7 Activities to Do With Your Children On Your Staycation

Summers are almost here, and so are the much-awaited summer vacations. Whenever summer vacations approach, parents are puzzled about how to entertain their kids. Some families visit foreign countries or explore different cities. However, many choose to remain in their hometown and enjoy the local attractions. High traveling costs and limited vacation days for parents are some reasons why Canadians are choosing staycations. If you decide on a staycation, here are some ways to spend time with your kids and provide them with a memorable vacation. 

1. Learn a New Skill

Summer vacations are a great way to motivate your child to learn a new skill. This can be anything from learning a new language, instrument, or crafting style to graphic designing, digital art, and coding language. 

When encouraging your child to take up a new skill, ensure you keep their preferences in mind and give them freedom in choosing the skill. After your child has decided which skill they want to learn, provide them with a good learning platform. You can enroll them in a vocational school or find online programs. 

After your child has started classes, they are likely to get overwhelmed and some may even want to quit midway. Rather than forcing them to continue, try understanding their problems and solve them together. You can also try learning the skill with them so they do not feel alone, or have them join an online community for beginners where they can share their experiences. 

2. Read a Book

Reading is a great way to enhance your child’s knowledge. If your child is new to reading, have them start by reading shorter books with plots that interest them and gradually increase the difficulty. Avoid forcing your child to read a book you think is best for them; instead, provide suggestions if they are confused about what to read or have them discuss their reading lists with friends. 

You can also help your child read by engaging their friends or reading the book. You can arrange activities based on the book, such as trivia quizzes or making up their version, to keep your child motivated. Joining a book club can also encourage your child to read more so they can actively participate in group discussions.

3. Explore Local Parks

You do not necessarily need to leave your city to enjoy an outing with your family. Your hometown also has several charming places to visit. For instance, a trip to your local park can foster family bonding. If your kids are athletic, you can play their favorite sport with them, but if your children prefer quieter activities, you can have a picnic instead.

Local parks are also ideal for hosting small scavenger hunts for your family. You can hide the items throughout the park beforehand or find different plants growing in your local area. This will also enhance your child’s general knowledge. You may also spend time looking for a four-leaf clover or finding ladybugs and butterflies. If your child is artistic, try painting or drawing a scene in the park with them. 

4. Start Gardening

In staycations, families often spend most of their time doing activities inside the house rather than enjoying nature like they would on a regular vacation. However, by gardening, your children will spend lots of time outdoors taking in vitamin D and learn the patience it takes to grow flowers and vegetables. 

Start with sunflower or marigold seeds. They are easy to grow and ideal for summertime. Looking after the flower will make your child more responsible, and as the plant grows, they will take pride in their achievement. Sowing vegetables with your kids is also a great way to deal with picky eaters. If the child is involved in growing vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, and radish, they may take more delight in eating them. 

5. Camping

Many kids who want to spend their summers on camping trips are disappointed by staycations. However, camping sites are located throughout Canada, including major cities like Toronto. Parents can take their children on weekend camping trips without leaving their city. You should make the campsite booking in advance to secure a good spot since many people want to camp in summer vacations. You should also check weather predictions to ensure your camping trip is not cut short. 

If you do not want to camp on a campsite, you can always put a tent in your backyard and spend the night outside your home. This homely experience will be free of disruptions, and you can spend your entire time making memories with your family rather than worrying about disturbing your campsite neighbors. 

Camping gear, including tents, sleeping, camp chairs, and camp tables, is expensive for a single trip. Instead, borrow the equipment from a friend or consider renting it from a sports rental shop. When planning your camping trip, be sure to consult your children. They may have some particular activities they want to do, like building a fire, making smores, telling scary stories, hiking, stargazing, and sing-alongs. 

6. Volunteer At an Animal Shelter

Children often love spending time with animals since they are energetic and only want to play. If you do not have a pet, taking your child to a local animal shelter is an excellent way for them to interact with different animals. Volunteering at the shelter allows children to release their extra energy and learn the responsibility of keeping a pet. Small tasks given to them at the shelter will also help build a strong work ethic in your child and enhance accountability.

7. Take a Food Tour

You do not need to go out of town to enjoy different tastes. Local restaurants, cafes, and food carts also offer exotic flavors and delicious treats. Bigger cities even have food-guided tours you can sign up for. However, children are picky eaters and might not enjoy the guided tours as much as you. Instead, plan the food tour yourself, and go to spots the kids are bound to love. Encourage your kids to try all kinds of food during the tour. 

Endnote

Staycations can often be boring for children. They might feel their summer was less exciting than kids on multiple trips. By understanding your kids and spending time with them in activities they enjoy, you can make a stay-at-home holiday adventurous and fun. Above are a few ideas kids will love doing in the summers, and they will also help grow their personalities. When planning staycation activities, ensure you listen to your child’s ideas and participate in them.