We’re all hearing about bacteria these days, but if your kiddos are having a hard time understanding the complexities, a new resource from Microban is here to help. PTOToday is partnering with Microban 24 to offer the Microban 24 24-Hour Science Experiment, an educational resource to teach kids about the bacteria that live all around us.
The online resource is perfect for teachers and parents and offers a boatload of free material. Designed to take the guesswork out of teaching, parents can find downloadable worksheets, memory games, word puzzles and even a virtual lab tour.
photo: Courtesy of Microban
The Microban 24 24-Hour Science Experiment was created in partnership with School Family Media, microbiologists and medical experts. Parents can access three age-based science experiments that teach kids about bacteria in ways––and there’s even an opportunity to grow your own bacteria!
Each experiment includes a guide, video and supply list. Afterwords, head out on a fun virtual field trip to a real microbiology lab!
Don’t let chilly days (or busy schedules) get in the way of bodies moving this fall. You just need a little space in your living room, plus a few few props, and the whole family can get a head-to-toe workout. From freeze dancing to good ol’ fashioned push-ups, we’ve found some cool games, tips and resources like the Nike PLAYlist for getting fit with your kiddos at home. Scroll down for ideas.
Have a Freeze Dance Party
Melissa Heckscher
Dance parties? Awesome. Freeze dance parties? An even more awesome workout. See how long players can stay frozen, and suggest low-to-the-ground poses to work those thighs. If you need a playlist, snag some new faves from these brand-new kids albums that parents will love, too.
What to Wear: It's all about style when you're preparing for your family dance party, am I right? This Nike Air short-sleeve dress has the cutest color blocking with a hint of sporty thrown in. Add on some Nike Court Borough Low 2 shoes and you'll be ready to dance the night away.
Use a Deck of Cards to Get Moving
“Go fish” has nothing on this idea from Nike PLAYlist. Grab a deck of cards and use them to fuel your family workouts with this Shake Up. Check out the video below and get moving.
Create an Obstacle Course
Shannan Rouss
This is so much fun, it won’t even seem like exercise. You can use all kinds of materials or “equipment” including cones, couch pillows, tunnels and even tape! We've got loads of DIY obstacle course tips, from outdoor options to ways to teach kids their ABC's while doing the obstacle course.
What to Wear: You'll want to be comfy when you squeeze your way through tunnels and hop over hurdles on your obstacle course. That's why we recommend a hoodie like the Nike Sporstwear pullover hoodie for a super comfy option. Increase your speed with the Nike Air Zoom Arcadia SE kids' shoes that bring both comfort and style to your obstacle course.
Wrestle With the Kids
Adding silly rules like “no tickling when pinned” makes wrestling with the kiddos that much more enjoyable and funny. It’s a great way to get a strength training workout, too. Bonus: it's one of our favorite screen-free activities and you only need two people.
What to Wear: You don't want to give your opponent any advantages when wrestling so you'll want to choose something sleek for your wardrobe. These Nike Sportswear tech fleece pants are tapered at the ankle and have zippered pockets to keep your gear inside. This Nike Sportswear t-shirt is fitted and made of a soft cotton that will make wrestling easy.
Go Mountain Climbing…Indoors
If you can’t take a hike or make it outdoors, bring the climbing inside (and bonus: you don’t even need shoes!). Take a cue from this Nike PLAYlist episode, which is perfect for any kids who are literally climbing the walls.
Namaste. Turn your wild child into a calm collected yogi (if only!) with basic stretching moves. Introduce the star pose, the butterfly pose and even the mermaid pose—or check out these online resources, where you’ll find interactive stories filled with kid-friendly yoga poses that work for parents, too!
What to Wear: Show off your yogi style with these Nike graphic training tights that have a slim fit to enable you to move like you want to. The soft, flowy jersey material makes this tie-front Nike long-sleeve tee a fun option for girls.
The whole family can get their blood pumping on Get Movin’ Night. Flashcards filled with activities like jumping jacks, somersaults and crab walking are not only physical but exciting. Check out Allison McDonald’s homegrown version at No Time for Flashcards. For more ideas, snag a pack of FITDECK cards. We especially love the Superhero set, it includes moves like Red Rover and Flamingo.
What to Wear: Whether you go with black or gray or violet, these Nike Sportswear high-waisted leggings are just what a girl needs to get movin'. And with so many colors to choose from, these Nike Air Max 270 RT shoes are the perfect option for get movin' night.
Make It All a Game
Kick up the fun factor—and your heart rate—during your next family workout. All you need is some enthusiasm and energy. Get started with Nike PLAYlist‘s episode that’ll show you how to make a fitness game out of “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” Check it out below:
Drop and give us 10! Make like the middle school PE teacher you loved to fear and get everyone working on upper-body strength with push-ups. Do 'em in the hall, in between the beds, in the kitchen, as a team or even while you wait for the kids to find their shoes before school. Head over to Breaking Muscle for other fabulous upper body exercises, all without equipment.
What to Wear: Unless you've been in training for years, you're likely to sweat when it's push-up time. That's why a basic tee is the way to go. This Nike Sportswear "Just Do It" tee comes in a handful of colors and the messaging is on-point. Girls will also love the sleek style of this Nike Air cropped t-shirt.
Your kids have a blast making wild animals sounds and different parts of your body will get to move around when you play "Walk Like Animals." From core strengthening to upper-arm activities, these different walks are well suited to just about everyone. Try the crab walk, bear walk, inchworm walk and more. Take a look at each walk from Therapy Street for Kids here.
