31 Catholic Staycation Ideas For Families: A Catholic Family Vacation Without Leaving Home
Hello Mamas and Papas, looking for Catholic staycation ideas for your family this summer? If so, this post is for you!
From visiting local Catholic shrines, attending Mass in different parishes, organizing a Catholic movie night, and hosting a Bible study at home, these ideas offer a perfect balance of spiritual nourishment and fun family bonding.
Whether you want to explore your faith with your children or spend quality time together, these affordable and fun ideas for Catholics will surely provide a memorable and enriching experience for your family this summer.
FUN AND AFFORDABLE CATHOLIC STAYCATION IDEAS FOR FAMILIES: A Catholic Family Vacation Without Leaving Home
As a Catholic mother, I know firsthand the joys and challenges that come with raising children in a world that often seems at odds with our faith. We strive to instill in our children a love for God and a desire to live out His teachings, but we also know that we can’t always shield them from the influences of the secular culture.
If you’re already researching for the best vacation spots that your family can possibly visit this summer, but something came up that makes it impossible to take a vacation, don’t worry, a staycation is a perfect alternative!
I love family staycations and you can read a more detailed post here: THE DETAILED PROS AND CONS OF STAYCATION (FOR FAMILIES WITH SMALL KIDS)
Staycation is great because just like a vacation, you can have time for relaxation without leaving home! Perfect for moms who are longing to have a Catholic vacation where we can incorporate our love of God and the teachings of the Catholic Church, but hate the idea of packing for the entire family and traveling far with the entire team!
That’s why I made a list of fun and exciting staycation ideas for Catholic families that we can do this summer with our kids without leaving home, perfect for those who don’t like going to the beach (just like my family):
1. Watch religious movies.
Watching religious movies with your kids can be a great way to spend quality time together this summer while reinforcing important Catholic values and teachings.
There are plenty of family-friendly movies out there that focus on religion and spirituality, from classic films like The Ten Commandments to newer releases like The Chosen.
You could even make it a weekly movie night tradition throughout the summer, complete with popcorn and refreshment. You can also bring your movie-watching to the next level by setting up a big screen or projector and watching a movie with a bonfire in the backyard.
Not only will your kids enjoy the entertainment, but they’ll also learn more about their faith and develop a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling.
2. Color Together.
Another fun staycation idea for Catholic families is to spend some time coloring faith-based coloring pages together.
Coloring is not only a great way to relax and unwind, but it can also be a meditative practice that helps us to reflect on our faith and connect with God.
There are many free coloring pages available online that feature Catholic themes, such as saints, Bible stories, and church traditions.
Here are some coloring pages that I made that you can print totally free and use in different creative ways:
You could print out a variety of pages and spend an afternoon coloring together as a family, discussing the meanings behind the images, and sharing your own thoughts and feelings.
3. Participate in a food drive.
As Catholics, we are called to serve others and to be generous with our time, talents, and treasures.
A food drive is a wonderful way to put this into practice and teach our children about the importance of helping those in need. You can start by researching local food banks or charities that accept donations.
Then, gather your family together and go shopping for non-perishable food items. Encourage your children to think about what they would like to donate and involve them in the selection process.
Once you have your donations, organize a trip to the local food bank or charity to drop them off. You could even make a day of it by packing a picnic lunch and enjoying some outdoor time with your family.
Participating in a food drive not only helps those in need but also allows us to live out our Catholic faith through acts of service and love.
It’s a meaningful and rewarding staycation idea that your family will remember for years to come.
4. Participate in a Family retreat.
Family retreats can be a great way to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and focus on what really matters – our relationship with God and with each other.
By spending time together in a supportive and faith-filled environment, you’ll create lasting memories and strengthen your family’s commitment to living out your Catholic faith.
Participating in a family retreat is a great way to strengthen your Catholic faith as a family.
A retreat typically involves spending a few days away from home, focusing on spiritual growth, prayer, and reflection. There are many Catholic retreat centers that offer family retreats, with activities and programs designed for both parents and children.
During a family retreat, you will have the opportunity to deepen your faith, participate in Mass and prayer services, and engage in activities that promote family bonding and spiritual growth.
Whether you choose to participate in a retreat center or organize your own family retreat, this staycation idea is sure to be a meaningful and rewarding experience for your family.
5. Read and study the Bible.
Reading and studying the Bible as a family is a wonderful way to deepen your Catholic faith and connect with each other.
It’s an opportunity to learn more about God’s teachings and to discuss how they apply to your daily lives.
Here are some tips for making Bible study a part of your family’s staycation this summer:
1. Choose a time and place that works for everyone. Find a time when everyone in the family can be present and focused, and choose a comfortable and quiet place where you can read and study without distractions. It could be in the morning before starting your day, or in the evening before bedtime.
