Introduction
Looking for some fun and unique way to celebrate locally with your friends or family? Check out our list of top group staycation ideas that are fun and achievable.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that the staycation trend has grown massively in influence over the past few years, with a real attitude shift towards exploring your own, or someone else’s backyard.
A staycation is generally considered to be spending time in your own local area or your own country and we love the idea that you don’t even have to go that far. There are so many group staycation ideas to try in the comfort of your own house or nearby that will help you rediscover why your home is, quite simply, the best. After all, it’s pretty difficult to go wrong wherever you are, as long as you’re surrounded by your nearest and dearest.
There are many benefits of a group staycation and none more so that it’s usually a more budget-friendly idea. It’s also generally far easier to organise the troops for a local event than one in a far-flung destination. However, our favourite reasons for offering group staycation ideas are that, instead of being able to maybe take a city break once a year or two, a home-based group staycation can be organised far more frequently. And no one can say fairer than that.
Group Staycation Ideas In Your Own Home or Hometown
Whether you’re taking the whole ‘home’ thing quite literally and want to organise an event in the comfort of your own dwelling, or in your hometown, there are many group staycation ideas that will allow you and your squad to discover a new activity, or just switch up something you already love.
1. Movie marathon and game night
Reciting movie lines or beating your friends at drink-based battleships and then lording it over them for the rest of your natural life. What’s not to love?
2. DIY spa day at home
Create a relaxing atmosphere with homemade facials, mani-pedis, and soothing music. Light some candles, sip on infused water, and enjoy a pampering session without the hefty price tag.
3. Backyard camping and bonfire
Set up tents, roast marshmallows, and tell ghost stories under the stars. It’s a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your home.
4. Be a tourist in your own city
Explore local landmarks, visit museums you’ve never been to, or hop on a city tour bus. You’ll be surprised at the hidden gems you can find right in your backyard.
5. Volunteer day
Your local voluntary council will have a huge list of organisations who’d be grateful for your help. You know you want to.
6. Geo-caching
Simply log on to geocaching.com, type in your local area name and get to it!
7. Wild Swimming
A little bit of cold never hurt anyone…. who’s dressed in a wetsuit and has taken all the correct precautions. Find a local river, lake, or beach where wild swimming is safe and enjoy a refreshing dip with friends.
8. Hiking
Whether it’s a casual stroll through a local park or a more challenging trek up a nearby hill, hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature with your group.
9. Fruit Picking
Visit a nearby farm and spend the day picking fresh fruits with your friends or family. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that ends with a delicious reward.
10. Art and Craft Classes
Sign up for a local art or craft class and get creative with your group. Whether it’s pottery, painting, or DIY home decor, it’s a fantastic way to try something new together.
11. Painting Night
Grab some canvasses and paint and let your inner Bosch or Van Gough out!
12. Park Picnic
Pack a basket full of your favourite snacks, grab a blanket, and head to your local park for a laid-back picnic. Add some outdoor games to keep everyone entertained.
13. Attend a local sporting game
Cheer on your local team at a nearby match. It’s a fun and energetic way to spend time together, and you’ll be supporting your community too.
14. Check out your local free event listings
From concerts and festivals to markets and fairs, there are often free events happening nearby. Check out local listings to find something that interests your group.
15. Organise a local food dinner party.
Invite your friends to a dinner party featuring dishes from local restaurants or homemade meals using locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great way to celebrate the flavours of your area.
16. Bring your favourite destination into your home.
For an authentic group staycation idea, why not have a themed day? If you love Paris, you’ll need French food, wine, movies, and quizzes. If Valencia is more your thing, think paella, cortados, and lots of Agua de Valencia. Maybe leave out the bullfighting, though.
17. Silent Disco in your Livingroom
Grab some wireless headphones, create a playlist of your favourite tunes, and dance like no one’s watching. It’s the perfect way to let loose without disturbing the neighbours, and everyone can enjoy their own music taste!
Ideas For A Group Staycation In Your Home County Or Country
So, if you want to group staycation ideas that involve leaving the house but still making the most of your local area or country, we’ve got you covered with a list of fun things to get involved in.
18. Food and wine tasting
Organise a tasting session with a selection of local wines and dishes. Whether you’re sampling artisanal cheeses or indulging in gourmet chocolates, this experience is sure to be a hit with foodies and wine lovers alike.
19. Airbnb or hotel stay
Airbnbing in your own nation is a great way to get a chance to do a little exploring and find yourselves a new favourite spot.
20. City tour
Rediscover your hometown by taking a guided city tour or creating your own route. Visit iconic landmarks, explore hidden alleyways, and learn something new about the place you call home.
21. Scavenger Hunt
Set up a scavenger hunt as a group staycation idea by using a lovely park or green space to hide your treasure.
22. Beach day
Pack your sunscreen, towels, and a picnic, and head to the nearest beach for a day of sun, sea, and sand. Whether you’re building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or simply soaking up the rays, it’s a classic staycation favourite.
23. Fitness or yoga retreat
Whether you’re a gym bunny or a first-time yoga goer, a group staycation idea that exercises the body and/or the mind can be reinvigorating and relaxing at the same time.
Tips For An Amazing Group Staycation
Planning and organisation
Every friend, family or colleague group has members with strengths in planning and organising, however, most groups also have people who are perpetually planning. The key to getting the organisation stage of your group staycation idea off the ground is to communicate. Get everyone together in person or via Zoom and make arrangements by deciding on what needs to be done so that you can get roles allocated.
Communicating and compromising
During the initial planning meeting for your group staycation ideas, it makes sense for everyone to agree on their budgets and timescales. Not everyone will make the same salary, have the same family and caring commitments, or have the same holiday schedule. It’s imperative that these deal breakers can be ironed out before anything gets too official or anyone feels like they can’t speak up.
Creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere
If your group staycation idea involves close friends, this is probably always relaxed and enjoyable, but be mindful of costs and time constraints. You want everyone to feel comfortable and have zero worries for the duration. We suggest lots of laughter, leaving baggage behind for the duration, and lots of fun games and fizz/beer to kick start the ultimate group staycation.
Conclusion
If you’ve never considered group staycation ideas in your home or hometown, or country, it’s a fantastic way to unwind, explore, and reconnect with family or friends. You can try new experiences, explore your local area, get back to nature, and just spend precious time with your loved ones, creating new memories and getting the chance to unwind from the stresses of everyday life.
Our advice to you is to get your friends and family together for an initial chat about your group staycation ideas so everyone can pitch their ideas and you can make a decision on something that works for all participants. The rest will take care of itself if you get the basics right.
