Get Outside!
Click below to visit our seasonal activities page for tons of ideas on what to do outside or how to bring nature indoors.
10 Nature Activities to Help Get Your Family Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
If the coronavirus spreads at the rate that experts believe it will, schools, workplaces and businesses will continue to close. Here’s a thread of silver lining. We’ll have more time for each other and nature. And, at least so far, nature’s always open.
Activities for Families
Nature is a great teacher! Try these activity ideas from Project Learning Tree to connect the children in your life to the outdoors and nature.
3 THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS THIS WEEK OUTSIDE!
Please take responsible precautions and always check the latest health advisories and information on COVID-19 when considering events to attend with your family. There may be last-minute cancellations, so we urge you to double-check with the event provider before going.
Muddy Faces Outdoor Activities Hub
Our Outdoor Hub is free to everyone and packed full of literally hundreds of step-by-step, photo-illustrated activities. You don't have to be out in an amazing Forest School or woodland setting, most of the activities can be done at home in a yard or garden, many of them can be adapted and done indoors. Click here to browse our Outdoor Hub activities
Get in the Garden With Your Kids!
Grandma's Gardens is offering phone orders and curbside pick up. Read more.
10 Nature Activities to Help Get Your Family Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
Getting outside — but at a safe distance from other people — can be one way to boost your family’s resilience. If you spend too much time indoors, “your vitamin D level goes down,” advises John de Pluma, MD, a board-certified internist and proponent of food-based health practices and nature therapy. De Pluma points to research suggesting an association between visiting forests and improving immune responses.
14 Ways to Make Your Backyard More Fun
Encourage your kids to explore, build, create, or just relax in the backyard with these fun and creative ideas for your lawn.
Get outside and "chalk your walk"
Chalk Your Walk is pretty simple. Go outside with some chalk and write an uplifting message or drawing on your driveway or sidewalks. Or create a ‘Literature Chalk Walk’. See it here.
If the coronavirus spreads at the rate that experts believe it will, schools, workplaces and businesses will continue to close. Here’s a thread of silver lining. We’ll have more time for each other and nature. And, at least so far, nature’s always open.
Activities for Families
Nature is a great teacher! Try these activity ideas from Project Learning Tree to connect the children in your life to the outdoors and nature.
3 THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS THIS WEEK OUTSIDE!
Please take responsible precautions and always check the latest health advisories and information on COVID-19 when considering events to attend with your family. There may be last-minute cancellations, so we urge you to double-check with the event provider before going.
- Amble through the woods and take in stunning views on the best spring hikes for families.
- Climb, slide, run and play at amazing new playgrounds around the Dayton.
- Rock your neighborhood with painted rocks and add to the kindness-spreading treasure hunt.
Muddy Faces Outdoor Activities Hub
Our Outdoor Hub is free to everyone and packed full of literally hundreds of step-by-step, photo-illustrated activities. You don't have to be out in an amazing Forest School or woodland setting, most of the activities can be done at home in a yard or garden, many of them can be adapted and done indoors. Click here to browse our Outdoor Hub activities
Get in the Garden With Your Kids!
Grandma's Gardens is offering phone orders and curbside pick up. Read more.
10 Nature Activities to Help Get Your Family Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
Getting outside — but at a safe distance from other people — can be one way to boost your family’s resilience. If you spend too much time indoors, “your vitamin D level goes down,” advises John de Pluma, MD, a board-certified internist and proponent of food-based health practices and nature therapy. De Pluma points to research suggesting an association between visiting forests and improving immune responses.
14 Ways to Make Your Backyard More Fun
Encourage your kids to explore, build, create, or just relax in the backyard with these fun and creative ideas for your lawn.
Get outside and "chalk your walk"
Chalk Your Walk is pretty simple. Go outside with some chalk and write an uplifting message or drawing on your driveway or sidewalks. Or create a ‘Literature Chalk Walk’. See it here.
Stay Active
Livestream Activities Calendar
Keep kids active with yoga, karate, and more.