What to Wear: If your're going to be squirming on the ground like a snake and doing some donkey kicks, you'll want your wardrobe to be flexible. These Nike Sportswear Tech Fleece pants are comfy to wear and totally kid proof. Pair them with the Nike Heritage Sportwear full-zip hoodie and you can bring your animals outside to try out their moves.
It’s a Plant Challenge…with a Twist
This isn’t any old plank challenge. Nike PLAYlist dishes out this genius idea that makes planking into a game. Grab your family member, a straw and a cotton ball to participate in this fun workout. Get the details below:
Balloons make for interesting play in so many ways—even just one is enough to get legs jumping and moving. Keep the balloon in the air, try to get it as high as possible or just play catch. Psst . . . those gross motor skills get a workout, too! Mama Pauline of Lessons Learnt Journal has a simple tutorial.
What to Wear: Channel your inner Michael Jordan and jump for the sky in these Nike basketball pants with a patch that pay homage to the basketball star. Top it with a Nike Pro Warm graphic long-sleeve training top and you'll be on your way to balloon ball greatness.
Play Hot Potato
Nike PLAYlist takes the idea of hot potato to a whole new, fun level. All you need is a soccer ball (or equivalent) and a good attitude. We love this idea because it’s great for any age or skill level.
Whip out that jump rope and see how many times your kids can jump without messing up. Already conquered jumping rope? Try hopping on one foot or if you have at least three people and two ropes see if you can master double dutch. Jumping games are a great way to get the heart pumping fast.
If you have a PlayStation or XBox console, chances are you know about some of the awesome video games that also have a fitness components like Just Dance and Mario Tennis Aces. But even without a console, you can access free online games that get the kids moving like Sesame Street's Big Bird and Snuffy's Letter Dance Party that also teaches letters.
Whatever your new normal is, chances are you’re spending more time together as a family. We love the idea of using this extra time together to stay active. So does Nike. They’ve put together the Nike PLAYlist, which consist of sweet videos, interviews with pro athletes and sports lab games that’ll give families ideas on how to get moving together.
It sounds overwhelming already, I know. Just the thought of returning to school is difficult but now as a parent?!? Whether you are looking to complete a college degree, sharpen your skills, get your Master’s degree or even a PhD, I am here to tell you, from my own experience, it’s possible, even as a parent.
Here are just a few tips on things that have worked for me over the two and a half years. I began my degree with a 5 year old, 3 year old and a newborn. As a full-time working mom to three young boys, I know that it is possible and so worth it.
Remember you can still chase your dreams while chasing your tiny humans.
1. Find the right school. First of all, one positive out of this pandemic is that online learning has become even easier and possibly even less expensive than ever before. My first recommendation is to look into all possible resources for the degree that you want to obtain. You can look into local community colleges, state universities and even all-online universities such as DeVry, Northeastern, and University of Phoenix.
What matters most, is if you are looking for particular credentials or a specific degree (such as an MBA) make sure the school is accredited. It may be less expensive to earn a degree online but it may not be from an accredited institution. The database of postsecondary institutions and programs can be found here. Also, if you are seeking education or skills but not necessarily a degree, one can look into a variety of online resources and credentialing like digital badges or even certificates from places such as Linked In Learning, Khan Academy, edX, Skillshare and Coursera.
Next, is the biggest tip I can give.
2. Make the time. If you have decided you want to work toward a degree and invest in your own education, you have to set aside the time. First, think of the things in your week that suck a lot of time out of your day. Examples could be a hobby, social media, your favorite TV show or a book that you are reading, etc. I learned very quickly the time to yourself will need to be replaced with time for school.
Clear out the non-essentials: You may need to shed some responsibilities temporarily such as PTO, your side-gig, or can someone help you carpool? I think exercise is still very important and so I don’t recommend letting that go. Look at your week and see where you have some “time thiefs” and try to scale it back. You may need to plan ahead and ask others in your life to help a little bit here and there with your kids too—cousins, siblings, grandparents, neighbors, etc. A few hours here and there will really help you out to finish a paper or take an exam.
3. Carve out the time. Now that you have thought about shedding some non-essential obligations from your week, decide when you will fit in school. To me, this was very easy to figure out as a parent. Here are some quick suggestions that may work for you: your lunch hour, evenings after the kids go to bed, (or early mornings if you are an early riser), and Sunday afternoons are great for project/group work. Remember, it is valuable to be very intentional with your time. I like to make sure that I am not studying all weekend and letting the boys just watch TV all day. I will say to them, if you play nicely and let Mommy get her homework done, then we can go to the park afterwards. Doing something really fun after study time is rewarding for everyone!
4. Embrace your new normal. Once in school, it may feel like it hits you hard at first. But remember, it won’t be this way for long. I tell everyone I know, just like with anything else that you have accomplished in life, pretty soon it will become part of your new normal. School and class work will be part of your every day and honestly, the quiet hour or two to myself here and there throughout the week feels like a luxury. Your partner or spouse will be a big help in allowing you to set aside class and homework time.
5. Remember to network. This may be harder to do virtually but still very possible to chat during a Zoom class or stay in touch with those in your group for a project. Also, connect with them via LinkedIn. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about your educational goals. It isn’t bragging. You need their support and insights! You won’t believe the network you will build or the connections you can make by talking to others about your decision to go back to school. Also, I always recommend staying in contact with your professor during class and even after. They are there for you and are a tremendous resource.
