According to the Mayo Clinic, outdoor activities – especially those that are close to home – pose a lower risk of COVID-19 spreading than indoor activities do. That’s because fresh air constantly moves, scattering respiratory droplets containing the virus that causes COVID-19 to become infected. So, this means you’re less likely to breathe in enough of those droplets.
Here are several activities you can enjoy outdoors while continuing to practice safe social distancing:
- Go camping in your backyard: Pitch a tent, start a bonfire, make s’mores, tell stories, and stargaze at night.
- Have a picnic: Pack food from home or pick up takeout and enjoy it at your favorite public park.
- Head to your local trails or around your neighborhood for a walk, run, bike ride or hike.
- Practice your shooting skills if you have a basketball hoop.
- Attend a fitness class held outside (that allows distance).
- Learn how to use a map and compass.
- Learn how to navigate the stars.
- Learn how to start a campfire.
- Visit an outdoor farmers market.
- Go to a drive-in movie theatre.
- Watch the sunset from your roof.
- Practice taking photos of nature.
- Practice your frisbee throws.
- Visit a state park.
- Go bird watching.
- Try geocaching.
- Go golfing.
- Fly a kite.
Did you know that Sept. 26 is Family Health & Fitness Day? Celebrate by engaging in some of the outdoor activities listed above with your entire family!
Sources:
“Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayo Clinic Staff, Aug. 4, 2020.
“Need a social distancing-friendly activity? Use this time to improve your outdoor skills,” Gary Garth, usatoday.com, April 10, 2020.
“Social Distancing Outside: 8 Safe Places to Go and Things to Do,” Lyn Mettler, travel.usnews.com, March 20, 2020.
“12 Activities to Do Outside While Still Social Distancing,” Houstonia Staff, May 2020.