5 Covid-Friendly Summer Activities
While COVID may not be sizzling out quite like we had hoped, summer is not cancelled! If you’re struggling to find ways to keep everyone entertained while maintaining some distance, we’ve compiled a list of 5 covid-friendly activities that are perfect for families and friends alike.
1. Drive-in Movie
Have you ever cozied up with a bucket of buttery popcorn and your favorite sugary candy in the bed of a pillow-laden pickup truck? If not, you need to add this experience to your summer bucket list ASAP. Motor Vu Drive-In Theatre in Riverdale features four different movie screens and is now open daily. Be sure to check their website each week for an updated movie schedule, and also to buy your tickets online. If you are a bit further south, Redwood Drive-in Theatre in West Valley may be your nearest option. This fun destination has been around since 1948 and is constantly working to keep your movie-going experience affordable and family-friendly. Both locations offer a 2-for-1 pricing structure where you can see two movies in a row for a fun-filled evening.
If you would rather create your own drive-in movie experience at home with friends and family, you might want to look into a portable projector similar to the Cinemood. This tiny streaming device can put out a 12-ft projection and holds a charge for 5 hours. Set the mood with a few cozy nooks in the backyard made from pillows, blankets, air mattresses, and even pool inflatables. You could rent a popcorn or cotton candy machine to surprise the kiddos with!
2. Bonfire
Does anything scream summer more than a good ol’ bonfire? Whether you have a designated fire pit in your backyard or are opting to meet your friends at a nearby park, a great location is simple to find. Be sure to bring a pack of your favorite brats and some pretzel buns to balance out the sticky goodness of late night s’mores. It’s no secret that the key to a great s’more is the perfect marshmallow.
Madyson’s Marshmallows is a local company located just outside of Park City that sells artisanal marshmallows world-wide. This delicious business was founded on four-year-old Madyson’s curiosity as to how marshmallows are made. One of their most popular products is their s’mores kit, which features Cookies and Cream Stuffed Marshmallows, Chocolate Stuffed Marshmallows, Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Marshmallows, a 16 pc. box of Jo’s Original Milk Chocolate Covered Grahams, a 16 pc. box of Jo’s Original Dark Chocolate Covered Grahams, and a Jo’s Candies reusable Tote. Is your mouth watering yet?
3. Online Cooking Class
If you’re seeking to broaden your skill set and impress the family, taking an online cooking class might be just the ticket! Fortunately, Salt Lake Culinary Institute is now offering cooking courses that can be accessed online. Some of these include how to grill the perfect steak, homemade potato chips, homemade gnocchi, how to make chocolate ganache, and so much more. Make this a fun night for the entire family by separating into teams and turning it into a competition – losers are stuck doing the dishes!
4. Scenic Drive
One activity that is easily accessible no matter the time of year or current social distancing guidelines is a scenic drive through a new part of the state. Whether you want to stay closer to home, or you’re willing to make a day of it, there are plenty of gorgeous routes that are calling your name. Some of these include the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Highway 12, Nebo Loop Byway, Alpine Loop, Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway, and countless others. Be sure to pack a bagged lunch and a badminton set that you can enjoy with the family at a picnic area along the way!
5. U-pick Farm
Let’s be honest, summer just isn’t summer without sticky watermelon juice running down your wrists and crisp corn kernels stuck between your teeth. Fresh fruits and vegetables are such an easy snack and picking your own brings the reassuring element of knowing where your produce is coming from. Because Utah is such an agriculturally-rich area, there are countless farms that invite you to pick your own produce. Some of these include Cherry Hill Farms – Alpine Utah, McBride’s Briar Patch, Petersen Family Farms, Riley’s Farm Fresh, Rocky Top Fruit Farm, and South Meadow Produce. Another great option is Utah’s Famous Fruit Way along HWY 89 in Logan, UT.
Hopefully you now have a few ideas on how to make the most of this unusual summer in 2020. Don’t let the opportunity for new memories pass you by, use this slower time to challenge your norm, think outside of the box, and try new things! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to tag #MyLocalUtah!