I firmly support staying home, and my three children and I have been following social distancing guidelines diligently. However, we all need a change of scenery every now and then, even if it means a quick trip to a different room in our house. As adventure enthusiasts, we love spending time outdoors. Fortunately, the CDC allows visits to public parks and recreational areas as long as safety measures are followed.
Getting enough Vitamin D, fresh air, and physical activity is essential for our mental and physical health. Unfortunately, crowded locations and inadequate social distancing can undermine these efforts. Just looking at photos of packed public areas can spike my anxiety. Research has shown that the novel coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets during close contact. We need to be smarter about this, people!
Using common sense is vital. If you’re feeling unwell or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days, it’s best to stay home.
Preparation is Key
Even if you are healthy, preparation is key before venturing out. Decide on a location for some outdoor activity or to let your kids explore for a bit. Some parks, trails, and beaches may be closed, so check online resources or local community groups to confirm if your desired spot is open. It’s also helpful to ask others about crowd sizes at your intended destination.
My children—my eldest is nine and my twins are nearly seven—are bursting with energy, and I often feel drained trying to keep up with them as they bounce off the walls. Outdoor time is a necessity in our home. Our yard and quiet street have been great for activities like bike riding, but staying confined to our property can be creatively and physically limiting. Some days, restlessness takes over, leading to arguments and requests for screen time. Absolutely not. While boredom may arise, it doesn’t negate our gratitude or well-being, and we’ve found ways to safely venture outside of our home. It does require some planning, though.
It also involves a bit of convincing. Despite their love for outdoor adventures, my kids often resist when I announce we’re going out. I attribute their reluctance to inertia, but I push through, make a plan, pack snacks and face masks, and we head out.
Avoid Crowded Areas
Our favorite trails are too crowded right now. I learned this the hard way recently when my kids raced ahead on a familiar path. Despite my constant reminders for them to slow down and maintain distance, it was stressful trying to ensure we stayed apart from others. Just because I was cautious didn’t mean everyone else was, and it was frustrating. The benefits of being outside were lost in the chaos.
Stick to nearby areas; social distancing also means limiting travel. This reduces the chances of needing to stop along the way, which could heighten your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Before you go, check what facilities are open at your chosen location. After some searching for nature trails close to home, I found a park with wide bike paths and trails. The skate park, water fountain, restrooms, picnic tables, and sports fields were all closed. I packed water and toilet paper just in case someone needed to relieve themselves in the woods or next to the van. The CDC also advises bringing hand sanitizer in case soap and water are unavailable.
Playgrounds and Safety Precautions
Avoid playgrounds. It’s tough for kids to see playground equipment and not want to play on it, especially after what feels like an eternity of staying indoors, but playgrounds are not safe right now. They attract crowds, which should be avoided, and it’s nearly impossible to keep them sanitized. If a child touches contaminated equipment, the virus can linger long enough for another child to get infected.
Stick to your household and remember to wear face masks. The CDC recommends that outings include only your family or those you live with. Masks should be worn in areas where social distancing is challenging, like narrow paths or trails. While we want to avoid someone else’s cough or sneeze, being outdoors is generally safer than being indoors, provided everyone keeps a six-foot distance. Studies in China and Japan indicate that the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission is significantly lower in open-air environments.
Finding Balance
As the weather warms up and we feel increasingly stir-crazy, staying home doesn’t seem feasible much longer. Distinguishing between low-risk and high-risk scenarios—like outdoor interactions six feet apart versus a crowded indoor gathering—can help alleviate the “quarantine fatigue” we’re experiencing. According to Harvard Medical School professor Julia Marcus, the benefits of social connection, exercise, and being outdoors may outweigh the low risk of virus transmission in these cases.
I am thankful for the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. We need to move, breathe fresh air, and reap the benefits of green spaces. My lifeline during this pandemic has been my commitment to walks, runs, and mini workouts in the backyard. Once my kids are outside, despite their initial reluctance to dress properly, I can see them thriving in open spaces, collecting rocks, climbing trees, and playing along secluded riverbanks (the CDC has not provided evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through water). Getting outside allows us to momentarily escape reality and reconnect. We also enjoy a bit of solitude from each other, which has its value.
Conclusion
You can enjoy the outdoors with your family safely; it just requires a little preparation. Choose your destination, check for crowds, and know that if it’s too busy, you may need to find an alternative spot. Even outdoors, maintain social distance from those not in your household; avoid touching surfaces, signs, or your face; and wear a mask when necessary. And be prepared to relieve yourself in the woods, as restroom facilities may be limited.
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Summary: Enjoying nature with your family is possible even during these challenging times, as long as you take necessary precautions. Stay close to home, check for crowd sizes, and maintain social distancing while enjoying the outdoors. Prepare ahead of time to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience that benefits both your physical and mental well-being.