Are you going stir-crazy from the continued shutdowns due to COVID-19? You know you need to follow social distancing and mask rules to keep folks safe. However, too much time in isolation makes you start to do odd things, like talking to houseplants — the plastic variety.
You can still enjoy mixing and mingling with others, thanks to the magic of the great outdoors. The following eight safe activities let you keep your distance from strangers while enjoying much-needed camaraderie.
1. Cornhole
You can play a ton of games without getting within 6 feet of another human being, but relatively few enable you to avoid touching materials other hands have touched. The bean bag tossing game Cornhole is a notable exception. You can buy an inexpensive set or make one if you’re handy with a saw and hammer.
Keep everyone safe by making homemade resin or pellet-filled bean bags in various colors. That way, it’s a snap to tell which belongs to you and which are your opponent’s.
2. Movie Night
Drive-in theaters have made a comeback since the pandemic started. However, you can recreate the magic at home for a fraction of the cost.
Why not make it a neighborhood event if you have a projector and an acceptable screen surface — like a plain garage door? You’ll need to determine what time sunset occurs to cut glare. Everyone can bring individual snacks and use the restrooms at their homes to prevent germ spread.
3. Scavenger Hunts
Are your kids jonesing to play with their friends? While the CDC still recommends against in-person playdates, you can let your elementary-aged children socialize through scavenger hunts. Give each contestant an individualized list — try to choose items deliberately to decrease the chances that any two will meet in the field.
4. Hiking
Why don’t you use COVID-19 as a chance to reconnect with nature? You’ll raise more eco-conscious children. Young people who spend more time outdoors display higher environmental stewardship than those who sit in front of screens endlessly.
Hiking can also help decrease any melancholy you feel due to the novel coronavirus and resulting changes. Some researchers assert that exercising outside decreases depression as effectively as antidepressants.
5. Biking
Sometimes, you want to get from point A to point B without it taking forever. Why not ride your bike?
If you usually drive your children to school, make commuting via pedal power a family event. You’ll get your exercise, boost feel-good endorphin levels and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, the movement might make it less itchy for your little one to sit still during their 8 a.m. math class.
6. Front Yard Barbecuing
There is still time to whip out your trusty grill, but you might not want a crowd in your backyard. Depending on where you live, a party may represent potential legal trouble.
Why not pull your grill around to the front? Many companies have jumped on the neighborhood barbecue bandwagon because it lets you enjoy a bit of camaraderie while socially distancing.
7. Golf
A round of golf is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors while keeping a safe distance from strangers.
What if you lost your job and are on a shoestring? You can still hit the range — a bag of balls costs only $5 at many venues. If you can’t swing an iron to save your life, many public country clubs let you putt around for free.
8. Frisbee Golf
Maybe the tin cup holds little appeal, but you still crave competition and fresh air. Why not set up a game of frisbee golf? You can find professionally designed courses in many regions, but you don’t need regulation equipment. As long as you have ample open space, something to use as a “cup” and a few disks to toss, you’re in business.
Try One of These Safe Outdoor Ideas to Have Fun During the COVID-19 Pandemic
You’re not alone if COVID-19 restrictions have you feeling a touch of cabin fever. Get outdoors with these safe ideas to try during the pandemic.
Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.
Leave a Reply