These days, travel is tricky. Restrictions are slowly lifting, but summer vacations still need to happen. There’s no better time to plan a stay-at-home vacation. Here are 5 ideas for the best family staycation. Stay where you are and enjoy what’s in your own backyard.

Idea One – The Pool and Outdoor Games

You have a pool! Great staycations begin and end with the backyard pool. The pool is where all the best memories and games take place. Don’t have a pool yet? Start here at Orange County Pools & Spas. We offer many selections of above ground, inground, and on-ground pools. We have customizable options to fit your specific family, lifestyle, and space.

For all the parents that love to soak in the sun while the kids swim, grab a bag of pool toys. This can help sharpen the kids’ swimming skills and the bright colors are easy to spot. Time them to see who can get the most items in under a minute. Your competitive kids will love this!

Carve out enough time for yourself for rest. When you order your grab bag of pool toys, throw in a lounger float for you and your spouse. After all, this is a staycation; that means there is no time for laundry or work — just floating.

In between pool jumps, have a few games available. Some popular ones among kids are Jenga Giant, corn hole, or hula hoop tic-tac-toe. Divide everyone into teams and enjoy the laughter and excitement to come.

Idea Two – The Home Court

The older kids may need some extra action. The Home Court is a perfect way to create memorable games and friendly competition for the sports lover. Invite some friends into your staycation plans and play twenty-one, shoot-out, or keep the action moving with a three-on-three tournament. Set out the water and Gatorade coolers for your family and friends — that summer heat can be brutal.

Idea Three – The Pampering

After that three-on-three tournament, you’ll need a place to soak those tired muscles, because let’s face it, you’re not 18 anymore. The hot tubs from Orange County Pools & Spas are perfect for relaxing post-game, like this one from the CityLine Collection by Wellis®. What better way to spend a staycation than pampering yourself with a hot tub from Orange County Pool & Spas? 

Idea Four – The Food

With a little thought and planning, all your staycation meals can be simple. Prep meat and hot dogs and leave it in the fridge so it’s ready to throw on the grill. Sandwiches, chips, and snack bars make the perfect picnic lunch. Have your cooler filled with ice and some cans of your favorite carbonated or electrolyte beverages. Charcuterie boards including fruit can be prepared ahead of time and covered until they are served. They are surprisingly satisfying on hot days. Prepare s’mores for the evening campfire.

Idea Five – The Ambience

Adding string lights around the patio or campfire sets the stage for the most serene ending to the perfect day. Put out some lemongrass-scented candles to keep the mosquitoes at bay and soak in the wonderful citrus, summery scent.

These five ideas for the best staycation are just the beginning. The time spent with family, friends, or invested in self care is the most important at the end of the day. Do what you love and please reach out to us at Orange County Pools & Spas if we can help with your ideas for the best family staycation.