Free Virtual Field Trips and Activities for Families in Quarantine
Social distancing directives have caused normal life to come to a screeching halt in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to non-essential businesses closing, schools everywhere have been shut down for extended periods. Many parents are left with no childcare services at their disposal. Experts have no idea when this health crisis will end, and parents have been scrambling to fill the roles of: caregiver, employee, teacher, tutor, etc. while also managing their regular work routine.
Finding constructive entertainment for children during this nationwide quarantine can be extremely challenging, especially with the lack of proper resources. Flattening the curve of coronavirus has rightfully become everyone’s first priority. The usual sources for interactive child education such as zoos and museums, have announced their closure. It is unknown to the public when they will reopen.
Even though closing these facilities is for the best, many people have discovered that children need to be entertained now more than ever. An abundance of websites including Google Arts & Culture, have provided a plethora of educational resources for parents in need. These sites may be difficult to navigate, so here is the simplified version!
NASA is offering a multitude of STEM activities for grades K- 4. Activities range from building foam rockets to solving space station emoji puzzles. Parents can also download coloring sheets and books for younger kids. Resources and information can be found at this link.
Discovery Education has free virtual field trips complete with companion guides and hands-on learning activities. Kids can do exciting things like, exploring polar bears and the tundra! Visit this link for more information.
Google is allowing Students can explore the surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover. The site is in the middle of an update, but the 360 mode offers a great digital view. Keep your curious astronauts in training occupied by visiting this link.
The most visited Zoo in the country, known for its cageless and open air habitat has set up live streams for all of its patrons to continue to check in on their favorite animals. Children everywhere can tune in to see baboons, monkeys, koalas and many more exotic animals at this link
Take a virtual trip to Disneyland
Disneyland may be closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but you can still view its facilities another way! Disney + has a #StayAtHome watchlist of 88 movies, shows and shorts inspired by each land of the park. You can find many of the movies and shows that inspired the rides in the park. Visit this link to start your virtual binge watch tour!
We hope you enjoy these exciting virtual adventures!