6. Stay motivated! Keep your eyes on the prize. I cannot wait to graduate in May. I am so excited and this helps me to stay motivated when I feel like I can’t stand another minute of an economics or finance lecture. Always remember why you began in the first place and what you plan to get out of your degree—maybe a new job, a promotion, salary raise or a transition into another field. One day at a time, class by class and before you know it, you will be ready to graduate.
Congrats on your decision to push yourself, invest in yourself (and your family!) and think about the good example that you are setting for your children. My kiddos like to join me, watch a few minutes of a lecture and ask me what I am working on. It is very healthy to let them know about your classes and why you have chosen to go back to school. They are part of your journey too!
Located in Bloomington, Indiana I am a wife, full-time working Mom to 3 boys, a part-time graduate student & a writer. I am also an optimist, problem solver, peacemaker, gardener, runner and a crazy-busy mom just trying to enjoy each moment. I truly value my friends, family and my mommy tribe.
It’s a poorly kept secret that Chicago is home to some of the best children’s museums in the world where learning through interactive play is at the core of every program, exhibit and activity. Because of the number of touchpoints and the hands-on nature of these museums, state guidelines have left many of them closed for in-person visits. However, they’ve really stepped up to the plate since March developing content and resources to address the evolving needs of Chicago families. One benefit of this new, temporary virtual model is each museum has become more accessible to a greater number of Chicagoans. Read through our list of favorites and find out about available resources and how to access.
Chicago Children's Museum remains closed due to COVID-19 with no open date in sight, but they've created online resources to stay connected with and support Chicago families. While you await your chance to play again, visit their Recipes for Play at Home and Parenting Playbook pages. These online resources give at-home activities, video guides and well-curated content.
Follow their Instagram for fun at-home content and opening updates and consider making a donation to ensure in-person visits to Chicago Children's Museum can be a part of your future.
While Kohl Children's Museum isn't fully open, there are a couple different ways you can visit. Their Kohl Kids Live offers small-group discovery sessions in Habitat Park. Your 90-minute session will include stops at 5 different stations covering Story Time, Art Adventures, Science Sleuths, Theatre Games and Fitness Games.
They also recently added V.I.P (Very Important Play) Sessions, which allows you to enjoy exclusive 2-hour access to the exhibits you love in a safe and clean environment.
If you'd prefer to keep your interactions virtual, visit their Teaching Resources page which was created to support parents, caregivers and teachers in bringing interactive lessons to the home. To support the museum and their delivery of future content, consider making a donation.
The history museum might not pop in your head right away when considering which museum to bring your kids to, but it’s definitely worth a look-see. And, they're open to the public! You're encouraged to purchase your tickets in advance, as they are restricted by state guidelines to the number of visitors they can have in the building.
Kid-favorite Sensing Chicago remains closed due to its highly interactive nature. However, kids can get a glimpse into what Chicago looked like during Lincoln’s era, bring classroom studies into focus through a deeper look into Dr. King’s work within the Civil Rights movement, and learn from Muslim Chicagoans sharing their stories of faith, identity and personal journeys.
The first and only African American children’s museum in America, Bronzeville Children’s Museum’s exhibits and galleries highlight African American culture. They remain closed at this time, but we thought they were worth mentioning because they will be a great first-visit once museums open more broadly. The tour-structure vs. open play of this museum will make it very easy to socially distance and attend with small group. During your visit, you'll learn about famous politicians, artists, musicians and athletes that lived in this neighborhood, take part in enriching S.T.E.M. activities, learn about prominent African American inventors and explore why healthy eating is important for families.
Consider making a donation to support their on-going African-American-focused programming and pay them a visit ASAP.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum knows it's tough for kids to be away from school, friends and their normal daily activities. So, they created an email series dedicated to nature and science facts, activities, guiding questions to throw at your kids and more. Subscribe to the newsletterand check out the links on theirwebsite and their YouTube channel for activities, follow them on Instagram to see staff taking care of the animals and follow them on Twitter to hear from their scientists in the field.
Consider making a donationto show your thanks for their work to create content.
Play-based activity is important for children’s development emotionally, physically and mentally and The Children’s Museum in Oaklawn has designed activities and exhibits that engage children in social activity. They remain closed because of COVID restrictions but follow them on Facebook for online learning opportunities.
Instead of their annual Fall Fest, they are hosting a Fall Fun Virtual Walk, Run, Rollfundraiser, Oct. 3-10, that gives families the flexibility to participate whenever and wherever is most convenient. Any donationsare also greatly appreciated!
5100 Museum Dr., Oaklawn, 708-423-6709; Online: cmoaklawn.org
Wonder Works is a great spot to visit for kids ages birth to eight-years-old. It's a shoe-free space with lots to climb, jump and run on and art, performance, design and building are the main objectives here. Kids are encouraged to be creative and let their personalities shine. While they remain closed, they often post content and updates on their Facebook page.
The hands-on nature of this 20,000-square-feet of play space has kept the doors shuttered since COVID shutdowns, with no opening date in the works as of yet. While you can't shake your sillies out inside the museum, they are consistently scheduling creative and re-imagined outdoor events, Parent Playshops that educate adults on the science behind their kid's behaviors, and virtual learning opportunities including their popular Arts & Maker programming that offers after-school stimulation for kids ages 4-12. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest information on events, activities and updates.
Consider making a donation in appreciation of their ongoing programming.
