Safe Outdoor Activities for Families
Topics: Outdoor Activities
Age Range: Preschool
While more and more places are opening up after quarantine lockdown, you may be wondering which activities are still safe for your family. Here are some safe outdoor activities for families to do while maintaining adequate physical distance.
Go for a walk
Whether you go for a walk around the block after dinner, or a family hike in the forest, walking is a very easy way to get some fresh air and exercise.
If you want to make your walk more interesting for young children, you can play I Spy, or encourage your child to look for birds, animals, and flowers as they walk. They can even collect items such as twigs, leaves, and stones as part of a mini scavenger hunt.
Ride bikes or scooters
A family bike ride is an ideal outdoor activity that’s also safe to do during the pandemic. As a family on bicycles, you may take up more space than if you were walking, and you may not have as many options when it comes to moving out of someone’s way to maintain social distance. With that in mind, consider going for a bike ride around the neighborhood when it’s not too busy with other families. Many cities also have temporarily closed some roads to car traffic to allow for people to walk or ride their bikes instead.
Visit the park
Many communities are reopening local parks, giving families a welcome opportunity to enjoy some summer weather together. However, because some park amenities such as restrooms and playgrounds may still be closed, prepare your child for what they can expect, and plan for a short visit. Also, be sure to pack hand sanitizer, water, and any personal protective equipment necessary.
Spend some time at the beach
The beach is a classic location for summer family fun. Many areas have fully reopened their beaches, while others have done so with restrictions. Before you head out for some fun in the sun, be sure to check what restrictions your beach has in place. For example, some beaches now allow fishing and swimming, but not sunbathing. Other beaches may have restricted hours. As with parks, it’s a good idea to bring your own hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment.
With more amenities opening back up after coronavirus quarantine, there are more options available for your family to have fun outdoors. As always, be sure to follow safety recommendations, and do your research before you head out to see if there are any updates you need to know.