Social Distancing Ideas

Keeping Things Fun While Staying at Home

The world wide web is a fabulous resource of education and entertainment — even more so during these days of social distancing. Following are some suggestions for children, home chefs, those who are fit-conscious and virtual world explorers:

 For the Kids

Keep the kids busy with free coloring pages and Scholastic Learn at Home activities.

Mo Willems is teaching young artists to draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting his studio virtually for LUNCHDOODLES on YouTube each weekday at 11 a.m. Craft activities can be found here.

Take a Trip

Once a week or every day take virtual trips to museums, national parks and zoos. Google Arts & Culture offers virtual tours of museum spaces, including the Guggenheim in New York, the British Museum in London and the Acropolis Museum in Athens, as well as views into their vast collections. The Houston Zoo offers elephant, giraffe, chimp cams and more. Want to enjoy the beauty of nature without leaving home? Google Earth is offering virtual tours of some of the world's most incredible national parks.

Stay Fit

Exercise reduces anxiety so it’s important to keep up with your workout routine. Check with your gym to see if it is offering streamed exercise classes to members.

Orangetheory is sharing 30-minute workouts for members and non-members showcasing coaches from around the world. Planet Fitness is hosting free workouts for members and non-members alike on Facebook Live. Austin Simply Fit is offering online training sessions to its members. You also can stream hundreds of classes via Classpass.

Get Cooking

Cooking is a great way to have fun with the entire family. Food Network offers hundreds of kid friendly recipes, as well as ways for kids to help in the kitchen. ? ChopChop Cooking Club is a great app that offers age-appropriate recipes that will help your kids master their cooking skills.