By Lauren Murray

For the past couple of weeks, working on school has been our top priority. It has encompassed the majority of our hours and is the cause of most of our stress. However, the time has come for a three-day weekend where we can relax, even if it is brief. The cancellation of spring break does not provide an adequate amount of time to go somewhere luxurious like the beach or another country, leaving many stranded. But who says you can’t have fun right where you are? 

I propose the idea of a staycation: a vacation where you don’t have to go anywhere. A staycation is a time where you can let loose and have fun without the expensive travel cost. The idea may not sound as appealing as a week at the beach, but there are always exciting options for activities to do around your area that you may not have known about. Here is some inspiration to help get the gears turning on how you can make the most out of the three-day weekend.

Escape room

If you like teamwork and solving crazy puzzles, this is a great way to pass the time. Many escape room locations have a variety of themes such as prison break, presidents, and the Titanic. Escape rooms require you to use your brain to solve a series of clues step by step. This activity is perfect for small and large groups to have a laugh and build trust. 

Trampoline park

If there is a trampoline, I am there! Trampoline parks offer high-flying fun for all ages. Whether you want to do cool tricks, just bounce around, or simply enjoy the fun atmosphere with friends, there are so many different activities you can try. Some even offer ropes course, springs, dodgeball and arcade games!

Sunset hike

For all the people looking to truly relax and take a breath, hiking is a great activity. While hiking can be done at any time of the day, I recommend either sunrise or sunset. Something is calming about witnessing the night become day and the day become night. Bring some food and enjoy the view from wherever the trails take you.

Four-course meal

This idea was inspired by multiple videos I have seen on TikTok. This is something you can do with your best friend or a small group. You begin every round by playing rock, paper, scissors. The first round decides who drives followed by drinks, appetizer, main course, and dessert. This is an amazing time to bond and get great-tasting food in the process. 

Play a sport

I know not all of us identify as athletes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go out and get some exercise. No competition is required to have a good time. All you need is a group of friends, field space, and the game of your choosing. Whether it’s spike ball, ultimate frisbee, flag football, or soccer, there is an abundance of options to choose from. Pick a sport that tailors to your strengths and just go for it.

Real-life Among Us

Another TikTok trend that has caught my attention is the idea of bringing Among Us to life. When the virtual video game took the world by storm, someone decided to take it to the next level. Have everyone dress in a different color, and have pieces of paper with the words “crewmate” and “imposter,” with the numbers coordinating with the number of people playing. Then, place different pieces of paper around your home indicating multiple tasks to be completed. Have everyone receive a list of the tasks they need to complete, and let the fun begin. The same rules apply as in the video game. See if the imposter can “kill” all of the crewmates in a designated amount of time.

Movie marathon

I don’t know about you, but having a movie marathon is a great idea any time of the year. It offers the perfect excuse to kick back, eat loads of sugar, and wrap yourself in a cozy blanket. A movie marathon is the epitome of relaxation, as you can do absolutely nothing. The point of a movie marathon is to sit back and let your eyes become glued to the TV. Watch your favorite movie series and let all the emotions flow.

Bowling

This is my personal favorite. Bowling offers a chance to be competitive while also just letting loose. Whether you consider yourself a pro or still use the bumper, bowling can lead to lots of laughing. A lot of bowling alleys have arcades as well, where you can always play some games afterwards. 

These are just some suggestions that hopefully help inspire some ideas and remind you of some great local places to check out. Just remember to take time over the three-day weekend to get out of the school mindset. I know that it isn’t a real spring break, but that doesn’t mean we have to be dreary and sad about not having a fancy vacation. A staycation can have all you ever wanted as well, just without the change in scenery.