Children and teenagers alike look forward to traveling on beach trips, hanging out with friends, and going to concerts in the summertime. Many of them would agree that there is arguably not a better time than the summer. However, that is when there is the freedom to do as you please. With lockdown and general safety measures in place, this summer may not look like every person’s dream. It will undoubtedly look nothing like those of the past.  

While events like concerts are postponed and places like beaches are closed, bookstores, florists, and sporting goods stores will be open. There are some options in terms of being able to go to certain places and stores, however, the amount of freedom usually associated with summer will be slim. In addition, along with the restrictions on where one can go, there will be additional requirements like masks and continued social distancing. 

For teenagers, many of whom would usually go on service trips or take summer classes, this summer will look like a lot more time spent at home. This summer will probably consist of FaceTiming rather than in-person contact, streaming movies from companies such as Netflix rather than going to movie theaters and live streaming virtual concerts rather than going to in-person ones. Specifically, various West End and Broadway musicals, such as “Cats,” will be available for streaming on Fridays at 7 pm for 24-hours.

Another example of a live virtual concert that teens will likely be tuning into this summer is Billboard’s “Live at Home” where live-streamed performances from various musicians’ homes take place on the magazine’s Facebook page. 

This next season will consist of less going out and doing things and less interaction with others. Many probably feel some way about staying inside and not having total freedom to do what they choose. However, one thing that is certain is that this summer will be one that stands out in one’s memory as being different from any of the past summers. How to deal with the reality of this summer for teenagers and kids, would be to just try to make the most out of it.