When we talk about vacations, we envision tropical destinations or bustling streets in far-flung cities or resort towns. But sometimes, for one reason or another, heading off for a bakasyon grande with the whole family just isn’t an option.
This doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun staycation at home! If the kids are already bored or have been begging you to go out, try doing some of the activities listed below over one weekend. Just don’t squeeze in too many activities one day so everyone gets to enjoy each one to the fullest (cleanup won’t be as time-consuming, also!).
1. Have a pool party
No swimming pool? No problem! Bring out the inflatable pool or even a batya, fill it up with water, and let your kids splash around in their cute swimwear and floaties.
Give them beach balls, water guns, or even good ol’ spray bottles, if you have them, for extra fun. Don’t forget to apply sunblock before playing, and serve them snacks and All Natural Seasons™ Pineapple Banana Juice by DOLE® to achieve that complete pool party vibe.
2. Hold your own film festival
The good thing about this is you can curate your very own lineup of movies. Either stick to the classics and your children’s favorites or take this opportunity to expose them to new or unfamiliar children’s movies that they can enjoy, too.
And as with most film festivals, stick to a theme. Family, friendship, animated flicks from all over the world—the possibilities are endless. Serve free-flowing drinks that are made of natural ingredients with no added sugar, along with lightly salted popcorn!
3. Play board games
Introduce your kids to old-school board games you used to play when you were younger. It will be a nice change from playing with their tablets or game consoles all day.
Dust off your Scrabble, Monopoly, Snakes, and Ladders, or chess boards and let your kids flex their mental muscles as they enjoy a lighthearted banter.
4. Go camping—in the living room
Spend a night “camping” in the living room, complete with tents, sleeping bags, and s’mores. Enhance the mood by playing on loop campfire sounds, which you can easily find online.
Huddle around the “fire” (read: a lamp, flashlight, or candle) and take turns telling spooky stories or fairy tales. Just make sure the kids wouldn’t be too frightened to sleep afterward.
5. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal by ‘chefs’ mom and dad
One of the best aspects of any vacation is eating mouthwatering food. For this staycation, mom and dad can treat their kids by turning their kitchen and dining room into a mini restaurant. Mom can cook the food, while dad serves them (or vice versa!). Set the table and prepare a menu!
Serve meals that remind kids of their favorite family trips: sipping fruit shakes or smoothies while eating grilled seafood by the beach, digging in fish and chips, or barbecue while drinking freshly squeezed fruit juices at a local restaurant, and more. Then, serve a refreshing treat for dessert, like popsicles or sherbet.
Keep food portions in mind and use only nutrient-packed ingredients like grains, lean meat, fruits, and vegetables to ensure kids get all the vitamins and minerals their bodies need. A well-balanced diet and regular physical activity are essential to helping kids grow and function well. Make sure to fill their glasses with either water or fresh fruit juice.
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To help you make quick juices and other fruit-based drinks and desserts, All Natural Seasons™, a product of DOLE®, offers a variety of blended fruit juices in Pineapple Banana, Pineapple Orange, Pineapple Coconut, and Pineapple Mango flavors.![]()
It’s easy to do at home activities your family loves during your usual vacation trips. What matters is that the whole family is healthy and happy together. Remember to unplug and disconnect from all distractions for some quality family bonding time.
All Natural Seasons™ juices are available in a supermarket near you. Find out more about the brand by following All Natural Seasons™ on Facebook.
