Although social distancing is still recommended, other restrictions on activities and going places are being lifted. Rather than staying inside all day, you now have options for doing activities outdoors. The best part is, practicing social distancing is easier outdoors rather than indoors, due to the amount of space available. We’ve compiled a list of safe activities to do outside during COVID-19.

Picnics

Having a picnic in your backyard is the safest option. Whether it’s eating outside with your family or inviting someone over who also self-quarantines, wears a mask, and is cautious, you can soak up the sun while enjoying a nice meal. Bonus points if you support a local business by ordering takeout!

With parks across the country reopening, it’s possible that picnic areas are available for dining. Know that if you are at a public area, you are putting yourself and those with you at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 than if you eat in an isolated area. Things like shared restrooms, communal picnic areas and anywhere that has shared surfaces can pose a greater risk for contracting and spreading germs.

Sitting on the Beach

In addition to parks reopening, many beaches are also reopening to residents of the area. If you’re looking for a change of scenery and a way to get some vitamin D, consider a day at the beach. You can spend a day at the beach relaxing, or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can try adaptive surfing. Because adaptive surfing is not a contact sport, you are at a lower risk of being exposed to or exposing others to germs. Read more about adaptive sports you can play during COVID-19.

Hiking

Looking for a way to burn some energy and get exercise while enjoying the warmer weather? Hiking is a great way to practice social distancing while getting in a workout. Sometimes trails have shared use paths that are designed for bicycles, pedestrians and are accessible for power wheelchair users. For more information on multi-use trails and accessible outdoor activities, check out our Wheelchair-Accessible Outdoors Guide.

Camping

If you’re looking for more than just picnics or going on a hike, consider camping. It’s a great way to go on a vacation without the health risks that going on a plane may pose. Much like having a picnic, being outdoors and away from the general public decreases your risk of contracting the virus. However, if you’re camping with a group, it is important to know if the people you’re staying with have practiced social distancing and followed recommended guidelines. It’s also important to be wary of shared restrooms and any other communal areas.

Because the weather is getting nicer and stay-at-home orders are slowly lifting, there are more opportunities to do activities with loved ones. Even so, we always recommend following any guidelines posed by your state and being cautious in situations where you are around other people.