You may be missing out on the chance to leave your home state this summer, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on a vacation. For all you extroverts out there who've been missing the company of friends and strangers alike, here are some ideas for finding fun experiences that will keep you busy while remaining close to home:
1. Take a photo tour of notable architecture in your area.
If you're not traveling, one of the best things you can do is visit your local architectural wonders. Whether it's an old building or a new construction, there are plenty of interesting structures in every town. Seek out buildings that have distinct features, like unique architecture or interesting colors. If the building has been around for a while, consider visiting at different times of day to see how it looks when lit from different angles and weather conditions.
Take photos of these amazing structures to share with friends on social media!
2. Take advantage of free museum days.
There are free museums out there, and you can visit them on the days that they’re actually open for free. You don’t have to spend a penny!
The first step is to check out your local museum website or call them up and ask what their deal is. Many museums offer free days on certain days of the week or month, like the first Sunday of every month. Some even have more than one free day per month—a great way to get your fill of culture without spending a cent. If you want even more options in this area, check out Museums Free Days Calendar, which lists all kinds of national and international museums offering free admission based on age (kids under 18), military status, location (Washington D.,C.), etc., so that no matter who you are or where you live, there’s something out there for everyone at no cost!
3. Go to the zoo.
If you haven't been to the zoo in a while, it's definitely worth checking out. Zoos are great places to take kids, friends, dates and yourself. Some zoos have cafes on site so you can get something to eat or drink while you're there. Others have gift shops where you can buy souvenirs like stuffed animals and other items that might catch your eye. Some also have benches where visitors can sit and rest their feet as they enjoy watching all of the different animals play together (and sometimes fight).
If none of these options appeal to you, how about driving into town and going window shopping? You might find something fun at one of the local stores that catches your eye; then again maybe not! If nothing else though this will give both adults something new (or old)to talk about during dinner tonight!
4. Find out what music festival is coming your way this summer.
There are many music festivals in the United States. Most of these events take place in the summer. Some music festivals are free to attend, while others cost money. If you like music and enjoy dancing, or if you just want to get out of town for a few days and meet some new people, then music festivals might be just what you’re looking for!
Music festivals can be great opportunities to travel around the country. They also often feature food trucks and other vendors selling snacks, clothing items or souvenirs related to the event (or their local region). Music lovers can take advantage of this opportunity by sampling foods from all over American culture!
5. Catch a light show at a local botanical garden or other venue.
Light shows are a great way to learn about the night sky.
They can sometimes be free, and they're always beautiful.
Most light shows are also temporary, which hmeans you won't have to worry about your kids getting bored with it after the first viewing.
6. Start keeping a nature journal.
Start keeping a nature journal.
Buy a notebook or sketchbook with blank pages and some pencils, pens, and markers.
Some of the things you can write about:
The weather, how it affects plants and animals in different ways.
Why birds choose their own habitats (e.g., tall trees vs short bushes). Why do some birds migrate? What are they looking for? Where do they go? How do these choices affect their behavior?
Which bugs are attracted to which flowers—or if there’s anything else they want besides nectar!
Where you find certain types of animals; what time of day/year is best for them (e.g., frogs at night). How does temperature affect their behavior or physiology?
You could also write about other natural phenomena like lightning storms or rainbows.
7. Check out some national landmarks.
You're going to be spending a lot of time at home, so you should make the most of it! You can explore your own backyard and learn about your country's history by checking out some national landmarks. This is a great activity for anyone who's into history or travel.
There are thousands of national landmarks in the United States, and they're all free to visit! Many people don't know this because they associate these sites with big cities like New York City or Los Angeles, but there are actually monuments within driving distance from many parts of the country.
National landmarks date back thousands of years and serve as educational tools. They also tell us about our nation's rich cultural heritage—you can learn about different groups during different periods in American history (Native Americans during colonial times, African Americans during slavery). Some even have interactive exhibits that allow you to see what life was like during certain eras (think: old-timey kitchens). These places are not only fun but also safe; most parks offer activities such as hiking trails and guided tours led by experts on each site’s unique stories and significance in U.S. history—allowing visitors to immerse themselves completely into America’s rich past! The best part? Most national sites offer accessibility options for those with disabilities so that everyone can enjoy them regardless of mobility concerns (if you do have any concerns feel free to contact someone at Visitor Services before heading out).
8. Go camping in your backyard.
You don't have to go far to get your camping fix. In fact, you can do it right in your backyard! It's free and will give you a chance to bond with family and friends over a fun, adventurous activity that's also fun for kids and pets. The only thing you need is some equipment:
A tent—you can buy one at any department store or online.
An air mattress or sleeping bag for each person who will be camping (if you don't already have one).
A flashlight so everyone knows where they're going when they want a midnight snack or bathroom break.
You may want to pack some extra food just in case anyone gets hungry during the night; this way, you won't have to wake up all of your guests by getting up at 3am looking for snacks (which is bound to happen when someone loses their favorite magic wand).
9. You can still find plenty to do to while remaining close to home on vacation this summer!
You can still find plenty to do to while remaining close to home on vacation this summer!
Go on a road trip! Drive down to the beach and spend a few days relaxing.
Hike through the woods, or go camping in the mountains. There's nothing quite like nature.
We hope you’ll take the opportunity to enjoy all that’s out there in your own backyard, and we also hope this list gives you some inspiration for how to make the most of it. Whether you go on an afternoon walk, or explore a new city, you have a lot available to you right now. If nothing else, we hope this post has inspired you to get out—in whatever capacity is best for you—and experience all that life has to offer in your area. Happy exploring!
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