Tired of being bored in the house and in the house bored? Then it's time to get some much-needed outdoor time. The biggest question on most people's minds is whether their favorite outside activities are still safe, considering the global health crisis. As more cities shut down and enforce masks and social distancing, it's become increasingly unclear what is considered safe or dangerous. Luckily, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided a few guidelines, and the Texas Medical Association created an easy-to-follow list of safe vs. unsafe activities. We've listed out a few options to get the family involved and outside, plus a few activities to steer clear of.
Getting kids outside is so crucial for healthy development, and instilling a love for the outdoors helps them become well-rounded individuals. It's so fun to get the whole family involved in an activity together. When we've all been glued to the screens watching Netflix or binge-watching YouTube videos, getting outside will be an especially welcome change. There are plenty of things to do with kids outside that don't require a whole lot of work. Even just getting in the backyard and grilling out can be a small step towards getting kids off screens. Some people have felt safer staying completely indoors during this crazy time, but we all have to get back outside eventually. Masks are a must whenever people are outside around each other, and social distancing — staying 6 feet apart — is also crucial for staying safe. Now is the time to adjust to a new normal, and getting outside is the first step.
Walk Around the Neighborhood
Take that first step into the world with a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Staying close to home and away from others limits the possibility of coming into contact with germs. Make sure to wear a mask while walking, and keep 6 feet away from other people. Right now, being a friendly neighbor means keeping to yourself rather than giving a handshake.
Gardening
Gardening is a way to both get outside at home and reduce the need to go out to the grocery store. Grow some produce in the backyard that the family likes to cook with on a daily basis. That way, there will be a fresh supply all summer. Plus, teaching kids about plants and the importance of growing their own food is a smart lesson about the environment and valuing a healthy diet.
Go for a Run
Once again, make sure to stay away from others while sweating up a storm in the summer heat on a run. Running is a perfectly safe activity, especially when wearing a mask. Dr. Lynette Charity advised HuffPost readers to carry around hand sanitizer and wet wipes anytime they leave the house. She also said runners should wash their hands when they get home.
The doctor said, "And please, no spitting or blowing snot out of your nostrils while engaged in these activities. You know who you are. Suppress the urge. The virus can be in the postnasal drip you expel via your nostrils or by spitting."
Backyard Camping
Kids and family members who love camping, but want to keep away from potentially unsafe campgrounds can set up camp in the backyard. Pop up a tent and roll out the sleeping bags in a grassy nook under the biggest tree in the yard for a true camping feel. Many state and national parks have closed campgrounds, limiting the availability of campsites. So, backyard camping might be our only option for a while.
Equipment-Free Workout
Working out in gyms is one of the highest risk activities one can do during this time, according to the list from the Texas Medical Association. So, we need alternatives to gym time. Sweating and breathing on workout equipment is one way it is so unsafe. Try training without equipment by doing body weight exercises in the backyard to work up a sweat.
Go Swimming
The CDC notes that swimming is a perfectly safe activity, as long as people are maintaining social distance. "Evidence suggests that COVID-19 cannot be spread to humans through most recreational water. Additionally, proper operation of these aquatic venues and disinfection of the water (with chlorine or bromine) should inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19," the CDC website states.
Bike Ride
Getting on a bike helps keep an appropriate distance from others, but has room for some questionable safety. Particularly when riding bikes with kids, there will be a need for many breaks. Plus, if there are any bumps along the way and scraped up knees then there is a possibility for contamination. Still, when on the road or a trail, just wear a mask and try to stay as far away from others as possible.
Hike Less Busy Trails
Now is the time to try out that solo hiking adventure that's always sounded so appealing. Hiking is a perfect way to stay away from others, but many people have the same idea. Do plenty of research on the trail that's of interest, and see how populated it gets. Or, try to hike earlier in the day before the crowds arrive.
Visit Parks Close to Home
Traveling long distance always increases the risk of spreading disease. So, try to visit parks that are in walking distance or a short drive away. As always, stay 6 feet away from others, wear a mask, and carry hand sanitizer. Most neighborhoods have park systems and there will be plenty of space to keep apart.
Solo Sports
For sports lovers, this time has been especially difficult. Football season will most likely be canceled, and everyone had to cut short their games this year. So, for anyone wanting to get out and practice sports, try out some more solo pursuits. Sports like golf, tennis, archery, and skateboarding can all be done alone.
Explore the City
While it sounds scary, getting out into the city is totally acceptable. Wearing a mask and gloves is recommended, but it's a good idea to keep up the economy by helping out local businesses with to-go orders. Ordering takeout food from a restaurant and taking it to a park for a picnic is a low-risk activity that helps boost local businesses.
Beach Day
Getting on the beach could be considered dangerous, especially depending on the day. If it's a hot summer day and the beach is packed with people, it might be a sign that the family should kick it somewhere else for the day. But, if the beach is open and not too busy, then staying 6 feet apart should be a breeze.
Dining Outside
Eating outside is considered a moderate-low risk activity, but it gets riskier with more people at the table. Most restaurants require masks when walking around the building or going to the restroom, but no mask while eating and sitting at the table. Servers and workers at the restaurant are almost always required to wear a mask at all times.
Playgrounds
Most kids' favorite outdoor activity is getting to play on the local playground, but unfortunately that is just not safe right now. There are so many surfaces that can harbor the virus, and with so many kids playing at the same time, there is the possibility of contact and contamination. Many playgrounds are closed for the time being, so try one of the other safer activities first.
Team Sports
Team sports are at the top of the list of outdoor activities to avoid. Sadly, that means soccer and softball games are canceled for the kiddos this year. Not only are the games dangerous for the players, but team sports often include spectators who sit close together. Sadly, there is no way for sports and games to be safe during this crazy time, but luckily there are many other ways for kids to have fun outside.
