The Best Lockdown Ideas for 2021:
How to Keep Connected with Friends and Family
When lockdown first hit there was a bit of novelty to the whole sitch: time to work on yourself, bake sourdough, eat too much banana bread, and spend twenty minutes whisking sugar and instant coffee together into an incredibly instagrammable but equally overrated beverage. We all signed up to Zoom, we tried House-Party, we had a Netflix-Party or two…so many things to keep us connected and as socially-close as the socially-distanced scenario allowed.
Fast forward a year later, and we find ourselves in a semi-permanent state of lockdown, or at least unable to see far-off friends and family for the next several months. That being the case, it’s time to get fresh: House Party just doesn’t cut it anymore (did it ever?). Here are the best lockdown ideas for 2021 to keep you and your crew sailing together on the U.S.S. Friendship as it sails the stormy seas of COVID-19 (let’s get an “aww” for that adorable analogy).
Team-work makes the dream work: Online Escape Rooms
Yes, this IS a thing. As frustrating as the real experience but also just as fun, a variety of rooms and scenarios can be found online. From escaping the clutches of an unforgiving jungle, to exploring the world of Sherlock Holmes, or even traipsing around the grounds of Hogwarts (muggles are admitted). The group sizes are mostly from two to six, with prices ranging from twenty bucks per person for the slicker escape rooms to the incredibly cost-friendly “free” ones (which we have to admit are also pretty entertaining). Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Panic Room (https://thepanicroomonline.net/)
- Trapped in the Web (https://www.trappedintheweb.com/)
- Escape Live (https://www.escapelive.co.uk/online-escape-rooms/)
Let’s up-skill together: learn a language with friends
We all had the best intentions of self-improvement in 2020. It’s okay, we get it: there was a lot going on (that sourdough takes time y’know) and maybe you didn’t quite get around to it – we didn’t either. Luckily, 2021 can be a year to reset the quest for self-betterment, and a great way of sticking to it is doing so with a friend. We will travel with friends again, and as you’ve probably got some places picked out already, why not get a taste for the country AND make your trip easier by learning the language? Sure, it’s a little more on the educational side sure, but we can’t be doing escape rooms all day. There are loads of language learning apps to choose from, but Duolingo is one of the best, so having downloaded and signed up, practice with your friends, whether it’s on texting or video chat. In addition to maintaining connections with your friends, you’ll have picked up a new skill that helps you look forward to the future of a brighter post-pandemic world.
Get fancy: the return of dress-up and dining
We’ve taken advantage of being at home and not having to get dolled up or ready for nights out with friends. It’s been nice: easy, casual, comfortable. But after twelve months it’s time to get the glad rags out. Co-ordinate with friends a Fancy Friday, where you all dress up, get smart, clean up nice; you know the score. Think about all getting Uber Eats from the same restaurant so you’re having as close to that communal restaurant experience as you can (remember to take into account delivery distances and timings). If that’s not possible, cook the same menu or have a themed night where everyone comes up with their own dish but from the same “cuisine-theme”. Bon appetite!
The show must go on: interactive at-home theatre
Broadway might be shuttered, but as every thespian knows, the show must go on. Whilst streaming performances and zoom readings are a great option, there are many interactive at-home theatre productions that give you and your friends a uniquely live and participatory experience. Together you can decide the story and fate of six disgraced celebrities looking for redemption, immerse yourselves in puzzles and interactive word-play to solve, or witness a series of mind-bending illusions that take place in your room (courtesy of a box of items sent to you prior to the performance). Whatever you choose, there’ll be something to sweep you all out of reality for the evening.
Inside the box: Twenty-four guests have a front-row seat to an entirely interactive show of puzzles, while New York Times crossword constructor David Kwong regales you with stories of the most extraordinary puzzle-makers throughout history. https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/shows/inside-the-box/
Redemption Room: a live, immersive, global online thriller experience where the fate of the cast is in the audience’s hands. https://secrettheatres.com/about
The Future: the most interactive at-home illusion experience ever with jaw-dropping illusions, philosophical storytelling, and magic that unfolds in the palm of your hand and the comfort of your home. https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/shows/the-future/
