How Families Can Enjoy a Socially-Distanced Summer

It’s much easier to maintain social distancing rules when you have plenty of space to spread out. Take some time to look up nearby trails, parks or campgrounds in your area and enjoy the fresh air! Not only does time outdoors do wonders for mental health, but it’s also a great way to motivate yourself to stay active. Exploring nature is a good option for families who want to spend more time actively engaging with one another after an overload of screen time, as well as for friends to meet and catch up -- always six feet apart, of course.

If venturing out into the buggy outdoors isn’t your thing, consider a staycation! I remember “camping” downstairs in my childhood home with my sister in sleeping bags under a pillow fort. If you happen to have a ceiling light projector or even a regular projector, you can completely transform a room into an exciting getaway. This option isn’t just for little kids, either! Many people have been disappointed by trips and vacations being cancelled due to COVID-19. Experience your destination from home with the help of websites like Virtual Tour, and check out museum websites to view exhibits.

During these times when meeting people in their homes isn’t always possible, make an effort to meet outside. Encourage your neighbors to come out onto their porches and driveways to enjoy a socially-distanced glass of lemonade or even a picnic or barbecue. Those who happen to live in homes on cul-de-sacs or in neighborhoods with large backyards are especially well-equipped to come together outdoors. 

The better you are about avoiding close contact with each other, the lower your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19. Though it can be hard to adhere to social distancing rules, especially when the sun is shining and the green scent of summer are floating on the breeze, it’s important that we all do our parts now to stop the spread so we can enjoy each other’s company even more closely in the near future.