The pandemic is impacting individuals differently. One thing is for sure though, that it’s still taking some getting used to. With so many rules and regulations to pay attention to, it’s all enough to make you lose your mind but staying at home is by far the most effective way to flatten the curve.
Although it’s essential, we also acknowledge that being stuck at home might mean that you are more restless, tense, and bored than you have been for a while. And if you have kids, schools may be out for the foreseeable future, which means that there are a lot more hours in between the day to fill up that should be used for entertaining everyone in the household.
As you probably already know, entertaining kids is no small feat; it’s certainly not for the faint of heart. Sure, you could always let them watch hours of TV because it will buy you a little peace and quiet when you need it. However, giving your kids unlimited screen time is no way to spend time during this quarantine period.
With most spaces only opening up gradually, you’ll find that a lot of the playgrounds, community spaces, and stores that you once loved are still closed. Lucky for you, there are still lots of things that you can do when it comes to keeping yourself and your kids entertained during the quarantine. To prevent you from going stir crazy, here are things that you can do- and you don’t even have to leave your backyard to enjoy them:
1) Set up and backyard ping pong tournament
If you are still doing the responsible thing and staying at home as much as possible, it only makes sense that you want to make full use of your side, front, or back yard. One of the simplest things that you can do outdoors is to organize some lawn games such as a ping pong tournament.
Since you’ll be hosting a game at home, there’s no need to follow all the rules of ping pong. You can have a totally reasonable game with a few paddles, a ping pong table, and a few participants. If you don’t have a ping pong table, simply grab your dining table and create some boundaries and markings.
2) Throw an impromptu Karaoke session
If you are a shower singer or just love music in general, an impromptu Karaoke session can be a great way to spend time with your loved ones in the backyard. When the sun goes down, there is absolutely no reason why the party has to stop. Rather, it’s an opportunity to turn things up with an outdoor Karaoke session.
To throw a successful outdoor session, ensure that you keep your guest list tight; try not to invite more than 10 attendees. If you are thinking about how you can host more people, consider making Karaoke night a weekly thing, that way you will be able to host a different group each time without overcrowding.
If you don’t have enough supplies, request your guests to kindly bring their own blankets or chairs. If there are outsiders that aren’t part of the household, ensure to layout your blankets in the appropriate six feet distance. And don’t forget the hand sanitizer.
You will also need some basic equipment such as a portable projector, a projector screen and some speakers. Make the space as comfortable as possible so that your guests can relax and have fun. Consider setting up some walkway lights or offer your guests inexpensive flashlights to prevent them from accidentally stepping on or tripping over each other.
3) Create a reading nook outdoors
You now have more time than ever to complete those unfinished DIY projects that you have always wanted to try. One of them should be creating an outdoor reading nook where you can retreat to in the quiet of the night or just before sunset to read a book or a magazine.
Don’t have access to a whole ton of books? No problem. Simply get yourself a Kindle and you can read anywhere, anytime. What’s so great about reading on Kindle is that you can read in your backyard without worrying about illumination. Kindles are also mostly waterproof and you can store all your favorite reads and podcasts without worrying about space.
4) Set up an outdoor movie party
Netflix and chilling is great and all, but sometimes you just need to shake things up, which is where an outdoor movie party comes in. With a few supplies and a simple, non-frilly setup, you can create an outdoor theater to beat all outdoor theaters in no time.
First and foremost, you will need to select an outdoor spot with access to electrical outlets. You can’t watch a movie without power, now can you? Also, make sure that the location that you select is quite and where headlights, house lights from nearby houses, or street lights will not make viewing hard.
You also need a retractable projector screen. However, if you cannot afford to buy one straight away, there are plenty of DIY options to try. You will also need a projector, as well as surround sound (regular computer speakers will also work just as fine). Set everything up, grab some popcorn, an outdoor blanket, warm drinks and you’ll be good to go.
Final Thoughts
You may not have as many options as you once did to eat, drink, and get out into the world as you once did pre-quarantine. However, there are still plenty of things that you can try to keep yourself entertained.
Like most people that have been forced to self-isolate or quarantine owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the best thing that you can do is look for alternative ways to make the best of your situation. If you look around, you’ll find that you can do a lot more with the little that you have and still be able to stay safe and sane.
The good news for you is that these tips that we’ve listed above will definitely keep you occupied until the next time you will be able to go out dancing, catch a movie, check out a new restaurant or simply just hug the friends that you miss.
