With the leaves changing and the UV index shrinking, it is clear that fall has arrived. Because of the pandemic, these past 8 months have been a struggle to connect and stay connected with your friends. Fall activities we have come to love, such as apple picking, football games, and parties, are events of the past. With the new reality,  it is crucial to make sure you stay at least 6 feet away from anyone you are not quarantining with.

However, it is also important to make sure you have fun this fall! Just because you have to physically distance, doesn’t mean you have to socially distance. There are many activities you can do with your friends that are safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some ideas could include: playing Game Pigeon, hosting a group Zoom or FaceTime, hosting a Netflix party, and more! 

One engaging virtual activity you can participate in is to use the app Game Pigeon. Game Pigeon is a mobile extension that is available on the app store. Once you download the app, you can send a wide variety of games to your friends through iMessage.

Some games are meant to be played between two people, such as Battleship or cup pong; however, there are some that can be played in larger group chats.

You can also host a group Zoom or a group FaceTime with your friends. You can organize a game such as Game Pigeon, and all play together during the call, or just have a conversation, which is a nice, safe way to catch up! (A bonus is that you can leave whenever you want!)

You can also use a site called Netflix Party, which is similar to a Zoom or a group FaceTime. Netflix Party is a site that allows you to watch movies or shows with your friends; it is similar to sharing your screen to watch a video during Zoom. You can chat about what you are watching or pause it and discuss. 

If you crave in person meetings, distanced, of course, go to a pumpkin patch! With the outdoor air circulating, and assuming you are taking the proper precautions, you can still enjoy this fun activity. You can pick pumpkins or go on hayrides, and both of these can be done with masks and by keeping your distance from others.

Some local farms near the Main Line include Linvilla Orchards, Milky Way Farm, Highland Orchard, Shady Brook Farms, and Sleepy Hollow Hayrides. If you go in November to any of these places, you may also be able to go apple picking, another great activity! 

Simply sitting 6 feet apart in someone’s yard or at a park is another way to see people. You can catch up with them and see them face to face without having to worry about catching coronavirus or exposing yourself! 

Overall, you don’t have to be lonely this fall due to the pandemic. Instead of social distancing, you can physically distance! There are many safe fun activities to do to stop yourself from feeling isolated. The next time you are sitting alone in your room, thoughtlessly scrolling on your phone, remember this article and reach out to a friend!

Suggest watching a movie together, or meeting in an open space where you can social distance. Connecting with the people that mean the most to you doesn’t have to end because you don’t see them every day! However, always remember, stay safe and wear a mask!