5 Fun and Safe Outdoor Activities to Finish Out the Summer

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our summer this year is definitely unlike any other. Social distancing rules are in place and we have to take other safety precautions in order to prevent spreading or catching the coronavirus. This includes wearing a face mask that covers your nose, washing your hands or using effective hand sanitizer, and staying at least 6 feet apart from other people when in public.

And in the blink of an eye, summer is already coming to an end, with about a month left before we can start thinking about wearing comfy sweaters or going to pumpkin patches again. We will no longer have to blast our air conditioners or sit in front of a fan in order to cool down. Fall is about to be welcomed with open arms as it signals the end of dreadfully high electricity bills and super hot days. 

But before we get to that point, let’s finish summer out strong.

We’re all tired of being indoors all the time. So, it’s time to get some fresh air and get our blood flowing. Besides, COVID-19 is mostly “spread from person to person through respiratory droplets released into the air when talking, coughing, or sneezing”, as stated by the Mayo Clinic. Being outdoors actually lowers the chances of breathing in those respiratory droplets from people who are infected. 

To help you figure out your plans for the great outdoors, here are some ideas of activities you can do to have fun this summer while being socially distanced:

1. Chill at the beach with your friends

The beach is perfect for beating the summer heat and adding a refreshing break to the long summer days. The water itself isn’t an issue as there isn’t any evidence showing that water spreads the coronavirus to people. So, just make sure to keep at least 6 feet away from people with whom you don’t live together and wear a mask when outside of the water.

2. Have a cute little picnic with your family

If you have a backyard or any patch of greenery in the vicinity of your home, lay out a comfy blanket and enjoy a packed lunch outside with your family. Since you are eating outdoors, it’s a good idea to bring some hand sanitizer to clean your hands before and after consuming anything. Practice social distancing rules if there are other people out there as well. 

3. Go on a scenic walk 

Next up is a very calm and relaxing option: a walk. Take a trip to your local park to get your steps in since traveling long distances to other parks presents a higher risk of spreading COVID-19. The park is a great place to have your little rendezvous from home, but check out the relevant guidelines and safety precautions before doing so.

4. Snuggle up at a drive-in movie theater

Unfortunately for all you movie-lovers, going to the regular movie theater is a no-go. Being close to other people for a long period of time poses the greatest risk of spreading COVID-19, so we can’t have that happening. Luckily, there’s another way to fulfill your cinematic needs: drive-in or outdoor movie theaters. Grab some popcorn and watch your favorite movie without having to sit elbow to elbow with other people.

5. Take a bike ride around town

Bike rides are a fun way to get your cardio workout in for the day. You never know, you might discover some parts of town that you’ve never seen before while on your ride. Just be careful as you can move rather quickly from an area with less traffic to an area with a high density of people. When that happens, try to leave ample space between you and the passersby and have your handy mask on the ready. Also, don’t forget to bring your helmets and sunscreen to add that extra layer of safety.

As you can see, there are plenty of things that you can still do during these troubling times. The various outdoor activities mentioned above present a great way to reduce stress and switch up our new normal. 

No matter which option you go with, make it a habit to thoroughly wash your hands before and after all activity. Also, take a look at your state’s stay home guidelines to ensure you are following the rules while having fun.