Traditional Family Vacation Ideas for the Modern Family
Remember the memories you made as a child during family vacations? It didn’t necessarily have to be while traveling, either. Memories could have been made playing in the backyard or at local city parks or visiting nearby relatives during school breaks. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is starting to decline, it’s a perfect time to revisit some of those traditional family vacation ideas that made your childhood so memorable.
Traveling Ideas
There are many pandemic-safe places you can travel to where social distancing is possible. Choosing outdoor destinations is the safest, but be sure you pack accordingly. Remember to bring comfortable sneakers, a first aid kit, child-safe bug spray, and portable, healthy snacks.
Go CampingĀ
Getting out in nature has numerous benefits, including lowering the risk of depression and increasing physical activity. Weekend camping trips are an excellent way to get outside as a family. Check out Kampgrounds of America (KOA) locations throughout most states for camping location ideas. During your trip, you can relax around the campfire, fish, hike, and swim.
Explore a State Park
State and national parks offer an excellent way to get outside and experience new places. For example, Channahon State Park in Channahon, IL provides ample hiking, fishing, and canoeing opportunities. Another option is Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais, IL, which has an archery range, canoeing, camping, and boating. A favorite part of Kankakee River State Park is the river for which the park was named, which is listed on the Federal Clean Streams Register.
Ideas for Staying Home
You can have plenty of fun at home if you don’t want to travel. One perk of staying at home is enjoying the chance to wear comfortable clothing when chasing young children around. For example, leggings and a loose-fitting shirt allow for comfort and free movement. You can wear leggings and a comfortable dress to look a little chicer. Comfortable sneakers or soft socks are always a must.
Family Game Night
Buy a few board games and let the fun commence. These allow for fun not just during school breaks but all year long. Examples of classic games your family may enjoy include Monopoly, Sorry, and The Game of Life. Other exciting ideas include Jenga, Yahtzee, and Uno. Choose games that are appropriate for every age in your family so nobody feels excluded or frustrated.
Have a Cookout
Get the extended family together for an old-fashioned cookout during school breaks this year. Consider investing in a few entertaining outdoor activities for the kids and adults. Excellent examples include a trampoline, swing set, climbing gym, and badminton net. Cook meat or veggies on the grill and ask each extended family member to bring a side or dessert. Barbecued ribs, grilled chicken, hamburgers, or veggie burgers are always cookout hits. Consider letting the children have a sleepover when the cookout is finished to enjoy extra time with their cousins or friends.
Traditional Family Vacation Ideas Are Sometimes the Best
Traditional family vacation ideas are sometimes the best, especially since they allow you to share a piece of your childhood with your kids.