How to Have Fun This Summer While Social Distancing

Itching to get out of the house but still a little concerned about COVID-19 and social distancing? We get it. Since many of the Memorial Day events this year where people felt more confident going to places where there were a lot of people, at least 21 states have seen an [uptick in coronavirus cases].

But summer is upon us, and for sanity’s sake, getting outside is a need, not just a want. “The best way to get outside without bumping into people this summer is to stay outdoors,” Giuseppe Aragona, M.D., told Mom.com. “There are plenty of beaches, fields, and parks that are big enough for people to spread out in.” We dug into the best ways to get outside and avoid crowds this summer.

How to stay safe and avoid crowds

Social distancing outdoor games

You can still have fun and play with others while social distancing. Many local parks have opened up the tennis and pickleball courts. Kicking a soccer ball around is another great way to engage in a sport without having a lot of contact – you may modify the rules to keep people just a bit farther apart. And if you are touching a tennis or soccer ball, be sure to not touch your face.

Here are some other fun activities to play outside:

  • Cornhole
  • Bocce ball
  • Lawn darts
  • Inflatable bumper ball
  • LadderBall

Sometimes it’s simply about getting outdoors. “Just being in the backyard or at the park makes us feel so much better,” Arizona mom of two Kayla Mason told Mom.com.

Find a trail that’s open and take a group hike (make sure to pick a time that’s not crowded, so you can socially distance yourselves). Playing yard dominoes or giant Jenga can be a fun way to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors while taking the required COVID-19 precautions.