JOIN THE HEALTHY AT HOME CHALLENGE
Even though we may not be physically together, we all have the same goal: to stay healthy and to keep others healthy, too. That’s why we created the Healthy at Home Challenge: so you can stay active, no matter where you are. All you have to do is log 12 workouts in 30 days.Under Armour will be donating up to $1 million to Good Sports, an organization that provides equipment, apparel, and footwear to those most in need. Ready to get started?*To join, you must access this challenge from the MyFitnessPal app on your smartphone. Join Now
Join the Spring 2020 Email Challenge : It’s All About Time
Sponsored by Ohio State University Extension. Challenge Dates: April 6 – May 18, 2020. Two weekly e-mails will be sent directly to you from your local OSU Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Professional. Messages are All About Time:
Keep kids active with yoga, karate, and more.
JOIN THE HEALTHY AT HOME CHALLENGE
Even though we may not be physically together, we all have the same goal: to stay healthy and to keep others healthy, too. That’s why we created the Healthy at Home Challenge: so you can stay active, no matter where you are. All you have to do is log 12 workouts in 30 days.Under Armour will be donating up to $1 million to Good Sports, an organization that provides equipment, apparel, and footwear to those most in need. Ready to get started?*To join, you must access this challenge from the MyFitnessPal app on your smartphone. Join Now
Join the Spring 2020 Email Challenge : It’s All About Time
Sponsored by Ohio State University Extension. Challenge Dates: April 6 – May 18, 2020. Two weekly e-mails will be sent directly to you from your local OSU Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Professional. Messages are All About Time:
- Priority Time
- Me Time
- Sleep/Rest Time
- Time to Move
- Mealtime
- Screen Time
- Time to Recharge
- Time to Connect and Quality Time
- And even Party Time!
Ways to Play
FreePlayIT
This blog contains activities featured in our playgroup, as well as ways to inspire your children's continuing play, with you and independently, in your own home.
Find Ways to Play
Explore fun and educational activities for the whole family. See it here.
This blog contains activities featured in our playgroup, as well as ways to inspire your children's continuing play, with you and independently, in your own home.
Find Ways to Play
Explore fun and educational activities for the whole family. See it here.
Virtual/Technology/Websites
Fun and Free Educational Websites for Kids
Your children can learn something new today in a safe online environment. These 17 free educational websites for kids are fun while offering online teaching games, printables, videos, and so much more.
Virtual Exhibits for Online Learning and Fun
Lions, tigers, and bears…paintings, sculptures, and digital art! Children can continue their learning by “visiting” museums, art galleries, zoos, or aquariums online from the comfort of their own homes. Virtual tours, exhibits, and activities provide learning opportunities about arts and culture, animals, history, and more.
Five Tips to Make the Most of Video Chats
Can’t visit the grandparent’s because of new rules or worries? Here are some tips for making the most of your next video chat.
22 ways to leave home without actually leaving the couch, from virtual zoo exhibits to museum gallery tours
Here's how to enjoy an afternoon at the museum, the zoo, or theme park all without leaving your couch.
CHECK OUT THESE WEBSITES:
Your children can learn something new today in a safe online environment. These 17 free educational websites for kids are fun while offering online teaching games, printables, videos, and so much more.
Virtual Exhibits for Online Learning and Fun
Lions, tigers, and bears…paintings, sculptures, and digital art! Children can continue their learning by “visiting” museums, art galleries, zoos, or aquariums online from the comfort of their own homes. Virtual tours, exhibits, and activities provide learning opportunities about arts and culture, animals, history, and more.
Five Tips to Make the Most of Video Chats
Can’t visit the grandparent’s because of new rules or worries? Here are some tips for making the most of your next video chat.
22 ways to leave home without actually leaving the couch, from virtual zoo exhibits to museum gallery tours
Here's how to enjoy an afternoon at the museum, the zoo, or theme park all without leaving your couch.