301 N. Washington St., Naperville, 630-637-8000; Online: dupagechildrens.org
This hidden-gem museum delights kids with hands-on exhibits about light, water, wind and more. While they are closed at this time, they periodically offer activities on theirFacebookand Instagram pages.
Local parents and educators founded KidsWork because they wanted a safe and fun place for kids to come to play and learn. What they’ve found, is that the community as a whole benefits. Kids can roam around the museum’s two floors, discovering science, art and movement exhibits. Highlights include the Pet Vet, Imagination Theater, Art Works, Tot Spot and Light Exhibit.
Good to Know:The Mojo Market is full of fun treasures.
When schools across the nation moved rapidly to a distance learning program due to the COVID-19 shelter-at-home order, the library team at Stratford School was determined to create a way to keep students engaged with their friends and interested in recreational reading.
To start, we hosted a spring break virtual book club using Zoom. To our surprise, we welcomed more than 60 eager readers to each of our virtual book club meetings. Book clubs, whether hosted in person or virtually, create a fun, safe, and engaging experience for children. It is a time for children to be with other book fans, talk about the plot, and imagine what might happen next in the story. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity for children to see their friends and perhaps even meet new ones!
Starting your own virtual book club can be done in just a few easy steps.
1. Choose a book! Choose a book that is age-appropriate and fun, and that your club members agree upon. Many books are available online via eLibraries, or check your local library and explore its collection.
2. Invite friends to join the reading adventure! The ages of the children should be within a couple of years, and around a similar reading level.
3. Schedule club meetings! Once you have your group identified and a book selected, come up with a time to meet online in Zoom or Google. Plan to meet once a week for approximately four to six weeks.
4. Read. Discuss. Repeat each week!
5. At the end of the story, choose another book, and keep your book club going!
Keep virtual book club members engaged! A successful virtual book club has active members. Here are a few ways to keep your club members actively engaged and reading during the month.
Give each club member a chance to ask questions and be a meeting host.
Take advantage of online resources like reading guides, questions, and discussion helpers.
Make it fun by including games such as Roll & Retell (available on Pinterest).
Add an art component. For example, ask club members to create a picture featuring a scene or character, or make a prop, just as they imagine being described in the story. A virtual book club for kids can be a good time for parents to connect too, as they share the responsibilities and get their children involved.
Here’s our go-to list of books to get your book club started:
Grades Kinder to Second:
I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic.Book one in a series by Lauren Tarshish Illustrated by Scott Dawson This historical fiction series transports the reader into a first-person narrative account of a survivor of a terrifying event. While captivated by the account, the reader is also learning the history and often led to research more! The “I Survived” series covers a wide range of topics and time periods like Hurricane Katrina, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the San Francisco earthquake, 9/11, and the Battle of Gettysburg. Even reluctant readers will like the suspenseful action that provides edge-of-your-seat moments. Resources here.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. Because of Winn-Dixie is a Newbery Honor book about the summer Opal goes into the Winn-Dixie supermarket and comes out with a rescue dog. Every character is memorable with a story to tell, and somehow all these stories meld together into a satisfying ending with an uplifting message. This book deals with such important themes: grief, hope, acceptance, loss, and friendship. There are lessons about how one should try not to judge by appearances, the power of love, and friendship. Resources here.
Grades 3—5:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling. The Harry Potter books are perhaps some of the most re-read books in history. Readers often find new insight into the story each time it is read. Discussions could include themes such as social justice, loyalty, courage, family or friendship. The book club could end with a synchronized virtual viewing of the movie. Resources here.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Wonder is written in various viewpoints to allow the reader to know what each character is thinking. It is a story about August Pullman who was born with a facial difference that, up until the start of the book, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Wonder has a way of touching each reading differently. There are many online resources for this club from the publisher here.
Grades 6—8:
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein. The first installment in a three-book series, this story is a modern Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The characters are twelve-year-old students who are locked in a library, and they must use clues to escape and to try to win the grand prize. With numerous references to classic works of literature, this book provides many areas of discussion. When the club ends, watch the Netflix movie together virtually! There are lots of online resources including discussion questions available here.
Eragon, Book One of The Inheritance Cycle Series by Christopher Paolini. This fantasy series was written by the author when he was fifteen years old. The story is a sweeping epic in which the forces of good fight against evil. This is a great book to read before The Lord of the Rings series. A mysterious blue stone appears out of nowhere, and Eragon wonders if it was sent by accident or is he meant to have it? When a dragon, Saphira, hatches from it, the beast and boy connect and face danger together. Resources and questions for the book are available here.
Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California.
It’s the city that never sleeps and now you can visit it anytime. NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization for the five boroughs of New York City is expanding its virtual offerings to spotlight online experiences to engage young New Yorkers and travelers who are unable to visit the destination. The NYC Virtual Field Trips digital resource, available at nycgo.com/virtualfieldtrips, comprises five-borough arts organizations and tourism businesses that are offering digital activity books, study guides, livestreams and more, this summer and beyond.
The new initiative also includes curated recommendations from a selection of the City’s most innovative thinkers and educators, with additional curators to be announced as the program rolls out.
“New York City has always been an attractive playground for families, and our world-class arts & culture organizations, attractions and tours are committed to engaging young visitors virtually until they can return in person. We encourage New Yorkers and the world to take advantage of our new NYC Virtual Field Trips resource and plan their five-borough virtual field trip now,” said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company President and CEO.
