It’s no secret that we don’t really vacation. For most of our years, we’ve just never had the money to do it and now, well, the kids don’t even care to go anywhere that requires long distance driving. While we try to expose Truett to more vacation type trips, we also want to encourage him to embrace his own surroundings. Every town has something to do!
Here are 10 things you’ll need to have a super staycation in your home town! Further down, you’ll find ideas of where to use these items.
1) Camera – And while it’s great for you to have a camera to capture moments, I highly recommend that you buy a kid friendly camera or disposable for your child to use and capture moments through their eyes. You’ll spend a little more on a ‘real’ camera but they’ll have that camera to use for future fun. Who knows, you might even have a budding photographer on your hands! But don’t stop there! Allow them to help (or on their own), create a photo book online, using the pictures they took! What a fantastic keepsake for them to have and be a big part of making!
2) Hydration Backpack – It does not matter where you go, you will need to stay hydrated, whether it’s you or your kiddos. This particular hydration backpack is super handy because it has a 2 liter reservoir and is lightweight. You’ll be able to carry your phone, wipes, sanitizer, snacks, and so much more!
3) Fishing Gear – For less than $20 bucks, you can get a whole set of fishing gear, making it very cost effective.
4) Hat – There’s just something fun about wearing a hat wherever you go, especially if you don’t normally wear them. It gives a vacation or adventure feel, don’t ya think? Pick something fun and different like this safari hat!
5) 3D Glasses – I bet you already know why these 3D glasses are on the list!!
6) Kid’s Bible – Truett loves his Bibles. Not only is this something that will become a part of him and you all as a family, it’s GREAT for VBS! I haven’t met a kid yet that doesn’t have a blast at vacation Bible school! These can be 1 or more days and provide some super fun activities for the kids. You probably won’t need to take the Bible to VBS but it’s a great way to get discussions going before and after.
7) Sporting Goods! – Make a day of sports with your kids. There are baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, football fields, and golf courses that will keep you busy all day! Remember to break up the day with a snocone or ice cream treat!
8) Swimming Goggles – These are a must-have for Summer time swimming. Perfect for the lake, local swimming pool, and water park!
9) Bookmarks – With all the fun you’ll be having, some downtime will be needed. Encouraging our kids to read during Summer time will make it easier for them to get those AR points during the school year. Giving them a book bag or some fun bookmarks can make library time much more fun!
10) Your heart. Your love. Your smile. Your patience.
And that concludes your staycation must-haves! Here are a few ideas of where to use some of these!
- Museum – Even our small town has one but I bet a large majority of kids have never been there. It’s a great way to share the history of the town (or whatever your museum is).
- Zoo – That safari hat and camera is perfect for this adventure! If you’re attending a rodeo, you could buy a cowboy/cowgirl hat. If you’re going to the races, buy a cap. Make it fun!
- Lake – Just spending time at the lake is fun but fishing is always on our to-do list. If you check your local paper, you might even find a fishing tournament to enter up in. Truett just did and had a blast! It was a $5 entry fee! How’s that for a bargain?
- Movies – You don’t even need to buy 3D glasses if you don’t want but since there’s no telling who wears those glasses (or how often they’re cleaned), I’d prefer to have my own. Take in a 3D movie and enjoy the popcorn!
- Park/Waterpark – The goggles and hydration backpack will be handy here (backpack at the zoo too!). My kids could play forever at a park. Have a picnic while you’re there too!
- VBS – All the churches will be having vacation Bible school. They are never too deep for kiddos and are full of fun! The kids get to sing, put on plays, play games and so on. It’s usually always free or less than $10.
- Library – Make reading fun with the bookmarks and a trip to the library. They also always have storytime and even some craft projects at ours. This is also usually free.
Bigger towns have even more to do. Think about horseback riding, taking some sort of class like martial arts or cooking or dancing! Always check your local paper for day camps, shows & events, and all the happenings. Go to them!
Happy Summer y’all!
Disclosure: I am an official Walmart Mom. Walmart has provided me with compensation and gift card in return for my time & efforts to create this post. Opinions are my own, always.
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