With summer creeping around the corner, many people, including myself, are excited to participate in classical summer activities with friends and family. Traditionally, people find themself flocking towards crowded music festivals and amusement parks throughout LA county. Taking COVID into consideration, we need to set boundaries to ensure the safety of all community members and prevent the spread of the virus. Here are some safe and fun alternatives to indulge yourself in with friends and family.
What better way is there to start summer break than with a picnic with your friends? Drive to a local park where you can set up a picnic filled with homemade foods and fun. Homemade finger foods for picnics have been gaining much popularity, as it is clean and convenient for many individuals. Sushi, club sandwiches, cakes, pastries, chips, hotdogs, and fast food take out are common, as it fills one’s stomach without creating a mess. Locations like Ralph B. Clark Park, Heritage Park, and Laguna Lake Park cover large territory, giving park visitors the opportunity to go hiking, view lakes, and play sports in their courts and fields after they have finished eating.
Another way to pass time during the summer is by holding a yard sale! A yard sale is a two in one opportunity, where one can declutter their house, but also be able to make cash off of it. Moreover, it gives teenagers first hand exposure to managing and initiating a small business. With many people spending time outdoors, it is likely for yardsale holders to have a lot of customers during the summer time.
If the heat is getting to you, try staying indoors by doing a fun movie marathon with friends and family. Log into any movie application of your preference and watch/rewatch every episode or movie of your favorite series. Popular movies and shows that have been trending worldwide include Sweet Tooth, Awake, Manifest, Lucifer, Dirty John, 2 Hearts, Home, Dog Gone Trouble, and L.A.’s Finest. Prepare some popcorn and chips so that you have something to munch on throughout the entire marathon.
When yearning for productivity, try out volunteering at a local activity or senior center with a friend or family member. It is a great opportunity to increase one’s social skills, build up volunteer hours, and help elders and young children in need of assistance. Popular volunteer websites one can visit to acquire a position include VolunteerMatch, GiveGab, JustServe, DoSomething.org, International Volunteer HQ, and All for Good. These listed organizations provide a variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from community tutoring to advocating for a social cause.
As your summer vacation begins, make sure to take safety precautions when traveling with friends and families. COVID 19 has significantly halted our normal way of life and it is our job as community members to prevent the spread of the virus. Taking part in the summer activities highlighted above are great ways to practice COVID safety and have fun. With this in mind, stay safe and enjoy your summer vacation!
