Activities for Kids

50 Things to Do This Summer (While Social Distancing)

In the era of epic closures, we're still finding ways to have fun in the summer. Fifty ways, to be exact!

By rtstephaniekanowitz June 2, 2020

Summer is right around the corner. In this time of social distancing, we’re scratching our heads about what that even means. Sure, many camps and pools are closed and the novel coronavirus feels anything but new at this point, but many government services and businesses are still innovating to make life in the social distancing era easier and fun. Whether you’re looking to re-create the camp experience or a vacation at home or you simply want a way to occupy the kiddos (and yourself) for a few hours without a screen, we’ve got ideas – 50 of them, in fact.

photo: iStock

1. Make the most of the great outdoors right behind your house by backyard camping.

2. That ninja camp didn’t work out? Set up an obstacle course at home or in the backyard.

3. Maybe your summer vacay is on hold, but you can still take virtual road trips.

4. Here are more ideas for at-home fun.

5. You know all that gas you’ve saved by not driving anywhere? Use it to visit five places you can see without leaving your car.

6. Sign the under 16 set up for a virtual running, cycling or swimming challenge.

7. Here’s a list of places best suited for two wheels and a list of bikes for every age.

8. Take a swim in a natural watering hole (and bonus! It has a waterfall).

9. Another option: make a road trip of touring Maryland’s waterfalls.

10. Yet another way to take to the water.

photo: Shari Romar

11. For more nature-based fun, download “A Field Guide to Fairfax County’s Plants and Wildlife” for free and then head outside to see what you can find.

12. Or become a National Park Service Junior Ranger from the comfort of your favorite computer screen.

13. Kingman and Heritage Islands in D.C. is a great – and off-the-beaten-path – spot for birding, biking and boating.

14. Grab your fishing gear and wait for a bite.

15. Pack a picnic and sunglasses, and plop down 6 feet away from others at Gravelly Point park to watch planes take off and land at Reagan National Airport.

16. For a closer view of some amazing aircraft, take a virtual tour of the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

17. Take a hike. No, really. Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton has several trails to accommodate safe spacing, or check out nearby Mason Neck State Park, which has canoe, kayak and bike rentals.

18. It’s tee time somewhere.

19. Quit putt-putting around and call to make sure these places are open. If they’re not, no worries.