How to Have Fun and Safe Family Adventures During COVID

With COVID-19 sadly resurging as winter arrives, lots of families are wondering what to do with kids right now that’s fun and safe, especially in the realm of the arts and culture. Whether its rediscovering the simple joys of the drive-in or taking a Thanksgiving weekend away, apple picking or pumpkin picking, there are more options than you might imagine for family fun. Our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum has addressed the pressing issue of how to have fun and safe family adventures right now with a list of the best outdoor family activities for this COVID 19 pandemic era.

How to Have Fun and Safe Family Adventures during the covid 19 era

We have all had to make some serious changes over the last seven months. Our schools and jobs have gone remote, our family and friends have moved to Zoom, and we have all adjusted to the ever-presence of the face mask.

And of course, we have had to accept the vacuum in the space that opened up where in-person art and culture once lived.

But lucky for us, many of our favorite art and culture institutions are finally rebounding, with creative, COVID-specific solutions that actually sound pretty amazing in their own right. And we would never have gotten to experience them, if not for this strange and awful time. Silver lining, dear reader.  

If you’re in the mood for a little optimism, check out the twelve activities below. These would all make a perfect and safe evening – or even vacation – for you and your loved ones.  So grab your pod, hop in the car, and make the most of the moment. 

What are the best safe and entertaining family activities to do during the covid 19 era?

1. A night at the Spy Museum

Washington D.C is a city full of amazing museums, and the International Spy Museum is one of our favorites. Not only do they teach you a little something about espionage, but they also give you a chance to try it for yourself: you will get a fake identity, crack some codes, and see if you have what it takes to make it as an international spy.

This is the perfect experience for the whole family, and now it doesn’t have to end. The Spy Museum is offering a chance to spend the night – yes, you read that right – for any child who is between nine and thirteen-years-old. Check back soon to see when their next sleepover is scheduled. 

2. A night at the opera

We have all missed live theater more than we can say. But now theater companies around the world are innovating remedies to the problem of a packed theater.

Beginning this month, the San Diego Opera is performing a drive-in version of La Bohème. The music will be broadcast through your car radio, while a simulcast of the show screens directly from the stage. Experience all the joys of a live performance – together.  The show begins October 24th, so buy your tickets now.

3. A night at the symphony

The ingenious of the drive-in is not just for opera. The San Luis Obispo Symphony is hosting several drive-in concerts over the course of this fall.

If you’ve missed hearing the sounds of Beethoven, Mozart or Tchaikovsky, you don’t have to wait much longer. Assemble the quaranteam, plan your California road trip, and celebrate the return of live music.

4. a Central Park Soundwalk

Ellen Reid has put together an incredible free app with the help of the New York Philharmonic. Sensitive to your movements, it allows you to create a fully immersive, choose-your-own-adventure concert in Central Park.

Every step you take coordinates with a different note, meaning two paths never play the same symphony. Come with a group, and each person will enjoy a slightly different musical experience. You’ll never see the park the same way again.

5. a theatrical performance by mail

What constitutes “theater,” in a world where we can’t gather in the same space? For the masterminds at Ars Nova, it can mean just about anything.   Their new show P.S. is totally safe, totally distanced, and not limited by location – and no, it’s not virtual.

Once you purchase a set of their limited tickets (available only until October 21st), you’ll begin to receive letters and objects in the mail – and these letters will tell you the story of an unbelievable friendship. Coronavirus has forced us all to stretch our imaginations, and Ars Nova has used theirs to create something truly original.    

6. a starry sky tour

Cherry Springs State Park is proud to say that they are the only Dark Sky Preserve Park in the mid-Atlantic region. What does this mean?

With clear skies, limited dust, and zero light pollution – there is nowhere better to gaze at the stars. Contact the park’s astronomer to set up your private tour, and experience the sky as you never have before.  

7. an art exhibit in the great outdoors

Although many museums have opened back up with limited service, you may still be feeling cautious. We understand. Instead, take this time to appreciate an unforgettable installation that is outside a museum’s walls.

The University of Michigan is housing an extraordinary piece from Ghanian artist Ibrahim Mahama. Mahama is known for his showstopping work, and this 4,452 square foot panel – blanketing the entire exterior of the museum – is no exception.

8. a rocky mountain horseback ride

You have never had a family vacation like one at C Lazy U Ranch. If you’ve never heard of it, this exclusive dude ranch is an iconic spot in the Rocky Mountains.

And even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, you’re in excellent hands. With luxury lodging, gourmet food, and an endless supply of activities, this is fun for the whole family. 

9. a walking tour of the Twin Cities

The inventively-named and resourceful tour company Six Foot Bubble has really risen to the occasion. They’ve launched a series of socially distanced walking tours that can accommodate groups of two to twenty – or even forty – people.

These guys are master storytellers, turning every single route into an opportunity for entertainment as well as education. And if your feet are tired, they also offer tours by bike and Segway.

10. a walk though the world of Toulouse-Lautrec

The year is 1899. You are in Paris, exploring the world of artist Toulouse-Lautrec. Except actually you’re in New York City, in 2020, and you and seven other guests are enjoying your return (at last!) to immersive theater.

Voyeur, the new pandemic-special show from Bated Breath Theater Company, is told entirely through the open windows and doors of Greenwich Village, where you will watch a fantastical narrative unfold. Purchase your tickets today.

11. forest bathing at a botanical garden

Not far from many major cities there are native forests, verdant green lawns and fall and winter activities designed especially for outdoor fun for families with kids. Two words: botanical garden.

We recently shared the joys of the New York Botanical Garden this season. It’s the perfect destination for families with kids during this COVID 19 era. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is also stunning and kid-friendly. The soothing and anxiety-reducing impact of “forest bathing” should never be underestimated. Family members of all ages will feel the benefits.

12. animal crossing IRL

Finally, no list of safe and fun family activities during this covid era would be complete without a mention of the zoo. The toddler and elementary school ages in particular are almost always up for a trip to see some animals. And the best zoos have lots of up-close opportunities to learn and interact with wildlife, and more. The Bronx Zoo, for example, has a tram, a “bug” carousel, and several open pavilions for lunch and snacks. The adorable Central Park Zoo is perfectly-sized for the smallest family members. So if you’re wondering what to do with kids that will get them outdoors during the covid period, head to the nearest zoo. You won’t be sorry.

The best safe and fun family activities during the covid 19 pandemic era

Those are some specific ideas to get your juices flowing as you plan out some safe and entertaining family activities during this covid era, especially in the realm of the arts and culture. Necessity is the mother of invention, and there are delights and joys available even in these dark times if you know where to look. Enjoy some time with your family – and stay safe and strong out there, dear reader.

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This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links. 

Abbie Martin Greenbaum grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living. At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema, which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.

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