Social distancing and quarantines are the norm for now, but social isolation does not have to be. Technology makes it easy to stay close to the people who matter, even from the couch. Here are some of our favorite ways to connect online while we are all stuck at home.

1. Gaming

What did you expect from the company behind CLX Gaming rigs? There is a game for every age and every device, and most let you team up or compete with friends near and far. Kids can keep hanging out with their classmates while school is closed, from Fortnite to Words with Friends. If you have kids in your life, jump in and play with them. A quick word on safety: online games mean online strangers, so it is worth reviewing good online-safety basics with younger players. There is no such thing as too much safety info.

2. Online Chess

Great for ages four and up. Several services let you play chess with friends online, with voice and text chat so you can talk while you play, and many offer free trials. Do not know how? There are lessons built right in. No better time to learn.

3. Tour a Virtual Museum

Plenty of world-class museums offer virtual tours for free. Start a voice or video call, pull up the same museum, and wander the galleries together, discussing the art with none of the crowds. It is a surprisingly nice way to spend an afternoon with someone far away.

4. Take a Class Together

From chemistry to art, free and low-cost online courses cover just about everything. For the kids, several education sites have launched free at-home learning programs with daily lessons while schools are closed. Sign up for the same course as a friend and keep each other on track.

5. Learn a Language

Languages stick when you actually speak them, so grab a friend and practice together. Many public libraries, including the Wichita Public Library, offer free online language courses with a library card, and there are free apps and communities of native speakers you can practice with from anywhere.

6. Volunteer Virtually

You can help a good cause without leaving home. Lots of non-profits need remote help, and doing it with a friend or a small team keeps everyone motivated. Plenty of sites list virtual volunteer opportunities you can browse and sign up for together.

7. Work Out With a Buddy

Turn on a video call, pick a free workout video, and sweat through it together. A workout buddy on screen is still a workout buddy, and it makes it a lot harder to skip.

Stay Close From a Distance

We may be apart for a while, but staying connected is easier than it has ever been. Pick an idea, reach out to someone, and make a plan. Have a favorite of your own? Drop it in the comments. Stay safe out there.