How to Plan a Safe and Fun Summer (Part 2)

Parent in a car looking at a child waving through the window.

How to Plan a Safe and Fun Summer – Part 2

In our latest issue, we brought you a plethora of ideas to create a safe and fun summer camp at home. Now, we want to help you create family fun with a staycation, and other fun activities you can do from the comfort of your home.

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Staycation Destinations – Fun Things to Do Around Town

Because traveling by plane is a high-risk activity, many people are forgoing their typical summer vacations and staying home. Of course, you can “get away” and spend a few nights at a local hotel (medium risk), but even that may be stressful for some people worried about venturing out amid increasing Covid-19 numbers in some states.

So, the question becomes, how can you plan a staycation in your own town that will be meaningful and safe for your family?

The options below will help you find ways to enjoy your summer vacation, keeping in mind the need to wear masks and social distance at all times:

Go to the Beach (low-risk) – avoid crowded beaches and try to find quiet, out of the way locations.
Visit Garden Centers or Nurseries (low to medium-risk) – creating a garden can be a lot of fun for the whole family. Call ahead of time and ask the nursery for the quietest time of the week for your visit.
Go on a Picnic (low to medium-risk) – of course, picnicking in your backyard is the safest option, and you do not need to wear masks. If you go to a park, remember to social distance, and bring your masks.
“Go” to the Movies (medium-risk) – make a movie night at home, complete with popcorn, candy, nachos, and other movie treats. Many towns are offering drive in movies this summer – check and see if that is an option near you.
Visit a Water Park (medium-risk) – with a 50% capacity, and chlorinated water, virus transmission is a bit lower. However, children have difficulty with social distancing so keep that in mind.
Create a Scavenger Hunt in Your Neighborhood (low-risk) – go in search of things you may have hidden, or those you have never noticed before.
Get Outside in Nature (low to medium-risk) – nature trails, parks, botanical gardens, even zoos, may all offer ways to escape the confines of the home. Fresh air and increased vitamin D help to improve health and emotional well-being. You can also gather leaves, rocks, and twigs to use in art projects.
Volunteering (low to medium-risk) – you may find some animal or nature organizations in your area that could use some volunteers for a few hours a week. Pick activities that your child can do and will enjoy.

We are omitting places such as museums, movie theaters, and art centers due to the inherent risk of spreading the virus in smaller, enclosed spaces. Search “things to do near me” online for a list of activities and places to visit in your area.

Go Camping – Backyard Style

Pitch a tent in your backyard and spend the night under the stars. You can also throw a blanket or sheet over a tree branch, and “pretend” you are camping for a few hours. Tell silly stories, make smores, and sing songs. This is a great way to use your homemade instruments for a fun evening. If you are in an apartment, you can also go camping on your patio – get creative, have fun!

For those who prefer staying inside, turn your living room into a campsite using blankets for a tent, turning off the lights, and turning on the flashlights. Load the floor up with sofa cushions and pillows for added comfort.

Tune In – Meaningful Ways to Watch TV

Aside from your child’s favorite tv show or movie, there is a world of wonder waiting for you to explore. Disney +, the new streaming service, offers all of Disney Nature films as well as National Geographic shows. You and your family can travel the world, learn about animals, and see amazing sites that you can then incorporate into fun activities. For example, if you are watching a show about Italy, make pasta for dinner. Make monkey sock puppets as an activity during the day, and then use them to act out what you watch in a show about monkeys that night.

Other streaming services also offer a variety of entertaining and enlightening shows and movies you can check out. As we mentioned in the staycation above, make movie nights a fun family activity where everyone can unwind.

Become a Star – Making Fun, Meaningful Home Videos

Many people are still quarantining and unable to visit family and friends. Making home videos is a great way to stay in touch. Chantai and her daughter Kailee have been making cooking videos and sharing them on social media. Readers enjoy watching these videos, while learning how to make a tasty recipe. You and your child can do the same. Even if you do not want to share it on Facebook, you can still send it to family and friends to watch and enjoy.

Other options for fun home videos include:

Puppet show
Talent show
Dance party
Charades
Storytelling
Singalong or Concert

In case you missed it, or want to go through it again, don’t forget to check out Part 1 – fun ideas for Summer Camp at home in our latest issue.

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This post originally appeared on our July/August 2020 Magazine