This post is sponsored by Cheddar’s; however, all opinions are my own.
Summer is my favorite time of the year. The sun is out. Lake days and pool days fill our calendar. Fresh fruits are in season, and its the time for the best family vacations. Last year, we headed to Hilton Head for a family vacation and ended our time in Atlanta, but this year, we sadly won’t get a family vacation. Kevin and I really wanted to go on a vacation but with a new baby and our move, this just wasn’t the best time. But, you don’t have to renew your passport this summer to have a taste of the tropics! Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is serving up hand-crafted drinks and scratch-made goodness all summer long to make your favorite neighborhood spot feel like the beach.
We have decided to do fun things like this in town over the summer to get a little taste of vacation fun. Here are 5 Fun Summer Staycation Ideas:
Passport to Summer
This July, visit your local Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen for a beachy, hand-crafted island favorites. With a wide array of tropical-inspired drinks and dishes, there is something for everyone! You can even download their Passport to Summer and take a tour around their menu. You will find favorites like their: Maui Margarita, Presidente Sangria, Grilled Tilapia and Shrimp with Mango Salsa, Sweet Heat Chicken & Shrimp and so many more delicious items.
Shop Til You Drop
For our little staycation, we went to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, then hit the mall for a little shopping. We had a lot of fun as a family because we weren’t under pressure to find anything or go to a certain store. We just enjoyed each others company and walking around.
Summer Outdoor Movie
Another fun activity is an outdoor movie. A lot of towns show these during the summer so be sure to check your local paper or website. You can also rent a screen or even just use your laptop outside! Think fun snacks and decor to make it even better. You might even have a drive in movie close to you – if you do, i’m sure your kids will love it!
Splash Pad or Water Fun
We all know it is so hot outside right now and being in the water is a family favorite of ours. Taking a trip to the local splash pad or water park is a blast. Our new city has a free splash pad for kids that Brooke loves and we live so close the lake now that she loves riding in the boat or on the jet ski. If you don’t have water or a pool near you, you can always turn on the sprinkler for some fun in the back yard!
Local Activity
This is another goodie! Local things can be so interesting and fun. It is crazy how you can live somewhere so long and not know about fun places. Check around and visit a local museum, theater, amusement park, zoo, or sporting event. All of these provide great family fun and are probably “out of the normal” for you. Brooke always enjoys the zoo and we enjoy a sporting event (without kiddos).
We had such a fun time on our little staycation and Cheddar’s was by far the favorite. We love good food and drinks. Their queso is so good we always think about ordering a second one and just having it for dinner. Plus, Brooke was obsessed with the fish tank. She wanted to watch the “fishy’s” all dinner long – see it even felt like a tropical vacation with the environment! Be sure to head to your local Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen this month and enter below to win a $50 gift card!!
Liz Newsome
I love the Bourbon Salmon! Always my favorite!
Courtney Spena
Their sangria swirl margarita is my number 1 post baby food wish list item. It is my favorite!!
Annabellainla
I like their Beer Battered Fried Shrimp
Kim Henrichs
I love their chicken finger platter!!
Liz Newsome
I love their cookie monster dessert!
Will Griesmer
I’ve never been there but the New Orleans pasta sounds good.
Just Win Babies
Lemon Pepper White Fish
Stacey Roberson
The Salmon & Strawberry Salad sounds yummy!
Wendy Forbes
I really like their Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
Liz Newsome
The Monte Cristo is amazing!
Haylee S
My husband and I love their Chicken Alfredo!
Kim Henrichs
LOVE their Texas Frozen Swirl Margarita!
Annette
Lemon Pepper Chicken is my favorite.
Tabathia
I like the smokehouse burger
Valerie
The strawberry salmon salad sounds so tasty! Great ideas and thanks for the chance!
Valerie
The-style-files.com
Liz Newsome
The ribs are always yummy! With a side of broccoli!
Gina M (Wild Orchid)
I would love to try Tito’s Watermelon Vodkarita!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Stacey Roberson
The Cheddar’s Club sounds good!
Kim Henrichs
Key West Chicken and Shrimp!
Liz Newsome
Grilled chicken pecan salad for me!
Leidy
I’d like to try the Key West Chicken & Shrimp. Thanks for the chance to win
Stacey Roberson
The Grilled Tilapia and Shrimp w/ Mango Salsa sounds great!
Rachel Griesmer
My favorite item is the blackened redfish with crab sauce.
Kim Henrichs
The monte cristo!!
Gina M (Wild Orchid)
Bacon Cheeseburger!
Breanna Pollard
I LOVE THE SPINACH DIP.
Breanna Pollard
I ALSO LOVE THE GRILLED FISH.
Annette
Beer Battered Fried Shrimp sounds delicious.
Liz Newsome
Cheddar cheese fries with ranch dressing!
MintaBoggs
I have never been to Cheddars! The meals on the menu looks delicious!
Stacey Roberson
I haven’t tried it, but the Smokehouse Burger sounds good!
Casey Mclendon
Ohhh the spinach dip is great! All their chicken! The monte cristo! It’s been awhile since we’ve eaten there! With 3 sons dinner out to eat is not cheap! Thanks for the chance! 🙂
Tabathia
I like the top sirloin steak