Safe Activities You Can Do This Fall
Ahhh, 2020. What a year this has been. What started off great, took a deep, deep, deep… deep dive very quickly in March when COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic, affecting just about every country in the world - which, well, I’m almost 100% positive just about anyone reading this post knows. It’s an odd feeling sharing the same major concern with a lot of the global population, and as much as dealing with this pandemic by staying home has been challenging, I think we’re all about to be put through the ringer with fall approaching, and winter not so far behind it.
I know we were all pretty much okay back in March & April when we initially went into “lockdown”, and we couldn’t go anywhere, but let’s face it - it was new, a lot of people (myself included) saw it as an opportunity to wind down, spend time with family, and be less stressed about everything. Plus, who didn’t want the opportunity to finally start working from home? At least when the summer came, the weather was warm, and we could all easily, and relatively comfortably, be outside, social distancing from one another. Well, that is without a doubt going to change now, as we’re all forced back inside due to the cool weather, and the pandemic fatigue is hitting us hard; so today I wanted to share some safe activities you can do during this particular fall season (or any, really):
Go To a Pumpkin Patch
Let’s start with the most basic of things you could do this fall - head to a pumpkin patch. We’ve come to the conclusion (I think?) that the virus can’t spread as easily in an outdoor environment, so it’s easy to say that going to a pumpkin patch is a good place to start. Start by finding out if the local pumpkin patch you want to go to is doing anything different this year because of COVID - i.e., new/different rules, capacity limits, cancelling trailer rides, etc. - and make sure to plan accordingly. If the pumpkin patch you usually go to takes people on a trailer out to the field, be prepared you might need to walk. Always remember to bring a mask with you, because even if you’re outside, if you can’t keep 6ft of space between you & those not in your bubble, you need to wear a mask.
Pick Apples at an Orchard
The next most basic thing you could do this fall? Go to an apple orchard & pick your own apples. Just like at the pumpkin patch, double check to see if the orchard you’d like to attend has any COVID-19 specific rules, and be prepared to plan your visit with those rules in mind, and just remember - no one wants to be living like this, but if this is what we have to do to stay safe & healthy, protect others & have some sense of normalcy, it’s what we’ve got to do. Once again, make sure to bring your mask for when you can’t be properly socially distanced from other people, and of course, make sure to wash your apples when you get home (Please do this, COVID or not)!
Take a Scenic Fall Hike or Bike Ride
While the last two things have also been outdoor activities, do yourself a favour & get outside for longer than just going to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Our mental health is so important always, but especially right now, and being stuck inside, especially with the winter coming, is going to take a toll on our mental health. All of this to say, do yourself a favour and get out to take a scenic fall hike (or bike ride!) while the weather is still comfortable & not too cold. Not only is the fresh air amazing for you, but it’s bound to be beautiful with the leaves changing colour & best of all, it’s super easy to social distance, making it a great activity to do by yourself* or with people in your bubble. Also, let’s be honest, these kind of activities are always so much better when you have a furry friend to do them with!
* Always exercise caution when walking alone, especially if where you are is secluded.
Have a Socially Distanced Picnic with Friends
Find yourself missing your friends, like a lot? Yeah, same. Well, I have a solution for you – have all of your friends pack themselves up some snacks, drinks, plates, cups & blankets (so there is no shared food or drink items), and pick a safe spot to meet up to have a socially distanced picnic together! Honestly, this sounds like such a perfect way to spend some time with your friends, get out of the house, enjoy nature & soak up the last bit of the nice weather before the snow hits the ground, which is about as good as it’s going to get for 2020, if you ask me.
* Tip: If you want to make super fall vibes, bring a small portable Bluetooth speaker, and connect your phone to play Folklore in the background!
Watch a Movie Together on Disney+
Disney+ delivered on what I’ve been waiting for from Netflix for years! If you don’t know what I’m talking about, let me explain. Just recently, Disney+ added a feature called Group Watch, which is exactly what it sounds like - you can invite family or friends who don’t live with you to join you in watching a movie on the streaming platform (which they also need to have an account for)! I have been waiting for something like this from Netflix pretty much since I signed up for Netflix. Clearly, I’ve always been someone who enjoys staying at home… but seriously, how cool is this?! You finally don’t have to say “start the movie at 3pm on the dot so we’re at the same part!”, you can all watch a show or movie at the exact same time, without delay!
Bake Some Fall Treats with Loved Ones
I don’t know what it is, but I’m someone who exclusively bakes in the fall and winter, and even though 2020 sucks, that part has pretty much stayed the same, hahaha! But seriously, baking can be extremely comforting in a time where no one really knows what’s coming next, or when we’re getting out of this hell hole of a year, so taking some time to bake some fall treats with your loved ones might just be the thing you need to boost your mood! The best part? You can eat it after… and since you’re not seeing anyone, you can eat as many as you want *wink*.
Those are all of the activities I could think of to keep us all safe & healthy during this crazy time! What kind of fall activities are you doing to keep yourself & others safe during this time? If I missed something, I’d love to hear more ideas - I’m always looking for new things to do during this lovely, lovely year… DM me on Instagram if you have any thoughts, and as always, don’t forget to come back next week for a new post on Tuesday at 1pm EST!
