hanging out
Ideas for staying at home and close to home (this list will be updated as ideas surface, please note to check with any attractions for reopening schedule before heading out):
- Take a walk or bike ride with the fam as weather permits.
- Print some free worksheets from the web. Just Google "free worksheets" and a dozen sites will pop up. If you don't have a printer, hand-copy some math problems, reading questions, etc. Can even make it fun by "grading" your kiddos.
- Host a family spelling bee, or a virtual spelling bee.
- Create a chores chart.
- There are a ton of educational YouTube channels and free apps.
- Binge watch a series.
- Have the kids start a journal.
- Cook a meal together.
- Nerf guns (while wearing safety goggles) are always fun and can last for a bit.
- Neighborhood kids around? There are lots of outdoor activities that allow adequate social distancing, weather permitting of course.
- Listen to "Like You" podcast. A mindfulness children’s podcast created by award-winning filmmaker, father, and Memphis resident, Noah Glenn.
- Family yoga: teach the kids relaxation and meditation tips which is a perfect way to combat the stress right now. Have fun and giggle at the names of the poses.
- Find a kid-friendly baking recipe! Yum for all.
- Create a family time capsule. Write down all their favorites, draw pictures and seal them away to open at a time in the future.
- Family talent show!
- Imagination travels: pick a country, create a snack from that country, listen to music, and practice writing and speaking a few words from that country's home language.
- The Kroc Center is an active resource for community members in need of virtual recreation or wellness classes. Follow them on Facebook to view their videos.
- Memphis River Parks has created a downloadable BINGO sheet for their downtown parks. The parks leave plenty of room for safe social distancing.
- Follow Children's Ballet Theatre. They have released a schedule of free live feed classes, for the little guys and gals to teens.
- The Zoo's "Virtual Encounters" — check our their FB page for more info. Venture out to the Zoo — wear a mask and stay safe.
- Create some new artwork for the walls. Kids will be missing their art classes.
- Put together a scavenger hunt for the kiddos (inside or out).
- Oceans Initiative's virtual marine biology camp streams Mondays and Thursdays at 1p CST.
- Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems - catch up here.
- The Pink Palace is offering online activities.
- The Tennessee Aquarium offers live stream and online experiences.
- Explore the Dixon from your living room.
- Now is the time for the funky hair colors and cuts!
- The Metal Museum has virtual tours available for a few of their exhibits.
- The Orpheum transitioned two programs to the virtual world for children wanting to contribute to performing arts.
- Bring the Memphis Botanic Garden's Big Backyard to YOUR backyard.
- L Ross Gallery is releasing doodles by their artists to print and color.
- Memphis Escape Rooms has downloadable print escape rooms for $10.
- We've compiled a virtual planning list that we update each Friday here.
- Gardening? Kids are amazing weed-pullers.
- Turn your kids into your exercise buddies!
- Malco's Summer Drive-In is back open!
Help the kids wash their hands if they are little and remind the older ones to actually wash with soap! Keep a safe distance (six feet is recommended) if you do decide to get out and wear a mask. Keep some sanitizer in your car along with sanitizing wipes if you have them.
(Photos courtesy of unsplash.com)