While we are stuck at home for the next few weeks with no school due to the Corona Virus outbreak and quarantines, I need to have some activities put together to keep my 4 kids active and off the video games all day.  I’ve found a ton of resources online and it’s so heartwarming to see how people are offering their services free of charge to people right now.  If we all come together, I truly believe we can accomplish anything.

Usually I am fighting technology in the house, but right now I am truly thankful for the ability to try yoga with the fam or go on a virtual field trip.  Also, I found a great schedule below that can be a guide or an idea platform for your own activity schedule.  I am loosely following it but still trying to keep the kids active throughout the day so I don’t have to hear those dreaded words, “I’m bored.”  Anyone feel me?  Check out the resources I have found below:

Virtual Field Trips

1.  Live from Meigs Point Nature Center – these are live shows daily at 11 am viewing the nature center its animals.
2. Live from the Cincinatti Zoo– check out these adorable live videos from the zoo daily at 3pm.
3. TONS of virtual field trips right here – tons of great links to virtual field trips all over the world!
4. Lots of virtual field trips and activities – everything linked here!

Fitness

1. Down Dog Yoga App – check out this awesome yoga app – you can even get free access if you have a kid at home right now with an .edu email (or can email them directly for access). 🙂. 
2. BalletNova Live stream yoga and exercise classes – Fun family and beginner classes and meditation/yoga.
3. CLI Studios free online dance classes – These seem like more advanced classes if you’ve got dancers at home.

Educational Resources

1.  Lunch doodles with Mo Willems – This is live @1pm weekdays but can be viewed after on youtube.
2. Story Time from Space – Astronauts read stories from space for kids!
3. Actor Josh Gad reads stories on twitter – Live nightly stories on his twitter page along with humor.
4. TONS of Education resource links right here– this google doc has tons of education links including more virtual field trips!
5. Educational apps for children with special needs – a great resource for parents!

Christian Resources

1.  Orange Curriculum – this is a wonderful curriculum which my church uses.
2. Adventure Bible– has over 700 games and activities for children.

Links for home activity books/crafts

1.  13 Artists Children should know 

2. Awesome Adventures at the Smithsonian: The Official Kids Guide to the Smithsonian Institution

3. The Story of Paintings: A History of Art for Children

4. Ohuhu Markers– these are amazing and my kids approve!
5. Little Tykes trampoline – ages 3-6 but they will love this!!
6. Build a fort construction kit – even the older ones have fun with this one!
7. Legos– of course!!  Such a classic loved by all ages.
8. How to draw book
9. Wireless bluetooth karaoke microphone – sing your heart out!  Fun for the entire fam.
10. Bob books – great for learning to read or working on skills.
11. Play-doh
12. Adorable gardening kit
13. Wings of Fire book set – approved by my oldest!  Awesome fantasy books for kids.

Schedule Idea

If you’re a fan of schedules, here’s one you can follow or modify to fit your family’s needs:

Stay healthy, safe, and stress-free during these weeks and focus on quality family time!  If you have any great sites you’re using and want me to include, feel free to comment or message me!

xo,

J