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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Practice Kindness
Kindness is a science-backed way to support your family’s emotional health and share a sense of positivity and purpose.
Now more than ever we know that action feels better than anxiety. Here are three new ways we are working to help your family connect and give back this week.
Kitchen Table Kindness for Your Big-Hearted Family
In this unprecedented time of social distancing and simplified schedules, Doing Good Together is here as always to empower you to engage your family in compassionate, community-supporting projects. We’ve compiled a short but meaningful list of big-hearted projects for kitchen table kindness. These simple activities will inspire your family to support one another and our local communities during this strange time.
Practicing Kindness During The Coronavirus
This is an unprecedented time, and we need unprecedented kindness. How can you be kind and still protect yourself and your family? Here are some ideas.
SNUGGLE UP WITH A BIG-HEARTED MOVIE MARATHON!
Spend a cozy evening with a good movie and a GOOD deed. Grab your favorite coloring books and create art for Color-a-Smile, make no-sew blankets for Project Linus, or decorate gift bags for Meals on Wheels. Discover great character-building movie lists and movie-friendly project ideas here. Talk to your child: How can we add kindness to other favorite family activities?
Now more than ever we know that action feels better than anxiety. Here are three new ways we are working to help your family connect and give back this week.
- Check out new DGT Kindness Kit containing all you need to make a difference right from your own kitchen table! We'll mail it to you in a 9 x 12 envelope. Just add markers, a few decorating supplies, and your own creativity! Advocate for issues that matter; combat hunger; treat homebound folks to creative artwork; share gratitude with people who mean the world to you; and spark fun, meaningful conversations about empathy, compassion and the common good.
- We're proud to offer a Digital Kindness Kit, if that's your preference. Use the coupon code KINDNESS to download it for free.
- Connect with our Kindness in Action - Live! Visit Facebook at 10:00 AM central on Tuesdays and Thursdays as two DGT families take turns hosting a big-hearted activity and story time. Join us! Ask questions, follow along, and share your ideas with us.
Kitchen Table Kindness for Your Big-Hearted Family
In this unprecedented time of social distancing and simplified schedules, Doing Good Together is here as always to empower you to engage your family in compassionate, community-supporting projects. We’ve compiled a short but meaningful list of big-hearted projects for kitchen table kindness. These simple activities will inspire your family to support one another and our local communities during this strange time.
Practicing Kindness During The Coronavirus
This is an unprecedented time, and we need unprecedented kindness. How can you be kind and still protect yourself and your family? Here are some ideas.
SNUGGLE UP WITH A BIG-HEARTED MOVIE MARATHON!
Spend a cozy evening with a good movie and a GOOD deed. Grab your favorite coloring books and create art for Color-a-Smile, make no-sew blankets for Project Linus, or decorate gift bags for Meals on Wheels. Discover great character-building movie lists and movie-friendly project ideas here. Talk to your child: How can we add kindness to other favorite family activities?
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Family Activities
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.
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.
Board 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.
- 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.
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
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.
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.
