Summer’s here, but things are looking pretty different this year. Amidst social distancing and self-quarantine, we’re looking for ways to have fun AND stay safe.

We’ve come up with five creative and fun activities that you can try this summer.

1. Get Outside and Have a Picnic

Picnics are a peak summer fun, and a great way to scratch the eating-out itch without risking exposure.

To build your own picnic basket (bag, cooler, etc.), you’ll need:

A large blanket or cloth you don’t mind getting dirty

Napkins or paper towels

Plates and cutlery, one set for each person.

Food and drink.

Then, with supplies in hand, head to your favorite park, local beach, or your own backyard to enjoy a little supper and sunshine. If you want to make a day of it, bring other activities along. Fishing, birdwatching, and ball games are perfect compliments to the perfect picnic.

2. Get Creative and Draw on the Walls.

Our homes, usually comfortable retreats, can become oppressive when we’re stuck inside them all day every day.

To fall in love with being at home again, try getting creative with your walls. Washable markers are a great way to liven things up without any long-term commitments.

You could even go a step further with barn doors, like the X Blackboard Barn Door from BarnDoorz.com. Install it as your office door and chalk up a new video conference background whenever you like!

If you’re feeling daring, try going all-out with mural-making. Use chalk or pencils to sketch a design or jump right in with paint. Floral and garden scenes, with their forgiving organic shapes and blended colors, are a good starting place for beginners.

3. Get Cooking (or Baking) Together

Many people are cooking more as a result of quarantine. Why not lean into it and plan a virtual cooking party?

Nothing turns a chore into fun faster than good company. Set up your video call device on a clean surface away from any potential spills. You can also cover keyboards with cling film for extra protection.

As for what to make, it’s all up to you. You could challenge yourselves to try something new. Or you could each make your favorite family recipes, and swap memories of eating these comfort foods.

As with any party it’s more about the time spent together with good food than any particular plan or procedure.

4. Get Comfy with a Spa Night

Covid-19 has made self-care and de-stressing all the more important. One easy and fun way to take care of yourself is an at-home spa night.

There are lots of fun and quirky recipes on-line to try for face masks (the therapeutic kind), foot scrubs, and more. There’s also never been a better time to see what that cucumber-slice-on-your-eyes thing is really all about.

You can take things a step further and make a virtual spa party. Get a group call with some of your closest friends going so that you can de-stress together through good talk AND good old TLC.

5. Take on a Home Improvement Project

Nothing feels quite as good as giving your home a little DIY upgrade. Consider spending some time on small, DIY project like painting a room or installing a barn door.

A barn door is a great addition to any room and can be installed in a weekend. Barn doors make a design statement and add value to your home. Take a look at some of our available barn doors to get an idea of your options.

Completing a small home project will be a worthwhile way to spend your time and will leave you with a sense of accomplishment and productivity.

Make Your Own Fun

There are endless ways to have fun AND stay safe this summer. As we work together to navigate these strange times, our individual ingenuity is the best tool to fight against boredom.

Give these ideas a try, and then get brainstorming about other ways you want to have fun. Use the simple jumping-off suggestions to inspire your own adventures this summer.

Above all be good to yourselves, and stay safe.