1. Be a tourist.
Try something different, and explore a new part of your city. One of the best parts of a vacation is getting to discover somewhere you've never been before, so get out there and explore! People watch on the crowded streets of downtown, try a restaurant you've never been to before, or shop at a boutique you would normally overlook. Take pictures of everything that captivates you, and be sure to take lots of selfies! Being a tourist is all about exploring the unknown, so get out there and be the best tourist you can be in that place you call home.
2. Camp out in the backyard.
Who doesn't love camping? Gather up some friends, and spend a night curled up in the backyard, underneath the stars, roasting marshmallows, and telling scary stories by the fire. No need to trek out into the middle of the woods when you can have a perfect campout in the comfort of your own backyard! Maybe you'll even see a shooting star or two.
3. Visit the county fair.
What better way to spend a summer night than at the fair? You are surrounded by carnival rides, games, and let's not forget about that heavenly fair food! Spending a few bucks to win one of those giant stuffed animals is always fun and worth it! Eat as much as you can, ride as many rides as humanly possible, and waste the night away running around the fair with your friends.
4. Have a DIY spa night.
Why should you spend hundreds of dollars on a weekend at some overpriced spa when you can create the perfect oasis at home? Ladies, gather up your girlfriends and set up the perfect spa night. Light a few candles, put on a fluffy robe, create some DIY face masks, take turns painting each other's nails, and just relax! It's the perfect way to spend a perfect summer night.
5. Take a trip to the local farmers market.
Wandering around, looking at everything local venders have to sell, and tasting the free samples is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy a part of your town without spending the big bucks.
6. Go see a concert.
Summer nights, when the days get longer and the nights get even warmer are a perfect time to go see a concert! From your favorite touring band to a local artist singing at a coffee shop, summer is the best time to spend a night listening to some great music. A lot of upcoming artists give free or cheap concerts during summer to try and get their music known so head to Google, look up local concerts, and make your way out there! Even if it isn't your favorite genre of music, it still gives you a break from reality and could even be a great date night too!
7. Cool down.
Those long summer days can be awfully hot so why not cool down? Call up some friends and lay by the pool, spend a day at the beach, or hangout down by the lake. If none of the above are available to you, then be creative! Build a huge slip 'n slide in the backyard, or have a water balloon fight. With these ideas, you'll stay cool all summer long and have a blast doing them.
8. Have a picnic.
Call some friends, pack a lunch, bring a blanket, some board games, and anything else you can think of, and head out somewhere to have an old fashioned picnic! Having a picnic is a fun and easy way to relax and enjoy your day.
9. Watch the sunset.
After a long day nothing is more relaxing than watching the sun go down. Take a trip to the beach, the lake, a lookout point, or even just your own backyard. Watch as the sky turns into a beautiful scenery of different colors as the sun sinks down to the horizon. What a great way to end a summers day.
10. Most importantly, unplug.
While on vacation it is important to put away all those electronics so you can enjoy the time you're supposed to be relaxing. The same goes for a staycation. Turn off the laptop, put away the iPad, and silence your cellphone. Enjoy whatever adventure you've chosen and have a wonderful, relaxed staycation.
