Fall Youth Programs

If you’re like most households, you’ve been staying home as much as possible and adhering to social distancing guidelines for the past five- to- six months. And if you’re getting restless and looking for some new family activities to switch things up and keep your kids active and entertained, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to explore some of the activities and attractions that can help to keep your family entertained throughout the remainder of COVID-19. 

Outdoor Activities for Families

From observing local wildlife to enjoying a movie or concert in the park, these outdoor activities are perfect for families practicing social distancing amid COVID-19. 

● Enjoy safe, age-appropriate activities like gardening, picking fruit, and bird watching. Getting kids outside isn’t always easy, but these tips from StopNDD.org will help to make outdoor time more enjoyable for your little ones. 

● Join Merrimack Parks & Recreation for its Summer Concert Series, Movie Nights in the Park, Community Special Events or simply enjoy our the parks & conservation areas. 

● Read The Home-Based Safari Guide: How To Safely Observe Wildlife From Your Home. With these tips from Redfin, you and your kids will have a blast observing and identifying local wildlife species.

Camping, Hiking, and Biking

Even outdoor newbies can enjoy the many wonderful benefits of camping, hiking, and biking during the pandemic — and families don’t need to spend a whole lot of money on new clothing and sporting equipment. 

● Review REI’s guide to camping for beginners. You’ll explore the different types of gear, clothing, toiletries, and food needed to camp, and you’ll learn how to choose a great family campsite. 

● Play family-friendly camping games like glow in the dark bowling, bean bag toss, and scavenger hunts in nature. 

● Grab a comfortable pair of shoes, plenty of snacks and fluids, and set off on a family hiking trip. 

● Strap on your helmets and head out on a family bike ride. With resources like TrailLink, you can search for paved and unpaved bike trails near you. 

Indoor Attractions and Activities

While outdoor attractions are safest amidst COVID-19, these tips will keep your family healthy and entertained as you slowly venture out into the community after months of self-isolation. 

● Visit historical sites and museums, but take protective measures to keep you and other visitors safe and healthy during the coronavirus crisis. 

● Tour 12 museums from around the world, all from the comfort and safety of your home. 

● Spend a few hours at your local zoo or aquarium, or enjoy a virtual tour of the San Diego Zoo, Georgia Aquarium, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Houston Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, Smithsonian National Zoo, or National Aquarium.

Now that coronavirus restrictions are loosening throughout the U.S., you and your family can venture out a bit more — but make sure you’re familiar with your local social distancing guidelines and face covering requirements. Whether you visit a local park, campsite, or hiking trail, it’s important to be mindful of these regulations whenever you leave your home — as doing so will help to protect your family and other households from the coronavirus.