For many in the United States, Memorial Day unofficially marks the beginning of the summer season, which is normally chalk full of long, lazy days, barbecues and picnics, and family vacations.
This year, summer may feel a bit different, as many families have already experienced inordinate togetherness over the past three months. Meanwhile, numerous traditional summer events are canceled and the world is muddling through a pandemic.
Nevertheless, you and your family can still have fun and make special memories this summer, even if it requires you to slightly adjust your plans under the current circumstances.
Ideas for Your 2020 Summer Holidays
In lieu of festivals, concerts, resort stays, and long-distance travel, you can fill your summer with enjoyable trips and activities that enable you to adhere to social distancing requirements. Here are a few ways to make the most of summer 2020 with your friends and family:
Staycations
A 2020 summer staycation can be fun if your family is up for trying new things and finding beauty in the ordinary. Even though you all may be spending ample time together at home as it is, summer still means school is over and you can take a break to focus on quality time.
Enhance your staycation by spending time collectively making plans for special staycation activities and giving each family member the opportunity to select an activity to include. If you can, choose a day to prohibit phones and social media. Include small surprises throughout the staycation and try new things, such as acting out a mythical story together, doing a murder mystery dinner, taking a virtual tour of a museum or zoo, playing a new game, or cooking an extravagant meal together. If people have been learning new skills during the pandemic, put on a family showcase. Do a sleepover in the living room—complete with popcorn and a good movie.
Day Trips
This summer, take advantage of the natural wonders and interesting attractions in your own region. Since driving is safer than flying for the time being, hit the road with your family for a day trip to visit a nearby destination or natural attraction you’ve previously not had time for.
Stop at an interesting restaurant or get takeout for a picnic along the way. Get disposable cameras for your kids, so they can have fun taking pictures of whatever they want. Take your time, enjoy the passing scenery, and explore new places on foot. And, of course, don’t forget the snacks and music.
If you’re planning to take a road trip, even locally, during the pandemic, make sure your family is prepared with a coronavirus road kit, containing face masks, disinfecting wipes, disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol. Disinfect the car frequently and only go to places where social distancing comes naturally. Be respectful when you’re stopping at restaurants, shops, or attractions to abide by their rules.
Outdoor Activities
Being outdoors is good for the mind, body, and soul, while also providing an environment where it’s fairly easy to social distance. During your summer holidays, take advantage of the warm weather and nearby natural attractions.
Having fun together as a family can be as simple as taking a stroll through your neighborhood on a nature scavenger hunt or playing Bingo as you look and listen for interesting sights and sounds. Gather materials to make a collage, build a birdhouse, or fill a planter with fresh flowers. Picnicking at the park is a tried-and-true option. If your state guidelines allow you to do so, invite another family or a couple of your children’s friends along.
You can also go to the beach, lake, or river—whatever is nearby—or visit reopened state parks. Go paddling or kayaking, take a bike ride on rural roads, or go hiking. As with other types of day trips, respect other people’s distance and wash and sanitize your hands and equipment as necessary. Most importantly, enjoy a stress-free adventure that reminds you how invigorating it is to be surrounded by nature.
Collaborating With Your Trusted Social Groups
Your friends and family members may also have ideas for summer vacations or knowledge about what local attractions and restaurants are open. It’s valuable to be able to communicate easily and conveniently with your go-to network to get recommendations or plan small get-togethers as it becomes reasonably safe to do so. Go2s is the ideal social networking platform for you to stay connected to your trusted friends and family members, communicate and coordinate with them, and receive important alerts from public agencies and associations.