The Best of Tahoe Donner | Life During Corona Virus 

Family-Friendly Activities to Do at Home 

By Ali Dickson 

The recent precautions initiated to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have reduced families to the comfort and safety of their homes. With schools locked, restaurant shut down and Tahoe Donner facilities closed for the time being, what can you do to make this time together something positive?

TRY THAT RECIPE

This is a time to take to food into consideration. Introduce your children to cooking by letting them make their favorite recipes. Try recreating the famous baked mac ‘n’ cheese from the Tahoe Donner Lodge Restaurant & Pub! Indulge in classic comfort foods while making sure you eat beneficial ones as well. Eating healthful meals is one of the biggest factors in staying healthy, so take this time to teach your family about the power of nutritious – and delicious – food.

TAKE A HIKE

Social distancing is a crucial factor in minimizing the spread of sickness, but we are lucky to live in an area surrounded by nature. Staying healthy includes getting outside and active, so take your family outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and natural perspective. While Tahoe Donner facilities are closed, the association has a wealth of open spaces that are open for your physical well-being, as long as government regulations and social distancing allow.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

While shopping and eating out may not be a good idea right now, there are still ways to support your favorite local businesses. Order takeout or purchase a gift card over the phone through shops and restaurants to be used at a later date or as a gift idea. You will be supporting your neighbors and helping your community, even from a distance.

INTRODUCE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS

It can be tempting to spend your days in front of the television, but reading is a way to take your children to another world without the help of a screen. Read (or re-read) family-friendly stories, or take turns having each member of your family read their favorite book aloud. TD staff favorites: Discover how humans are faced with a world of powerful food choices through Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, or find an encouraging outlook with Richard Carlson’s Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… And It’s All Small Stuff.

KICKSTART YOUR SPRING CLEANING

Healthy hygiene is emphasized for everyone right now, and only a few extra steps beyond normal sanitation practices can tidy up your whole home. Marie Kondo has an organizational book and Netflix show to inspire your inner neat freak, and important aspects include working by subject (like books or shoes) instead of by room and to respect your belongings as you consider keeping or purging them. Get the whole family involved and your home will be spotless in no time!

TAKE A VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOUR

There are always opportunities to learn and grow. Take a virtual tour of prominent museums, such as the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. After your tour, let your children’s inner artists soar by getting out the art and craft materials and letting them recreate their favorite piece.

GET SILLY

Although this is a time of uncertainty, this is also a time where families get the chance to slow down and spend quality time together. Especially at a young age, kids can internalize stressful events. Play board games, act out plays, watch movies and emphasize how special it is to be able to enjoy one another’s company.