We’ve had several months to gain a greater understanding of the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing was in place in most of the U.S. starting in March, and while those requirements are being lifted in much of the country, we’re still doing things a little differently.
For example, even though restaurants can open in some states, many are still opting to focus on takeout and delivery options.
Retailers are doing curbside pickup whenever possible, and large-scale events are still on-hold for the time being.
Travel is also still a gray area, and it could be putting a damper on many family’s summer plans. Some states may reopen summer camps, but many won’t, and it’s leaving parents wondering how they can help their kids enjoy the summer months, even with so many changes happening.
The following are some tips for a fun summer, regardless of what’s happening with the coronavirus pandemic.
Travel Nearby
While a lot of people are likely going to be reluctant to take international trips, or even trips requiring a flight, at least for the near-term future, that doesn’t mean all travel is off the table this summer.
Think about traveling to places nearby, as long as it’s safe for you to do so and there aren’t any restrictions.
You could visit a lake near your home, rent a cabin in the mountains, or perhaps take a road trip to go to a beach.
There are a lot of great places to see in America, and summer 2020 could be an opportunity to explore your home turf a bit more than you would otherwise.
Plan a Staycation
If you have some time off from work, turn it into a staycation. You can plan activities, much like you would if you were going somewhere.
Maybe you take hikes near your home, prepare special meals, or set up a pool to swim at home.
Do at-home spa treatments, or even think about putting a projector screen outside and watching movies under the stars, just like you might at a resort.
Create a Backyard Oasis
A lot of homeowners are taking this time of social distancing to make their home into a retreat, including their backyards.
Make it a family project to turn your backyard into a place you look forward to spending time with.
Create comfortable seating areas and add pops of color with outdoor cushions and pillows. Add lamps or lanterns for ambiance at night, and you can also think about adding a pool.
It doesn’t have to be an expensive in-ground pool to be fabulous for family fun.
For example, you can do an above ground pool, and to customize it, perhaps build a deck around.
Stock tanks are an even more budget-friendly way to add a place to cool off to your backyard.
Start a Garden
There are a lot of good reasons to garden right now. First, it gets your family outside and sunlight and fresh air are essential for a strong immune system and mental health.
When you get your kids involved, it can help them learn about the environment, and they can take on a sense of responsibility for the garden.
It will also give you fresh, healthy food to eat later in the summer.
Learn Something New As a Family
Make this summer an opportunity to get creative and perhaps learn something new as a family.
This might include a language, or maybe you all take an online cooking class.
It’s a good time to do things you’ve always wanted to do, but perhaps busy schedules didn’t allow for.
Finally, a lot of neighborhoods are coming together for socially distanced block parties. Doing this will let people get together safely, and perhaps share a meal. You can do it on your street, or all of your neighbors can take turn hosting in their yards.
It gives you something to look forward to in a time of uncertainty, and if there are other kids in the neighborhood, it’ll be a time for your kids to have social interaction.
No one’s really in an easy situation right now. We don’t know what the next few months are going to look like, but we can still enjoy our summer with our family and think about the things that are in our control as we forge a new path ahead.
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