The world might be in the throes of a global pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun. In fact, you’ll be surprised by how many social distancing activities you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
Here are ten great pandemic-friendly activities to bring a bit of joy into your day and keep you connected with the people you hold most dear.
1. Host a Tournament
Everyone loves a bit of competitive fun, so break out your favorite video game, set up some tournament guidelines, and have at it. If you’re not into video games, there are plenty of awesome board games you can play at home or virtually. There’s even one called Pandemic.
Make plans to cook the same meal with friends or family. Video chat as you prepare your food, maybe even put on an episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen in the background. When the time is up, vote on whose dish wins best in presentation, since virtual tasting doesn’t exist yet.
Have a costume or a theme of the week contest with your friends. Show off your COVID-19 pandemic fashion sense to win a small prize like a gift card for your favorite coffee shop or take-out. To keep things fair, the winner each week buys the prize for the following week.
2. Scavenger Hunt
Sardines or hide-and-seek can get old after a while. Liven up your social distancing activities with a scavenger hunt. You can create your own or borrow one of the ideas available online.
3. Get Elaborate With Date Night
If you live with your partner, there is no end to the number of social distance activities you can do for date night.
Wine tasting: Pick a wine and complimentary hors d’oeuvre for each room in your house. Then take your time visiting the different “wineries” and sampling their offerings.
Night in on the town: Start by taking a couple of online dance classes leading up to the date. Order in and have a nice dinner, on real plates not in the to-go boxes. Then turn down the lights and show off your new skills.
If you have to socially distance with your partner, don’t worry there are great pandemic safe activities for you too.
Breakfast in bed: Make food together virtually, then crawl back under the covers for an intimate breakfast in bed.
Virtual walk: Show your partner around your neighborhood by video chatting with your camera flipped. You’ll get closer by sharing stories and memories as you walk.
4. Go Camping
Pack your backpack and head out into the yard for a night of sleeping under the stars. Download a stargazing app and search for constellations or share some chilling ghost stories by candlelight.
If you’re not a fan of the great outdoors, no worries. Set up a tent in your family room or better yet, build an old school blanket fort. For the ultimate experience drag out a few sleeping bags, and enjoy some of your favorite camping snacks like trail mix and s’mores.
5. Group Workout
Since most gyms and fitness centers remain closed, you’ll have to be more creative when it comes to staying active. Keep your blood flowing and your energy levels up with online fitness classes. Get everyone involved and take turns picking new activities for the whole family to try together.
Does your normal workout buddy live in a different bubble? Keep the connection alive and meet them at the local part and do a socially distanced HIIT or yoga workout. If stay-at-home restrictions in your area don’t allow this, then schedule a video chat workout sesh to cheer each other on during your sets.
6. Pen Pal
Everyone loves getting mail. Rather than restricting your communication to video chats and phone calls, pick up a pen and paper and start writing. This is a fun social distance activity to keep in touch with family or forge new friendships.
If you want to go all out, you can even buy your own wax sealing kit to make your letters look extra special.
7. COVID Purge
How long have you been wanting to clean out your garage, or the back of your freezer? It may not be the most exciting of social distancing activities. But if you put on some good tunes and dive right in, you’ll be done before you know it.
Then you’ll be able to relax knowing you knocked some things off that never-ending to-do list.
8. Online Escape Room
If you never got the chance to go to an escape room before the pandemic, well now is your chance. Book an online escape room experience to enjoy with your friends. They are safe, fun, and a great way to connect with people you haven’t seen in a while.
9. DIY Crafts
DIY crafts are great for expressing creativity, and they aren’t just for kids. Try scrapbooking some of your old photos. Or create custom cards to remind friends and family you’re thinking of them.
Get the kids involved with crayons, paints, markers, or keep them busy with homemade oobleck. If you’ve never heard of oobleck you’re in for a treat.
It’s not solid. It’s not liquid. But it’s sure to keep the kiddos entertained for a while.
10. Self Improvement
There is no better time to pick up a new hobby than during a pandemic lockdown. These social distancing activities can be done alone or virtually with a friend.
- Join a book club
- Take online classes
- Learn a language
- Practice an instrument
- Get to work on your bucket list
- Sign up for free webinars
- Listen to podcasts
- Try meditating
There is no end to the ways you can practice personal growth during the pandemic.
Social Distancing Activities for Everyone
Don’t let the COVID-19 pandemic put an end to creating happy memories. Try one or all of these social distancing activities to add a bit of variety to your life.
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