Socially Distant Ways to Enjoy Spring

As soon as the weather starts to warm up in the Midwest, it becomes difficult to stay inside. Unfortunately, we’re still amidst a global pandemic, so we still need to be cautious when venturing outside the home. Luckily Minnesota and the St. Louis Park area is home to many parks and recreation centers so families can safely enjoy time outside together without being among too many other people.

Outdoor Activities Around St. Louis Park

If you’re looking to spend some time outside this spring while enjoying socially distant time with friends, here are some parks and recreation centers open in St. Louis Park with Covid-19 safety precautions in place.

• Go golfing at a nearby course. Golf is a great low-impact sport that can get you moving without putting too much strain on your body. You can choose from a variety of courses run by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation board. According to their website, all courses follow strict CDC-recommended guidelines, and you must schedule tee times online ahead of time.
• Spend an afternoon fishing. Minnesota is the home of 10,000 lakes, so what better way to spend a spring day than fishing on a lake. Grab your fishing pole and tackle box, layer up to keep warm, and head to your favorite lake. If you’re not sure which lake to fish on, check out this list of lakes with the most abundant opportunity for shore fishing.
• Go for a walk in a nearby park. Enjoying a walk by yourself or with a friend is one of the most stress-free ways to enjoy the fresh spring air. If you feel up for it, you can drive to a local park and walk around, or you can stay in your neighborhood and enjoy the local scenery.
• Enjoy a socially distant picnic with friends and family. Instead of making reservations at a restaurant and navigating masks with waiters and other patrons, consider preparing a meal at home and eating it outside with a few friends or family members. You can visit a local park or head to a nearby lake. If you don’t feel comfortable having a picnic in a public place, you can set up a nice meal in your yard.

Virtual Activities

While the weather is getting warmer and more places are starting to open around St. Louis Park, you may not feel comfortable socializing in-person yet, even from a distance. If that’s the case, no worries! There’s a ton of fantastic virtual opportunities available.

• Explore the hidden worlds of national parks with Google- If you’re a fan of hiking and outdoor adventures, but you don’t feel safe exploring outside, Google Arts and Culture is offering five 360-degree virtual tours through Kenai Fjords, Hawaii volcanoes, Carlsbad Caverns, Bryce Canyon, and Dry Tortugas. The tours are free, educational, interactive, and can be done from the comfort of your home.
• Take an online class. Whether you’re looking to learn a new business skill or what to get started with a new hobby, there are many free and paid opportunities to learn online. You can take a structured course from accredit universities such as Harvard or spend an afternoon indulging in a topic that interests you.
• Signup for a virtual experience with Meet Minneapolis. If you want to enjoy a local virtual experience, check out the list of online events hosted by Meet Minneapolis. You can enjoy interacting with all of your favorite Minneapolis centers from your computer, such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Walker Art Center.

If you or an aging loved one needs assistance this spring, the Visiting Angels St. Louis Park team is available to help. Our caregivers can provide transportation and companionship on park walks or help navigate virtual meetups with friends. Our services also include light housekeeping, meal preparation, personal grooming services, and more. The St. Louis Park office serves seniors living in Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and the West Metro area. If you’d like to learn more about how our caregivers safely help you or a loved one age at home, fill out this form online or give us a call at 952.935.0789.