CHECK OUT THESE WEBSITES:
- Enroll in the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library
- DayByDayOhio Family Literacy Calendar
- Sesame Street
- PBS Kids
- Virtual Exhibits for Online Learning and Fun
- 30 Great Educational Netflix Shows
- Scholastic Learn at Home
- The Cleveland Orchestra Music Explorers Episodes
- Story Online with Your Favorite Celebrities
- Get moving with GoNoodle videos
- 10 Prop Box Ideas: Mini Learning Centers at Home
- At-Home Activity Guide
- Yoga for Children with Cosmic Kids Yoga
- Center on the Developing Child: Activities Guide: Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills with Children from Infancy to Adolescence
- Kinedu
- Peep and the Big Wide World Videos y Actividades para los padres de familia
- Vroom
Keeping Kids Busy
Family Staycation Kit
Too Small to Fail has created a new resource to help all families make the most of their time at #HomeWithKids: This resource provides families with ideas for ways they can talk, read, sing, and play their way through the day—just with things they might already have at home. It also includes ways parents, caregivers, and children can practice healthy habits like handwashing and staying active. Download it here: THE “TALKING IS TEACHING: TALK, READ, SING” FAMILY STAYCATION KIT.
Try Origami
Check out these 2 sites to get started Origami.me and origamiway.com
20 ways to keep the kids busy at home
We rounded up crafts, educational shows, backyard activities and more to keep the crew entertained during these uncertain times. Let’s do this >>
Social-Distancing Approved Activities
Creative ideas for every interest type!
23 Toddler Activities (Without Screens)
Whether you have an 18 month old, a 2 year old, or a preschool age child, there are so many fun activities to discover on this list of toddler activities!
My Kid’s School is Closed, So Now What?
How do you support your children’s social, emotional and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic? And how do you stay sane yourself in the process? This article shares helpful strategies for staying home and staying calm during the many days and weeks ahead.
PBS Kids to the Rescue! Introducing the PBS KIDS Daily Newsletter
As schools across the country are closing due to COVID-19, PBS KIDS is a great resource. Next week, they will introduce a new newsletter, with activities and tips you can use to play and learn at home with your child. From special episodes to recipes, and activities to crafts, they will share tips each day for your family to enjoy from shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Pinkalicious & Peterrific and more. Subscribe today to begin receiving daily updates Monday through Friday from your friends at PBS KIDS.
At-Home Activity Guide
With these activities and experiences at-the-ready, you can feel less stressed and more prepared!
Play: 8 Indoor Activities to Release Kids' Energy
As we enter an unusually challenging time and face growing concerns about the spread of illness (see How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus), we all have a lot on our minds. This can make it hard to feel creative. Check out these 8 easy indoor activities to help your family stay active at home. See it here.
Here are 200+ activities you can do with kids at home
Even while social distancing or self-isolating, your kids can keep on learning through play, using active games to keep them moving and learning at home. When schools reopen, your kids will return to classrooms with happy memories and sharp minds. See it here!
Too Small to Fail has created a new resource to help all families make the most of their time at #HomeWithKids: This resource provides families with ideas for ways they can talk, read, sing, and play their way through the day—just with things they might already have at home. It also includes ways parents, caregivers, and children can practice healthy habits like handwashing and staying active. Download it here: THE “TALKING IS TEACHING: TALK, READ, SING” FAMILY STAYCATION KIT.
Try Origami
Check out these 2 sites to get started Origami.me and origamiway.com
20 ways to keep the kids busy at home
We rounded up crafts, educational shows, backyard activities and more to keep the crew entertained during these uncertain times. Let’s do this >>
Social-Distancing Approved Activities
Creative ideas for every interest type!
23 Toddler Activities (Without Screens)
Whether you have an 18 month old, a 2 year old, or a preschool age child, there are so many fun activities to discover on this list of toddler activities!
My Kid’s School is Closed, So Now What?
How do you support your children’s social, emotional and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic? And how do you stay sane yourself in the process? This article shares helpful strategies for staying home and staying calm during the many days and weeks ahead.
