Social Distancing this Holiday Break? Here's How to Make it Fun
Social distancing, however, does not have to mean the end of spring break antics as we know it. There are plenty of indoor activities and small group or private outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. Discover everything you need to know about social distancing this holiday break, and how to make it fun!
Table of Contents
- Social Distancing and How to Make it Fun
- Outdoor Activities
- Explore Nature
- Camping
- Get Active
- Small Group or Private Activities
- Snorkeling
- Fishing
- Jet Skis & Boating
- Indoor Activities
- Treat Yourself
- Movie Night
- Games and Puzzles
- Reconnect with Loved Ones
Social Distancing and How to Make it Fun
While some select introverts out there are completely fine with having to maintain social distance, there are many people wondering how they could possibly enjoy a staycation during coronavirus. While heading to the club and getting down on the dance floor is not an option this year, there are still plenty of amazing activities for every age and interest that will turn your spring break from drab to fab! Keep reading for the top private or small group outdoor activities, plus a plethora of indoor activities that will make social distancing this holiday break FUN!
Outdoor Activities
While keeping social distance does mean staying away from others, it doesn’t mean you have to avoid the outdoors completely. Finding activities in less crowded places or choosing tours with a limited amount of participants is a great place to start. Below are some of the best outdoor activities with little crowds and lots of fun!
Explore Nature
Take a stroll down one of the Gulf Coast’s many mysterious and magical nature trails
Heading out into nature is one of the best ways to enjoy social distancing this holiday break. Luckily, travel destinations offer a ton of natural beauty just waiting to be explored! First stop? You guessed it, the beach!
Popular spring break destination Santa Rosa Beach is known for stunning crystal-clear water, rolling white sand dunes, and scenic beauty as far as the eye can see. With so many public beach accesses in the area to choose from, finding your private slice of beach bliss is easier than ever! Below are a few popular beach accesses in Santa Rosa Beach:
- Dune Allen Regional Beach Access: 5999 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459
- Ed Walline Regional Beach Access: 4447 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459
- Blue Mountain Beach Regional Beach Access: 2365 S. Scenic Highway 83, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459
- Van Ness Butler Jr. Regional Beach Access: 1931 E. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459
- Santa Clara Regional Beach Access: 3468 E. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459
- Inlet Beach Regional Access: 438 S. Orange Street Center, Inlet Beach, FL, 32461
Click here for a full list of South Walton beach and bay access points.
Beach Bonfires - While you’re at it, why not create an unforgettable bonfire experience? According to a recent Traveler Story, beach bonfires are the perfect way to get family and friends together and enjoy some precious quality time.
If you go to a destination that allows bonfires, you can either arrange your own, or hire a service to do it for you! With packages available including a fire bowl, firewood, attendant to maintain the fire, tiki torches, chairs, tables, and more, all that’s left to do is show up!
{Read Reviews & Book Santa Rosa Beach 30A Beach Bonfires Online}
Camping
Another great outdoor activity to enjoy in nature is camping! Prepare your ghost stories, roast some marshmallows, and explore the local nature on a family fun camping trip. This is the perfect way to have fun, reconnect with your loved ones, and enjoy some fresh air, all while keeping social distance from the general public.
If this sounds right up your alley, you may want to consider camping out at a state park. If you’re in the Northwest Florida area, check out some great Santa Rosa Beach state parks, below:
Even if camping isn’t your can of beans, spending the afternoon at one of these magnificent parks is the perfect way to spend the day. State parks are usually less crowded than your typical beach, as most encompass a large area and may require an entry fee.
Get Active
Walking or jogging is the perfect way to avoid crowds while staying active
From dance classes where you can get your groove on, to yoga on the beach at sunrise, there is a unique fitness experience for you during social distancing. Social distancing, however, means getting creative as many classes will have quite a few additional participants.
Don’t fret fitness fanatics! We’ve come up with some simple solutions to fulfill your need to be fit and lean. Head to a nature trail, hiking trail, or a local park for a day full of exploring and activity!
For Santa Rosa Beach residents and travelers, there are plenty of nature trails full of fantastic flora and fauna just waiting to be explored. Run, walk, or rent a bicycle and cruise through scenic Santa Rosa Beach! This is the perfect way to avoid crowds while still getting your steps in. Check out one of these nature trails below:
- Alys Beach Nature Trail
- Cassine Trail
- Eastern Lake Trail
- Longleaf Greenway Trail
- Creek Trail
- Flatwoods Trail
{Read Reviews & Book Santa Rosa Beach 30A Bicycle Rentals Online}
Switch it up on day two and paddleboard, kayak, or row your way through nearby bays, inlets, lakes, and waterways! This is another great way to work on your arm muscles, balance, and endurance, all without having to fight the crowds at the gym! Not only that, it’s a fun way to get an up close and personal experience with the area’s natural beauty and wildlife.
