This summer has no doubt been different than what your family’s used to. With COVID-19 restrictions and suggested guidelines in place, your go-to activities and excursions might be off limits. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun — it just requires some adjusting! We’ve got a list of new ways to enjoy some of your old favorite things to do with your family that will help you make the most of the rest of the season.
8 Family-Friendly Summer Activities During COVID-19
1. Reserve Your Time
Local fruit and vegetable farms are open for socially distanced summer picking, as long as you make a reservation, stick to a designated area, and refrain from eating in the orchard. This fun way to spend time outside offers a delicious result — blueberry pie, roasted vegetables, salads, mixed berry smoothies, peach cobbler, you name it.2. Catch Off-Peak Rays
Good news for beach lovers everywhere: many are still open. This year, to stay a safe distance from other families, think about morning or afternoon instead of the classic midday. And pack all the necessities, including masks. Need beach activity inspiration? We’ve got you covered.3. Bring the Vacation Home
Nothing says summer like s’mores at the campground. No fire pit at home? No problem — pop the ingredients in a cast iron skillet and throw it under the broiler to make the marshmallows nice and toasty. Or, experiment with s’mores cookie bars. Check hotel and theme parks sites for favorite recipes you can make in your kitchen. Try making ice cream, popsicles, and lemonade from scratch. And cook with fresh fruit or veggies from your garden or nearby farm stands.4. Turn the Backyard into a Splash Zone
Rely on an inflatable pool, water balloons, the sprinklers, and anything else water-related for entertainment. If you’re in a cooler part of the country, consider outdoor games, a scavenger hunt, an obstacle course, and more.5. Dine in Your Own Outdoor “Restaurant”
Eating al fresco can be fun and simple. Whether you choose to make your own food and eat it at the park or get takeout and bring it to the lake or the beach, the change of scenery can be an instant mood booster. And you don’t even have to go that far…your backyard offers prime picnic grounds, too.6. Get Messy with Science
Looking for a place to do experiments…that isn’t your kitchen table? Take them outside. Make baking soda and vinegar volcanoes, slime, and bottle rockets, and challenge each other to an egg drop contest.7. Watch Movies Outside
Drive-ins tend to show kid-friendly movies earlier in the evening. Don’t have one nearby? Try moving a TV onto your patio or using a projector to display movies outside on a light-colored sheet or screen. No matter where you’re watching, be sure to have snacks, bug spray, and cool-evening clothing on hand.8. Go Camping
Campgrounds might be closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pitch a tent right in your own backyard! If your kids are new to camping, this might even be a better way to start — you’ll have the familiarity and comfort of home nearby, just in case.
Even though your plans were probably thrown off track by COVID-19, summer fun is still possible! Use these activity ideas to make memories with your family, get outside, and enjoy the warmer weather together.
Additional Resources for Summer During COVID-19
- Explore our library of enriching activities from Bright Horizons educators to enhance your child’s learning and engagement.
- Bike riding is not only a fun family activity - it can also teach children a lot of skills. Use these tips for teaching kids how to ride a bike safely.
