Memorial Day is usually the time we start gearing up for summer vacations and mentally checking out for a few weeks. But maybe this year you won’t be doing much traveling and are thinking about things you can do from home.
If your summer vacation is more like a summer staycation, it’s important to still take a mental and physical break to prevent burnout.
In this article, we’re sharing our top 5 summer staycation ideas. Learn how to make home life feel like a vacation with fun activities and instant-drying Dorai products (like our Over the Sink Dish Pad)!
Let’s be honest, sometimes a popsicle on the back deck and an eco-chic home without added toxins is everything we need to feel relaxed.
What to Do on a Staycation: 5 Summer Staycation Ideas
1. Create a Backyard Cabana
It may not be Tahiti, but just the act of creating a dedicated lounging space outside gives you much more of a reason to transport your mind during your staycation at home. Lay pool towels in between two chairs, and drape a sheet over your makeshift fort to block out direct sunlight to make it cooler and easier to read.
If you have outdoor cushions, another one of our favorite ideas for staycationing at home is to place them on top of your towels. Otherwise, a sleeping pad or this budget-friendly floaty will do the trick.
Lay another towel and head pillow on top of your padding. You can also pack a cooler with your favorite snack and drinks to be placed under a chair.
Finally, ensure you have enough things to do on a staycation by keeping a nice stack of books around and leaving your phone inside the house. Reading a book instead of scrolling your phone will give yourself that much-needed mental break you’ve no doubt been craving.
2. Schedule a Home Spa Day
Put ‘spa session’ on your calendar right now. Another one of our favorite summer activities at home is to treat yourself as though you’re going to a fancy day spa and wouldn't dare cancel.
Set the mood for your staycations by infusing your air with relaxing scents from a diffuser. Many conventional candles often have added fragrances or chemicals, so avoid those when possible.
Stock up on your favorite non-toxic face scrub, mask, and moisturizer. Having them handy to show your skin some much-needed love is a definite must for summer staycations.
If you’re looking to expand on this summer staycation idea consider picking up this home massage kit and bribe your partner! Draw a hot bath and add Epsom salt and essential oils to help you relax. I always bring a book and place it on my Dorai Bath Stone with a full Hydroflask to stay entertained and hydrated while soaking.
3. Camping Adventure in the Backyard
Pitch a tent on the lawn (no judgment if you bail at 10 pm for your bed indoors, you can still have fun in the lead up). If you don’t own one already, it may be a good idea to invest in a portable firepit for organic smores (remember to get the good chocolate!) and small backyard gatherings.
Keep the bugs away without adding unwanted toxins with eucalyptus and lemon essential oils. A study showed that a mixture of 32% lemon eucalyptus oil provided more than 95 percent protection against mosquitoes for three hours.
For fun things to do in the summer at home, we also LOVE yard games. As far as staycation ideas are concerned, they will give a perfect excuse to invite over friends and family. In addition to the trusty corn hole set, we enjoy Kan Jam for the ease of assembly.
4. Go to the Home Theater
Early in our relationship, Jason enlightened me about the art of the ‘flort’ when watching a movie in our house. With that in mind, try another one of our favorite fun summer activities at home: building your own ‘flort’.
You basically take all the cushions and pillows from your couch and put them on the floor. Next, cover your pile with a large blanket to create a massive floor cushion (aka flort).
Use pillows from the bed to prop your head up to create the perfect geometric angle for relaxation and entertainment. Bonus, you can now stream movies that would be premiering in theaters in the comfort of your living room.
As far as fun staycation ideas are concerned, no movie night would be complete without snacks. We love homemade popcorn, all the bubbly water varieties, and a pint of our favorite dairy-free ice cream.
A few years ago, we ventured into popsicle-land when Dream Pops caught our attention. To this day, this continues to be a frequent treat for us during our summer staycations.
5. Host a Backyard BBQ
Last but certainly not least is to host a backyard BBQ. It’s one of our favorite staycation ideas for families staying home this summer.
To get ready for your party, visit and shop at a nearby farmer’s market. It’s the best place to go to ensure your refrigerator is stocked with top-notch herbs and produce.
When it comes time to prepare those delicious grilled dishes, keep your kitchen counter dry and mess-free with a Dorai Dish Pad. It’s perfect for handling all your prep work without worrying about spills or stains.
Whether you’re flipping burgers or chilling with a cold beverage, this summer staycation idea brings together your loved ones for some memorable festivities. After all, who doesn’t love the pleasures of good food and great company right in your backyard?
How to Plan a Staycation
Regardless of how you like to spend your time, just ensure you carve out a few days away from your inbox. Take a break from productivity to help yourself recharge. It’s necessary if you want to get the most out of any of these relaxing summer vacation ideas!
In the meantime, consider exploring our range of products. From ideas for your bathroom to essentials for baby care, you can count on us to elevate your home with items designed for practicality and style.