{Read Reviews & Book Santa Rosa Beach 30A Paddleboard Rentals Online}
Small Group or Private Activities
When it comes to tours and things to do while social distancing, the key is booking spring break activities without large crowds. Dorting through the profusion of activities there are to try may seem like a daunting task. For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the best small group or private activities below if you live or are traveling to a coastal destination.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is the perfect family-friendly activity that the whole family will enjoy
Since small group options are available, snorkeling is the perfect way to make social distancing fun this holiday break. Swim shallow waters in water destinations near you for a fun and exciting activity the whole family can enjoy.
If you are near the Emerald Coast of Florida, you should try snorkeling in beautiful Santa Rosa Beach]. You never know what lies just beneath the surface! Grab your goggles and look out for a variety of fish species, sea turtles, dolphins, and more!
Let’s also not forget to mention that South Walton is home to a series of man-made snorkel reefs that are easily accessible from shore. Aside from their recreational appeal, the reefs help create habitats for marine life, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled when snorkeling the local reefs, listed below:
- Cobia Reef: Inlet Beach
- Sea Turtle Reef: Grayton Beach State Park
- Seahorse Reef: Topsail Hill State Park
- Dolphin Reef: Miramar Beach
Click here for more information about the South Walton snorkel reefs including their location, how to get there, and more!
{Read Reviews & Book Santa Rosa Beach 30A Snorkeling Tours Online}
Fishing
Young girl shows off two speckled trout caught on an inshore fishing charter with Florida Boy Adventures
Fishing is a great way to enjoy yourselves far away from the rest of the world. Fish from the shore, dock, pier, or on a boat. This famly-friendly pass-time is easy to plan and can entertain for hours.
Fishing gear like rods and reels, hooks bobbers, and lures is available at your local supermarket, fishing shop, and can also be purchased online. While live bait may be hard to come by, fresh water bait like worms can be easily dug up under rocks, lawn ornaments, or in any fertile soil around the home.
The fishing scene in Santa Rosa Beach is un-reel! Nestled in between the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, you’re just a few miles away from jumping on an action-packed offshore fishing adventure, and just minutes away from inshore bay fishing charters where redfish and sheepshead are king. Below are other species of fish you may reel in on an inshore fishing charter:
- Black Drum
- Speckled Trout
- Flounder
- Catfish
- And MORE!
Fishing charters are also customizable, meaning it’s easy to find a charter that fits your budget, schedule, abilities, age group, and interest. Private fishing charters are a great way to ditch the crowds, as well, as it will just be you and your party on board, along with the captain and his first mate.
Even further, most charters will fillet and bag whatever you catch, so you can avoid the masses at the restaurants and fry up your fresh-caught fish back at the condo! If all this talk about fried fish has you hooked, check out the popular fishing charters in Santa Rosa Beach below:
- Inshore Fishing
- Inshore Kids Fishing
- Shark Fishing
- Bowfishing
Oh, and have we mentioned convenience? Most fishing charters will include everything you need such as bait, tackle, fishing licenses, and instruction, so all you have to do is show up, cast out, and reel in some amazing family memories the kids won’t soon forget!
{Read Reviews & Book Santa Rosa Beach 30A Fishing Charters Online}
Jet Skis & Boating
Mother and daughter enjoy a fun and exciting jet ski ride through the bay
Getting out on the water is a classic holiday break activity, and experts agree that the Coronavirus does not spread through sea water or properly chlorinated pool water. Some of the most popular watercrafts are jet skis and pontoon boats. Available for rental in more waterfront travel destinations, you can do tons with a personal watercraft including...
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Tubing
- Exploring waterways
Jet ski is the name and adventure is the game in Northwest Florida! Hop aboard a speedy Santa Rosa Beach jet ski rental and leave your worries at the docks! Jet ski rentals are a perfect way to avoid crowds, as each jet ski can only accommodate either one, two, or three passengers.
