Create a Beach-Inspired Staycation for the Whole Family With These Fun Ideas

If you can’t make it to the beach this summer, turn your own home into an island paradise. One of the easiest ways to feel like you’re at the beach and conjure up those sunny vacation memories is by smell. Fill your home with the scent of salty sea air and a cool ocean mist with NEST’s signature beachy scent. It’s available in candles, hand soap and reed diffusers.

If you’re landlocked with no watering hole, make your own pool day at home with an inflatable kiddie pool. And, no, it’s not just for kids anymore. The new Minnidip pools at Target are made big enough for adults and come in several stylish and Insta-worthy prints.

There is nothing better than sitting poolside at a beach condo listening to the ocean waves in the distance while sipping a frozen piña colada. It’s the epitome of vacation. But you can still recreate the scene with homemade beach drinks. (And maybe play some ocean sounds in the background.) If you don’t have a blender, don’t worry. We’ve created a float version of the classic beach drink along with other beach-inspired DIY cocktails. You could even order some tiki-inspired drink umbrellas for the full effect.

For the kids and the kids-at-heart, try your hand at some beach-inspired edible art such as banana palm trees or hummus and pepper crabs. It’s sure to bring a smile plus it encourages healthy snacking with fruits and veggies. And for something more indulgent, check out this recipe for piña colada tartlets.