2. Choose a Bible study plan or guide. There are many resources available online that offer Bible study plans and guides for families. You could choose a specific book or theme to focus on or follow a daily devotional guide that offers reflections and questions for discussion.
3. Encourage everyone to participate. Make sure everyone in the family has a chance to read and share their thoughts and reflections. This can be a great opportunity for children to ask questions and for parents to offer guidance and support.
4. Make it interactive and engaging. Try to make the Bible study session interactive and engaging by incorporating activities and discussions that relate to the readings. You could act out a scene from a Bible story, create artwork based on a passage, or discuss how the teachings apply to current events.
5. Pray together. End each Bible study session with a prayer, thanking God for the opportunity to learn and grow together as a family.
By incorporating Bible study into your family’s staycation this summer, you’ll deepen your Catholic faith and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
6. Go to Adoration.
Adoration is the act of worshipping and contemplating the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and it can be a powerful experience for individuals and families alike.
To prepare for Adoration, you may want to research local churches that offer Adoration hours. You can also talk to your children about the significance of Adoration and the importance of spending time with Jesus in prayer.
You may also want to bring along prayer books or other spiritual reading materials to help guide your time in Adoration. When you arrive at the church, take some time to quiet your minds and hearts and prepare for prayer.
Encourage your children to participate by kneeling, praying silently, or even singing hymns or saying the rosary together.
During Adoration, you can spend time in quiet reflection and contemplation, offering your intentions and prayers to Jesus. You can also read from the Bible or pray together as a family.
Adoration can be a powerful and beautiful time to connect with God and deepen your faith as a family.
7. Attend Mass frequently.
With kids out of school for the summer, it’s a great opportunity to attend the Holy Eucharist and receive communion more than once a week.
Going to Mass at a different parish than your own is another idea that can be an eye-opening experience that exposes you and your children to different styles of worship and community life within the Church.
You might discover new traditions and customs that inspire you or meet new people who become lifelong friends. Check out neighboring parishes online or ask friends for recommendations on places they enjoy attending Mass.
Make sure to arrive early so you can familiarize yourself with the layout of the church and participate fully in the liturgy.
8. Pray the Rosary everyday.
Praying the Rosary is a beautiful Catholic tradition that has been practiced for centuries. It is a powerful prayer that can bring peace, comfort, and strength to individuals and families alike.
By making the Rosary a part of your daily routine this summer, you’ll deepen your Catholic faith through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin.
Praying the Rosary everyday this summer is definitely a part of our bucket list. It seems impossible at the moment since my husband has a lot of work to do and he’s been working late most days. The plan is for me to pray the rosary with the kids. Hopefully, we can make it happen!
You can also pray the Rosary at the start of a long car ride, just in case you’re already all tired after the long getaway (which my family started doing a year or two ago, to make sure that we can’t skip praying the Rosary for the day).
9. Learn more about a specific Saint.
Learning more about a specific Saint can be a great way to deepen your Catholic faith and inspire your family. Saints are individuals who lived a life of great faith and devotion to God, and their stories can offer valuable lessons and insights.
You can choose a Saint that resonates with your family like knowing the Patron Saint of your country or region, or the Patron Saint related to you or your husband’s profession, and research their life and teachings.
You can also read books or watch movies about the Saint, and even visit their shrines or churches. Or you can also talk about the 12 apostles one by one with your kids as a way of introducing them to the disciples of Jesus.
10. Make a prayer box.
A prayer box is a place where you can keep all of your intentions and prayers in one central location.
To make a prayer box, you can decorate a small box or container with images or words that inspire you.
Then, invite each family member to write down their prayers and intentions on small pieces of paper and place them in the prayer box. You can also add prayers or intentions for your family, friends, or the world at large.
11. Go on a pilgrimage.
Making a pilgrimage might give you the idea that you and your family should travel far, but it’s not! A pilgrimage can be done in any location, as long as the purpose is to connect with God and feel His presence in a unique way.
It can be a day trip to the nearest monastery or a nearby Cathedral that you’ve never been to before. Or it can also be short road trips to Catholic destinations nearby scattered all throughout the summer season!
For sure, there are many shrines and holy sites near your location that you can visit with your family this summer.
You don’t have to travel far from home this summer for a pilgrimage, you can be a local pilgrim by visiting a local church, chapel, or basilica that has historical or spiritual significance in your community.
Take time to explore the art and architecture of the building, light candles for loved ones, and say prayers together as a family.
A pilgrimage is a perfect opportunity to visit new places and an excellent time to connect with God and learn more about the Catholic faith, and also appreciate the beauty of God’s creation.
12. Make a prayer wall.
A prayer wall is a spiritual tool that serves the same purpose as a prayer box.
