15 Staycation Ideas for Families in 2025 – Fun, Affordable & Easy at Home Activities

In 2025, with rising travel costs and a growing focus on quality time, staycations have become a smart and rewarding option for families. From backyard adventures to DIY science labs, there are endless ways to relax and have fun without leaving town.

Whether you're in London, Leeds, New York, or Nebraska, these staycation ideas are designed to be affordable, accessible, and age-friendly—perfect for school holidays, long weekends, or even a spontaneous summer break.

What Is a Staycation?

A staycation is a holiday spent at home or nearby, focused on enjoyment without major travel. It’s ideal for:

• Families on a budget

• Parents working remotely

• Families with young kids or pets

• Avoiding crowded tourist spots or passport hassles

According to a 2024 report by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents), 28% of UK families chose staycations over traditional holidays, a figure expected to rise in 2025 due to the cost-of-living crisis and climate concerns.

Quick Benefits of Family Staycations in 2025

15 Fun & Affordable Staycation Ideas for Families in 2025

1. Backyard Camping Adventure

Set up a tent in your garden or balcony with:

• Sleeping bags, torches, and a campfire playlist

• Roast marshmallows or make s’mores on a BBQ

• Use apps like Star Walk 2 to stargaze

Extra Tip: Use a solar-powered lantern to teach kids about clean energy.

2. Family Movie Night Festival

• Theme nights: Marvel Monday, Fairy-Tale Friday, or '90s Throwback

• Use a projector or Smart TV for a cinema feel

• Offer popcorn in DIY cones and homemade tickets

Pro Tip: Include an intermission with trivia or snacks made by the kids.

3. At-Home Spa Day

Create a relaxing zone using:

• Essential oils (lavender or eucalyptus)

• Warm towels and relaxing playlists

• Use oatmeal and honey for natural facials

For Boys: Add foot baths, face masks, and hand massages—fun for all genders!

4. DIY Water Park Day

• Use a plastic slide, inflatable pool, and sprinkler setup

• Play “water limbo” or water balloon dodgeball

• Set up a shady rest area with juice boxes

UK Weather Tip: Set a backup date or use a nearby leisure centre with a splash zone.

5. Local Treasure Hunt

• Use free apps like Actionbound or create clues using Google Maps. You can even plan your hunt around waterways or historical areas, inspired by scenic ideas from our Canal Boat Holidays UK 2025 guide

• Tie clues to family trivia or local landmarks

• Offer small rewards (stickers, toys, treats)

Educational Angle: Include fun facts about your town’s history or nature.

6. Cook the World Week

• Introduce global cultures through food and décor—perhaps try a day themed around India using ideas from our Top Things to Do in India on a Budget (2025 Guide)

• Use flags, music, and trivia to enhance immersion

• Let kids help chop veggies or stir (under supervision)

Budget Tip: Use pantry staples and frozen ingredients to cut costs.

7. Garden Picnic & Outdoor Games

• Use waterproof blankets, homemade lemonade, and portable speakers

• Play old-school games: tag, duck-duck-goose, or Simon Says

Add-ons: Try badminton, ring toss, or mini golf with household items.

8. Home Science Lab Day

• Activities: DIY lava lamps, crystal growing kits, invisible ink

• Use household items like vinegar, baking soda, food colouring

Bonus Tip: Print lab coats on paper and give them "scientist" name badges.

9. Board Game Tournament

• Rotate between fast-paced (Uno), strategic (Catan), or trivia games

• Create a scoreboard for tournament points

Budget: Free if you already own the games, or borrow from friends.

10. DIY Art & Craft Camp

• Theme Days: Recycled Art Monday, Paint & Sip (juice) Tuesday, Collage Friday

• Use Pinterest for inspiration

Add-on: Exhibit all artwork at the end in a “Family Gallery.”

11. Mini Olympics in the Garden

• Opening ceremony with flags and music

• Events: obstacle course, 3-legged race, balloon pop

Pro Tip: Create medals using foil and ribbon or use printable certificates.

12. Family Book Club

• Pick short books by age group (e.g., Roald Dahl, Jeff Kinney)

• Have daily reading sessions and a “discussion circle”

Add-on: Let kids draw their favorite scene or act it out as a play.

13. DIY Escape Room at Home

• Use free printables online or build your own with puzzles and riddles

• Lock a “treasure” in a toolbox or kitchen drawer

Time Challenge: Add a countdown clock on your phone or smart speaker.

14. Local Museum or Zoo Visit

• Use sites like Kids Pass UK for entry deals

• In the U.S., check Museums for All for discounted access

• Call ahead for sensory-friendly hours or free exhibits

Add-on: Make a scavenger list of animals, objects, or fun facts to find.

15. Memory Lane Day

• Digitize old home videos and play them together

• Create a “This Is Your Life” slide show

• Interview each other and record family stories

Project Idea: Make a time capsule with letters and mementos from 2025.

Staycation Planning Checklist

Additional Tips to Maximize Your Staycation

• Use a whiteboard to display daily schedules and countdowns.

• Alternate indoors/outdoors to adjust for weather.

• Include downtime like quiet reading or screen-free naps.

• Plan meals ahead to avoid cooking stress.

2025 Trends Supporting the Rise of Staycations

Conclusion

With these 15 fun and affordable staycation ideas, you don’t need a passport to create unforgettable family moments. From your own backyard to your kitchen and living room, the magic of a holiday is in the memories—not the miles.

So whether you’re roasting marshmallows at home or running a mini Olympics in the garden, 2025 is the perfect year to rediscover the joy of staying in.

FAQ – Staycation Ideas for Families

Q: What ages are these ideas best for?
They suit all ages! Backyard camping and water play suit under 10s, while spa days and escape rooms work great for teens.

Q: Can we mix staycation with a day trip?
Yes! Even 1–2 outings like a zoo visit or nature hike can add excitement.

Q: How to keep kids off screens during a staycation?
Make activities tactile, engaging, and themed. Use visual charts and offer rewards for completing non-screen tasks.