Consumers can browse NYC Virtual Field Trips by type of content, subject, borough, age range and more. Featured experiences include:
Art & Culture
Brooklyn Museum’s K-12 online learning resources include information, images, questions for viewing, and activity ideas relating to the museum’s previous exhibitions.
The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute offers educational guidebooks supporting the institute’s recent exhibitions including THE COLOR OF POWER: HEROES, SHEROES, & THEIR CREATORS, which debuted in November 2019, with suggested lesson plan activities, interactive viewing questions, and more.
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s educational resources include a Spotlight on Pride, featuring information on influential LGBTQ+ designers and wearers of jewelry from past to present.
Pre-K–12 groups are able to take virtual tours led by The Jewish Museum educators, exploring works of art in the museum’s collection via online video platforms.
Curriculum resources from The Metropolitan Museum of Art include comprehensive illustrated guides introducing students to select collections of the iconic Museum.
MoMA’s Guides for Educators are available as downloadable PDFs, with topics ranging from Modern Art and Ideas, to Residential Architecture in MoMA’s Collection, to Latin American and Caribbean Modern and Contemporary Art.
The Morgan Library & Museum’s arts in education programs are available for virtual field trips for grades K-12, covering various themes including Mythical Creatures and It’s Alive! Frankenstein at 200.
Queens Museum’s online resources include a Stay-at-home Guide for Teens, as part of the museum’s Queens Teens program which offers local youth opportunities to gain exposure to a cultural institution and develop a creative interest and passion for the arts.
Attractions & Tours
Educator-guides from Big Onion Walking Tours offer virtual tours of neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with live, hourlong sessions featuring interactive narrations and discussion.
Those looking to learn more about the Empire State Building’s construction, technology, history, and more can visit the icon’s online Education Center.
Inside Out Tours’ The Great Bridge: Brooklyn Bridge Tour is available virtually, with 360-degree video views of the famous landmark and Brooklyn’s waterfront neighborhood, DUMBO.
Created for educators and student tour group operators, Levys’ Unique New York!’s Ultimate Guide to Brooklyn includes informative and engaging facts about the City’s most populous borough.
Study guides offered by One World Observatory cover topics including science, the history of Lower Manhattan and surrounding boroughs, and careers in construction and technology.
Top of the Rock offers online education materials for both teachers and students, as well as a virtual tour of New York City’s skyline as seen from the observation deck.
Upcoming virtual programs from Turnstile Tours include A Brief History of NYC Street Vending and Bowne & Co.: Letterpress Printing in 19th-Century New York.
History
9/11 Memorial & Museum offers interactive lesson plans online that address the 9/11 attacks, their ongoing repercussions, and the history of the World Trade Center, for grades 3-12.
Among New-York Historical Society’s education offerings are online learning tools, virtual museum field trips, and a downloadable Social Narrative for visitors on the autism spectrum.
Museum of the City of New York offers interdisciplinary and social studies lesson plans covering a range of topics related to both the history and future of New York City.
Museum at Eldridge Street’s Learning from Home platform includes storytimes, learning guides, and a virtual tour of the Eldridge Street Synagogue and the Henry Street Settlement for grades 4-8.
National Museum of the American Indian’s Native Knowledge 360° classroom resources provide new perspectives on Native American history and cultures, through educational materials and online lessons.
The Tenement Museum’s lesson plans for Upper Elementary and Middle School students tell the stories of immigrant families who called New York City home in the 1800-1900s.
American Museum of Natural History’s online curriculum collections include materials for educators and those who are interested in learning about science.
Through September the Bronx Zoo is offering a Wildlife Camp Online catering to different age groups, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo’s animals and exhibits.
Virtual Homeschool Programs from the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum offer children of all ages an opportunity to explore the topics of history, science, and innovation online with a museum curator.
As part of its online programs this summer, New York Botanical Garden is offering a three-day Summer Mini-Camp for grades 3-5, exploring plants, nature and cooking.
Families can visit New York Hall of Science virtually through free at-home resources including Amazing Brains, NYSCI’s first-ever virtual exhibit.
Theater & Performing Arts
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater offers an online guide for educators, with suggested classroom activities, discussion topics, resources, and more.
CO/LAB Theater Group offers interactive mini-workshops by Teaching Artists via video, on topics including musical theater, physical theater, and improv.
Carnegie Hall’s virtual offerings include resources for classrooms and professional development, as well as videos that spark musical learning.
As part of Flushing Town Hall at Home, the organization is offering Virtual World Dance Camps through August, exploring dance forms of New York’s diverse communities.
Individuals can learn about Off-Broadway shows such as Blue Man Group and STOMP through virtual resources including educational and study booklets.
Missing out on summer camp is a tough blow for kids. It’s the place where they meet new friends, get some exercise, and make memories. If they are missing an annual two-week overnight camp, or whatever it may be, it is something they have probably looked forward to all year. And for you, two weeks off from parenting would give you a nice break. Sure, you’d miss them, but think of all the quiet evenings and chances to declutter the house.
Since camp is not on the table for most locations, how can you keep your kids entertained and help them build memories? And since more screen time is unavoidable during the summer, how will you keep them safe when they are using their devices? Here are 3 tips for managing a summer without camp:
1. Enroll them in Neighborhood and Virtual Camps: With most camps closed for the summer, some parents will instead turn to their neighbors for help. If you have a small set of neighbors with kids close in age, then consider organizing some low-risk activities while rotating houses. This could include water balloon toss games, a slip-and-slide, or distanced games at a neighborhood park. Part of the camp curriculum could also involve virtual chats through a secure communication platform with the other “camp” participants. Take turns with the other parents to act as “counselors” to provide each other with some time to work/relax while also giving the kids some distanced social interaction.
