10 Creative Staycation Ideas for Having Fun at Home

Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by Prissila Murillo

As we are currently in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic, vacation may seem out of the question. However, there’s still plenty of time to have fun at home. To keep your health and sanity intact throughout this difficult time, consider opting for a staycation instead. Read on for our staycation ideas to have the best possible time from the comfort and safety of your own home!

1. Staycation Ideas: Read a Good Book or Two, or Ten

While most people love reading, it can feel more like a chore at times. Sometimes it feels like there just isn’t enough time in the day. Now that time isn’t as much of a factor, pick up a few books that you have been meaning to check out. Amazon is still shipping, and many other online retailers are as well. Or perhaps you already have a stack that has been waiting for you at the back of your closet.

Reading is a great mental break during these stressful times, so curl up or kick back and dive in. If you aren’t a fan of reading, maybe you are a fan of listening. Check out some audiobooks or podcasts instead.

2. Staycation Ideas: Test Your Green Thumb

One of the few things that will help you remain the same throughout isolation is a breath of fresh air. For those who are lucky enough to have a backyard or sizable property, take full advantage of it with a garden. You can keep it as simple as a few potted plants or try your hand at growing fruits and vegetables. Gardening will not only encourage you to get outside every few days but will also encourage patience during this difficult time. Plus, if you opt to grow a few seasonal flowers, it will give you something gorgeous to look at.

3. Staycation Ideas: Cook Through a Book

Or bake, whichever you prefer. Take a note from the movie Julie & Julia — the one where a woman cooks her way through Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. There is no time like now when you are cooped up in the house for days on end.

Also, instead of going to the store yourself, we recommend pick up or delivery. Keep in mind that some ingredients may be limited or difficult to find. This reality will just up the ante, as you may only have one shot to get it right. Your time starts…now!

4. Staycation Ideas: A Living Room Picnic

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Even if you don’t have a backyard or a balcony, a living room picnic will do just fine! An indoor environment can be just as relaxing and fun. Lay out your favorite blanket and pillows or consider creating a small fort if you like. Consider creating a small food spread, such as finger sandwiches, a charcuterie board, and a bottle of champagne. Play some board games and simply enjoy the company of those you live with without any distractions.

5. Staycation Ideas: Bike & Hike

Biking and hiking are fun and healthy ways to pass the time. You can bike in your neighborhood, on the roadways (with proper safety equipment), or on a marked path. If you do not have a bike, simply go for a walk or a hike on a nearby trail. If you plan to travel by car to a park, be sure to check that the area that you intend to visit is currently open. Many national parks are shut down for the duration of the quarantine.

Additionally, you should always let someone know where you are going and what time you plan to return. Of course, it is always nice to get some exercise, but it would also be fun to try out a motorized bike to get around!

6. Staycation Ideas: Release Your Inner Bob Ross

Have you always wanted to learn how to paint a happy little tree? You can, thanks to the official Bob Ross YouTube channel, which features full episodes from The Joy of Painting. This channel encourages you to learn the beloved artist’s landscape oil painting techniques using just a standard house painting brush.

A single painting can take a great deal of time but can also be incredibly relaxing. Plus, in the end you will be left with a beautiful piece of artwork to hang on the wall or gift to friends. Order some supplies, a handful of brushes, a palette, and paints and set your inner artist free!

7. Staycation Ideas: Backyard Camping

We’re talking about the same backyard camping that you begged your parents to let you do when you were a kid. Go pitch a tent on the lawn, drag out the couch cushions and a box of pop tarts, and tell ghost stories all night while camping. The childishness of it is really what makes it so much fun.

Yes, you have a comfy adult-size bed a few steps away, but the crinkly nylon tent is where great memories are made. Even better, build a small campfire and toast marshmallows. Do all of the things that your parents wouldn’t let you do alone as a kid.

8. Staycation Ideas: Throw a Virtual Party

While isolation is not currently being enforced in every state, it is still highly encouraged. This can be particularly difficult for extroverts who enjoy socializing with friends. One creative way to combat this issue is to throw a virtual party. Look for ways on how to make your virtual party interesting. Come up with a theme, like a prom, and send out an invite or start a group on Facebook.

We recommend using Google Hangouts, which is free and allows up to 10 participants. Create a fun playlist and share it with the group prior to the event time. Then all that is left to do is dance the night away!

9. Staycation Ideas: Visit Broadway

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Have you always dreamed of seeing a show on Broadway? Now you can from the comfort of your own home, thanks to Broadway HD. An on-demand streaming platform, this New York-based company distributes life and previously recorded theatrical productions.

This includes some of the most popular shows and musicals, including Cats, Les Miserables, and Oklahoma. Broadway HD is currently offering a 7-day free trial with plans for $8.99 a month or $99.99 a year. Dim the lights…the show is about to start!

10. Staycation Ideas: At-Home Spa Day

Having to treat yourself is a tad less relaxing than if you were to go to an actual spa, but it will do the trick. Draw up a hot bubble bath, toss in a bath bomb, and relax or read a book. Exfoliate, moisturize and do anything else that will deliver you some much-needed self-love.

You can make some DIY face masks or other products using common ingredients in your kitchen, but you can order products online. Options include your favorite retailers, like Lush or even Amazon. Better yet, try purchasing from a small local business (with delivery being the preferred option)!

And that’s all, folks! We hope these ideas will help you to make the most of your current situation or inspire you to get creative and come up with more ideas of your own. Let us know your own staycation plans in the comments below!