16 Outdoor Activities to Do While Social Distancing
By Madeline Cheney
With the weather warming up and many stay-at-home orders beginning to be lifted, millions across the country are understandably itching to get out of their houses. Not only is being outside and under the sun fun, but it also yields a lot of benefits. Some of these benefits include reduced fatigue, increased immunity, reduced stress, and even reduced mental health issues. Soaking in some rays also boosts vitamin D, which boosts energy.
In addition to our biological need to spend time outside, people are eager to make up for lost time during the stay-at-home orders. However, social distancing is still recommended by the CDC, so how can we responsibly spend time outside? Below is a list of 16 activities that you can do while social distancing. But remember, stay at least six feet away from others and continue to wash your hands frequently.
1. Go to a drive-in movie. Several theaters and community centers around the country are hosting drive-in movies. If you can find a local drive-in, stop by to experience a flick like you're back in the '50s!
2. Start a garden. Whether you plant flowers or vegetables to enjoy throughout the summer and regardless of your garden’s success or failure, you don’t have to be good at gardening for gardening to be good for you.
3. Camp in your backyard. Go all out and build a fire, roast smores, cook hotdogs, make some tin foil dinners or break out the Dutch oven to make some cobbler to finish the night off.
4. Picnic. Pack yourself a picnic lunch and head to your favorite grassy area for the afternoon.
5. Stargaze. There isn't anything quite like lying on a blanket under the stars on a warm night. Look out for meteor showers and other astrological events for an extra special show.
6. Chalk art. With or without kids, creating a masterpiece on your driveway can be an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
7. Geocaching. Download the Geocaching app and go on countless scavenger hunts. It's fun for all ages, and you'll discover caches all over your town!
8. Wash your car. Get the kids to help and have a blast cleaning and participating in the inevitable water fight which is sure to follow!
9. Go for a drive. Go down roads you’ve never been on and find out where they lead. Driving around with no destination can be an adventure of its own – plus gas prices around the country have dropped, so driving is more affordable than ever.
10. Photography. Discover and capture a new world behind your lens!
11. Read outside. Find a comfortable shady spot and get lost in a good book.
12. Get physical – do yoga, run, walk, hike, bike, swim. There are lots of physical activities you can still do while social distancing!
13. Bird watch. Bird watching is like a scavenger hunt. Get a book of local birds and make a list of all the birds you spot!
14. Do a home project. Get some work done in your driveway or yard while catching some rays.
15. Community service. Even though we still need to keep our distance from others, picking up trash or planting flowers can be a great way to beautify the neighborhood and provide service.
16. Plan some outdoor meals. Fire up the grill and cook all kinds of meals outside. Make some traditional barbeque or get creative and even cook a pizza on your grill! Plus, we all know things like corn on the cob, popsicles, and cold watermelon taste 10 times better outside.