With many of us taking steps towards social distancing in response to the Coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak in Sweden, there has been a rapid increase in things that you can do online to stay social, from working from home, viral online dance parties, lounge room yoga, or just Skyping with friends.
But what is there to do when you need a break from the virtual world, and want to go outside and experience something other than the inside of your 35 square metre apartment? What are some fun, stimulating activities that you can do outdoors in Stockholm with close family and friends whilst keeping your loved-ones and the wider community safe?
We have put together a list of some fun things that you can do outside in Stockholm to stay motivated, keep your spirits up, entertain the family or just fight off boredom that comes from all this inside time...
Sing from your balcony
If those fun-loving Italians have taught us anything, it’s that a little social distancing or mandatory quarantine need not get in the way of a good party. Videos have emerged of Italians singing and playing instruments together in solidarity in face of their country-wide lock down in response to COVID-19.
However, those wanting to get the balcony sing-song trend going in Sweden or the Nordics may encounter some resistance (or just a deafening silence), if this video of a Finnish resident singing from his balcony is anything to go by.
2. Forest walks, outdoor gyms, and other activities in nature
A great outdoor option in Sweden is to take advantage of the many outdoor gyms (utegyms) that are available to use, or just enjoy a forest walk in one of the city's many green zones.
However, make sure that you are taking the necessary precautions to reduce your risk of transmission, including keeping a 2 metre distance from strangers, using hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes for all shared surfaces.
3. Play an outdoor city discovery game
One great option is finding an outdoor activity that you can play with your family and close friends, where your interaction with strangers is reduced.
For example, the 100 Point Challenge is played entirely outside, reducing risk of any coronavirus transmission, and one of the great aspects of the game is that you don’t need to interact with anyone outside your team.
We have also removed our 6 person minimum on private challenges in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, so that your family or group of close friends can play the game outside at a time that suits you, without needing to join a public challenge. Be sure to get in touch with us or check the 100 Point Challenge website for available time slots.
4. Play golf
We couldn’t think of a better outdoor sport than golf for a time like this. It’s outdoors and you have space, so you can very easily keep your distance from other people out on the golf course. Plus you get to take out any frustration by hitting things (preferably just the ball)! Even the driving range at Årsta is suitable, with a nice space between each person teeing off.
Important things to keep in mind to keep your family and friends safe whilst participating in outdoor activities in Stockholm:
Make sure that the company offering an activity you are participating in has strict policies to protect the health and safety of both its customers and staff. For example, 100 Point Challenge’s COVID-19 safety policy includes hand washing protocols for staff & customers, making hand-sanitizer readily available, disinfecting materials and extra education for employees so that they are able to ensure that all customers are fit to participate.
Keep on top of the official recommendations regarding participating in events in english or på svenska
Wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer where handwashing is not available, where possible, keep a 2 metre distance from others or interact with people outdoors.
If you are sick, or feeling even slightly under the weather, stay home and limit your contact with others.
We hope this short list might give you some ideas on outdoor activities that might help you get through this difficult time… Our best wishes for the safety and health of you and your family.