PBS Kids to the Rescue! Introducing the PBS KIDS Daily Newsletter
As schools across the country are closing due to COVID-19, PBS KIDS is a great resource. Next week, they will introduce a new newsletter, with activities and tips you can use to play and learn at home with your child. From special episodes to recipes, and activities to crafts, they will share tips each day for your family to enjoy from shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Pinkalicious & Peterrific and more. Subscribe today to begin receiving daily updates Monday through Friday from your friends at PBS KIDS.
At-Home Activity Guide
With these activities and experiences at-the-ready, you can feel less stressed and more prepared!
Play: 8 Indoor Activities to Release Kids' Energy
As we enter an unusually challenging time and face growing concerns about the spread of illness (see How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus), we all have a lot on our minds. This can make it hard to feel creative. Check out these 8 easy indoor activities to help your family stay active at home. See it here.
Here are 200+ activities you can do with kids at home
Even while social distancing or self-isolating, your kids can keep on learning through play, using active games to keep them moving and learning at home. When schools reopen, your kids will return to classrooms with happy memories and sharp minds. See it here!
Family Activities
The Family Time Machine
Family Time Machine is loaded with inspiring ideas and activities to help families make the most of their time together. From Wake Up Time to Bed Time and all points in between, the Family Time Machine is full of ways for families to learn together throughout the day!
SPRING CLEANING: 5 Methods For Motivating Your Family To Clean
Due to factors beyond all of our control, cleaning and hygiene are top of mind right now. Tired of nagging the kids to clean up after themselves? Exhausted from nagging, reminding, and pleading? Maybe it’s time to resort to other tactics. Here's how to motivate your family to clean house.
Family Activities to Do During COVID-19
There are so many things you can during this time at home…you are only limited to your imagination!
10 Family Activities for When You Can’t Leave the House
You now find yourself crammed inside or simply looking for ways to create quality family time with your tribe, we’ve got just the list for you.
CREATE: Family Drawing Game
Here’s a family game that gets everyone doodling and gives your family a silly break.
101 Free Activities for Your Kids and Family
We know you're spending tons of time with your kids at home, so here's a list of activities to keep them busy and happy.
Family Time Machine is loaded with inspiring ideas and activities to help families make the most of their time together. From Wake Up Time to Bed Time and all points in between, the Family Time Machine is full of ways for families to learn together throughout the day!
SPRING CLEANING: 5 Methods For Motivating Your Family To Clean
Due to factors beyond all of our control, cleaning and hygiene are top of mind right now. Tired of nagging the kids to clean up after themselves? Exhausted from nagging, reminding, and pleading? Maybe it’s time to resort to other tactics. Here's how to motivate your family to clean house.
Family Activities to Do During COVID-19
There are so many things you can during this time at home…you are only limited to your imagination!
10 Family Activities for When You Can’t Leave the House
You now find yourself crammed inside or simply looking for ways to create quality family time with your tribe, we’ve got just the list for you.
CREATE: Family Drawing Game
Here’s a family game that gets everyone doodling and gives your family a silly break.
101 Free Activities for Your Kids and Family
We know you're spending tons of time with your kids at home, so here's a list of activities to keep them busy and happy.
Games, Books & Movies
Cuddle Up & Read Books:
Create Your Own Board Game
Promote your child to game designer! Create a unique board game to help your child learn a specific skill or task.
Board Games Give Us the Distraction and Quality Family Time We All Need Right Now
Games are great for stress relief, social-emotional learning, and so much more. Read more.
Due to coronavirus, Pokémon Go just got easier to play inside
Don’t go outside to catch ‘em all! Learn more here.
Get a free digital subscription of TIME for Kids
This just in: Get a free digital subscription of TIME for Kids! Each week, the free digital library will offer four grade-specific editions, including K-1, 2, 3-4, and 5-6, of Time for Kids. Learn more.
- Picture books about perseverance
- Interactive picture books (great for preschoolers and early elementary)
- Picture books to take you around the world (aka social distancing-friendly travel)
- 50 science picture books (learn while reading!)
Create Your Own Board Game
Promote your child to game designer! Create a unique board game to help your child learn a specific skill or task.
