Social unrest led by liberal elitist groups has tore down decades of mended bridges between classes and races, creating dangerous environments around the nation.
That coupled with the fear mongering by the media and all banishment from many public gatherings by government officials, there is a limited number of activities to get involved in.
If you are like most families these days and are going stir crazy, then you need this list of fun, outdoor adventures where no one is going to yell at you for not wearing a mask.
Experts agree that getting some sunshine and fresh air is good for your health and your mood.
When the blood pressure is up from sibling rivalry and toddler tantrums, there is no better remedy than lacing up the sneakers for a afternoon out.
Recommendations on mask safety, outdoor activities, and social gatherings have wavered over the course of the last few months, as Mommy Underground has previously reported.If you are concerned about the current CDC recommendations, these activities pass every standard for safety.
- Neighborhood walks
Getting good exercise and quality family time doesn’t mean you have to go to a fancy gym or attend a formal function.
Just make the choice to get outside and walk around your home town. Make things interesting by bringing a scavenger hunt sheet for the kids or incorporating various exercise moves along the way like lunges, side shuffles, leg kicks, and shadow boxing.
- Get into gardening
You may be one of those families who have a nice, large outdoor garden where the kids all pitch in to help maintain it.
Or, you may be like me where you have dreamed of that scenario, but so far you have only tended to a few failed tomato plants while hollering at the kids to stop playing in the hose when they should be weeding.
Now is your chance to get that family garden up and running. Write down what plants you would like to have, the layout in the yard, and then get to work making it happen.
Family gardening is a way to strengthen bonds and learn to appreciate where you food comes, as Mommy Underground has previously reported.
- Backyard camping
Going to a campground is a lot of prep work and usually requires taking some time off work.
In these times of economic hardship, less work is not an option for many families, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the family together under one nylon and netted roof.
Put the tent up in the backyard, allowing the kids to pack their own overnight bag and camping supplies.
Don’t forget to bring out the marshmallows to roast on the campfire.
End the night with a mad lib story around the inviting flames to complete the perfect family memory.
- Swim
Swimming is a summer staple, and for good reason.
In the heat of the mid-summer sun getting into nice, cool water is just what the families needs.
The CDC website states:
“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.”
- Park adventures
Local parks have large, open areas to have organized family activities without tampering with anyone’s fragile sensibilities during this time.
Bring a frisbee, packed lunch, a kite, and a soccer ball to a green field for a stress-free afternoon of physical activity and laughter.
If it gets a little crowded, go for a hike in surrounding paths or lay in a quiet corner to call out all the animal figures you see in the clouds.
Exercise, family-bonding, and getting outside are all sure to elevate your mood, reduce stress, and clear up some mental space- at least until tomorrow’s morning news.