As schools and daycare centers are closing across the nation, many local businesses have stepped up to bridge the education gap by offering creative virtual learning classes for families everywhere. From aquarium tours with penguins to mindfulness workshops, check out our list of top ways to entertain kids of all ages (and none of them include watching Frozen 2)!
Photo by The Great Zucchini
- Gift Your Child a Morning of Magic
The Lane Social Club has created “a temporary adaption on togetherness” through virtual events that range from magic classes/shows, musical circle times, storytimes, yoga classes, and art instruction for children of all ages. All proceeds go to paying their staff who serve as the talent behind the entertainment. Tickets are donation based, check out the full schedule here.
Photo by Yelper Crystal O.
2. Get Up Close and Personal with Endangered Animals
Using the hashtag #closedbutstillcaring, the North Carolina Zoo is giving virtual visitors a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to care for animals during the closure and hosting educational lectures on Facebook Live every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10AM.
Photo by Yelper Tony C.
3. Unleash Your Inner B-boy (or girl)
Get moving! The Lab DC is offering virtual breakin’ group classes plus private one-on-one sessions so your little can move, groove, and learn how to express themselves in this stressful time. Classes are available for beginner, immediate, and advanced dancers. Check out the full schedule here.
Photo by The Kennedy Center
4. Draw and Doodle with a Cartoon Network Animator
Every day for the next few weeks, Kennedy Center Artist-in-Residence, Mo Willems, invites guests to his studio for a Lunch Doodle. Children can grab paper, pencils, pens, or crayons to explore new ways of writing and making together. New episodes are posted every day at 1PM EST and will remain online afterwards.
Photo from the business via Yelp
5. Take a Preschool Prep Class
Circle Time is a great alternative for parents that are looking to fill up their child’s day with daily routine fun activities. You can also add in a specially curated box full of crafts and sensory play to supplement the circle time activities. More information can be found here.
Photo by Yelper John P.
6. Go for a (Virtual) Drive!
The Petersen Automotive Museum is offering free online educational livestreams twice daily. The morning session takes the form of a lecture. The afternoon session is a hands-on activity. Although lessons are open to parents and children of all ages, the subject matter is targeted for children ages 12 and under. Upcoming lessons will cover propulsion, aerodynamics, racing and a host of other topics.
Photo by Yelper Cayla Marie A.
7. Go Deep Sea Diving!
The Florida Aquarium is hosting a daily program called SEA-SPAN updating the public on the happenings at the aquarium while they are temporarily closed. The Aquarium goes live weekdays at 10 am EST.
Photo by Yelper Shannon G.
8. Become a scientist in your own home!
The Children’s Museum in Houston is making virtual learning easy by offering bilingual storytimes, hands-on STEM projects, and even a dedicated toddler time. Check out the event calendar for the class schedule.
Photo from the business via Yelp
9. Get Enlightened!
Kids Yoga Flow is offering mindful movement classes for ages 3+ and up! Each class is designed to teach children to be more intentional, compassionate and courageous in the comfort of their own home. To reserve a session shoot an email to KidsYogaFlow@gmail.com
Photo by Yelper Chris V.
10. Waddle with Penguins
Join along with penguin pals as they get to explore the exhibits at Shedd Aquarium! With the aquarium closure, caretakers are giving the animals new experiences, food, and activities that allow them to express their natural behavior. Get a behind-the-scenes-look here!
Looking for more ideas? Check out our blog post on five ways you can support your favorite businesses during Coronavirus.