Jet ski tours are also available, if you’d rather travel in a small group with an experienced tour guide. Check out local hotspots, get the inside scoop from your local and informed guide, and search for America’s true sweetheart, the dolphin, of course! Jet ski tours also offer free time with the ski after the tour is over, so you can zip through the waves at maximum speed.
{Read Reviews & Book Santa Rosa Beach 30A Jet Ski/Waverunner Rentals and Tours Online}
Indoor Activities
If you’ve had your share of fun in the sun, there are plenty of ways to enjoy social distancing this holiday break indoors, as well. From arts and crafts, to serving up home cooked meals, there are plenty of things you can do to make the most of this spring break. Check out a few of our favorites below!
Treat Yourself
Make sure to gather up your spa essentials during your staycation, like candles and bath bombs, for maximum relaxation
Social distancing this holiday break means more than just avoiding crowds. It’s almost as if you’re taking a break from the real world, making this the perfect time to treat yourself! With stores closing, school out, no errands to run, and work on hold, this is the perfect time to take care of the one thing you’ve probably been neglecting… yourself!
Even if you haven’t been neglecting yourself, there’s no wrong time for an at-home spa day/self-care session, am I right? Below are a few ways to get some rest and relaxation while social distancing this holiday break that will leave you renewed, refreshed, and ready to take on what’s next:
- Take a relaxing bath (don’t forget the bath bombs, candles, and a good read, wine optional)
- Engage in some self care (face masks, hair masks, foot masks, etc.)
- Treat each other to a mani-pedi
- Create a skin care routine (and stick to it)
- Light some incense or use your favorite essential oils in an aromatherapy diffuser
- Enjoy a hot cup of calming tea (green tea, lavender, and chamomile are great for relieving stress and anxiety)
- Listen to calming music
- Enjoy some quiet time/meditation
- Take a nap (the most underrated item on this list)
Movie Night
Image of a family enjoying quality time together during movie night by Personal Creations via Flickr
Pop the popcorn, dim the lights, grab your favorite people, and take a seat as movie night is about to commence! An oldie but goodie, movie night is a classic at-home activity that everyone can enjoy. Take turns sharing the remote and picking the next feature film, or choose from one of these popular movie series and binge-watch to your heart’s content:
- Star Wars Saga
- The Karate Kid Series
- The Harry Potter Series
- Back to the Future Trilogy
- The Home Alone Series
- The Indiana Jones Series
- Men in Black Trilogy
Games and Puzzles
Playing board games like “Sorry!” pictured above, are a great way to get in the competitive spirit with your favorite people
When social distancing this holiday break, don’t forget to bust out the old board games! A family-friendly classic, board games are the perfect way to bring the family together, enjoy some quality time with them, channel your competitive side, and crown the next board game champion! Below are a few classic games to play to get the party started:
- Scrabble
- Monopoly
- Clue
- Operation
- Checkers
- Guess Who
And that’s just to name a few! Board games, however, aren’t the only games that will release your inner child while stuck inside during spring break. Check out these other games to play if/when you get bored with board games:
- Challenge your family to charades
- Create an indoor scavenger hunt
- Host a video game marathon
- Finish a puzzle
- Create a story using Mad Libs
- Build something out of LEGOs
Whichever game you decide to play, getting the family together for some friendly competition is always a great time! Don’t forget to grab a pen and paper to keep score, because the winner is not only champion, but has bragging rights, as well.
Reconnect with Loved Ones
Get your fill of being social over the phone while social distancing this holiday break
All of this extra time on your hands while social distancing this holiday break makes for the perfect opportunity to catch up with family and friends. Life happens, and that makes it easy to forget the little things like calling your mom or catching up with an old friend. This is a great time to reconnect with your loved ones with a text, phone call, or video chat, and put a smile on both their face and yours. No FaceTime? No Problem. Below are other video calling outlets in case you or the person you’re reaching out to doesn’t have FaceTime:
- Skype
- Snapchat
- Google Hangouts
Another great idea that will fill everyone with love, gratitude, and nostalgia is sending letters through the mail to family and friends. Not only is this sentimental gesture a nice way to show you care, but the receiver will have a tangible letter from you to cherish and keep forever. Reconnecting with loved ones is the perfect way to still be social during social distancing in a safe and loving way.
Having fun while social distancing this holiday break may be easier than previously believed. Even though some of your typical spring break shenanigans are unavailable, there is still plenty of fun to be had away from the masses! From enjoying a movie night in, to strolling through the state park, to zooming off into the sea on a high-speed jet ski, there are still plenty of ways to make this holiday break the best one yet!