With social distancing on the rise, families everywhere are having to adjust to life with implications of the coronavirus. However, when has there ever been a time where the world was simply put on hold? Who knows if we’ll ever see another time like this, where people are urged to stay home for at least the next month? The cold weather in Louisiana is gone for the season as spring made its steady approach with warmer temperatures. The arrival of the coronavirus in American in addition to spring’s arrival reminds us that it’s never a bad idea to get out of the house for a few hours for some fresh air, even if it’s simply your front porch or your backyard. This is where your outdoor kitchen appliances, as well as your outdoor light fixtures, will come in handy. Here are three ways that you and your family can enjoy the outdoors during the coronavirus: 

1: Host a family barbecue

If you have an outdoor kitchen or a few outdoor kitchen appliances such as a grill, then take this time to host a barbecue with your family! Spring (and summer) are the perfect seasons to put on your chef hat and let your culinary talents take the lead. An outdoor barbecue will also provide your family with food for a few days, or even a week depending on the amount of food prepared. Be extremely cautious when grocery shopping and if you show any signs of the coronavirus or flu-like symptoms, do not go out in public. Utilize grocery pickup apps and make sure you wash your hands before and after touching the grocery cart. Some stores are giving elderly and high-risk individuals an hour to shop before the store opens, so research if these options are available in your area! 

2: Clean your outdoor space

Many people are taking social distancing as an opportunity for some much-needed spring cleaning. When’s the last time you gave your outdoor kitchen appliances a nice polish or dusted off your outdoor light fixtures? From simple dish soaps to harder abrasives, you may need to do some research on what works best for cleaning your lights and appliances. This is a great opportunity to make your space feel brand new and you may even fall in love with your outdoor appliances all over again! 

3: Have a family movie night

Ever wondered why you installed that TV outdoors, even though you never really used it? Now’s your chance to have the comfort of a theater right in your backyard.  Before the mosquitoes get too bad, a movie night outdoors with your family may be exactly what you need. Your outdoor light fixtures are sure to come in handy for any intermissions or you may just want a dimly lit area instead of a pitch-black space.  

Other options for getting outdoors during this time include reading a book, washing your vehicle, or even simply doing some yard work around the house. Rest assured: the pandemic won’t last forever and things will be back to normal in no time.