Like much of the world right now, we’re taking certain precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as postponing elective dental procedures. Being so, we understand how absolutely boring it can be sitting at home watching paint dry. So here’s a list of some of our favorite free online activities to keep you and the family sane and active during lockdown.
1. Let famous actors and actresses read books to your kids.
This free website streams videos featuring actors and actresses (from up-and-comers like Kiernan Shipka to Hollywood veterans like Betty White), reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. I’d say this is a great resource to set your kids up with, but I’ll admit it’s kept me entertained just as much as the kids.
2. Not into celebrities? Have an astronaut read to your kids.
Speaking of stories, why not have astronauts read to your children? Story Time from Space is a project of the Global Space Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education foundation, where they send children’s books to the international space station. The astronauts then film themselves reading the books for children of Earth (sometimes with a mini tour of the station), and we get to enjoy a little bit of science and education.
3. View live webcams at the Houston Zoo.
If you’re like me, the nice-ish weather we’ve been having lately has gotten me itching for a zoo visit. Obviously that’s not an option, so the Houston Zoo’s live webcam feature on their website is a really fun alternative. View live camera feeds in animal exhibits. Control the cameras to view giraffes, gorillas, elephants, rhinos and chimps eat, play, rest and plot their world domination
4. Get your kids moving with this free iPhone app.
It’s hard not to give-in and allow our children to have ungodly amounts of screen time while we’re all on lockdown. With the fear and guilt that we’re setting them up for failure or bad habits, we’ve found the GoNoodle app for the iPhone to be helpful. This app features fast-paced mini games that get kids jumping, waving, and holding a pose to earn points, dodge obstacles, and have a ton of fun.
5. Enjoy Netflix binging with friends with this free Chrome extension.
This chrome extension that allows you to simultaneously stream Netflix with friends with a chat window and play/pause for everyone. Now you can binge on your favorite shows with your favorite people in the comfort of your own couch. Take that, COVID-19! Also, please tell us what shows you’re watching.
Do you see any favorites we’ve listed? Have you come across any of your own favorites that we didn’t mention? Let us know on our Facebook or Instagram pages what we should include or what Netflix shows you’re currently binging on!
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