As the school year winds down and the summer approaches, many of us parents have mixed emotions. For parents who have been homeschooling their kids, I think we can all breathe a sigh of relief. But with many camps and pools remaining closed, many parents are left wondering what the summer will even look like. Parents everywhere are realizing that this summer is going to look different, and that it could be a pretty tough summer for their active kids.
The therapists at Water’s Edge Counseling have put together a list of 20 “social distancing” activities that you can do in the Savannah area or at your own home with your kids during this summer of COVID-19. Check out the list below – to save you a step (because we know you have a million other things going on!), we’ve included links where applicable:
- Visit Skidaway Island State Park – Hike or bike the trails at Skidaway Island State Park. There are pretty marsh views, and the trails are well marked.
- Go berry picking at Ottawa Farms – Visit Ottawa Farms in Pooler and pick your own strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Buckets and hand washing stations provided.
- Visit Tom Triplett Park for walking and disc golf – Tom Triplett Park in Pooler has its very own disc golf course, as well as walking trails, and a fishing pier.
- Drive through the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge – Look for alligators, birds, and other wildlife as you drive through a four mile loop at The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.
- Visit Tybee Island for a beach day and shark tooth hunt – Spend a day at the beach, enjoying the sun and surf. Also, North Tybee is a great place to hunt for shark’s teeth.
- Have a “Water Day” at home – Have a “Water Day” in your own backyard with all things water. Pull out the sprinkler, slip n slide, inflatable pool, water balloons, and water guns.
- Hike or bike the McQueen’s Island Trail – Take your kids on the scenic trail that runs along Hwy 80 going out towards Tybee. This trail has wonderful views of the coastal areas.
- Have a picnic lunch at Forsyth Park – Pack or pick up lunches and head to Forsyth Park for a picnic. Then, take some time to walk around some of Savannah’s historic squares.
- Bake or cook with your kids – Have a weekly baking or cooking day, where you have your kids help you bake or cook a new recipe.
- Visit Disney…from your home! – Bring the magic of Disney to you! There are some amazing virtual Disney rides and attractions available online. Fun for the whole family!
- Go see a drive in movie at the Drive in Theater in Jesup – Pack some snacks or dinner and enjoy a movie under the stars.
- Create a Scavenger Hunt for your kids inside your home or in your yard – This is a fun activity for kids of all ages. If your kids are old enough, let them create a scavenger hunt for you, too!
- Have a family movie night or afternoon – Pop some popcorn or make some Coke floats, and enjoy watching a movie together as a family.
- Have a backyard camp out – Pull out the tent or hammocks, and have a camp out in your own backyard. Enjoy telling stories together and making memories.
- Rent kayaks or paddle boards – There are several places in the Savannah area to rent kayaks and paddle boards. You can even take a guided tour if you aren’t ready to venture out on your own. Check out a list of rental places here.
- Make an obstacle course in your driveway – Use sidewalk chalk, cones, balls, jump ropes, etc. to create an obstacle course for your kids to do in your own driveway.
- Make cards for a neighbor or for residents in a nursing home – Let your children get creative and draw pictures or make cards for neighbors on your street, or for people in assisted living or nursing homes. Many places will allow you to drop cards off at the front door.
- Write a script for a movie and act it out – Let your kids write their very own play or movie. Help them create props, and let them act it out. Record it, and let them watch themselves.
- Exercise together – Make exercise a daily part of your summer. Make a summer goal of a certain number of miles you want to walk or bike, and track these miles with your kids. Celebrate reaching your goal with a party!
- Start a Garden – Plant peppers, tomatoes, or herbs (pots work great), and let your children help you take care of them. Children love to watch this process and have the responsibility of caring for their plants.
We hope that you find this list helpful as you embark upon this unusual summer. If your children or teenagers are struggling with this time, please reach out to us. We also offer Online Counseling at this time to help keep you safe. The therapists at Water’s Edge Counseling love to help children, teens, and families find a balance and structure that fills the home with joy and creates a positive and nurturing environment. Give us a call at 912-319-5552 if we can help!