Although the stay at home orders are being relaxed in so many places, social distancing is still very much encouraged. It is looking like we will need to find ways to amuse ourselves awhile longer. With that in mind, I have put together a list of 20 of the most fun and educational websites for both kids and adults.
There are several that, for the moment at least, are free. A few were put into place to help children understand the world today. Others are simply offering a little bit of fun to help pass the hours.
10 amazing sites for children
The little ones are having a tough time finding things to do with trips to the park being almost nonexsitent. Likewise, most of their summer activities have also been cancelled. These websites provide some fun ways to fill their days and maybe learn something new as well.
- https://www.seussville.com This site is built around our favorite Dr. Seuss books. It offers videos, activities, recipes and downloadable coloring pages for the little ones. In addition, It also has a dedicated parent page with additional ideas.
- https://www.highlightskids.com This site follows much the same path as Seussville but takes it a step further with a dedicated Youtube channel.
- https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html This is a great educational site for kids K-4 or just for anyone who loves learning about space.
- https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/ This series aired earlier in April however all episodes and activities are available online. Each episode teaches you how to draw a specific thing.
- https://www.sesamestreet.org/caring This Sesame Street site has several fun activities for kids. It also focuses on helping children understand the fight to save the world from Covid-19.
- https://koala.net/webcams The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has several koala webcams throughout the sanctuary. Therefore, You can’t help but see the koalas. Just make sure you stay aware of the time difference. They are harder to see in the nighttime hours.
- https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams Monterey Bay has several webcams where you can see some amazing sea creatures. A jellyfish cam, shark cam, and a sea otter cam just to name a few. So much fun!
- https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams The San Diego Zoo has some of the best live webcams. Pandas, penguins, and polar bears, tigers, giraffes, owls, and even butterflies. This site can keep the little ones busy all day.
- https://www.gonoodle.com/ This site offers all kinds of activities with a goal to keep the kids moving. Activities that encourage exercise are so important right now. This one is a favorite of teachers everywhere.
- https://indyschild.com/30-virtual-amusement-park-rides/ This Indiana magazine put together a list of virtual amusement park rides complete with links. It has several tame rides for the little ones but this one deserves to be on the adult list as well.
Best sites, streams, and apps for adults and teens
- https://artsandculture.google.com/project/national-park-service -This site will take you on a virtual tour of some truly amazing National Parks. Since hopping a plane isn’t the thing to do right now, this is the next best thing.
- https://www.corepoweryogaondemand.com/keep-up-your-practice?mod=article_inline Corepower -has extended their free on demand workouts for another month! Yay!
- https://www.playbill.com/article/15-broadway-plays-and-musicals-you-can-watch-on-stage-from-home -If you’re missing the theater this site will show you how you can watch some great productions online from your couch! Several are offered on Netflix and Amazon Prime and Broadway HD has a free 7 day trial.
- https://www.metopera.org/ -Likewise, if you are missing the music, the met is streaming past performances nightly at 730p EST.
- https://www.planetfitness.com/united-we-move -Planet Fitness hosts a free workout daily on facebook at 700p EST. Any workout right now is helpful!
- https://www.google.com/earth/ – Anyone can amuse themselves for hours just exploring on this site.
- https://www.google.com/sky/ – This is fun for stargazers of any age. There is a google moon and google mars available too.
- https://indyschild.com/30-virtual-amusement-park-rides/ – There is a ride for everyone.
- https://hellogiggles.com/news/virtual-roller-coaster-rides/ – If you are a roller coaster junkie, there are eight you can ride right here.
- https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/g31746949/gardens-you-can-virtually-tour/ Maybe just a virtual walk through a garden will be enough to start the day off right.
I hope the day comes soon where we no longer have to lead a “virtual” life. I know it will! In the meantime, I would love to hear what you are all doing to pass the time! Send me a comment with any ideas you want to share.
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