How To Survive A Quarantine Summer

It’s looking like many Summer camps will not be operating at full capacity or even at all, given the current health crisis happening in the world. Many of us are also still working from home, so what will we do to keep these kids entertained this Summer? I have a few suggestions, of course, a couple of these things we have already started doing as a family. I truly hope this post finds you all well and gives you all some inspiration. As always, we are a community of sharing, please add to this list by leaving a comment below.

Travel. I’m not sure how many of you feel like traveling this year. But I have been seeing people on social media starting to venture out. It’s not in the plans for us this year, but with serious precautions, it’s an option. There is also the idea for a good ole road trip. You can find a safe destination within 2-3 hours driving distance for a change of scenery.

Drive-In Movie. Our family’s favorite of going to the movies no longer exists in this Covid-19 world, so what’s next? I have been seeing ads for drive-in theatres popping up on my timeline since my friends went a couple of weeks ago. You can stay in the comfort of your own vehicle and some places even allow you to bring your own food. The downside, the movies aren’t current. I still think going as a family for the experience will be worth it. Have any of you been to one recently?

Family Bike Rides or Runs. If you’ve been following along on my Instagram stories lately, you would have seen our nightly bike rides. It has literally been a mental release and so freeing. Also, I hope it will help me lose a couple of these quarantine pounds. It also gives the boys something to look forward to, they ask me every day, “what time are we going to ride?” It makes me feel so amazing riding through our neighborhood, enhancing the black family narrative. I know there is a bike drought, we purchased mine from a second-hand shop locally. If you are on the hunt for a bicycle, try Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and sites of that nature. If bike riding isn’t for you, a family-run can also provide physical and mental release. Please be safe out there.

Pimp Out Your Backyard. If you are fortunate enough to have a backyard space, that will be where you will be spending the majority of your summer vacation. The boys are asking for a trampoline, they are either sold out or out of my price range. A cool bounce house, swing set, or water slides/sprinklers are also great things to add. At this point, I will turn on the water hose and let them have a blast child. I guess everyone was on the same page as far as backyard improvements, every damn thing is sold out or overpriced.

Virtual Sports Camps. The boys are active like literally they cannot sit still unless they are on a device. Basketball was their favorite sport to participate in as a group. With that being a thing that disappeared in the pandemic, I have been looking into virtual sports camps. The NBA has a Junior program that offers virtual classes and drills to keep their skills intact. As much as I can tell them to go outside and shoot around, I am not a coach and can’t teach them the fundamentals of the game. That’s why I love these drills. If sports aren’t your thing, I’ve seen virtual camps for just about everything from chess to coding.

I hope this post helps you look at the bright side this Summer. We have all this time to spend as a family, that usually we aren’t allowed. Let’s make the best of the season and try to remain as safe as possible. Let me know of any other suggestions you have below. Thanks so much for reading!