8 Social Distancing Activities to Bust Boredom
With a mounting number of school closures, canceled events, and travel restrictions, the coronavirus pandemic has left many Texas families without their usual sources of bonding and entertainment — when we could sure use it. But, like many struggles in life, this may be a tough moment where we find our imagination and creativity can be a source of great comfort.
Here are eight indoor activities your family can enjoy together to combat boredom while social distancing:
Go On a Scavenger Hunt
Create your own indoor scavenger hunt list for your kiddos with a sentimental touch. Have your kids search for items that can double as conversation starters, such as:
- An item you’ve had since you were a baby
- Something you’re proud of
- A Texas state flag
- A gift from a family member
- Something very old
- A souvenir from a trip
- A picture of your family
- Something made in Texas
Bake a Texas Sheet Cake and Eat It, Too
Make a supremely moist and decadent chocolate Texas sheet cake together. It should take you about an hour from mixing the ingredients to your first bite — the perfect amount of time for kids to enjoy the process without getting restless. Top with crushed pecans for an extra sweet Texas treat.
Learn to Two-Step
Swing your partner round and round! There are hundreds of YouTube videos on how to boot n’ scoot, like this two-stepping tutorial from Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk, in Fort Worth. Even if you’re boogying in your living room, it helps to wear an authentic pair of boots and “yeehaw” when you’re really jiving.
Count Your Lucky Stars
The stars at night are big and bright — and if you’re lucky, you can see them from your backyard! When the kids are itching to get out of the house, camping out in the backyard can be a blessing. Set up your tent, roast a few marshmallows over the fire pit if you’ve got one, and be sure to download a couple of astronomy apps to make the night educational for all.
Sing Texas Karaoke
Texas is home to some of the greatest and most popular singers of all time. Throw on some music videos and embrace your inner diva with numbers from Beyoncé, Demi Lovato, Jessica Simpson, Erykah Badu, or Kelly Clarkson. Or get into your country on with hits by Willie Nelson, George Strait, or Miranda Lambert. And who doesn’t love the nostalgic tunes by Lyle Lovett, Janis Joplin and … who could forget … Vanilla Ice, Ice Baby?
Texas-Themed Crafts
Spare a box of pasta from your pantry for macaroni art. See if you can make the Texas state flag or a portrait of your home. Break out your watercolors or colored pencils to make portraits of bluebonnets and other wildflowers that may be blooming in your yard. Or why not repurpose some old socks to sew armadillos, longhorns, and jack rabbits for a western-themed puppet show?
Connect Digitally
This is a tough time for Texas, and the world at large. Social isolation can be hard, especially for kids — but we’re more connected than ever before (at a safe distance) thanks to technology. Break out the stickers, glitter glue, and craft paper for your kids to construct cards that you can photograph and text to Grandma and Grandpa. Then, give them a call to catch up. They’ll be glad to hear your voice and know you’re thinking about them.
Publish a Book
There are lots of different sites online, such as Blurb, where you can design, print, and even publicly publish your own album. For young children, creating a family photo album can become a keepsake for generations to come. Older kids and teens may enjoy the opportunity to write and illustrate a comic book or a series of short stories.
The coronavirus has thrown our state, country, and world for a loop, but we’ll come out stronger on the other end if we look out for one another and make good use of this time. Review your member benefits today to make sure you’re taking full advantage of savings designed to keep your family healthy and happy.
© 2020 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
