Making the Most of a Spring Break Staycation: Fun Ideas to Enjoy at Home and in Your Hometown
Spring break is just around the corner, and while many people are planning trips to tropical beaches or exciting new cities, sometimes the best getaway is right in your own backyard.
A staycation—where you enjoy the comforts of home while exploring your hometown—can be just as refreshing, fun, and relaxing as any trip abroad. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and gives you the chance to rediscover the places and activities you may have overlooked in your own community.
So, let’s make the most of your spring break staycation this year! From home-based activities to local adventures, I’ve rounded up some fun ideas that will help you unwind, explore, and have an amazing time—without ever leaving town.
1. Pamper Yourself with a Spa Day at Home
Who says you need to book an appointment at a fancy spa to relax and unwind? Turn your bathroom into a home spa with a few simple tricks! Here’s how:
DIY Face Masks: Use natural ingredients like honey, avocado, or oatmeal to create your own hydrating or soothing face masks.
Bubble Bath & Candles: Fill up the tub, light a few scented candles, and let yourself soak. You can even add bath salts for that luxurious spa experience.
DIY Mani-Pedi: Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. Add some fun with bright spring colors or cute designs!
Essential Oils & Relaxing Playlist: Diffuse some calming essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, and play some soothing music to set the mood.
Not only will you feel rejuvenated, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve treated yourself to a day of self-care without spending a fortune.
2. Take a "Staycation" Road Trip to Explore Your Hometown
We are really lucky to live in Ottawa, the Capital City of Canada. In addition to amazing museums and galleries, we also have rivers and canals and all of the good stuff that comes with them.You might be surprised by how many things there are to do in your own city or town that you’ve never experienced—or have simply forgotten about. Whether you live in a bustling city or a small town, there’s bound to be something new or interesting to check out. Here are some ideas:
Tour Local Landmarks: Do you have historical sites, parks, or cool buildings that are often overlooked? Spend a day visiting and learning more about the history of your town.
Hidden Gems: Look up some of your city’s lesser-known spots. Maybe there's an underrated café, a quirky art gallery, or a small park you've never explored.
Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of landmarks, murals, or local attractions and challenge your family or friends to find them all. You can even make it a competitive game by setting a timer.
Outdoor Adventures: If you’re in an area with natural beauty, spend a day hiking, biking, pedal boating or exploring local nature reserves or trails.
Sometimes the best “vacation” is just seeing your hometown with fresh eyes.
3. Have a Themed Movie Marathon or Outdoor Movie Night
Let’s face it: we all have that pile of movies we’ve been meaning to watch but haven’t gotten around to. This spring break, dive into your movie collection and have a themed movie marathon. Here are a few fun ideas:
Throwback Movies: Watch your favourite nostalgic films from the '80s or '90s (think: “The Princess Bride,” “Back to the Future,” or “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”).
Spring Break Classics: Watch movies that are all about spring break adventures (like “Spring Breakers” or “The Sandlot”).
Outdoor Movie Night: If the weather is nice, set up a projector in your backyard and enjoy an outdoor movie night. Bring out cozy blankets, pillows, and some popcorn to create the perfect open-air theatre experience.
For an extra treat, make themed snacks and drinks based on the movies you're watching!
4. Try Out New Recipes & Have a Family Cook-Off
Spring break is the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, you can have some fun trying out new recipes. Why not challenge your family to a cook-off? Here are some ideas to get the culinary creativity flowing:
Baking Day: Try baking something new like cookies, a cake, or even homemade bread. You can also try decorating sugar cookies for a fun spring break activity!
International Cuisine: Pick a different country each day and cook a traditional dish from that place. Make tacos, sushi, or pasta as a family to introduce some global flavours into your staycation.
DIY Pizza Night: Buy pizza dough or make your own, and let everyone create their own pizza with their favourite toppings.
Cooking together is not only a great bonding activity, but you get to enjoy the delicious results!
5. Plan a Backyard Picnic or BBQ
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, and what better way to do that than with a backyard picnic or BBQ? Pack up a basket with your favorite snacks, grab a blanket, and head to your backyard for some fun in the sun. Here are a few ways to make it special:
Picnic Basket Essentials: Sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, and refreshing beverages are all perfect picnic fare. Don’t forget the lemonade or iced tea to keep everyone cool!
BBQ Party: If you’ve got a grill, fire it up for a family BBQ. Grill up burgers, hot dogs, and vegetables, and pair them with delicious sides like coleslaw or potato salad.
Outdoor Games: Pack a frisbee, soccer ball, or badminton set for some fun after you’ve eaten.
A picnic or BBQ is the ultimate way to soak up some sunshine, enjoy good food, and spend quality time together.
6. Take a Virtual Tour of Museums or Parks
Can’t get out of town? No problem! Many museums and parks offer virtual tours, which can be a great way to experience something new without leaving home. You can:
Tour Famous Museums: Explore places like The Louvre in Paris, The Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., or The British Museum in London—all from the comfort of your living room.
Explore National Parks: Take a digital trek through places like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon with 360-degree virtual tours that give you the feeling of being there without the travel hassle.
It’s a great way to “travel” and learn new things without leaving your house.
7. Get Crafty with DIY Projects
Spring break is a great time to tap into your creative side! Whether you’re doing arts and crafts alone or with the family, there’s something special about making something with your hands. Here are some DIY projects to try:
Create Your Own Vision Board: Use magazines, photos, and art supplies to make a vision board of your dreams and goals. It’s a fun way to visualize the future and make something beautiful.
Tie-Dye Fun: Grab some plain shirts, socks, or even tote bags, and create your own tie-dye masterpieces.
Spring Décor: Craft some spring-inspired décor, like floral wreaths, painted flower pots, or homemade candles to bring some fresh spring vibes to your home.
Crafting is a great way to unwind and make lasting memories with your family.
8. Explore Local Farmers' Markets or Flea Markets
If you’re looking to get out of the house but stay local, why not check out some of the farmers’ markets or flea markets in your area? You can:
Sample fresh produce, homemade jams, and local baked goods.
Pick up unique items like handmade jewelry, vintage clothes, or antique furniture.
Support local artisans and farmers.
A visit to a local market can feel like an adventure while giving you the opportunity to discover new foods, crafts, and hidden gems in your area.
Final Thoughts: A Staycation Full of Fun and Relaxation
Spring break doesn’t have to involve long flights or pricey hotels to be enjoyable. With a little creativity, your staycation can be packed with fun activities, local exploration, relaxation, and even a little pampering. Whether you're enjoying a homemade spa day, trying out new recipes, or rediscovering your hometown, the possibilities are endless.
So, grab your family, and your favourite snacks, and get ready to make this spring break one to remember—right at home! Have any staycation ideas of your own? Share them in the comments below!
