Activities for your Quarantined Summer!

It may not feel like it entirely, but summertime is here! Despite the circumstances, there are tons of things you can do with your family, roommate, significant other, and yourself! Not only are there still many activities to do, but don’t forget that now is a great time to take advantage of doing those things you’ve been wanting or needing to do but didn’t have the time.

Since you don’t have the FOMO (fear of missing out) on hanging out with your friends and coworkers, take this time to take that online class, learn a new skill, or organize your online photos, or call your parents/friends every day! Read on for some great ideas on having fun and bettering yourself!

Good old indoor fun:

• Game night: family game night, roommate game night, or virtual game night - here’s your opportunity to convince everyone to play your favorite game! Live alone? Find an online trivia game you can play with family or friends! You can rotate who chooses the game, switch it up, and even create your own rules each time. Puzzles can be done alone or with others and can take weeks to complete!
   
• Movie night: Show a movie on the main television in your home, and make it an event. Serve popcorn, sodas, and candy and let everyone pick a movie each week! Surprisingly, movie night can also be a virtual activity if you live alone. Just have your friend or family member watch it at the same time so you can laugh and cry together.

Enjoy the great outdoors

It’s summer - take advantage of the (hot) weather! It’s a great time for hiking, bike rides, or just a good long walk! Now is even a good time for camping. You can spend time appreciating the outdoors while you get some exercise, too!

Have kids? Get a little inflatable pool - you will be surprised how much they enjoy a tiny bin filled with water. You can also have a water balloon fight or create your own slip n’ slide! 

With or without kids, have a picnic in your yard or on your balcony/deck. Just don’t do it in the middle of the day so it’s not too hot! 

You know what else now is a great time for? Improving your landscaping! If you have some extra time, head to the local store to grab some new plants and flowers, or get some herbs and vegetables and start the garden you didn’t have time for before!

Learn a new skill

Don’t let this time go to waste! Even if you only have an additional hour in your day from not commuting, or you’re still working each day but aren’t spending as much time with friends and family - now is a time to take advantage of! 

• Make music: There has never been a better time to pick up a new instrument! Get out that old guitar or purchase one from Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace and get started! Some are easier and less expensive than others, like the ukulele. A quick Google search will give you all the videos and tutorials you need! 
  
  
• Learn a language: You can do this alone or with your roommates. Practice with whoever you can and even take some time to cook the food from that native country. There are apps like Duolingo where you can learn for free!

Do some good in the world

As much fun as we can have right now, what’s going on in the world is rough! Do your part and donate to your local charity or volunteer. Chances are that your local food pantries are struggling and in need of food. Bring your extra cans and ask how you can help!

Take time to work on your health

This one might not sound as fun as the others, but it can be! Gym closed? No problem! Youtube and other Apps are home to some amazing free workouts. Try Popsugar or Yoga with Adrienne on Youtube, or the Daily Workouts App.

If you’re working out indoors, don’t forget to still get outside! Make a habit of taking a long walk each night after dinner and you’d be amazed by the health benefits that just that can bring!

This might be a short list, but there are tons of activities to pass the time! From home cooking competitions to virtual dance parties, we know there's something for everyone!

Despite the sadness of the world, do your best to enjoy the time you can spend with your loved ones - virtually or in person.