Plan fun activities for a home vacation with these creative kids staycation ideas.
The last thing you want to hear from your kids this summer is, “I’m bored!” If summer camp is not possible this year, plan a fun-filled home vacation or staycation this summer, and give the kids something to talk about when the teacher asks what they did over summer break!
Royal ball! Have the entire family dress up in their fanciest apparel, from suits and evening gowns to glittery princess costumes and clip-on ties. Invite some friends and relatives to join you at the castle for a royal ball. Dance the day away to a mix of Disney soundtracks and other songs, serve hors dourves and take lots of pictures!
Go to the fair! Plan a day or two at a local fair, riding rides, getting cotton candy and winning prizes. The summer is packed with fun fairs and festivals, including the Altamont Fair, Saratoga County Fair, Washington County Fair, Schaghticoke Fair and others. Get more details on local fairs near Albany
Root for the home team! The Tri-City ValleyCats game are a great way to inspire the American spirit and love of baseball in your little ones. They play home games at their stadium in Troy, NY, and tickets are surprisingly affordable. Learn more about catching a ValleyCats baseball game.
Hit the beach! Young and old, children love spending time at the beach. Take a day trip to Grafton Lake, Saratoga Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake or Lake George beaches, and let the kids enjoy some fun in the sun. Can’t do the beach? Check out the public pools in Albany.
Free concert! Top off a day trip to Lake George with a free concert or magic show in Shepard Park on the lake. Encourage the kids to sing along and clap their hands. There are kid-friendly concerts and entertainment every week. More info on Shepard Park concerts.
Fore! Depending on your children’s ages and tastes, go golfing, mini-golfing or head to the driving range for a day on the greens. Afterwards, get some fish fries, burgers or ice cream and discuss golfing skills.
Butterflies! Spend the afternoon learning and observing at the Pine Bush Discovery Center in Albany. You'll have fun discovering everything from butterflies to dragonflies to trees and shrubs to snakes and more. The kids will be amazed, and it's really affordable (just $5 per family).
Hiking! Spend the day hiking on local trails in the Capital Region. Thacher Park in Voorheesville and Peebles Island in Waterford are our top choices for scenic trails, perfect for families and beginners.
Theme parks! The closest parks to Albany are Zoom Flume Water Park and Six Flags Great Escape (both about an hour away). You can also head north for Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge NY. All parks are well worth the drive, and make a staycation seem a little more like a vacation.
Water war! Plan a day of water balloon and squirt gun fights in the backyard. Split off into teams, and whoever is the driest at the end of the war gets to pick where you will go for dinner.
Cookie party! Turn the kitchen into a bakery for a day, and craft cookies of every kind, following favorite recipes of the family or experimenting with brand new recipes. Break out the frosting and sprinkles and let the kids have fun. Afterwards, enjoy the various cookies for a sweet treat, and bring the extras around to share with the neighbors. Have a cookie recipe to share?
House swap! Talk to friends and relatives about swapping houses for the week (or house sitting if they will be going away). Pack your bags and head across town to enjoy a staycation at your “vacation home.”
Go to the park! Kids love throwing a football around, playing catch, tossing a Frisbee, rollerblading, playing tennis and exploring the park playgrounds. Head to the park for a day of fun during your home vacation this summer. Browse a list of Albany parks here.
Local events! Check the community calendar for upcoming events in the Capital Region. Many are free or near free, and there is always something going on that’s fun for kids.
Enjoy these fun staycation ideas with your kids this summer, and have a home vacation in Albany NY that brings the whole family together! Remember to take lots of photos to remember your staycation and share with others.
Sign up for our e-newsletter for the latest events, tips and more!
