Summer Staycation Fun: Tips and Ideas for the Perfect Family Staycation
Family & Parenting
Travel
Vittoria Allen - June 24, 2024
With summer just around the corner, many families are opting for a summer staycation—a delightful way to enjoy the season without leaving the comfort of home. Whether you‘re choosing a staycation because you just welcomed a new baby or because you want to keep it simple and affordable this summer, a staycation with toddlers, can be just as exciting and memorable as any vacation.   By transforming your home into a toddler-friendly oasis, you can create lasting memories and provide endless entertainment for your little ones.   In this blog, we'll explore various family staycation ideas, fun activities, and practical tips to make your summer staycation both enjoyable and stress-free. 

Designing Your Toddler-Friendly Zone for a Summer Staycation   

Creating a Designated Play Area Indoors 

A well-organized indoor play area is essential for keeping toddlers entertained and engaged. It’s also essential for keeping yourself sane! A lot of experts discuss how overstimulating it can be for kids when they have too much to choose from AND how overstimulating it can be for a parent when there are so many things taking up space.  Here are some tips for setting up an inviting space for kids: 
  1. Organize Toys and Activities: Use bins, shelves, and baskets to keep toys and activities easily accessible and neatly organized. Rotate toys weekly to keep your toddler interested and excited.
Pro tip for decluttering: Organize toys into categories like “pretend play”, “building / STEM”, “arts and crafts”. Choose around 3 toys in each category. And box up the rest for rotation. As you rotate the toys, pay attention to the ones your kids don't play with as much and get rid of those ones.  
  1. Incorporate Sensory Play Elements: Sensory play is crucial for toddler development. Include items like sand, water beads, and play dough. Create a sensory bin with different textures, colors, and objects to explore. Another sensory favorite in my home is oobleck. IKEA's sensory table is such a great and affordable way to incorporate sensory play into your home in a (somewhat) clean way.

Setting Up a Safe Outdoor Play Space 

Outdoor play is vital for toddlers, offering fresh air and physical activity. If you’re planning on staying home for the summer, you might way to get a few extra outdoor play items to keep the kids entertained and excited about new things.   Here's how to create a safe and fun outdoor area: 
  1. Age-Appropriate Outdoor Toys and Activities: Invest in a kiddie pool, water table, sandbox, and ride-on toys. These items encourage physical activity and imaginative play.
  2. Safety Considerations for Outdoor Play: Ensure the play area is fenced and free of hazards. Use sunscreen and hats to protect your toddler from the sun. Always supervise water play to ensure safety.
  3. Involvement with Younger Siblings: Use strollers, baby carriers, or bouncers to include younger siblings in outdoor fun. Ergobaby carriers allow you to keep your hands free while keeping your baby close and safe. Carriers like the Omni Breeze are great for summer since they are made of a super breathable mesh fabric. Bring the Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer outside so younger siblings can enjoy the fun in the sun in a safe space.

Fun and Cool Activities for Summer Days 

Water Play Ideas 

Water play is a fantastic way to keep toddlers cool and entertained. Here are some fun ideas: 
  1. Setting Up a Small Kiddie Pool or Water Table: Fill a kiddie pool with water and let your toddler splash around. Ensure constant supervision and follow water safety guidelines.
  2. DIY Sprinkler Fun: Create a DIY sprinkler using a garden hose and a few holes punched in a plastic bottle. Attach the bottle to the hose, turn on the water, and let the fun begin!
  3. Using a Bouncer for Younger Babies: Place younger babies in a bouncer nearby so they can enjoy the outdoor environment safely while watching their older siblings play. Do not place the bouncer in water or kiddie pool. If your younger baby is warm, find them a shaded area and put a piece of ice, frozen fruit, or frozen breast milk in a mesh teether / food feeder like this one.
  4. Never underestimate the power of a good bath: If you’re like me and you don’t have access to a pool, it’s bath time! Spice up bath time by throwing food coloring in the water or turning off the lights and filling the water with glow sticks.

Indoor Activities for Kids to Escape the Heat 

When it's too hot outside, these indoor activities can keep your toddler busy: 
  1. Indoor Scavenger Hunts: Create a simple scavenger hunt with toys and household items. Provide clues and a small reward at the end.
  2. Mess-Free Art Projects: Use water painting books or sticker sets for creative, mess-free fun. Set up a designated art area with washable markers and crayons.
  3. Check out Busy Toddler: This mom has so many fun indoor activities ideas for toddlers!

Bring the Vacation Home: Themed Days and Activities 

Beach Day at Home  

Transform your backyard into a beach paradise with these ideas: 
  1. Setting Up a Beach-Themed Sensory Bin: Fill a large bin with sand, shells, and toy sea creatures. Add a small amount of water for a realistic beach feel.
  2. Beach-Themed Crafts and Snacks: Make beach-themed crafts like seashell painting or ocean-themed coloring pages. Serve snacks like fish-shaped crackers and fruit kabobs.

Camping in the Backyard 

Bring the camping experience to your backyard with these tips: 
  1. Setting Up a Tent and Creating a Cozy Campsite: Pitch a tent in the yard and fill it with pillows and blankets. Add a few fairy lights for a magical touch.
  2. Campfire Snacks and Stories: Make s'mores using a portable grill or microwave. Share stories and sing songs around a pretend campfire.

Toddler-Friendly Summer Snacks and Drinks 

Healthy and Refreshing Snack Ideas 

Keep your toddler refreshed and energized with these healthy snacks: 
  1. Homemade Popsicles with Fruit Juice and Purees: Blend fruit juice and pureed fruits, pour into molds, and freeze. These make for a nutritious and cooling treat.
  2. Frozen Yogurt Bites with Fresh Fruit: Spoon yogurt into ice cube trays, add pieces of fresh fruit, and freeze. These bites are both delicious and healthy.

Hydration Tips for Toddlers During Hot Summer Days 

Keeping your toddler hydrated is crucial in the summer heat. Here are some tips: 
  1. Creative Ways to Encourage Drinking Water: Use fun, colorful cups and straws. Infuse water with fruits like berries or citrus for added flavor.
  2. Homemade Electrolyte Drinks for Hydration: Make a simple electrolyte drink by mixing water, a pinch of salt, and a splash of natural fruit juice. This helps maintain hydration levels during active play.

Making Memories: Capturing and Preserving Your Summer Staycation 

Tips for Documenting Summer Moments with Your Toddler 

Capture the magic of your staycation with these tips: 
  1. Photography Tips for Capturing Candid Moments: Use natural light and get down to your toddler's eye level for the best shots. Capture spontaneous moments rather than posed photos.
  2. Keeping a Summer Staycation Journal or Scrapbook: Document daily activities, fun moments, and milestones. Include photos, drawings, and notes for a keepsake to treasure.
  3. Give Your Toddler a Camera: Get a disposable camera and let your kids capture special moments from their point of view. This is such a fun way to see what they see and what they thought would be important to remember!  
A summer staycation with your toddler can be an enriching and fun experience. By creating a toddler-friendly oasis at home, planning fun activities, and making delicious snacks, you can turn your home into a summer paradise. Embrace the simplicity and joy of spending quality time together, making the most of your summer staycation. Remember, the magic lies in the moments you create and the memories you cherish.