Board Games Give Us the Distraction and Quality Family Time We All Need Right Now
Games are great for stress relief, social-emotional learning, and so much more. Read more.
Due to coronavirus, Pokémon Go just got easier to play inside
Don’t go outside to catch ‘em all! Learn more here.
Get a free digital subscription of TIME for Kids
This just in: Get a free digital subscription of TIME for Kids! Each week, the free digital library will offer four grade-specific editions, including K-1, 2, 3-4, and 5-6, of Time for Kids. Learn more.
STEM & Science
STEM & Science Activities
Check out this awesome website with so many fun activities and tons of slime recipes.
Boonshoft at Home
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is releasing a daily DIY Science Activity with easy to get materials, step by step instructions, and a basic science explanation for families to download! As well two virtual programs on a variety of subjects. Learn more.
National Geographic
National Geographic offers resources for families with children at home. Keep their brains engaged with science experiments, homework resources, cute videos, and more.
Check out this awesome website with so many fun activities and tons of slime recipes.
Boonshoft at Home
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is releasing a daily DIY Science Activity with easy to get materials, step by step instructions, and a basic science explanation for families to download! As well two virtual programs on a variety of subjects. Learn more.
National Geographic
National Geographic offers resources for families with children at home. Keep their brains engaged with science experiments, homework resources, cute videos, and more.
Ideas for Adults
Watch not-so-live sports
March Madness is canceled. So are the NBA, NHL, MLS, XFL, and spring training. But there are still ways get your sports fix and put that mancave to good use, from re-watching classic games to participating in a mock NCAA Tournament. Read: 5 TV, streaming options for sports fans to get their fix during coronavirus pandemic
What to do when you’re isolated
Being healthy and stuck at home is a best-case scenario right now — but that doesn’t mean cabin fever isn’t real. Scott Kelly, a retired NASA astronaut, offered advice on isolation from his year on the International Space Station: Follow a schedule, pace yourself with work, make sure to leave time for fun activities — he watched “Game of Thrones” twice — and go outside if you can (but leave at least six feet between you and others).
Here are other tips:
■ Make little occasions special. A Seattle psychologist dresses up with her husband and children for a “family date night,” and plants a garden with her daughters.
■ Follow your favorite writers. Many authors are using social media to engage with their fans, offering readings, art classes and other activities.
■ Start bringing movement into tiny moments. It doesn’t take fancy equipment — or any equipment — to exercise at home.
■ Have a virtual happy hour with your friends. Try to ask a question that’s not about the virus, like: What is the most hilarious thing you’ve seen that distracted you from the current situation?
■ Listen to these podcasts, which will make you laugh, calm down or dance.
■ What’s the organizational expert Marie Kondo up to while working from home? Tidying, of course.
March Madness is canceled. So are the NBA, NHL, MLS, XFL, and spring training. But there are still ways get your sports fix and put that mancave to good use, from re-watching classic games to participating in a mock NCAA Tournament. Read: 5 TV, streaming options for sports fans to get their fix during coronavirus pandemic
What to do when you’re isolated
Being healthy and stuck at home is a best-case scenario right now — but that doesn’t mean cabin fever isn’t real. Scott Kelly, a retired NASA astronaut, offered advice on isolation from his year on the International Space Station: Follow a schedule, pace yourself with work, make sure to leave time for fun activities — he watched “Game of Thrones” twice — and go outside if you can (but leave at least six feet between you and others).
Here are other tips:
■ Make little occasions special. A Seattle psychologist dresses up with her husband and children for a “family date night,” and plants a garden with her daughters.
■ Follow your favorite writers. Many authors are using social media to engage with their fans, offering readings, art classes and other activities.
■ Start bringing movement into tiny moments. It doesn’t take fancy equipment — or any equipment — to exercise at home.
■ Have a virtual happy hour with your friends. Try to ask a question that’s not about the virus, like: What is the most hilarious thing you’ve seen that distracted you from the current situation?
■ Listen to these podcasts, which will make you laugh, calm down or dance.
■ What’s the organizational expert Marie Kondo up to while working from home? Tidying, of course.
