As COVID-19 restrictions start lifting, Aussies are getting outdoors and enjoying a long overdue catch up with friends and family. Although you might not be able to get a seat at your favourite restaurant or pub yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t organise a fun activity with the whole group.

Here are our top five ideas for activities you can do now with family and friends, while keeping your distance in the most effective way.

Ride together

If you’re looking for a safe, convenient and fun way to explore the city, or the local beaches, jump on an e-scooter! Not only will you have a good time, but e-scooters are a great way to travel while still practicing social distancing. New research from e-scooter operator Neuron revealed that over 90 per cent of people regard public transport, taxis and ridesharing as medium or high risk of catching COVID-19, while 82 per cent said e-scooters are low risk. Neuron also has a Group Rides feature so with just one phone you can unlock up to five e-scooters and ride around together!

Pack a picnic

Now that public gathering restrictions have eased, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the great outdoors with a group picnic. Rather than simply heading to your local park, make a day of it with a hike through one of our stunning national parks and find a nice spot surrounded by nature. Pack some delicious food and some beers for the perfect outdoor feast!

Outdoor yoga

Gyms are still quite restricted, but that doesn’t mean you can’t workout together. If you and your friends are looking to get out of the house and move your body, group yoga is the perfect activity. You can visit a local park or if you have enough space, get out in the backyard. You can follow a yoga routine on YouTube or even complete an online class as a group. Yoga studios around the country have gone digital – Twisted Fish Yoga is just one studio that is now livestreaming all classes through Zoom. So, if you have been sitting inside with minimal body movements, try having a good stretch with your friends.

Games night

We’re still a long way from your typical Saturday evening out on the town, but you can still have an eventful night together with friends – without leaving the house! A games night is a great way to catch up with your friends and enjoy a night filled with entertainment and a little competition. So dust off the board games, brush up on your trivia and organise your teams!

Cook off

Feeling like a home-cooked meal but want to add a fun twist? Why not take some inspiration from Masterchef and host a cook off at home! You can choose a dish for everyone to recreate and even add a time limit for extra competition. Another idea is to set the ingredients and each person can come up with the best dish with what’s been provided. Not feeling competitive but still want to cook as a group? Find an online cooking tutorial for everyone to follow and cook some new recipes together!

What fun group activities would you be keen to get back to? Tell us in the comments below.