While we generally try to limit screen time for our children, in the wake of social distancing, some amazing resources are now being offered online that kids and parents alike would enjoy. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see an Opera at the Met? Or hear the Seattle Symphony play? Thankfully you can view a live stream of both now, for FREE. Enjoy!
Note: Please comment or email us if you hear about more that are not included! I’ll be adding to this list regularly as I get more information, so please note this post is an ongoing work in progress, but I didn’t want to waste time creating a complete and comprehensive post because a) things are changing daily and b) some of you may already be feeling a little stir crazy and could benefit from this information sooner rather than later. Thank you all!
For Kids:
Virtual field trips, including the San Diego Zoo, Yellowstone National park and Mars: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRku_w/mobilebasic
More Virtual Tours (some overlap of the above 2): https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/03/16/social-distancing-free-virtual-tours/5060244002/
100 Virtual Tours from Around the World
Daily free courses from Scholastic: https://www.koin.com/news/scholastic-releases-free-daily-courses-for-kids-stuck-home-amid-coronavirus-school-closures/
Our friends at Union Square Play are streaming FREE Music Classes and Potty Training Seminars.
Jam with Jamie is going virtual! They will feature both live streams and pre-recorded classes from talented performers across the nation!
Cosmic Kids Yoga will keep your little ones entertained for hours. My kids especially love the Frozen & Pokemon episode.
MaryPoppins.com has many great online resources and activity guides for all ages
PBS Kids has free online resources for all age ranges, including new video content they just released
Crowd-sourced ideas from parents and small businesses
Free, live art lessons for older kids on the Make Facebook page
Online Pictionary you can play remotely with friends: https://skribbl.io/
Ages 3+ Educational Games
Movement Ideas:
Science Activities:
Read A-louds:
PreK & Private K Students E-Learning Ideas:
For Adults or Older Children:
Free catalog of Indigenous films online, with the recommended first 6: https://www.cbc.ca/arts/there-s-a-massive-free-catalogue-of-indigenous-films-online-and-we-have-6-picks-to-get-you-started-1.4623884
Free tv show and streaming movies online: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-03-17/coronavirus-tv-streaming-free-trial-deals
Paris Museums Put 100,000 Images online for unrestricted public use: https://kottke.org/20/01/paris-museums-put-100000-images-online-for-unrestricted-public-use
Seattle Symphone offers Free Video Broadcasts and Livestreams: https://seattlesymphony.org/watch-listen/beyondthestage/live-broadcasts
The Met Opera offers ‘Nightly Met Opera Streams’: https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-to-offer-up-nightly-met-opera-streams/
Free Concerts from Coldplay, John Legend, Keith Urban and More: https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/03/17/coldplay-john-legend-keith-urban-coronavirus/
Use your time at home to create easy photo books to keep for yourself or to cheer up loved ones. We’re giving a 20% off with code: HOMEBUTNOTALONE
Virginia Museum of History and Culture – History at Home
- Banner Lectures: Browse more than 250 hours of recorded lectures about Virginia history by world renowned authors and speakers. Watch and listen to all of our past Banner Lectures here:
Website Archive | Vimeo | YouTube | SoundCloud - Virtual Tours: You can still spend the day at the museum with our virtual gallery tours! Virtually walk through our exhibitions with our 360° mapping and click on exhibition objects to learn more about their stories. Tour now.
- Upcoming Webinars: In the coming weeks, we’re offering a series of free webinars from our VMHC Education team to keep you engaged from the comfort of your couch. Register now.
- Shop Merchandise: Curl up with a new book, play a historical game, spruce up your home office, or treat yourself to a gourmet food product. Order unique products from our online shop today! Browse now.
- Activities & Resources for Students: We have a variety of engaging learning resources, educational online tools, and meaningful media to bring the classroom to you remotely. Explore now.
TikTok Cat Videos: Just what we need right MEOW during social isolation
Virtual Dance Party: https://ew.com/celebrity/ben-platt-virtual-dance-party-coronavirus/
Free entertainment, including PC games, magazines, audiobooks and more: https://www.cnet.com/news/free-entertainment-to-help-you-survive-coronavirus-social-distancing/
Streaming Promotions and Deals: https://www.allconnect.com/blog/streaming-promotions-coronavirus
COVID-19: If you are experiencing symptoms or want to learn more, please visit the CDC’s website for the most up to date information.
Easy Peanut Butter Football Dip!
This easy, no-bake dessert dip from Lynn Lilly, the talented mama behind the Craft Box Girls blog uses basic pantry ingredients like peanut butter, chocolate chips and pretzels. We’ll be making it for the Super Bowl and then again for Valentine’s Day—simply swapping the football shape for a heart one!
Superbowl: 4 Craft Ideas to Try!
Whether your kids are into football or not, having something to keep them occupied during the big game can be clutch. All the adults will then be able to enjoy the action on the field (not to mention the commercials and half time show!). We rounded up 4 of our favorite crafts from around the blogosphere, perfect for game time or any time you need something to do (which, for most of us, is all the time). Pro tip: for toddlers, use plastic cups instead of mason jars, for obvious reasons.
Date Night at Home Ideas
A regular date night out is a great thing, if you can make it happen. As any good therapist (or Instagram meme…) would say, the foundation of your family started with your relationship, so keeping it strong will benefit everyone. But date nights can be tricky to plan (read: finding a reliable babysitter) and expensive (read: paying said sitter plus whatever entertainment you choose for the evening). That’s why we also love a good date night in. There’s nothing wrong with a classic Netflix and take out combo post-bedtime, but we’re sharing five creative ideas to freshen up your regular routine.