Even though travel is resuming and people are feeling more secure, some out there may be reluctant to travel far for their summer fun. If you prefer to stay near home this summer, you do not need to give up on your sense of adventure!
There are still plenty of things to do in and near your home that you can check out, and adventures that you can have.
Check out our ideas to spark your sense of adventure, no matter what town you live in.
Head to a Nearby Water Park
Even if you do not want to travel far to get some water fun, take a look at the water parks in your area. You should be able to find something that you can take the entire family to. If you are comfortable, you can stay overnight, but many places also offer day passes. You can drive there and just stay for the day before making your way back home.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Nothing inspires a sense of adventure quite as much as a scavenger hunt. You can look for those around town to participate in, or create your own for your kids to enjoy. There are many different ways that you can set this up. It can also give you an excuse to explore nearby locations, and rediscover your own town with your family.
Explore the Town
Either as part of a scavenger hunt or separately, you can explore your own town. When we live somewhere for a while, we often forget about the different attractions that are near us. Use this staycation as an opportunity to rediscover what your town has to offer. There may be some hidden gems that you find along the way!
Have a Bike Ride Adventure
Many places have a variety of bike trails to choose from, so you should be able to find a fun one near you. Pack a picnic and go for a day of riding with your family. Not only will you all get some exercise and fresh air, but also a chance to get out in nature. You never know what you may find along these trails.
Visit a Beer Garden
Pop-up beer gardens are becoming popular, and are a great opportunity to get out and about near home. These events often include delicious food and fun entertainment as well. If you have never been to a beer garden before, this is a great time to check one out. You will also get to be outside in the great summer weather.
Go to an Outdoor Movie
There is nothing like watching a movie outside. Even if you are not traveling this year, many places offer outdoor movies during the summer. This experience can be wonderful for a date night or a family movie night. It is a great opportunity for an adventure, and the kids are sure to love it. Pick a warm evening and don't forget the bug spray!
Go for a Drive & See Where It Goes
It is so rare that people head out for a drive anymore. If you can handle the unknown, hop in the car and see where the road takes you. The sense of adventure of not knowing where you'll end up can be a lot of fun. Maybe you will discover something new! Make sure to bring along your favorite tunes for a sing-along.
Visit Family Nearby
If you have relatives who live within driving distance, this can be a great time of year to visit. Seek out the ones that you do not see very often, and make a point to go and visit them. It will be a great way to reconnect. You can also take the kids to go visit their grandparents and stay for a sleepover.
Take an Adventure Hike
Going for a hike in the woods is a fun adventure. There are probably local parks that you can check out. Try to find one that you have not visited before. You can incorporate a scavenger hunt into this as well, or bring along some binoculars to look for wildlife. Make sure to pack a lunch so you can truly make this an adventure.
Camp at a Nearby Campground
If you are looking to get away from it all, but not travel far, check out campgrounds near you. Camping is a fantastic opportunity to get away and have some quality time with your family. You do not need to travel far to get the most out of this experience. If you do not want to head to a campground, you could also set up a tent in your backyard and sleep out under the stars.
Stay Overnight at a Local Hotel
When you travel to a new location, part of the fun is staying in a hotel, but you can also do this in your own area. You can make it a fun weekend just ordering room service and swimming in the hotel pool. Some places have outdoor pools for you to check out as well. You can still get a vacation experience without having to go far, and you can check out local attractions around the hotel.
Try a New Restaurant
Another great thing about traveling can be the food. When we're on vacation, trying new foods is one of the best parts. You can recreate this by trying a completely new restaurant. Find something different than you are used to and make a date night out of it. This is a great opportunity to get adventurous with your food.
Head to a Big City
Just because you are not traveling far doesn't mean that you can't go to a nearby city. Choose a city within driving distance that you don't often get to, and spend some time there. You can pick out some activities to do ahead of time, and really enjoy the time you have there. It may not be a city across the country, but you can still try the fun things that it offers.
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
If you do not live far from your hometown, this is a fun way to take a trip down memory lane. Head to your hometown and visit the old places that you used to frequent when you lived there. You could eat at your old favorite hangout, drive past your old high school, and visit the park you used to play in. There are many options and you'll have fun remembering different things you used to do.
Check Out Local Festivals
No matter where you live, there are tons of events going on in the summer. From Renaissance Faires to state and county fairs to local festivals, look for something new to try that's not too far way. Many of them have special themes or musical guests that you can enjoy without having to go far from home.
