If you Google "COVID safe activities near me", you'll discover that with over 2 billion results, you are not the only one running out of fun ideas to keep the minis busy. Im going to share with you what my family did to continue teaching Nyaeli about the world around her safely.
We had a picnic on a paddle boat.
It's no surprise kids love water. Since the pandemic began, Nyaeli's swim classes are suspended so we wanted to get her near the water without the beach crowds. We packed a small cooler with lunch and drove to the nearest lake where we rented a paddle boat. Nyaeli was intrigued by the mechanics of the paddles and loved the challenge of pushing through the water using her tiny leg muscles (BONUS: paddling tired her out). Daddy and I took over as we paddled out to the middle of the lake under the shade of trees and had our little picnic. Nyaeli saw frogs, dragonflies, large tree roots, algae on water, and different birds.
TIP: make sure mini goes potty BEFORE getting on the paddle boat. Docking takes longer than expected.
We beached like townies.
I was totally against going to the beach but I didn't dare say "no" to my husband and toddler who are practically mer-people trapped in human form. They are all about that salt life - the beach, waves, sand, and surfing. How do townies beach? Townies pick a spot on the water just shy on the flags which means lifeguard doesn't allow us to swim in the water but we can splash with the little ones close to shore and away from rocks. Daddy signed up for personal surf lessons and his classes were at odd times when crowds were more likely at work than the beach.
TIP: Even though we were outside, we kept our masks on until we settled into our spot on the beach. Check with the beach before bringing a tent but they are wonderful for marking off your personal space.
We mini golfed
I forgot how much fun outdoor mini golf was! Leila traveled with us cousins spend time together with our 4th cousin member. We stumbled on the idea to go golfing and enjoyed a quick game before baby's next nap.
TIP: Most outdoor golfing facilities should be wheel chair accessible which makes it easy to stroll along your mini.
Mini Picassos got together
Nyaeli missed her cousins so we hosted a painting party in the back yard. My Aunt Lyndia's brilliant idea really, she ordered little smocks and paint supplies in coordinating colors. Especially after our family loss, everyone loved seeing the girl have the afternoon together.
TIP: You can buy a kids paint kit and canvases on Amazon.