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Business & Tech

Plan a Staycation at the Park, Zoo, or Home

Patch Picks budget-friendly staycation ideas.

“Staycations” are mini vacations that require minimal travel; this means no airport hassles, heavy luggage, or expensive hotel bills. A staycation could involve not  leaving your house or it could mean visiting local sites or taking day trips.

Whether you're watching your budget, have environmental concerns, or if you just like the idea of staying local this spring and summer, a staycation is a great way to have fun, bond with your family, and enjoy local attractions that you may have overlooked.  

A mini getaway to a local hotel or bed and breakfast, a day trip to the zoo, or a picnic in the park may be just the kind of escape you are seeking. Consider some of these ideas as the warm weather slowly approaches and add any of your great ideas in the comments section below!

Take a Day Trip to Bucks County
Head to Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, Pennsylvania, which features 70 specialty shops, six restaurants, and the lavish Golden Plough Inn. Browse the trendy clothing boutiques, art rooms, jewelry shops, and home décor and local artisan shops. Eat at one of the casual or upscale restaurants, including Earl’s Bucks County, Cock ’n Bull, and Sweet Lorraine's. Be sure to stop by Giggleberry Fair, where kids will enjoy the Grand Carousel, an indoor obstacle course, an arcade, and more. Also consider other quaint shopping towns in Bucks County, including New Hope, Lambertville, and Doylestown.

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Enjoy a Day at the Zoo!
If you're looking to vacate your town for the day, consider visiting a New Jersey zoo. Turtleback Zoo in West Orange and Space Farms Zoo and Museum in Sussex are great options that will ensure fun days. Turtleback Zoo was voted the number one New Jersey zoo by New Jersey Monthly Magazine and has species from all five continents. The zoo also has a miniature train, an animal themed playground, a carousel, and a Catch an Animal program, and various Family Workshops. Space Farms has more than 500 animals, 100 different species, and has the largest private collection of North American animals in their natural habitats in the United States! Space Farms also has an antique car motorcycle museum as well as old farm machinery, children’s toy, and doll museums, a mineral theater, a blacksmith shop, and an old-fashioned country store.

Picnic in the Park
Drive over to Schooley’s Mountain Park for a picnic and hiking. Go fishing on the eight acre lake, let the kids enjoy the play area, and hike the park trails. The park also has a unique floating bridge that connects the park to the newly-renovated lodge. So pack a picnic, bring along a kite, and enjoy the outdoors on this staycation! Leashed pets are welcome.

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Transform Your Home
An at-home staycation is also an option. Consider turning your home into a relaxing spa for the day or transforming your house into a tropical oasis! Get into a comfy robe, light some candles, and escape for an afternoon or night. Turn off your phones and computers and turn on some relaxing spa music. Or, if you're looking for a more social staycation, throw a tropical party for you and your guests to enjoy a mock island getaway. Mix up some tropical beverages, enjoy island appetizers, and light some tiki torches. Don’t forget the leis and cocktail umbrellas!

Stay at a Nearby Hotel
Enjoy a getaway at a local hotel or bed and breakfast for a night and take advantage of the pool, spa, gym, room service, and dine at a nearby restaurant. Consider The Neighbour House Bed and Breakfast, a colonial farmhouse located on 800 acres right in Long Valley. Situated across from the Columbia trail, you can also enjoy a bike ride, hike, or long stroll on this staycation.

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