However, instead of placing petitions in a box, family members can post them on a wall, making it easier for everyone to see. It’s also a great way to involve visitors in prayer by encouraging them to add their requests to the wall.
This can help foster a sense of community and allow your family to pray for others.
13. Write a prayer journal.
By taking the time to write down your thoughts, feelings, and prayers, you can better connect with God and gain insight into your faith.
A prayer journal can also serve as a reminder of God’s presence in your life and help you track your spiritual growth over time.
It’s a great staycation idea that can be done individually or as a family, and it offers a meaningful way to strengthen your Catholic faith.
14. Say the Grace before and after meals.
Saying Grace before and after meals is an important Catholic tradition that can help to foster gratitude and a deeper connection with God.
If you haven’t started this tradition yet, this summertime is a good time to start. We are already consistent in saying the grace before meals, but not in saying it after meals. I find it difficult to pray the grace after meals together since everyone is not finished eating at the same time.
If you have a tip that works for your family, please share it in the comments below.
15. Give up social media.
Giving up social media can be a great way to prioritize family time and deepen your Catholic faith this summer.
Social media can be a major distraction on your daily grind, taking away from the time you spend with your loved ones and your spiritual practices. And this is soo true in my case, I am really struggling to let go of social media! Though my intention is only to take a look if I have messages from my family in the Philippines, before I know it, I am already spending hours scrolling! Argggg, any Mamas can relate?
By taking a break from social media, you can create more meaningful connections with your family and focus on activities that nurture your faith.
It’s a simple yet impactful staycation idea that can have a positive impact on your family’s spiritual journey.
16. Go to confession together.
Confession is a sacrament that allows us to receive God’s forgiveness for our sins and start anew with a clean slate.
By going to confession together, family members can support each other in their spiritual journey and offer encouragement and accountability.
I still get nervous everytime I approach the confessional now, but the feeling of peace afterward is so worth it! Jesus is always waiting for us, ready to forgive us of all our shortcomings.
17. Visit a home for the elderly.
Visiting a home for the elderly can be a wonderful way to live out our Catholic faith by showing compassion and kindness to those who may be lonely or in need.
By spending time with the elderly, we can offer them love and support, and help to brighten their day.
It’s also an opportunity for us to learn from their wisdom and life experiences, and to deepen our own understanding of what it means to live a fulfilling life.
18. Spend time volunteering in your community.
By working together as a family to serve others, you can build stronger bonds with each other and deepen your sense of compassion and empathy.
It’s also an opportunity to put your faith into action by helping those in need and spreading God’s love.
Whether you choose to volunteer at a local food bank or participate in a community clean-up, volunteering as a family can provide a meaningful way to grow in your Catholic faith and make a difference in the world.
19. Make an almsgiving box to collect donations for charity.
An almsgiving box is a simple yet powerful way to practice the Catholic tradition of almsgiving, which involves giving to those in need as an act of charity and compassion.
By creating an almsgiving box as a family and placing it in a visible location, you can encourage everyone to contribute what they can and make a positive impact on the world.
This staycation idea can help to cultivate a spirit of generosity and compassion within your family, and it’s a great way to live out your Catholic faith in a practical way.
20. Visit prisoners.
By spending time with prisoners, we can offer them a sense of hope and support, and perhaps even help them to find a path towards rehabilitation and healing.
It’s an opportunity to practice forgiveness and extend God’s love to those who may have made mistakes in their lives.
Visiting prisoners can be a challenging but meaningful way to live out our Catholic faith and show compassion to those who may feel forgotten or marginalized.
21. Take part in the summer activities in your parish.
From vacation Bible school to outdoor picnics and festivals, there are plenty of opportunities to come together with other members of your parish and share in the joy of the season.
These activities can help to build lasting friendships and relationships, and they offer a fun and engaging way to stay involved in your faith during the summer months.
Whether you are a longtime parish member or new to the community, participating in parish activities can be a meaningful way to grow in your faith and connect with others.
22. Light a candle every night.
Lighting a candle every night is a simple yet powerful way to incorporate the Catholic faith into your daily routine.
It can serve as a reminder of God’s presence in our lives and offer a moment of peace and reflection before bed.
The act of lighting a candle can also be a symbolic gesture of hope and faith, as we entrust our worries and concerns to God.
It’s a small but meaningful practice that can help to deepen our spiritual connection and bring a sense of calm to our busy lives.
23. Declutter and donate unused things.
Decluttering and donating unused things is a practical way to live out the Catholic value of charity and simplicity.
By letting go of material possessions that no longer serve a purpose in our lives, we can create space for what truly matters and help others in need.
Donating these items to a charity or organization can provide much-needed support to those who are struggling, and it can also be a way to practice detachment and gratitude.
It’s a small but impactful way to make a positive difference in the world and foster a deeper sense of spiritual fulfillment.
