Written by: Regina Thomas
If you and your family have been looking for ways to connect and stay active during the pandemic, there are several outdoor activities you can enjoy. It’s important to consider your family’s hobbies and interests when choosing outdoor adventures. This will allow you to create a cherished family member while getting a great workout or taking in the beauty of nature.
Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a great way for your smaller children to explore various areas of your yard and find items that can help them remember shapes and colors. You can also create a scavenger hunt to celebrate a family event that is happening while you’re in quarantine, such as a birthday or anniversary.
You can hide various clues around your property until your family gets to the “prize,” which could be a picnic lunch for everyone to share, new pool toys to make swimming more enjoyable, or a toy or gadget to give to one of your relatives as a birthday gift. This activity involves spending time outdoors and exercising, which can improve the mental and physical health of your family.
Outdoor Riding Adventure
Taking a ride on rugged terrain is another fun and exciting way for your family to bond. You can search online for the best off-road vehicles in your area and head to hilly areas or parks designated for off-roading. You can also travel the dirt roads in your region to explore nature and get some fresh air. This adventure can be as long or as short as you’d like. Be sure to take lots of pictures during your ride so you can capture both the beauty of your family and the natural scenery.
Horseback Riding
If you live in or near a rural area, you may be able to find a stable or farm that allows residents to ride horses for a fee. This can be a memorable experience and helps teach coordination and core strength. Of course, horseback riding is also a great way to spend time in the fresh air. You’ll also learn how riding horses can calm the mind and body.
Backyard Water Park
If you don’t feel completely safe taking your family to a water park this summer, you can re-create one in your yard. Add nozzles to your water hose to create a sprinkler system your kids can run through to cool off on a hot summer day. You may also want to add a large kiddie pool to your “water park” and fill it with pool toys your children will enjoy.
If you have a large above-ground or in-ground pool, you can add a diving board or trampoline so you and your kids can make a splash every time you get in the pool. To make the water park even more fun, set up a small table in the yard with water and snacks for everyone to enjoy in between swimming and play some of the family’s favorite songs on an outdoor speaker system.
Drive-Through Zoo
A zoo that allows you to see fascinating animals up close from the comfort of your car could be a fun way for you and your family members to learn about some of your favorite creatures. Since you can stay in your vehicle, you can safely enjoy this outdoor activity while socially distancing.
Be sure to purchase some food for the animals so you can feed them as you drive through the zoo, and take lots of pictures so you’ll never forget this interactive outdoor summer adventure.
Backyard Camping
Camping in the backyard is a fun outdoor activity the entire family can enjoy. You can set up a tent or place your sleeping bags on the deck or patio so you can sleep under the stars. Ask each family member which activities they’d like to participate in while camping so you can have a night filled with telling stories around the campfire, having a sing-a-long, making s’mores, or watching a movie on a projector.
If you camp in your own backyard, you can maintain social distancing rules while still giving your loved ones a change of scenery.
If you and your relatives are looking for interactive activities to enjoy this summer, give these suggestions a try. You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime and strengthen the bond between your loved ones.
