We know how hard it can be to keep the kids busy while staying inside so we’ve gathered up some of our favorite local webcams and even some live classes and animal feedings that will add variety to your daily schedule. Take a virtual field trip to the aquarium, learn about American art at the de Young and add some daily dance parties to your routine. We think you’ll all love it!
Check Out the PIER 39 Sea Lions
This webcam will give you a live look at the PIER 39 sea lions and Alcatraz Island. Learn all about these amazing creatures and why they came to live at PIER 39 after the 1989 earthquake here.
See the sea lions here: pier39.com
Jam with Charity Kahn
Bay Area families know that a jam session with Charity Kahn of Charity and the JAMband is just what you need to get through trying times. She's offering online classes for families and we cannot wait to bring Jamboodas, Jamercize and Family Meditation into our homes! You can also listen to her music any time via online streaming services like Spotify.
Please thank Charity for this wonderful gift she is sharing with our community by supporting her with a donation via paypal or Venmo when you attend her virtual classes.
Schedule:
Jamboodas: Mon., Wed. and Fri. at 10 a.m. via Zoom (register online)
Jamercize Family Dance Party: Wed. at 5 p.m. (via Facebook live)
Meditation Gathering: Mon., Wed. and Fri. at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom (register online)
Online: jamjamjam.com
Visit the Penguins and Coral Reef at the Cal Academy
While we can't visit the California Academy of Science at the moment, you can still see how the penguins are doing via three cameras in their enclosure. Then, head over the live Philippine Coral Reef camera to see all the unique creatures that make up that exhibit. You can also check out all the Academy's fascinating specimens here (see Research Specimens on the right-hand side).
You can find all sorts of science resources at the Academy @ Home page.
Virtual Music Time with Megan
If you've ever been to a Music Time with Megan class, you know how much fun it can be for kids to sing, dance and move their bodies to the beat. This Marin mama is offering live and interactive concerts for families via Facebook and youtube. Rock out in your living room and join in the fun!
Please thank Megan for this wonderful gift she is sharing with our community by supporting her with a donation via paypal or Venmo when you attend her virtual classes.
Daily classes: 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Facebook: facebook.com
Youtube: youtube.com
Head to Crissy Field
Visit Crissy Field via these two webcam offered by the Parks Conservancy. Insider tip: if it shows "Controls Available" you can take control of the camera and zoom in on points in the distance like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Online: parksconservancy.org
Study Art at the de Young
Tour six of the de Young Museum's American art galleries through the Google Art Project. This 3D, virtual experience is enhanced by links to object records that enable art enthusiasts to zoom in on the work of art and learn more about it from the curators via video and audio content.
Online: deyoung.famsf.org
Spend the Day in Santa Cruz
Even though you might not be able to make it to the beach for a while, you can still see the crashing waves in Santa Cruz via this Santa Cruz Harbor webcam. See the fishing boats come into the harbor, watch the kayakers and see if you can spot any sea birds.
Online: santacruzharbor.org
Elephants and Bears and Condors, Oh My!
The Oakland Zoo gives you a glimpse into the lives of some amazing creatures with their live webcams that give you a peek inside the habitats of the elephants, Sun Bears, Black Bears and California Condors.
Online: oaklandzoo.org
Watch Live Animal Feedings at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Even while the Monterey Bay Aquarium is closed, you can still watch animal keepers feed the animals via live webcams throughout the day. In addition, there are cameras in the aviary, penguin, kelp forest and other exhibits. We especially recommend the jelly cam if you need some uber relaxing viewing.
Live Feedings:
10:30 a.m.: penguins and sea otters
11 a.m.: open sea
11:30 a.m.: kelp forest
1:30 p.m. sea otters
Online: montereybayaquarium.org
Travel to Seattle (Virtually)
Just like the Bay Area, Seattle is full of virtual experiences that the kids will love. You can see what's happening at the Space Needle, walk through the Seattle Museum, see live performances from the Seattle Symphony and more. Your virtual visit may inspire an in-person visit in the future!
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Fly South to San Diego
If your ideal stay-at-home day includes watching live video from a cat cafe, travel to San Diego with us! There are also live beach cams, zoo cams, art cams and yoga videos for plenty of learning.
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Check Out the Windy City
Kid-friendly classes, programs at the Art Institute and more are all offered virtually. Check out the kids can do here: tinybeans.go-vip.net
—Kate Loweth
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