Outlook December Digital Magazine

32
FUN WINTER ACTIVITIES
COVID-safe options for seeing your friends
With the threat of a second lockdown, many Oakton students are looking for fun activities to do with their
friends while remaining safe. While many winter activities have been cancelled due to COVID-19, there are
still many fun and healthy options to enjoy.
photo courtesy of johnell pannell
Ice Skating
Ice skating has always been the classic winter activity. It’s often
portrayed in movies and TV shows and is a staple part of Hallmark
Christmas movies. Emily Romero (grade 11) says that ice
skating is “a good way to stay active and is a fun skill to have.”
The most popular spot for Oakton students is Reston Town Center.
Reston Skating opens every year in early November through the
winter months. This year, they’ve taken many extra precautions
which are all listed on their website. Some of these precautions are
offered contactless payment and online reservations. Afterwards,
students can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa from Panera, browse the
nearby shops, or take a ride on one of the horse-drawn carriages.
Mini Golf
While mini golf is often viewed as a couples activity, it is also
perfect for friends. As long as everyone keeps their masks on and
remains distanced, it is a safe option for teenagers - especially
competitive ones. Oak Marr has a small course and offers “clubs”
and golf balls to play with. Just don’t forget to bundle up as the
temperature drops. If mini golf doesn’t sound appealing, Top Golf
is also an option if everyone is okay with a bit of a drive, seeing as
the closest location is located in Ashburn. The cost is about $15 per
person but is worth it. The goal is to hit the targets on the field from
a balcony. Points are awarded based on how close the goftball is
to the target.
Online Movie Marathon
At the beginning of quarantine in March, many streaming
services, such as Netflix Party and Kast, became widely popular
due to the ability to watch shows and movies with friends.
Netflix Party is limited to Netflix, for obvious reasons, but
Kast allows for any screen to be shared. While the buzz about
these options have died down, they still remain great options
for a Covid-safe night in with friends. Everyone can watch
from the comfort of their own home while still chatting with
their friends in the chat bar. This is also perfect for anyone
who can’t stand others talking during movies.
Virtual Book Club
For book lovers, many people have started an online book
club with friends or strangers. For anyone looking to participate
in this, just grab some friends- could be any number- set
a date to meet, choose a book, and start meeting at whatever
rate is most convenient for everyone. One way to choose
books is for everyone to collectively agree on one or designate
a different person each meeting to choose one. Different
weeks could have different themes or genres, like mystery
week or history week. Some groups will get into character
and dress up as the theme or even characters from their current
book.
veronica preaskorn|editorial board