With the pandemic slowing down and more and more opportunities for travel opening up, you may be feeling the pull of travel. However, for some, they aren't quite ready to get on a plane or drive a long way from home, which is why these social distancing staycation ideas are perfect for allowing you to get out of your house for a few days, while still staying close to home and most importantly, staying safe from the pandemic.

  1. Go hiking. No matter where you live, there are beautiful hiking trails only a few hours away. This is a great way to pack up the family for a day or two, and spend some time in the great outdoors. You may even find that your hiking route has a waterfall or two, which can be a beautiful addition to a great outdoor adventure. Whether your family is full of beginners or expert hikers, it's a great way to get outside, get some fresh air, and stay safe with social distancing. Being outside makes you less likely to catch coronavirus, and if you add in a mask when others are near you on the trail, this is a safe activity!
  2. Book a rental by the beach! If you live near the coast, this can be a perfect staycation. Go be a tourist in your city by renting a house or condo along the beach, and spending time down by the water getting some vitamin sea. Breathing in that salty air and feeling the breeze on your face could be just what you need after a stressful year. Not to mention, packing is easier than ever when you are focused on packing your favorite swimsuits. You'll be outside, potentially on a private beach, allowing you plenty of space to social distance and time to relax and unwind. Just don't forget your sunscreen!
  3. Spend some time at your local waterpark. One of the great things about staycations is that you can plan it for the middle of the week to ensure that you have a place to yourself. Of course, if you choose to go to a waterpark, odds are there will be some other people there, but you will most likely be able to social distance from them easily. This can be a fun adventure for the kids and for yourself to enjoy the summer sun while still staying cool. Not just that, but many parks offer the ability to rent your own little cabana, which can be a great place for the whole family to relax, without worrying about others getting too close.
  4. Head to the zoo or a drive-thru safari park. With social distancing being at the front of everyone's minds now, it's important to choose staycation options that are safe, especially if you or someone in your family is more vulnerable to the virus. Outdoor options are a great choice for this as the potential risk is much less than going somewhere indoors, but one of the truly safest options out there are drive-thru zoos and other parks. You can keep your windows closed, see a variety of different animals, and still remain completely safe from any potential viruses. This can take a couple of hours, giving you and your family time out of the house while still staying close to home. This is a great option for stirring up the day and trying something new.
  5. Aquariums. Don't forget about your aquatic friends! An aquarium can not only be a fun break during the day, but it can also be educational as you learn more about these aquatic creatures. Whether your family loves sharks or prefers to look at cute seals, there's something there for everyone. It can be fun to sit and relax watching the animals swim in their habitats, and many places have strict mask wearing and social distancing protocols in place to keep their visitors safe and sound during their visit. Not only that, but many of them desperately need visitors after being closed for a portion of time last year, so you'd be helping support your local community.
  6. Stay in the house. That's right, bring the vacation house to your current house. If you have a pool, make it a backyard tropical paradise full of relaxing lounge chairs, fruity drinks, and spend the day staying cool in the sun. Another option is to create blanket forts in the living room with your kids to let their imaginations thrive. Have everyone pick a favorite book and spend the afternoon in the fort reading and relaxing. Without leaving the house you can break up the drudgery of the day to day.

Depending on where you live, there may be other social distancing staycation ideas that are local to your town. If that's the case, grab your mask and head out! The key with this is to do your research, check what safety precautions they have, and make sure you are comfortable with it. Everyone has their own comfort levels during this pandemic, and it's important to find a staycation idea that lets you out of the house for a bit, without pushing too far out of your comfort zone. The point of this is to relax and have fun!