For the past few months, you guys have been cooped up in the house together to remain safe from the coronavirus pandemic that struck the nation. Now that summer has begun and school is out, however, keeping the kids occupied at home has become quite the challenge. On a positive note, restrictions have been loosened and states have begun phases of reopening.
Though this means that you can get out of the house and enjoy the warm weather, there’s still no treatment or vaccine for this vicious virus. The overall safety and wellbeing of your children should be a top priority this summer, but it doesn’t mean that their fun has to be compromised in the process. Below are some fun, convenient, and safe ways to keep the kids occupied.
Daycare
The reopening of certain states means that some adults will be going back to work soon. If this is the case, then you’ll need to find daycare for your younger children. There are sites like TOOTRiS.com where you can find reputable, affordable, on-demand childcare services in your area as well as a blog for parents where you can find tips, advice, and guides that make your job easier. These service providers have taken all the necessary precautions to ensure that your children are safe giving you peace of mind.
Summer Camp
If your kids are a bit too old to go to daycare for the summer, there’s also the option to send them to summer camp. Sending them to camp allows them to socialize with their peers, engage in outdoor activities, get much-needed exercise, and learn new skills. In many states, summer camps have been allowed to open provided they follow health and safety guidelines to keep children safe from the coronavirus. You can do an online search or reach out to your child’s school to find out about the available summer camps in the area.
Backyard Play
If you’re home for the summer and simply need something to suck up all the kid’s energy throughout the day, then your backyard can be a real lifesaver. You can set up a playground, treehouse, or swimming pool and allow them to play for hours. There’s also the option to invest in outdoor toys and plan fun events like a barbecue, backyard camping, or movie night under the stars.
Arts and Crafts
You’d be surprised how lost children of all ages can get in the world of arts and crafts. From coloring pages in a book to making birdhouses, there are a ton of ideas they’ll love creating. You can go online and find some arts and crafts ideas based on the age and interest of each child. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand and encourage your children to use their imaginations to express their creativity.
Day Trips
Another safe and fun way to keep the kids occupied this summer is to plan day trips.
With all the stress and turmoil going on in the world right now, spending quality time together as a family could be just the fix you need to lift your spirits. You can look at your community calendar to find out about outdoor events, visit a state park and go for a hike, go fishing, or take a trip to a nearby beach, pool, or lake. When you’re out in public, just be sure that you guys remain safe by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands regularly. If a place you’re visiting starts to get crowded, it is better to leave to be on the safe side.
Staycations
Traveling out of your hometown may not be ideal in the middle of a pandemic, but there’s nothing that says you can’t explore your own city. If you guys are dying for a change of scenery a great way to keep them occupied is to plan a staycation. Find a hotel with amenities like a pool, game room, and a courtyard for them to enjoy. You could spend all your time at the hotel enjoying the amenities or you could venture out for day trips.
Though the coronavirus pandemic is still very much an issue in the United States, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. With new cases, hospitalization, and mortality rates in many parts of the country on the decline, states are starting to loosen the reigns to allow for some return to normalcy. As long as you do your research to determine the safety level of a particular activity and take precautions when you’re in public, your kids can still have a pretty decent summer.
