For most of us, summer means fun in the sun. And while you may feel that your opportunities for outdoor activities are somewhat reduced by our current need to self-isolate, there are actually lots of things you and your family can do outside while maintaining social distancing. In fact, it’s often easier to maintain a safe environment for your family outside.
As we’ve said before, it can be easy to run out of ideas for keeping kids and families busy during these times. Most sports activities we would normally engage in as players or fans have been cancelled. Crowded beaches make it difficult to keep a safe distance from other beachgoers.
And then there’s “COVID-19 burnout,” the syndrome suffered by parents who are sick of trying to find safe ways for their kids to stay busy and have fun. With so much going on, it’s difficult to think outside the box and find ways to modify your go-to activities to make them feasible and appropriate during COVID-19. That’s why we thought it may be helpful for us to suggest a few great outdoor activities for this special summer, and how to enjoy them safely. If you have more ideas, please share away!
It’s almost impossible not to maintain safe social distancing when you’re riding a bike, and who doesn’t love a good scenic cruise. Look online for new paths you and your family can explore, pack a picnic lunch, and hit the road.
Please remember: as you plan your bike adventure, be sure to inspect your family’s bikes to make sure they have enough air in the tires, clean chains, and working brakes. You should also make sure everybody has a good helmet–and have the kiddos try them so you feel confident that last years’ helmets still fit.
Backyard BBQs
Many of us look forward to those big family barbeques all year long. Unfortunately, this year crowd control is a major issue. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some good old “Q” and time around the grill with your family.
Try asking kids to browse the web and find some new recipes they’d like to try. Foil packs on the grill are a great way to combine protein and veggies, and kids will enjoy helping you put them together. Just make sure the grown-ups are doing the grilling.
And why not make it a party? Get some fun paper plates, napkins, and table decor at your local discount store. Make fresh lemonade. Crank up some tunes and break out the yard games. The crowd may be smaller at this year’s family BBQ, but you can still have a fantastic time and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Always Room for S’more
Once you’ve had your fill of grilled corn, burgers, and hot dogs, it’s (obviously) time for s’mores! Whether you stand around the grill or light up a bonfire to toast your marshmallows, your summer can’t be complete without this.
Traditional s’mores are amazing, but there are also ways you can change things up if you want to create a new recipe for the family. Try using different kinds of chocolate, like mini candy bars with peanuts or crisped rice in them. Another great way to enjoy toasted marshmallows is adding them to roasted bananas. Keep your banana in its peel, making a deep vertical cut for the entire length of the banana. Open carefully, then fill with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Close the banana, wrap tightly in foil, and just set it over the hot coals. In a few minutes, you’ll have a sugary, soft banana that is delightfully complemented by gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate!
However you decide to cook your dessert outside, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the excited kids. Don’t let children near the fire without adult supervision, and make sure they’re especially careful with those long roasting sticks.
Water Bombs
Water balloons are a ton of fun, but they’re also very messy and little balloon pieces can be a choking hazard. Fortunately, we know of a better alternative: water bombs! These are home-made, affordable, and neater and safer than real balloons. To make them, you’ll need two sponges (the plan ones with no scrubbing side) for each bomb and some twine. Cut each sponge vertically into three or four strips, then bunch them together and tie at the center with twine. Give each member of the family a bucket with water and a few bombs in it, then prepare yourself for an all-out water battle!
We’re Always Ready to Help
Summertime is made for adventures and fun, but sometimes those adventures lead to injury. Even with a modified list of social distancing-friendly summer activities, little ones seem to have a knack for finding a way to get bruised, banged, cut, or burned. If your child suffers an injury, please remember that the team at Long Island Plastic Surgical Group is always on-call and ready to help make sure the only “souvenirs” your child takes from this summer are joyful memories of the fun you created. Learn more about the services we provide, and be sure to download our Contact Card to your phone.