We’re halfway through the year, and it’s been rough, to say the least. Be that as it may, the sun is shining bright, the temperatures are rising, and the country is slowly starting to reopen amid the national crisis. Summer is on the horizon and it’s time to get back out there (safely) and enjoy life again. If you’re not sure what to do, this list of fun yet safe activities is sure to give you some great ideas.
Backyard Barbecue
If you’re not quite ready to venture out into the world just yet, there’s always the idea of hosting something at your house. A backyard barbecue is a fun way to get together with all of your loved ones and have a good time. Just be sure to keep your guest list to 10 people or less and wear personal protective gear.
Invite some friends and family over, throw some burgers, hot dogs, and veggies on the grill, download an upbeat playlist, put together some games or activities for the kids, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Backyard Camping
There are other ways to utilize your backyard and have fun with your family this summer. Instead of venturing to a nearby campsite, you can turn your backyard into an outdoor adventure. Find a place to pitch your tent and set up your pillows and fire. Come up with a healthy menu (you can find some easy grilling recipes online). Lastly, you’ll need some entertainment. You might roll out the board games, cards, tell stories by the campfire, roast marshmallows, sing camp songs, do some arts and crafts, go on a nature walk, whatever makes the night more enjoyable for everyone.
Family Hike
After being cooped up in the house for the past few weeks, chances are everyone could use a little fresh air and physical activity. So, gather the troops and plan a family hiking trip. There are plenty of beautiful trails in local, county, and state parks that you guys can start your adventure on. Once you get to the finish line, perhaps you could even indulge in a nice little family picnic.
Be sure that you have personal protective gear on hand and try to keep a safe distance from other hikers. Also, don’t forget to pack things you’d normally take on a hike like first aid kits, snacks, water, sunscreen, bug guard, and whatever other supplies you feel you’ll need.
Staycation
You don’t have to travel far or spend a ton of money to go on a summer vacation this year. If you do your research, you may find that there are a lot of things about your city or state that are worth exploring. You could take a tour of historical landmarks, visit nearby botanical gardens, go on an outdoor wine tasting, or even visit parks and other outdoor spaces you’ve never been to.
If you and your spouse can get a sitter, you can reserve a room at a nearby hotel with a casino. You get to enjoy the change of scenery by staying in a clean, safe, and luxurious hotel. There’s also on-site entertainment like casino slot machines, tables, and restaurants, so you can remain in one place and still have a good time.
Go Fishing
If you guys love being out on the water but don’t want to risk the crowds at the beach there’s always the option to plan a family fishing trip. You can rent a boat and head out bright and early. The kids will have so much fun as they learn things like how to hook the bait, throw out the fishing line, and reel in a big one when they finally get a bite.
Whether you catch and release or take it home and prepare a nice fish dinner, the pride and confidence they’ll experience are worth it. Depending on where you’re fishing, you may be able to find an area where you can dock, let the kids swim, and even cook up your big catch for a nice outdoor experience.
It’s a bit scary to think about getting back out there after all the chaos the national pandemic caused. However, getting outdoors really is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. What better time than right now when the weather is right to get out and enjoy life? As long as you take the proper precautions, all the above activities are a ton of fun and reasonably safe for everyone to enjoy.