Imagining the warm summer nights of my kids chasing fireflies, the gentle breeze rustling the trees, and feeling like I get to exhale the weight of a long New England winter, it makes me really want to capitalize on the summer ahead.
Yet, the idea of planning elaborate vacations can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling the responsibilities of our farm, homeschooling, etc..
Maybe you feel the same way.
With summer around the corner, it’s important to find great and engaging activities to keep the family connected, and even learning, without screens all the time. And there are so many ways to make it memorable beyond a fancy and expensive vacation. In our journey of intentional parenting, we’ve discovered that some of the most memorable experiences don’t require a plane ticket or a packed itinerary. Instead, they stem from spontaneous backyard explorations, impromptu museum visits, and the simple joy of learning together as a family.
But what if the adventure you’re seeking is right outside your doorstep?
Related: Your Family’s Most Meaningful Summer Starts with a Book
🧳 10 Vacation-at-Home Learning Adventures for the Whole Family
Unplugged, memorable, and meaningful — no suitcase required.
And the best part? Even if teens shrug their shoulders or rolls their eyes, these are some great activities that they can be involved in or lead the effort to plan or help with younger siblings!
1. 🌿 Backyard Scientist: Curiosity Hunt
Transform your backyard into a living laboratory. Encourage your children to observe, question, and document the wonders of nature they encounter daily.
One summer when we lived in Boston, I helped teach my oldest about plants all around us that were medicinal so I would create small scavenger hunts to see if she could correctly identify a plant. This was 5 years ago and she still talks about it!
2. 🏛️ Museum Walks & Memory Talks
Visit a local museum and challenge each family member to share their favorite exhibit or newfound knowledge over dinner.
Even our tiny rural town has a small museum. There are lots of them all over the country, and sometimes the tinier and more obscure, the better.
3. 🔬 Backyard Engineering Challenge
Use everyday materials to design and build structures, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
When it comes to teens and older kids, a good engineering challenge is the perfect activity. I know most people are familiar with the egg drop.
🛠️ 5 Engineering Challenges for Tweens & Teens
- Earthquake-Proof Tower:
Build the tallest tower possible that can withstand a simulated earthquake (shaking a cookie sheet or foam board for 10 seconds). - DIY Hydraulic Arm:
Design a working arm or claw using cardboard, syringes, tubing, and water to demonstrate basic hydraulics. - Mini Zip-line
Design a zip line carrier that can transport an egg safely from Point A to B along a string (across a room or yard). - Wind-powered Vehicle Race
Build a land vehicle that moves using only wind power (like a fan or hairdryer). - Bridge over the Kitchen Table
Construct a bridge that spans at least 18 inches and holds the most weight.
4. 🗺️ International Day at Home
Choose a country to explore through cuisine, music, and cultural traditions, bringing global awareness to your living room.
Recently we did an Indian international night and also bought some henna, which made the experience so much fun for my oldest. We also have had park days with friends where we choose a country and have a “pot luck” of the international meal!
5. 🎬 Family Film Festival + Compare the Book
Watch a movie adaptation of a book you’ve read together, then discuss the similarities and differences.
If you want to make full engagement of books (audiobook, especially) and have project-based learning, check out all of my novel studies. Almost all of them include a STEM lab!
6. 🧭 Neighborhood Quest: DIY Walking Tour
Create a personalized walking tour highlighting historical landmarks, unique architecture, or natural features in your neighborhood.
7. 🧭 The Local Legends Tour
Research and visit sites associated with local legends or historical figures, delving into your community’s rich tapestry.
8. 🎨 Public Art & Hidden Beauty Hunt
Embark on a scavenger hunt to discover murals, sculptures, and other artistic expressions in your area.
9. 🍓 Farmer’s Market Challenge
Visit a local farmer’s market, select unfamiliar produce, and collaborate on preparing a meal, integrating lessons on nutrition and economics.
This is also simply a great way to teach some civic engagement and supporting your local farmer. As someone who raises our own animals and veggies while selling to locals, the small business support is huge!
10. 🧩 Cemetery, Courthouse, or Landmark Walk
Explore local historical sites, encouraging discussions about your town’s heritage and evolution.
📝 Reflecting on the Journey
Each of these activities is more than just a pastime; they’re opportunities to instill a love for learning, nurture curiosity, and deepen familial connections.
As you embark on these adventures, consider maintaining a family journal or scrapbook to capture reflections, drawings, and photographs. These tangible memories serve as a testament to the growth and joy experienced together. (Or if you homeschool and have to keep a portfolio like we do, it serves that purpose too!)
Remember, the essence of intentional parenting lies not in grand gestures but in the mindful moments we create daily. By turning our focus inward and appreciating the richness of our immediate surroundings, we open the door to endless possibilities for learning and connection.
Click the Staycation picture to grab this as a printable!
Get it so you can print it out, plus it will have skills covered in case you’re trying to bridge a learning gap while they’re on summer vacation or keep a homeschool record.
Kara is an author and advocate for positive, grace-filled parenting. She is homeschooler to her 6 children living on a farm in New England. She believes in creative educational approaches to help kids dive deeper into a rich learning experience and has her degree in Secondary Education & Adolescent Childhood Development. She is passionate about connecting with and helping other parents on their journey to raise awesome kids!
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