How to Have a Great Staycation When You’re On a Budget

Have you ever had a staycation? I’m sure you have, but have you made it worthwhile?? Staycations can be amazing. I know going somewhere fun is always alluring as well, but when you’re on a budget, staying home and finding things to do around you can also be super fun!

Have you ever noticed when we’re coming up on a holiday or closer to the summer months, gas goes up? That’s not a coincidence. The majority of people travel during the holidays, prices go up to accommodate that.

So, since we’re coming up to summer soon and it might be difficult to stick to your budget, I’ve come up with a list of things my family loves that I wanted to pass on to you. There are so many fun things to do in the Spring and Summer months that can be enjoyed for little to no money. You’ll also save by not buying tickets and using as much gas in the peak travel season.

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Keep reading to find 10 awesome staycation ideas for families, couples, or if you’re going solo.

Camp in the backyard for a staycation

Camping can be expensive and time-consuming when you think about it. Depending on where you’re going, the campsite itself may cost money. Then you have to prep food ahead of time, pack it, buy ice, etc. As you can see it adds up! But, camping outside your house is the best of both worlds. You can eat at home like normal, then trek outside to your tent! Click here for a budget 4-person tent.

Grab your floats and head to the river

Here in Montana, floating the river is a huge thing in the summer. It’s a ton of fun because you’re on the water in the great weather and hanging out with friends and family. Usually, we bring our food and have a little campout after floating, or make sandwiches ahead of time or something. Just remember to lather on the sunscreen before you go!

Go to a national park

So, like I said, I live in Montana which means I have access to two national parks within a few hours’ drive. You’ll spend some money getting there but if you pack lunch and snacks ahead of time you’ll be stylin’!

Bison up close (don’t worry, we were in the car!!)

Organize a BBQ

This one is a classic for any staycation. Invite your friends and family over, or head over to a park that has a BBQ pit. Ask people to pitch in with different options so you’re not fronting all of it and just have fun. We like to do this at one of the ponds close to us because we can also play in the water.

Family game night

Game nights are at least a monthly occurrence in my house. My little family of 5, plus our extended family, loves to play games. Board games, card games, you name it! Grab your favorite food and drinks and make a night of it. Some of the best family games we have are Clue, Sorry, Life, and Monopoly.

Take a road trip

Wake up early and get out and explore! You can use this as a day that you go to a national park! Or just finally visit some random town or other attraction you’ve always wanted.

Go Hiking!

One of our favorite things to do in the summer is hiking. This place is one of my favorites. It’s not that far from us and not a long hike to get to this beautiful area with a waterfall and gorgeous trees all around.

Spend a night away for your staycation

If you can afford a night away, book a hotel (preferably with a pool) and enjoy not having to cook or clean up (too much) after yourself. My husband and I were gifted a couple nights in a hotel and my sister watched our kiddos during that time. It was awesome because it felt like we were on vacation but we were literally in our own town.

Make it better by booking a hotel with free breakfast OR Get a hotel with a kitchenette

Food can be the most expensive part of a vacation. So if you are taking an actual vacation away from home, find a hotel that offers free breakfast. You can save on at least one meal each day by doing this.

You can also book a hotel that has a kitchenette and really save some money! This might not feel much like a vacation though so I get it if you don’t want to go this far. The other side of this is booking an Airbnb or VRBO, then you’re guaranteed to have a kitchen. Most times this costs less when you’re booking for a family (at least in my experience).

Head to the mall

My kids love going to the mall. We don’t spend a lot of money when we go, but they love looking at all the books in Barnes and Noble and going to the arcade. Most of the time we just walk up and down it and window shop. It’s an excuse to get out of the house though and get some energy out.

Go to the movies

This one is on my “maybe” list. Movies have gotten EXPENSIVE around here, even matinees. However; my local movie theater does $1 movie showings in the summer and the movies are geared toward kids, so those are fun. I usually get a large popcorn and all 5 of us share it.

I think my family and I will try most, if not all, of these staycation ideas this summer. We can save some money while doing this so we can take a vacation somewhere else another time.

We are working on savings challenges so these staycation ideas come in very handy. When you have 3 kids under 10 at home you have to be creative!

Tell me, what staycation ideas do you have and love??