Summer Staycation in the City

Only a few short weeks left of school—can you believe it? Where did the school year go?  It seems like just yesterday we were buying new back packs and heading off to start the year.   

The planning has begun for most families.  Will you take a trip, visit Grandma, explore a new land?   Been there.  Done that.  This year, we are going to steer clear of the hustle bustle and fuss.  This year, we are taking it easy.  We are staying home. 

We will be tourists in our own backyard.  We will visit exotic lands from the comfort of our living rooms.  We will sample international cuisine.   We are having a staycation.

A staycation can be just as much fun as a regular vacation. Often it can be more rewarding than a vacation simply because there is no travel stress and it costs less money. You can take the time to relax and spend some quality time together.  Don't forget to send the postcards.

Make a Bucket List

Sit down with your family at the start of the summer and make a bucket list of things that you really want to do.  Put all of your ideas into a jar, on clothes pins or find another  creative system.  Choose one item to do  each week throughout the summer. 

Get Out 

Outside, that is. There are so many parks and green spaces around this city.   It is fun to spend a day hiking, swimming and picnicking.  Choose a place from this list of Ottawa parks and make a day of it. List of Ottawa parks.  

Stay In 

A rainy day during your staycation is a terrific opportunity to visit a local museum or two. Art museums, science museums and natural history museums can be great fun and interesting.  There are so many too choose from, you may have to dedicate more than one day to this activity.  Ottawa museums and galleries.  

Camp Out

Pitch a tent or two in the backyard, bring out the sleeping bags, and dream under the stars. If you have a firepit, use it for the hotdogs, marshmallows and s’mores, and gather around to share spooky stories

Get Active 

Take advantage of the local swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course or skating rink. Go for a bike ride, a walk, or try a new sport. Dust off the old baseball mitts, soccer balls and Frisbees and have fun. 

Get Festive 

Summertime is ripe with festivals in one form or another in Ottawa.  Take your pick. 

Party On

Hold a mini fête by setting up a table with cold drinks, piles of finger foods and home-baked treats and let the retro games begin. Try your hand at Pin the Tail on the Donkey, hula hooping, croquet, badminton and designate an ‘official’ photographer to take snaps.

Visit one of Ottawa’s  New Food Trucks

There has been a lot in the new about these amazing new food trucks.  From crepes to seafood there is something for everyone.  List of Ottawa food trucks. 

Learn Something New 

Have you always wanted to learn how to throw pottery or paint with watercolors? How about cook Mexican food or weave a basket? Look to community centres or day camps to get the real deal.  Don’t feel like making that much effort?  YouTube it and figure it out together.  You’ll be amazed at what you come up with.

Splurge 

With all of the money you are saving on the Staycation, you can afford a little indulgence.   Is there a fancy restaurant you've wanted to try? Have you wondered what it would be like to hire a personal chef for a delicious meal at home A staycation is a wonderful opportunity to splurge on something you wouldn't normally spend the money on, without feeling guilty.  

Beach in the Backyard

Create an urban beach - All you need are two kiddie pools. Fill one with a couple of sacks of natural sand (Home Depot or Rona) and the other with water. Add deck chairs, serve fish and chips and crank up the beach tunes.