If your family is as stir-crazy as mine is, especially while we’re all cooped up in the same house all the time like chickens, you might be searching for some fun activities to do together while staying safe. As the stress of the pandemic continues and we all get a little bit restless, I’ve got some ideas for fun family activities you can do while social distancing that can distract y’all from the day-to-day news.
Museums and Zoos
Normally, when you think of museums and zoos, you think of tons of people crowding around each exhibit, which is the exact opposite of social distancing. But during this pandemic, many museums and zoos across the country are providing services to their season pass holders like socially distant visits and digital tours. If your family likes museum or zoo visits, make sure to reserve your spot before it gets too full. The shutdown really hit museums hard, so even if you can’t go visit your family’s favorite one, you should try to donate if you can afford to spare anything.
National Parks and Nature Preserves
If y’all are like me and want to get in touch with nature whenever possible, take your family to a national park for some camping or hiking. Staying secluded from other people while in nature is always a safe option, especially if you want a break from technology. Before you go, make sure that the national park or nature preserve you choose isn’t too popular, or it might be hard to social distance. Keep your kids close to you while having fun in the great outdoors; while it’s good for them to have their space, these times are a bit different than others. Contact with strangers, even if it’s friendly, puts both parties at risk for infection. As always, when hiking or camping, keep your kids safe from the regular dangers that come with being in the wild. Nature doesn’t care if a pandemic is happening; it’s still going to be business as usual.
Switch It up at Home
The safest family activities you can do while social distancing are going to be at home—but you might need to change things up a little bit. Find a new hobby for everyone to start or a new DIY project for your home. Or, if your family doesn’t do fun things like game nights very often, that doesn’t mean you can’t start. I’ve started breaking out the board games on Sundays with the kids—and y’all should know, when I play board games, I show no mercy. It’s alright, though; they just take it out on me when they challenge me to Mario Kart. Don’t be afraid to get involved in your kids’ hobbies! They might spout a lot of information at you, but it’ll make them happy if you listen. It might feel weird to change how things are at home, but it’ll improve everyone’s relationships if you follow through with it.
