So here’s the situation: According to Gov. Ralph Northam’s stay-at-home order, you’re supposed to be social distancing at least until June 10. The problem is, you’ve already run out of diversions, the kids are stir crazy and you can’t imagine bingeing Netflix for another 31 straight days. Not to worry. If you haven’t already exhausted our first list of things to do while social distancing, most of those activities are still available. And if you’re searching for some new options, we’ve uncovered more fun ways to mix up your quarantine routine.
Get Artsy
Need a break from the gloom? Beautiful things are out there, to be admired and to be created. The Smithsonian American Art Museum recently compiled, upon follower request, “bright and colorful” works for your viewing pleasure, some accompanied by stories and videos. Arlington Arts has similarly put all of its offerings in one place, highlighting virtual art classes, coloring pages and myriad projects that creative types can do from home. Online art classes and tutorials also are available through Art House 7 in Arlington.
Act Out
Creative Cauldron is hosting live, online, interactive classes for youngsters ages 4-13 (everything from playwriting and choreography to costume and set design), not to mention classes for teens and adults who want to explore theater arts. Here’s your chance to write a play with 2020 Helen Hayes Best Director nominee and composer Matt Conner. Encore Stage & Studio is also offering a variety of online interactions for toddlers and children ages 3-18. For tots, Encore is hosting free Parent & Me classes every Tuesday from 10:30-11 a.m. on Facebook Live and Instagram live. And for the older ones, there are still seats left in the 12 virtual classes Encore is offering in May. Check the website for specific class topics and corresponding dates and times.
Move It
Our first list of social distancing activities highlighted the online offerings of various fitness studios and personal trainers in the area. But wait, there’s even more! You’ll find a variety of workout options in YMCA’s Virtual Wellness Center—including fitness for seniors—plus training videos for tennis lovers, CPR and water safety classes, and activities for kids. Ginny Wright of BBG Fitness, who’s still working out on Facebook Live Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m., is now also offering stretching classes Sundays at 5 p.m. Pacers Running is hosting virtual “Run Chat” happy hours with tips from a professional running coach. Bowen McCauley Dance is offering live, virtual stretch classes on Mondays and Saturdays, as well as online movement classes for people with Parkinson’s Disease on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (email dance@bmdc.org for details). Jane Franklin Dance is offering free online classes daily. And The St. James is posting virtual 5Ks, workouts and sports drills, too.