As a proud member of Team Stay Home, my three kids and I have been diligently practicing social distancing. We all crave a change of scenery occasionally—even if it just means swapping rooms in our house! However, being adventurous spirits, we also have a deep love for the outdoors. Luckily, the CDC supports visits to public parks and recreational areas as long as we take the right precautions.
Getting some Vitamin D, fresh air, and exercise is essential for our mental and physical health. However, crowded areas and poor social distancing can negate these benefits. Just looking at images of packed public places sends my anxiety levels soaring. Research indicates that the novel coronavirus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets during close contact between individuals. It’s crucial to be mindful, folks!
Common sense is your best friend. If you’re feeling unwell or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past two weeks, stay home. Don’t venture out!
Planning Your Outdoor Adventure
Before heading out, plan where you want to go for some fresh air and nature. Be aware that some trails, parks, and beaches may be closed, so check online resources or local social media groups for updates. Ask others about crowd sizes at your chosen destination.
My kids—ages nine and almost seven (twins)—have enough energy to light up a small city, while I find myself low on patience. Outdoor time is a must in our home. Our yard and quiet street have served us well for bike riding and play, but the confines of our property can feel limiting. There are days filled with restlessness; my kids run in and out of the house and plead for screen time. No way! While boredom doesn’t overshadow gratitude, we’ve discovered ways to safely venture beyond our home, but it requires some planning.
Sometimes, I have to do a bit of convincing. Despite their enthusiasm for outdoor adventures, my kids often resist when I mention an outing. I attribute their reluctance to inertia, but with a solid plan, some snacks, and our face masks, we hit the road.
Staying Safe Outdoors
Our favorite trails have become too crowded for comfort lately. I learned this the hard way a few weeks ago when my kids dashed ahead on a familiar path. I found myself shouting for them to slow down as they approached another family. Maintaining that six-foot distance was a challenge, especially since not everyone was as vigilant. It was stressful and frustrating, making outdoor time less enjoyable.
Stick to nearby spots. Social distancing also means limiting travel, which reduces the risk of needing to stop en route—an exposure risk. Before you leave, check which facilities are open at your chosen location. After some research, I recently took my kids to a park with wide bike paths and nature trails. While the skate park, bathrooms, and picnic areas were closed, I brought water and toilet paper in case someone needed to go in the woods. The CDC also recommends bringing hand sanitizer for times when soap and water aren’t available.
Avoid playgrounds. I know it’s tough for kids to see play equipment and resist the urge to let them play, but playgrounds are off-limits. They draw crowds and are nearly impossible to keep sanitized. If a child touches contaminated equipment, the virus can linger long enough for another child to touch their face afterward.
Only go with the people you live with, and don’t forget your face masks. The CDC advises planning outings with only your household. Wear masks in places where maintaining distance is challenging, like narrow trails. While nobody wants to walk through someone else’s cough, being outdoors is generally safer than being indoors, provided we keep that six-foot distance. Studies from China and Japan indicate that the risk of COVID-19 transmission is significantly lower in open-air environments.
Finding Balance
As the weather warms and our four walls feel more confining, staying home becomes less feasible. It’s essential to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk scenarios—like outdoor interactions versus crowded indoor gatherings—and choose the least risky options to combat quarantine fatigue. As Harvard Medical School professor Julia Marcus pointed out in The Atlantic, the benefits of human connection, exercise, and being outdoors can outweigh the low risk of transmission in such settings.
I’m thankful for the chance to get outside. We need to move, breathe fresh air, and enjoy nature’s benefits. My pandemic lifeline has been my commitment to regular walks, runs, and mini workouts in the backyard. Although my kids may resist putting on pants, once we’re outside, their joy is evident as they explore fields, collect rocks, and navigate secluded riverbanks (the CDC has no evidence of COVID-19 transmission through water). Getting outside allows us to break from reality and reconnect as a family. A little distance from each other can also be beneficial!
Final Thoughts
You can enjoy the outdoors safely with your family; just prepare ahead. Choose your destination, confirm it’s open, and if you encounter crowds, be ready to find another spot. Even outdoors, maintain six feet from others, avoid touching surfaces, and wear masks when necessary. And be prepared for some woodland restroom breaks, as many facilities remain closed.
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Summary
Getting outdoors with your family is possible and beneficial, provided you take safety precautions. Plan your destination, check for crowd sizes, and maintain social distancing. Avoid playgrounds, stick to your household, and remember to bring your face masks. Engaging with nature can provide relief from quarantine fatigue and enhance your family’s well-being.
Keyphrase: enjoying nature safely with family
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