Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, experts have learned a great deal about how this virus spreads between individuals and ways to reduce the chance of becoming infected. Although staying at home was the initial recommendation, individuals and families have now begun to venture from home for both essential and social activities to improve mental and physical health.



When participating in activities outside the house, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adhering to social distancing guidelines for the safety of yourself and others. It’s easy to follow these guidelines when you visit open outdoor spaces such as the park, as long as you remember to keep protocol in place to make your visit as safe as possible.

What is Social Distancing?

The practice of social distancing involves reducing your chances of contracting or spreading illness by remaining physically distant from others who are not in your immediate household. The standard distance provided by CDC guidance is a minimum of six feet. Although social distancing is a useful tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, it should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures.

• Washing your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds; using water and soap and rubbing vigorously
• Avoiding touching your face in public unless you have just washed your hands
• Washing your hands immediately before eating
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Wearing a mask, especially when social distancing is not possible

How to Social Distance at Parks and Other Outdoor Venues

Visiting a park during the pandemic can be a low-risk, outdoor activity. Some parks require reduced capacity, while others remain on reduced hours of operation due to reduced staff. It is always a good idea to check the park’s website or call ahead to make sure your visit goes as planned. As you move around the park, make sure to give everyone extra room and don’t stand, walk, or bike too close to other groups. Biking and walking paths may have signs reminding you to keep your distance from other patrons and follow any safety rules that have been put into place. Some paths may only allow walking or biking traffic in one direction, so pay attention to any signs with arrows and instructions.

Many park visitors enjoy a picnic lunch, but some parks may have removed or marked off certain picnic tables or benches to keep patrons spaced farther apart than usual, so social distancing can be maintained while eating. Since the virus can live on surfaces through respiratory droplets, you should also clean the table’s surface before sitting down for your meal or snack. Hand sanitizer is also a good solution and is a convenient way to clean hands when soap and water handwashing is not immediately available. Many parks have kept bathroom facilities closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plan a Visit to a Fun Venue with Outdoor Activities

Having safety concerns during a pandemic doesn’t mean you have to remain at home at all times. With proper safety procedures in place, outings to a fun venue can be a great way to de-stress and provide entertainment for your group. Sonny’s Place in Somers, Connecticut, is open for guests and offers exciting activities for the whole family. To plan your visit or to ask any questions about the current safety procedures and policies put in place during the pandemic, contact Sonny’s Place today to learn more.

Photo Credit: View Apart