The phrase Memorial Day usually brings images of long weekend

vacations and fun; if your plans are a little closer to home, a stay at home vacation—a Memorial Day staycation—take these fun ideas to heart for an enjoyable weekend that kicks your summer off on the right foot.

Home projects

We know that some people would rather swim in rotting cheese than
tackle a home project over Memorial Day. For others it’s an opportunity to improve their home—and have the time to finish it. We’ve given you a list of home projects to choose from, anything from installing a backsplash to putting in a DIY floor. Get started with planning your home project now to ensure the best results (and to get lots of advice from the experts).

Bon-fire

It’s never too early to invite all your friends and family to a bonfire. Even if Memorial Day weekend is a cool one, a bonfire warms everyone up and gives you a fun night of hanging out and enjoying the outdoors after being stuck inside all winter.

Barbecue/grill out & yard games


Pull out the yard games! If you want to spruce up your patio, choose a porcelain tile to give it a face lift and get it ready for a Memorial Day grill out. To prepare your deck for all the traffic, pressure wash the boards to get all the winter grime off. Then get out the bocce ball, corn hole, yard dice, and any other yard games that’ll make your Memorial Day grill out an event to remember.

Day trip

Even if you can’t get away, find an amusement park, water park, museum, or park for a day trip. If you want to keep your day trip cost low, pack a picnic basket and head to the park for a day of fun. Look online for Memorial Day weekends to museums or other attractions for a bargain getaway.

Take a hike

If the weather is nice, head to a state or county park with scenic views and great hiking trails. Make sure to bring sunscreen (you could burn easily after being inside all winter) and a good pair of walking shoes. If you are worried about distance, map out the trails online to ensure that you don’t end up on a long trail and you don’t get lost.

Go shopping

Head out on the town to dress up your wardrobe and your home. Stop in at your favorite stores without having to worry about heading back to work on Monday.