You can also work in some virtual camps along with neighborhood activities. Here are a few options:
iD Tech offers coding camps for various programming languages as well as games like Minecraft and Roblox
Specifically designed for younger kids, Treasure Trunk Theatre offers online sessions where kids can work together virtually to put on plays
Kids can learn about various STEM topics with Camp Wonderopolis, with topics ranging from “Why are bowling shoes so slippery” to “How does a species become endangered”
Various sports-focused camps provide instruction and encouragement for kids to hone their skills
2. Go Online Safely: Boredom leads to poor decisions and over-sharing. That’s a tough mix when it comes to going online or posting to social media. During the COVID-19 summer, it’s understandable kids will have more screen time. Help keep them safe by openly discussing some of the dangers of online interactions and searches. Here are some tips to avoid potential problems.
Remind kids to keep their personal information off the internet. When possible, hold off on approving social media accounts as long as you can.
Use an app such as Kidlogger to capture your child’s device keystrokes to make sure their texts to friends (or strangers) are appropriate. Again, boredom is the enemy.
Encourage your kids to talk to their core friends through video chat or socially distanced backyard chats. Discuss how to create password-protected meetings and to let you know if strangers try to join conversations.
You can greatly improve the safety of your kids’ summer online activity by using a family-friendly search engine and secure communication platform called GOFBA. This search platform eliminates violent, sexual, and other inappropriate content from search results and actively scans sites for fraudulent coding that tries to trick people to click certain websites. GOFBA’s technology also extends to the company’s file transfer, chat, email, and storage capabilities, which provide you and your kids with a single platform to perform a wide range of online functions.
3. Learn without “Learning”: You and the kids already missed out on several months of in-person school, and now summer camps are also done. You’ll likely have a mutiny on your hands if you impose a school curriculum during July and August, so instead, think about sneaking in some learning. This could include online resources that push kids to learn while also keeping them entertained, as well as some “old-school” games.
Here are some options to keep their brains working without them knowing:
Kids work together online to complete various activities, such as one of the fun exercises from the Kennedy Space Center. They can do the tasks while video chatting.
Encourage different types of learning. Give kids a bunch of random household items and let them build obstacle courses. If they do this with a friend (with masks) they’ll learn cooperation and problem-solving.
Teach kids how to play poker or other card games. Bet some pennies or nickels to make it interesting. The kids will learn probability, how to manage funds, and how to assess risks.
Shelter in place orders doesn’t have to ruin your kids’ summer. While they’ll miss big gatherings with friends and summer camps, you can use some imagination and technology to help them (and you) stay sane and make it through the summer while having a little fun.
Ms. Chin is the founder and visionary behind Gofba, and currently serves as the President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Ms. Chin began her entrepreneurial journey with the desire to create a safe haven online, a gift for generations to come, and founded Gofba with the goal of achieving this dream.
In spite of what we’re facing with the COVID-19 crisis, as parents, we still must look forward and make life as normal as possible for our kids. That includes birthday celebrations! We are doing our best to monitor any changes, and encourage you to speak directly to the business owners to make a plan that works best for your family. We want to continue to support our local small businesses including these entertainers who strive to make our kids feel special!
The list of birthday party venues is growing at warp speed, but sometimes the best parties are those at home. And, good thing, because right now you don’t have many other options! We checked in with our favorite in-home birthday party entertainers to see what they’re offering now and when they’ll be back up and running as normal. Many are at a standstill until groups can congregate again, but some have virtual options to keep the party going. Scroll through to find the perfect party option for your kiddo, order a cake and you’ll be making wishes come true in no time!
For Carnival Enthusiasts: Smarty Pants
Smarty Pants Balloon Show
Smarty Pants (yep, that’s his name) and his wife, Miss Dena, offer various balloon show and face painting options. But the one we wish we were young enough to star in is The Big Balloon Show. This ultimate performance art ends with a larger-than-life balloon creation made on the spot for the birthday star. We’re talking a giant kid-sized balloon airplane that stays inflated for an entire week. Parties are great for kids ages 3-8 years old. Plan hosting the show indoors because one little breeze can blow the whole show to bits.
Balloon Twisting starts at $399, balloon show packages start at $699, additional pricing and packages are available at smartypantsworld.com with full booking details on the website!
Covid-19 update: Smarty Pants is offering a Big Balloon package that features a 10-minute Zoom mini balloon show with Smarty Pants in his virtual balloon studio that ends with a big reveal of a balloon installation in your front yard. Check out this adorable installation he did for a 7yo's birthday in May. The cost is $299, plus any applicable travel fees for balloon setup.
Scott Green is an absolute legend in his industry, having written a best-selling book for magicians about performing magic for family audiences, and it's pretty epic that he's right here in Chicago. He's the only family magician in the world to have appeared on the Penn & Teller: Fool Us television show. If you want examples of his performance, visit his youtube channel, youtube.com/scottgreenmagic, to see for yourselves.
Party packages start at $495 for a 50-minute show, however, prices may vary depending on age, location and number of guests. Book your party by calling 847-361-0924. Get more info online at thegreatscott.com.
