Ways to Stay Busy Outside While Social Distancing

Social distancing has left many of us safely at home for a while, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! We’ve put together a list of ideas to get you out and about in the great outdoors while still adhering to the CDC’s social distancing guidelines.

Enjoy a picnic at home.

This one can be easy and delicious! On a sunny day, pick your favorite basket, blanket and finger foods and hit the lawn. Add a pitcher of lemonade and a deck of cards for an enhanced picnic experience! If you have kids, let them help make the snacks or set up the dining space. Have everyone leave their cell phones inside so that you can enjoy the outdoors and each other’s company. This is a fun way to get the whole family involved and outside together. 

Visit one of the New York State Parks, responsibly.

Luckily, social distancing hasn’t put too much of a damper on visiting your favorite NYS parks and land! Reduce stress and anxiety by taking a walk, hike, bike ride or jog through a state park. Enjoy the scenery, take photos, maybe even pack that picnic basket again! Just be sure to keep a safe distance from other park-goers.  This is a great way to immerse yourself in mother nature and get active while following the standard social distancing guidelines.

Note, there are many areas of parks that have been closed temporarily due to COVID-19, such as campsites, playgrounds, most restrooms, pavilions and more. Please visit parks.ny.gov to view available information on your destination before taking your trip.

Take a drive down a road you’ve never been.

How many times have you driven by a road on your commute and wondered where it goes? Now is a great time to get in the car, put the windows down and cruise! Maybe even ditch your cellular map and opt for a paper one to add extra nostalgia to the trip, so long as you have a co-pilot! You might find yourself happily lost, just make sure you know how to get back home (okay, so don’t really ditch your phone- just put it away for a little while).

Have the ultimate camp out in your backyard!

Itching to spend the night in the fresh air? Look no further than your own backyard! Set up a tent, add some comfy bedding, a flashlight, some camping activities and you’re all set! Kick off your camp-out with a backyard BBQ and some yard games. If you have a fire pit you can host a camp fire with classic smores and hotdogs on sticks to really get that old-fashioned camping effect! The best part about this camp out -- if you have junior campers with you that get antsy or cold, you can go in the house at any time. Comfort and convenience, what more could you ask for on a camping trip?

When's the last time you looked at the stars?

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, when is the last time you had a chance to look up at night? Grab that picnic blanket again and a pair of binoculars, and hit the lawn after dark to watch the constellations twinkle above your head. There are many stargazing guides online you can pull up on your mobile device while searching for the Big Dipper, but don’t get too caught up on the details, just enjoy the show!

Social distancing may have changed many parts of your day-to-day life, but there are still many ways to get out and enjoy the things you love! Get a little creative, and you will find you still have ways to create adventures in the great outdoors.