24. Learn a new prayer.
Whether it’s a traditional prayer from the Catholic tradition or a personal prayer that speaks to your heart, taking the time to learn and incorporate a new prayer into your daily routine can bring a renewed sense of peace and joy to your life.
Here are some prayers that you might want to check:
Powerful Prayers for Catholic Mothers (with FREE Printable PDF)
The Magnificat Prayer PDF (100% FREE)
Short Catholic Prayers For Patience (Easy, Yet Powerful)
It’s also an opportunity to explore different aspects of your faith and broaden your understanding of the Catholic tradition.
Our 3-year-old son doesn’t know how to recite and make the Sign of the cross properly, yet. He makes the sign by touching his forehead and shoulders (soo cute and innocent to look at!) while saying “spirit, amen in Spanish) and I’m planning to teach him how to do it properly this summer.
Whether you pray individually or as a family, learning a new prayer can be a meaningful way to grow closer to God and strengthen your relationship with Him.
25. Start a new devotion.
Starting a new devotion is a beautiful way to deepen your Catholic faith and develop a closer relationship with God.
Whether it’s praying the rosary, attending daily Mass, a Marian devotion, or practicing Eucharistic adoration, adopting a new devotion can provide a sense of spiritual renewal and strengthen your connection to God.
It’s an opportunity to explore different aspects of the Catholic tradition and find a practice that speaks to your heart.
By committing to a new devotion, you can cultivate a deeper sense of faith and draw closer to the heart of God.
26. Visit a hospital or someone sick.
By taking the time to visit a hospital or someone sick and offer support, we can provide comfort and hope to those who may be struggling with illness or injury.
It’s an opportunity to extend God’s love and compassion to those in need and show them that they are not alone.
Visiting a hospital or someone who is sick can also be a reminder of our own mortality and the importance of cherishing each moment of our lives.
27. Share a meal with the homeless.
Sharing a meal with the homeless is a humble and compassionate act that can make a significant difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
It’s another opportunity to connect with people who may have been forgotten or marginalized by society and offer them a sense of dignity and respect.
By sharing a meal together, we can break down barriers and build relationships based on empathy and understanding – a powerful way to live out our Catholic faith and show love and compassion to those in need.
28. READ THE MASS READINGS OF THE DAY OR LISTEN TO DAILY MASS
Another way of intentionally spending your time this summer is by reading the Mass readings of the day or listening to daily Mass, whichever is more convenient for you.
I started listening to daily Mass in Cebuano for months now while doing household chores and I really like it and plan to continue doing it this summer and throughout the year.
29. PLAY CATHOLIC BOARD GAMES
I once saw a post featuring Catholic board games and as I write this post, I’m reminded of that article and I’ll definitely be hunting for faith-based board games to buy for my kids. What a good idea to incorporate our faith while playing games!
If you know of Catholic board games or other faith-based games, feel free to share them in the comments below.
30. LISTEN TO PODCASTS/ WATCH VIDEOS EXPLAINING THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
We can make an effort in learning more about the teachings of our faith by watching videos or listening to podcasts of priests or preachers who are making videos explaining the catechism of the Universal Church.
One of my favorites is Fr. Chris Alar who has an Explaining the Faith series on the Divine Mercy Youtube channel. I also started listening to Fr. Mike Schmitz on Ascension Presents.
I’m also listening daily to Fr. Ciano Ubod, A Cebuano priest. and I also love watching Heather of A Catholic Mom’s Life, my favorite Catholic mom Youtuber, for anything about Catholic motherhood and homemaking. She also has a lot of videos explaining our Catholic faith.
31. READ CATHOLIC BOOKS
Another way of spending your time this summer is by reading Catholic books.
If your kids love reading, buying them Catholic books is a good idea to take time away from watching the tv or videos!
I also wrote a post: 23 of the Best Catholic Books for Moms, if you want to check it out.
ENJOY THE SUMMER WITH THESE CATHOLIC VACATION IDEAS WITHOUT Traveling far
There are plenty of ways for Catholic families to enjoy a staycation this summer while growing closer to God and each other.
Whether it’s through watching religious movies, coloring faith-based pages together, participating in a food drive, visiting shrines or holy sites, or attending Mass at different parishes – these ideas offer something for every family member’s interests while also strengthening their faith bond together as one united family under God.
By prioritizing your spiritual growth and connecting with others in your faith community, you can create a meaningful and memorable summer experience that will have a lasting impact on your family and those around you.
I’ll leave you with a quote from Saint Pope John Paul II related to holidays and wish you a fun, relaxing, and meaningful summer:
Holidays and vacations can help to balance activity with contemplation, haste with more natural rhythms, noise with the heralding silence of peace.
Saint Pope John Paul II
