s be honest for a moment here, we’re all dreaming of that exclusive getaway to that YOLO (you only live once) European Island or maybe that magical tropical beach in a place that is yet to be discovered by the average tourist, but with COVID still affecting our dreams to pack up and jet off, a staycation might be as good as it’s going to get! 

Right now, a staycation sounds more like an oxymoron than something to look forward to but keep reading and I’ll try my best to prove you wrong. 

  1. Recreate Your Family’s International Dream Destination 

New Zealand? Indonesia or Hawaii? Find out what your family’s dream destination is.  Choosing a theme could be overwhelming due to the opinions from various different family members. You could cast votes to decide if things get messy. 

Once you finalise with a country, you may need to do a little planning before you kick off your staycation.  Research the country you chose, their traditions, food, culture and language. If possible, stock on themed supplies. For example, a DIY Saree/kurta is essential for an Indian themed staycation. 

Decorate your backyard or garage with items that remind you of that country. Get crafty and ask your kids to make DIY objects that correlate with the country chosen.  Lookup the most popular dishes of your chosen country and find online recipes so you can prepare them beforehand. 

Finally, choose a day to visit your dream destination in your own backyard and enjoy! Remember that this is a golden opportunity to teach your kids about new cultures and the traditions of the country you are exploring on your staycation. 

  1. Visit A Virtual Zoo 

If I told you that you could watch magnificent polar bears wrestle each other one day, watch cuddly koala bars another, then explore the deep blue ocean next, would you believe it? 

Well, you should. Australia’s top wildlife parks and sanctuaries make it possible to bring wildlife to your living room with exclusive online animal encounter experiences. 

You could catch koalas on camera at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, listen to experts from Sea Life Melbourne or even dive underwater with The Nature conservancy. 

It doesn’t just turn out to be a valuable lesson in environmental awareness for your kids, a virtual zoo encounter could help you loosen up and relax. 

  1. Throw A Fun At-Home Disco For Your Kids 

Why not funk things up by turning your living room into a disco room? 

Dig up your box of winter decorations and string around the fairy lights and lamps. If you have a disco ball, that’s all you need to get everyone in the disco mood. Decorate your disco space with paper banners, streamers or glow sticks. 

Dress up in retro outfits and 70’s hairstyles. Let your kids get creative with what they want to wear. Set up a ramp for your kids to show off their creative outfits and best poses.  Be sure to throw the party during the night, to get the maximum disco vibe. 

I assure you won’t regret dancing to the groovy tunes of Baby Shark all night long! 

  1. Redesign Your Kid’s Playroom 

Working with your kids to tweak things up isn’t as hectic as it sounds. Reimagine the playroom with their ideas and suggestions. For example: paint the walls with their favourite colour or build a special DIY princess castle for your little one. If possible, bring in new cushions and change the curtains. Personalise it with their paintings or artworks. Your kid is more likely to spend time in the playroom once it’s decorated with their input! 

  1. Put Together Your Very Own Family “Olympics” 

If your family is filled with the sporty gene’s or is particularly active, here’s a great way to lose all that stored up energy. You could replicate the “Olympic Torch Lighting Ceremony” by playing your favourite music and running a family relay by setting a make-believe torch in a place of honour. Set up obstacle courses to crawl over, dive or dribble through. Try organising running races, gymnastics or competitive games. 

Finally, adorn the winners of each event with medals and certificates. 

  1. Organise A Family Game Night 

Or maybe your family prefers staying indoors? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. 

Try playing a Minute to Win It games like Suck it up, Keep it Up or Yank Me. There’s guaranteed laughter and giggles with these recreations. Bring out family board games like Monopoly to create lasting memories of you all sitting around the dining table with a bowl of popcorn playing your favourite game. You could also build Lego sets with left over pieces around the house. If you have Nerf guns in your house, why don’t you play a personalised version of paintball? 

You can never run out of fun ideas for family game night, trust me. 

  1. Create A MasterChef Junior Rally In Your Own Kitchen’s Masterclass 

Most kids love to get their hands messy with cake batter or even create new versions of their favourite meals. First thing help them put on their favourite apron and you can get to cooking right away. 

As you’re cooking, teach them all about the origins and smell of the ingredients. It’s a great way to enhance their motor skills and coordination. Help them touch and taste everything that’s safe during the cooking process.  

Expect the kitchen to get a little dirty and be prepared for it to take a little more time than usual to get dinner on the table, but it will be well worth it and the kids are not going to forget this fun activity, especially a meal they made for their family. 

A stay vacation doesn’t sound like an oxymoron anymore, or does it?