A vacation can be a great thing. Time to “get away from it all,” time to relax, time to reconnect with the family. But, a vacation can also be extremely stressful   — packing and unpacking, driving or flying long distances (“Are we there yet?”) AND expensive. So, this summer, consider a staycation instead. A staycation has all of the advantages of a vacation with way less stress and expense. Here are some tips to help you to have an amazing, fun-filled staycation:

Make A Plan. Take time to figure out just what you and the family want to do on your staycation. Have a family meeting to get everyone’s opinion and then create a plan for the week. Also, make your home as staycation-friendly as possible. Have take-out menus at the ready. Get the house cleaned and the laundry done before your staycation so you can be “chore-free” all week long.

Discover Your Hometown. Most people who live in or near a big city have never taken the time to visit its top attractions. So, become a tourist in your own hometown! Visit the zoo or the science center. Check out local museums, art galleries and theaters. Go to an amusement park. (Ride all the coasters and eat lots of junk food.) Attend a ball game. Find out why thousands of other people spend their vacations in your hometown.

Get Wet. If there’s a river, lake or ocean nearby, rent a boat and explore the local scenery. For a truly awesome experience, try whitewater rafting. Or, visit a local wave park.

Try Something New. Love a good treasure hunt? Try Geocaching! Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunt using a GPS-enabled device. Or try one of several virtual museum tours. Options include tours at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, the Boston Children’s Museum or even the Louvre in Paris.

Or Just Veg Out. Play your favorite video games out on the deck in a comfy chair, relax by the pool or meditate in your garden. Take a long nap in the sunshine.

The key to a successful staycation is to make sure you give yourself permission to kick back, relax and have fun. It’s your at-home vacation. Make the most of it.