Because of the advancements of technology, you and your family can connect with people and places across the world. Experiences, knowledge, friendships, and skillsets are available like never before.
The internet allows your child to learn countless facts and skills that will shape them into the person they’ll become and increase their understanding of the world around them. In this article, we’ll discuss a variety of virtual activities for families that will create fun memories.
Virtual Museums and Field Trips
One activity you can do with your kids at home is to virtually tour museums or see the sights on a field trip. Even though these activities are done remotely, the experience is completely interactive, so you both can have a good time. Here are three popular options to get you started on finding one that fits your child’s interests.
Google Arts and Culture
Google Arts and Culture provides users with over 1,200 international museums to explore from the comfort of your couch. These museum tours educate you and your child on important aspects of history from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France to the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, Hungary. This platform can also help your child learn geography as there is an interactive map with all the different museums pinned on it.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Even though The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located in California, you don’t have to book a plane ticket to see the wildlife. Take advantage of the live cams where you can see jellyfish, sharks, sea otters, sea turtles, and so many more marine animals. This nonprofit organization and the many educational resources they have on their website will allow you and your child to experience the wonders of the ocean no matter where you are.
National Museum of Natural History
If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your children to the nation’s capital, but dreaded the hustle and bustle, then you’ll be delighted to know that the National Museum of Natural History provides virtual tours. You can have the flexibility to browse through the images and videos yourself and teach your children about the material along the way, or you can have a narrated tour. Learn about the history and evolution of humankind, the wonders of wildlife in the ocean and on land, the magnificent reaches of our solar system, and witness the breathtaking images of the famous Hope Diamond. No matter what you choose, you won’t be disappointed by the amazing facts your child will learn about history and our world.
Virtual Fitness Classes
Learning about history isn’t the only activity you can share with your child. You can also participate in virtual fitness classes to use that energy all children seem to have an excess of. The internet is full of possible workout videos from paid subscriptions to free YouTube videos. Here are three options that are either free or very affordable — and ideal for kids.
YMCA Live Workouts
The YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) is an amazing resource for kid-centered activities, from virtual painting classes to live workouts. This nonprofit organization recently launched their completely virtual workout course called YMCA360. They have a variety of membership types you can choose from, so you can find something to fit your needs.
Cosmic Kids Yoga
A popular YouTube channel that’s great for kids is Cosmic Kids Yoga. With over one million subscribers, it’s proven that your child will love these fun yoga classes. You and your child can immerse yourselves in different stories while you learn yoga poses together. These videos are a great way to help kids increase mental, emotional, and physical health.
Zumbini
Created by Zumba and BabyFirst, Zumbini is a program designed for kids between 0-4 years old to enjoy music and movement along with their parents. These classes usually last about 45 minutes and are completely virtual or can be done at a physical location. These classes are 6-16 weeks long and can help increase your child’s emotional development, cognitive skills, balance, social skills, and rhythm, all while strengthening your parent-child bond.
Virtual Play and Entertainment to Do With Your Kids
It is never too late for kids to learn important skills such as cooking, cleaning around the house, or other skills like singing and acting. Introduce your child to the possibilities the world has to offer through virtual classes and entertainment. You can simply browse through YouTube, Craftsy, or search the internet for some fun cooking classes.
Another option is to have your child attend a virtual camp. That way they can meet new friends their own age, learn skills, and have fun all from home. For hours of entertainment that the whole family will enjoy, take a look at virtual concerts and performances like BroadwayHD where you can stream videos anywhere, anytime.
Virtual Story Time With Your Children
No matter a child’s age, everyone loves hearing stories whether they are fact or fiction. Stories are a memorable way to relay life lessons and pass the time. Iconic figures throughout the world understand the power of the written word and storytelling, which is why there are several options where you and your child can sit down and enjoy a good story, creating a positive memory. Take a look at these options you can do with your child the next time you need an activity.
New York Public Library
Public libraries are well-known for providing storytimes, but few of them offer virtual reading time. Well-trained librarians provide reading time for children free of charge. These readers make the experience interactive and unique through teaching American Sign language, children’s rhymes, and children’s songs. Readers also ask questions to help facilitate learning. Your child is sure to enjoy these fun storytimes complete with fun voice inflection.
Julie’s Library
A life-long lover of books, Julie Andrews helps children get into the world of reading through her website Julie’s Library. Julie’s daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, joins Julie in her mission and reads books for children. You can listen to these storytimes either through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on Julie Andrews’ website.
Virtual Learning With Your Children at Home
Because of modern technology, you can have the world’s resources at your fingertips, and one of those resources is virtual online classes. These courses are a great way for your children to learn remotely and practice virtual classroom etiquette.
Masterclass
Founded in 2015, Masterclass is an online class resource that only provides the most elite courses from experts around the world. Whether it’s acting, cooking, sports, music, business, writing, or interior design, your child will learn greatness from those who have proven to be great themselves. New courses are added every month. With a fee, your child can learn from the experts the skills they are passionate about.
Online Music Lessons
Another great way to learn new skills is through signing your child up for online music lessons where they receive one-on-one instruction. One resource that’s gaining more and more popularity online is School of Rock where students of all ages learn the guitar, drums, songwriting, singing, and bass guitar.
Drawing Lessons
Because most children love to draw or color, online drawing classes are a favorite way to pass the time. Help your children learn how to draw their favorite Disney characters from Frozen to the iconic Mickey Mouse on Disney Parks virtual drawing course website. Your child can also learn how to draw from Aaron Blaise, an animator who worked for Disney for 21 years. Check out his YouTube channel to watch his videos and watch his drawings come to life.
Learn More About Commonwealth Charter Academy
In this day and age, there are a variety of resources at your fingertips to help your child increase their talents or experience and see the world in new ways. Through virtual courses, you can provide your children with fun activities like virtual museum tours, field trips, fitness classes, cooking classes, camps, concerts, performances, storytimes, and virtual learning from the experts. To help your child thrive in an online school environment, reach out to us, and we’ll provide your child with the expertise and skills they deserve.
