With the winter months arriving, finding new and safe ways to connect with friends and family are important as weather in many parts of the country may be bringing you back indoors. Virtual alternatives can be a great way to enjoy getting together while staying socially distant and healthy.

Try some of these fun options:

• Plan a Game Night – whether it is Jeopardy, Family Feud or a few rounds of trivia, many games can be easily adapted for virtual settings. Search online for competition resources or come up with your own questions to make it even more engaging. Giving away a prize, like a gift certificate to a local restaurant or online retailer, can provide incentive for participants to be at the top of their game and enjoy some friendly competition.

• Plan a Show and Tell – why should elementary students be the only ones who get to show off their favorite things? Pick a theme and let everyone share a fun, unique (or even bizarre) treasure and the story behind it.

• Plan a Virtual Tour – museums and other institutions around the world offer virtual tours that you can enjoy with others. Check out an art collection, tour a historic site or take a virtual stroll through beautiful gardens. For some added fun, create an a game of iSpy or encourage participants to research and share interesting facts related to the tour.

• Plan a Dinner Party – although you can’t physically sit across from someone at your favorite place to eat, you can still enjoy a meal together. Plan a theme, share recipes and enjoy a special beverage while you enjoy the company of others.

Connecting regularly is a great way to boost everyone’s spirits and feel “together” while keeping your friends, family and yourself safe.