Covid-19 Update: During this period of sheltering-in-place, families everywhere can experience Scott Green's interactive show via Zoom. When you schedule a Zoom birthday party, the guest of honor will receive a box they don't open until showtime that will allow the magic to literally happen in their hands. If you want examples of his performance, visit his youtube channel, youtube.com/scottgreenmagic, to see for yourselves.
For Soon-to-Be American Idols: Miss Jamie's Farm
Miss Jamie
If your birthday star just can’t stop the music, a party with Miss Jamie's Farm is a must! Miss Jamie is known throughout the area for her original barnyard tunes and magical puppet friends that she shares with the audience during her interactive sing-along, dance-along performance. Perfect for ages 1-6, each birthday party is completely customizable, so if go ahead and pitch Miss Jamie your birthday boy or girl’s theme-of-the-moment. She can totally handle it!
Prices start around $300 for 30 minutes of music. Book your party by calling 773-609-5054 get more info online at miss-jamie.com.
Covid-19 update: Miss Jamie is offering virtual playdate birthday parties because she believes just because you have to be distant, doesn't mean you can't be social!
Who doesn’t want a pony for their birthday? Turn that dream into a reality—at least for a few hours—with pony rides. The kind people at Sarah’s travel just about anywhere around the state to bring maned beauties to little cowboys and cowgirls. They can also fill up an on-site petting zoo with ducks, chickens, lambs, llamas and more. You get your bang for your bucks: They’ve done the per guest/per hour/per pony math so your guests get as many rides as possible.
Prices start at $225 plus travel for 1 pony/1-hour; $300 plus travel for 1-hour petting zoo without ponies; additional pricing info is available at sarahsponyrides.com. Book your party by calling 630-802-1316.
Covid-19 update: While their pony parties are on hold, the trails are open for horseback riding, trail rides and pony rides. Small private groups following safety guidelines are allowed. You'll find beautiful trails, amazing horses and wonderful trail guides.
For Wiz Kids: Mad Science
Mad Science
Science is fun and these party people prove it. Pick a theme — Air Blast, Made About Foam or Reactions in Actions — and let the Mad Scientists take care of set-up and clean-up so that you can enjoy the demonstrations along with your child. They even offer add-ons like an awesome rocket launch, a dry ice demo, or the tastiest science project of all, cotton candy making. Perfect for 5-12-year-olds, each 1-hour party is lead by one or two instructors based on the number of guests.
Party packages start at $365; additional pricing information is also available at chicago.madscience.org.
Covid-19 update: While parties as we know it have come to a screeching halt, Wiz Kids has put together online resources to plan a day of science-y fun with your birthday star. They will also be putting links up to virtual summer camps on the website in the next week to keep STEM learning going this summer.
For Dancing Queens (& Kings): Chicago Loves Dance
Turn your house into a dance club with hip-hop or break dancing instructors that will get your party peeps up and moving. With add-ons like yoga parties, cupcake decorating and princess appearances, CLD is a one-stop party shop. Expect icebreakers like freeze dance, and pump up the fun with a choreographed dance-off. The friendly competition continues with more games until it’s time to hop aboard the people train to the dining room for cake.
Prices vary based on number of kids and add-ons selected. Book your party by calling 773-485-0777. More info at chicagolovesdance.com.
Covid-19 update: No need to hang up your dancing shoes, follow Chicago Loves Dance's Facebook page to find out about virtual classes (yoga, breakdancing, cheerleading, hip hop, theatre and more!), weekly challenges and Zoom birthday parties for kids (even Zoom Zumba parties for adults!). Birthday parties are $90 for up to 25 people and run 40 minutes in length and everyone sings Happy Birthday at the end.
For Adorable Divas: Rock Candy Salon & Spa
Rock Candy’s stylists will bring all of their salon and spa services to you. From hair chalking to pedicures (even green slime manis), every guest gets pampered.
Party packages start at $300, plus $150 in travel fees. Book your party by calling 773-883-3000 or get more info online at rockcandysalonandspa.com.
Covid-19 update: Mobile salon and spa parties are on hold until restrictions are lifted by the state.
If your kiddo spends his or her days solving riddles, then a Mobile Room Escape party is perfect. Kids 7 and older will be challenged to escape from this mobile chemistry lab before the end of a 60-minute time limit. If you have 45 feet of space, let this lab on wheels pull up to get the party started.
They also launched Mobile Ax Throwing. They have a mobile trailer with lighting and fans to keep you cool during the hot summer months.
Call 773-219-2922 to book your party and get more details at mobileroomescape.com.
Covid-19 update: Mobile Room Escape and Mobile Ax Throwing are open for business with strict restrictions on the size of your parties and the number of parties they allow per day, so they can clean thoroughly between sessions.
If you have a screen-addicted kid, hiring these guys for his party is going to score you some major parental points. They’ll delivery a truck overflowing with video games that’ll pull up in front of your house and the birthday boy and his friends can play until their fingers go numb. Might sound painful to you but they’ll be in gamer-heaven. You are responsible for arranging street parking and permits but the trailers aren’t much wider than a landscaper’s vehicle (about 6 car lengths of space), so the neighbors shouldn’t be too put out.
Pricing varies based on day and time. Book your party by calling 866-253-3191 or grab details at gametruckparty.com.
Covid-19 update: For gamers, the party never has to end. GameTruck created a new hour-long virtual party experience that allows all the party attendees to stay in their own homes and a GameCoach facilitates the fun.
