Summer 2020 has finally arrived, but it is sure to look a whole lot different from what most of us are used to. While some states have allowed recreational activities, amusement parks, restaurants, parks, and beaches to reopen, others haven't or have done so at a greatly reduced capacity. Movie theaters, libraries, jump houses, trampoline parks, and other indoor attractions may not open in many states at all this summer, or even for the rest of the year. Some summer camps and day camps are open and others are not. That means entertainment options are going to be limited significantly for many families in America, and with the kids being home all summer after being home for most of spring, everyone is probably already bouncing off the walls and parents are at a loss for ideas.
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And of course, many parents will choose to continue social distancing out of an abundance of caution, whether that's because they don't want to risk endangering others or because they themselves, their children, or someone in their extended family falls into the high-risk category. Regardless of the "why," many parents will need to find safe, socially distant ways to keep their children happy and entertained this summer. Keep reading to find some ideas to get you started.
Water fun is generally safe.
Most scientific evidence suggests that the ocean and chlorinated pools pose little to no risk. That means the beach is fair game as long as 1.) there's one open near you and 2.) social distancing measures such as reduced capacity are in place. Try getting your kids their own surfboard, boogie board, or float to enjoy while generally keeping away from other people in the water.
Playing in the sand is OK, too.
We advise getting up early or heading out late for a beach outing and making sure your child has plenty of fun sand toys to play with so she doesn't end up wandering off looking for other children to socialize with. Spread out as much as you can so you can control how close other groups are to your family and just give your child strict instructions to stay in your area and not to touch anyone else's belongings. We should do this anyway, right?
Fishing is self-contained.
Fishing is an ideal activity for social distancing because it is generally done solo, in pairs, or small groups. You can find a spot on a large lake or at the ocean, making sure to spread out at least 6 to 10 feet from any other people. Use your own equipment or rent from a company with health protocols in place.
Get out on the water.
Being on some sort of small watercraft on pretty much any body of water — a lake, a pond, a river or an ocean — is a naturally social distant activity. If you have your own kayaks or tubes you can return to the water time and again all summer long, but if not, you can try renting from a reliable and trusted retailer who ensures that each boat is disinfected between customers.
Try camping.
Even if you're not sure whether camping is your thing, now is the time to give it a try. Because camping is typically an outdoor activity and done in small family or friend groups, it's fairly safe. Most states have allowed campgrounds to reopen with proper safety protocols in place. If you are in your own tent, using all of your own belongings, it's particularly safe and socially distant.
Cabins are also good.
Many campgrounds also offer cabin rentals for campers who prefer walls and their own bathroom facilities. Some even have air conditioning and cable TV. I guess you could call it glamping. While other people have obviously stayed in these cabins before you, campground staff should be disinfecting them between reservations. Check with the campground you're interested in before booking.
Camp in a national park.
National park campgrounds in the US tend to draw international visitors and book up early for the summer months, but because of the pandemic and associated travel restrictions, this summer there is much more last-minute availability for campsites in places like Joshua Tree, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone, among others. It's a great opportunity for a socially distant, affordable, and memorable vacation, especially if you're within driving distance.
Book a vacation rental.
Although at this point most hotels and resorts will have stellar cleaning protocols in place, a vacation rental is still the best option when it comes to social distancing. As long as the home you are renting has been thoroughly cleaned before your arrival, it's really just as safe as staying in your own home. You may still have to prepare most of your own meals and keep the house clean, but at least you'll be able to vacation away from home. If you choose a rental that has some entertainment features, like a swimming pool, game room, or sports court, everyone will have something to do right on site. Or you can pick one that is within walking distance of the beach, a lake, hiking and biking trails, etc.
Swimming pools are actually OK.
Because of the chlorine in public pools, visiting them is generally considered safe as long as it is possible to maintain social distancing when not in the water. To make that possible, many pools are reducing capacity and/or requiring reservations for specific time slots. If there is a public pool near your home, it's definitely an option worth checking out.
You may be able to go to the zoo.
Outdoor zoos are considered low-touch because visitors typically walk around and simply view animals through glass or gates and can, in theory, avoid touching things that too many other people have touched. And again, outdoor attractions and activities are generally much safer than indoor ones. Just have plenty of hand sanitizer at the ready and instruct your kiddos not to touch anything.
Consider a large resort.
While staying at a large family resort may initially seem counterintuitive to social distancing, for the most part it's not. A lot of resorts will be open for business this summer with reduced capacity and strict cleaning protocols to ensure that guests can have a safe and pleasant experience. Staying at a resort with amenities, attractions, and activities on-site will give your family the feeling of a real vacation while reducing points of contact and exposure and allowing you to spread out. We say as long as no one in your family is high-risk, go for it.
Look for a drive-in movie.
If there is a drive-in movie theater somewhere near where you live, definitely check to see if it's open. If not, check with your city and surrounding towns. Many are organizing drive-in movies in public parking lots and other outdoor spaces so people can enjoy the experience of going to the movies without having to worry about being in close proximity to others.
Visit a pick-your-own farm.
Rather than give up their entire summer seasons, many small and family-owned farms have come up with ways to open for in-person visits while maintaining social distancing. If you can find a pick-your-own farm nearby, check to see what safety measures they are taking and how you go about arranging a visit. Some are reducing capacity, requiring masks and/or open for reserved picking times only. You may be able to take your kiddos to pick things like berries, peaches, or cherries throughout the summer months.
Have a backyard water fight.
If you're ready to give your kids a chance to play with a few friends, you could try arranging a small, backyard water fight with just a few close friends. Since everyone will be outdoors, it's much safer than an indoor playdate and the kids will be able to keep a distance while burning off some energy together, since they'll all be running around.
Organize a socially distant picnic.
Another fun option is to gather a few families together for a socially distant picnic. Everyone brings their own picnic blanket and food and you spread out in a large backyard or wide field in a park about 6 feet apart, so you can enjoy a meal and some conversation together without getting too close. You still get to spend time together and enjoy the warm weather without increasing potential exposure.
