In these unprecedented and troubling times, many organizations have stepped up and started thinking outside the box. Zoos, museums, educational institutions and other attractions worldwide are offering interesting and entertaining online resources for families, kids and anyone else stuck inside for the coming weeks.
The following recommendations came from Nadene Grossman Orr and Lindsey Sigafoos at We’ve Got the Keys, the event company that produces Key West’s annual Fantasy Fest. (Don’t worry, these online activities are all kid-friendly.)
The Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo is hosting a Home Safari via Facebook Live at 3 p.m. each weekday. Zoo officials will highlight one of the zoo’s resident animals and will include an activity viewers can do at home.
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems via Facebook Live. Kennedy Center education artist-in-residence Willems invites everyone into his studio every day for his Lunch Doodle. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join him to explore ways of writing and making together. Viewers can see each new video weekdays at 1 p.m.
Atlantic White Shark Conservancy
With kids out of school and parents seeking enrichment activities, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy will host a shark story hour at 10 a.m. daily. Representatives will read a new shark-themed book followed by a shark question-and-answer session.
Snapology for LEGOs
While our schools and Discovery Center are closed, Snapology will be adding online class options and daily building challenges to keep the children busy. The programs can provide some fun, focused activities and challenges for students who have access to LEGO bricks at their homes. Check their Facebook page daily for LEGO challenges and to vote on the winning creations.
Local bookstores offer delivery and recommendations
Books & Books at The Studios of Key West and Key West Island Books are offering free book delivery and reading recommendations for all ages. There’s no better way to enjoy your self-quarantine (or any at-home relaxation) than with a book from your favorite local bookstore.
Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West: 305-320-0208
Key West Island Books, 513 Fleming St., Key West.
Learn at home
Scholastic Learn-at-Home offers day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking and growing.
Movement Powers Change
GoNoodle engages 14 million kids every month with movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. Available for free at school, home and everywhere kids are.
Open Culture
Download free coloring books from 113 museums at Open Culture.
Teach Your Children Well
The I Can Teach My Child website is dedicated to all parents. Spend a few minutes each day investing in your child and the lifetime of rewards they will reap.
Kids’ yoga videos
Yoga can be a tool to help children learn to manage stress, build concentration, increase confidence and improve gross motor skills. Visit Preschool Inspirations for, well, inspiration.
Comedian for kids
Danny Cohen is a stand-up comedian in New York and he’s reading stories for kids. These are some of the best things you’ll hear all day. Gather the kids and family for a brilliant reading of “Cinderella” by Danny Cohen.
Educational coloring book benefits The Grimal Grove
Coloring book is available on Amazon as of March 17.
