Creative, free + low cost fun to help when the whole family is stir-crazy
Lots of families still have a full house this fall as we stay hunkered down to stop the further spread of coronavirus. If you have school-aged children, this means you’ve likely become part teacher, part short order cook, part referee, part entertainment coordinator, plus full-time parent! We get it. We’ve gathered some online activities to help give families more outlets for creativity and fun!
Online Cooking Lessons – Bon Appetite!
Sur la Table Online Classes
Sur la Table is more than just an awesome kitchen store — they also have one of the largest cooking class programs in the country. Join expert chefs live from the comfort of your own kitchen for hands-on classes. You can book online classes for only $29 per household.
America’s Test Kitchen Online Lessons
America’s Test Kitchen is famous for helping at-home chefs cook smarter. With 320+ online classes led by trusted experts, you can learn how to master your all-time favorite recipes. Start with a free 3-week trial!
Milk Street Online Cooking Courses
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street recorded cooking courses are now free! Learn new ways to approach food and how to put dinner on the table fast. Livestream classes are also available — most for under $30.
Virtual Tours and Events
Virtual Tours of Museums, Zoos and Theme Parks
Bring the aquarium and zoo to you! Broaden your horizons with this huge list of free virtual museums, zoos, and theme park virtual tours. Enjoy virtual attractions for all ages – from virtual rollercoaster rides at Walt Disney World to The Sistine Chapel at The Vatican Museum in Rome.
Virtual Smithsonian Events
The Smithsonian Institution offers free virtual classes and events, including tours of gardens, flower arranging lessons and writing hour. Get inspired to try something new!
10 Games to Play on Zoom
Break out the word games, Bingo, trivia and more for your next virtual game party! Get extra competitive and invite friends and family to join the fun. Check out the ways you can virtually connect with loved ones for game night.
Kids Virtual Learning Activities
PBS Kids Learning Resources
PBS Kids has free online resources that support your child’s education and are customized by age. You can also access an online book finder and child development tracker for free.
Whole Foods Kids Foundation – Kids Club
From building your own puppet to making “Eat the Rainbow Roll-Ups,” Whole Foods Kids Club has lots of online arts and crafts activities and creative recipes for your child to choose from.
Spark!Lab Invention Virtual Activities
Spark!Lab is a hands-on invention activity center at the Smithsonian Institute that has free at-home activities for young inventors.
Smithsonian's National Zoo Virtual Activities
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute offers free virtual resources for children in grades pre-K to 12. Your child can choose from interactive learning activities, games, live animal webcams like the giant and newborn baby panda cams, and more!