Give the birthday star the royal treatment by inviting a princess or prince over to entertain your queen and her court with a dress-up party, storytime, games and dancing. If the guest of honor is less than interested in royalty, you can also invite villains, superheroes to the bash.
Pricing starts at $235 for a one-hour party. Parties can be booked online by visiting magicmusicmorechicago.com or by calling 773-564-0783.
Covid-19 update: In-person parties are on hold, but you can schedule a 20-minute princess chat that includes storytime, singing, a royalty promise and a Q&A session for $40.
For Gym-tastic Adventures: George’s Gym
George's Gym
Avoid a mini-Lord of the Flies experience at your next at-home shindig by giving the folks at George’s Gym a holler for an organized yet fun-packed party. They’ll create customized birthday party packages for kids that includes awesome games, group activities and creative craft based on whatever theme you’ve dreamed up. Snap pics and relax because they’ll even deal with serving the food and cake.
Geared toward kids ages 2.5 & up, George's pricing ranges from $175-$350. Their newest party option, Carnival Party, has become quite popular. More info at georgesgymllc.com.
Covid-19 Update: George's Gym launched a free YouTube channel with fun, short workouts to take care of the wiggles, as well as fun activities and games the whole family can do together (which could be used for an at-home small family party). For adults, they launched a Facebook group, The Hope Space, as a resource guide/support group with helpful information, inspiration and ways to find hope for people from all walks of life. As we move past phase 3 of reopening the state, they will then offer small, no contact parties and fitness classes.
More and more families are turning to puzzles, board games and playing cards as a way to keep busy. Most families have a deck (or two) lying around their house. Now on Bicycle Cards resource page you can find a new card game or magic trick to delight your kids.
Bicycle playing cards are suitable for all ages and group sizes. There are countless easy, fun and accessible games that everyone can enjoy using these cards.
While many of us typically enjoy our Bicycle Cards over a game of gin rummy or poker, a deck of cards actually has a limitless amount of ways to be used and enjoyed. This can include practicing card or magic tricks or even making up a whole new card game on your own. The company behind Bicycle Cards has created a FREE fun and educational resources page available online or through Bicycle’s How To Play app. These online tools include games to play, rules, and introductory videos for magic and the new art of cardistry.
Thanks to COVID-19, the school’s closed in spring, and parents were forced to become de facto teachers for the rest of the year. What many quickly learned was that teachers are underpaid, and that trying to educate their children while working or working from home is a struggle.
Just like a teacher, you need to have a game plan for the day to survive. Creating a structure and routine to each day will help kids understand that school isn’t over, it’s merely changed locations. A schedule will help you block time for specific activities, and build in times of the day that will allow you to still do your job.
The schedule you create needs to take into account what and when your child’s school is offering in terms of online coursework. It also should be age-appropriate. What you do with a five-year-old will be remarkably different than a schedule for a 15-year-old. The day should include traditional schoolwork, as well as breaks and blocks of time for creative, fun activities. The more your schedule mirrors their school schedule, the less disruptive homeschooling will be. Online schedule-making tools can help you plan out your new routine.
While schools are doing their best to adapt to the situation, it’s a bit like the Wild Wild West when it comes to how each is trying to conduct school virtually. Many are using Zoom for virtual lessons, offer set “office hours” each day to answer student questions and keep in touch via email and text. Despite trying to offer the curriculum that was originally planned virtually, there are usually gaps of time left to fill. Thankfully, a lot of resources are available out there for parents to supplement formal education.
“Parents and teachers are facing an unprecedented challenge and are quickly adjusting to a new normal. Education is going virtual. Now, more than ever, is the time to try new online resources that can help pick up the slack,” said Ethan Fieldman, CEO of Math Nation. “Online math learning services, such as Math Nation, not only help your child excel but also bring structure and a sense normalcy—teachers can assign standards-aligned videos and assignments for each at-home school day.”
If you’re looking to add more school lessons into the mix, consider the non-profit Khan Academy or Scholastic Magazine, which offers projects for a variety of different age groups. Math Nation is offering free online access until the end of August. For younger children, ABC Mouse offers reading, math, science and art lessons.
Now is a great time to teach your kids things beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic as so many cultural institutions are offering free virtual content. Some of the best museums in the world including London’s British Museum, Paris’ Musée d’Orsay, and Florence’s Uffizi Gallery have virtual online tours of their collections. Top Opera Houses worldwide are streaming concerts, and many top Broadway shows are giving you a virtual center stage seat. Perhaps it will inspire your kids to want to create their own music, which they can do virtually with Chrome Music Lab, or unleash their inner Van Gogh with a variety of online art projects.
With everyone being cooped up at home, it’s extremely important to incorporate some phy ed. into your lesson plan. Family dance parties using TikTok are a worldwide phenomenon and a great way to burn off energy for the kids and calories for Mom and Dad. Plan a hike, bike ride, or even just a neighborhood walk to get moving and get outside.
If you’re finding it too hard to balance schooling and working from home, or if you are still working outside the home, using a tutoring service like The House can be a lifesaver. During this time they offer virtual tutoring from first grade through college. Additionally, they have online test prep for students who still need to study for exams like the ACT and SAT.
Let’s face it, it’s a weird new world we’re currently living in and we’re all learning to navigate it. Thankfully, with all the resources available online, you can ensure that your kids won’t miss a (school) beat and stay sane in the process.
Dena Roché is a multi-faceted communications professional who assists luxury, hospitality and wellness brands become publishers of quality content and writes for national and international publications, while helping brands create their own messaging.
