Our Best "Staycation" Ideas

You'll love our sensational ideas for enjoying the last days of summer -- all in the comfort of your own home.

By Marie Elizabeth Oliver

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Turn your home into a spa. You don't need to go to a pricey spa to rejuvenate your body and spirit. Create your own spa at home instead -- you'll feel refreshed and save money.

See tips for planning a DIY spa getaway

Throw a simple cocktail party. Invite friends over for a low-key get-together of fun finger foods and stylish cocktails on your patio or deck. For inspiration, see our cocktail recipes and party food ideas.

Go on a family cycling adventure. You don't have to be an avid (or experienced) biker to have a blast. For a safer adventure traverse local bike trails instead of hitting the streets.

Get more tips on making the most of your biking adventure

Have a picnic. Pack a basket and head to your local park for a fun, easy outdoor meal. To get started, see our easiest picnic recipes. If you're watching your weight, don't miss our light and fresh picnic ideas.

Go fly a kite. Pack a kite or two with your picnic supplies and head to your favorite park for some family fun.

See how to master the art of kite flying

Transform your home into an island retreat. Bring relaxing tropical style home with these budget-friendly, summery decorating ideas.

See tropical-style decorating inspiration

Plant a family garden. Share your passion for gardening with your kids while teaching them responsibility and patience.

See tips for gardening with kids

Host a girls' night in. Kick back with your favorite girlfriends for an evening of fancy fun and surprisingly simple treats.

See recipes for a girls' night in

Create a garden getaway. Fashion your own private paradise with one of our soothing garden plans.

See 17 garden getaway plans

Have a field day. Rediscover freeze tag, red rover, and other games you used to play as a kid. Our variations make them more fun -- and secretly healthy -- for the whole family.

See fun backyard game ideas

Plan a TV night. Whether you're a sucker for sitcoms or made-for-TV movies, a small screen event is the perfect occasion for a no-fuss dinner party with friends.

See TV night recipes

Host a Mexican patio party. Your guests will love these flavorful recipes -- and you'll love how easy it is to throw together.

See recipes for a Mexican patio party

Organize a block party. Host a neighborhood get-together and create lasting friendships -- all within a few steps from your own front door.

Help your kids start a book club. Cultivate your child's creativity and love of reading with some of these easy ideas and projects.

Get tips for starting a book club

Have fun with felt crafts. Let your little one practice their sewing skills with these easy felt projects they are sure to love, such as this precious pincushion, or a simple kid-sized tote.

See felt craft ideas

Grow your own food. For fresh summer salads that are healthy and delicious, grow your own veggies. With these salad garden ideas, you can grow your favorites even if you don't have much space.

See ideas for simple salad-garden containers

Throw a Hawaiian luau. Transport your kids and their friends to the Hawaiian Islands with our tropical celebration, complete with invitation, decoration, and recipe ideas.

See how to throw a Hawaiian luau

Create art for your home. Indulge your inner artist and show off your creative flair with a budget-friendly project, such as these modern re-used frames, or a personalized digital photo montage.

See ideas for budget-friendly DIY artwork

Create a bistro dining experience -- at home. Charm your dinner guests, or your family, with this effortlessly chic (and fun) menu.

See recipes for a bistro dining menu

Refresh your space with paint. No need for an expensive makeover -- the right kind of paint can transform a room from ho-hum to stylish in hours.

See ideas for refreshing your space with paint

Plan a pizza night. Enjoy a night in with these family-friendly recipes that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

See pizza night recipes

Try a simple weekend project. Check out our editor's favorite get-organized weekend projects you can easily finish without spending a lot of time or money on them, like these cute under-bed drawers plus many more creative storage solutions.

Create an outdoor oasis. We've got plenty of ideas for creating a cozy retreat in your own backyard.

See outdoor fabric and room inspiration

Set out on a reading adventure. Pack some treats, find a shaded spot, and embark on a reading adventure with these outdoor-themed books and activity ideas.

See outdoor reading adventures and activities

Our Best "Staycation" Ideas

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