With news that schools across the state are closed for the remainder of the school year, you may be looking for some fun activities to keep your kids learning and moving.
There’s something for everyone on this list of resources:
Educational resources
| ABCYa |
Educational games for grades PreK - 6 that will keep kids engaged and having fun |
Visit here |
| Adventure Academy |
Learning games and videos for reading, math, science and more |
Visit here |
| Cool Math |
Math lessons and games for anyone ages 13 and up |
Visit here |
| Cool Math 4 Kids |
Math lessons and games for kids ages 12 and under |
Visit here |
| Cool Math Games |
A brain-training site, for everyone, where logic & thinking meets fun & games. |
Visit here |
| Dobetter Learning |
Jenna is an online tutor that is now teaching kids via Zoom calls. Handwriting courses for all ages, read alongs for elementary school students and math classes for middle and high school students |
Visit here |
| Duolingo |
Learn a language for free |
Visit here |
| FUNBRAIN |
FunBrain is a site for online educational games for kids of all ages |
Visit here |
| Kids National Geographic |
Educational and informative games, videos and web pages. |
Visit Here |
| Learning Games for Kids |
These online learning games and songs for kids are fun, teach important skills for preschool and elementary school kids and they're free. |
Visit here |
| Minnesota Assoc. for Children's Mental Health |
Mental Health may not be the easiest topic to discuss with young people so we have created several activities that help you begin the conversation |
Visit here |
| NASA Kids' Club |
A place to play games and learn about NASA |
Visit here |
| Nick Jr. |
Online games and videos for preschoolers. |
Visit here |
| Scholastic - Learn at Home |
Day-by-day projects to keep kids thinking, learning and growing (available in Spanish) |
Visit here |
| Sesame Street |
Helping kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder through online games, videos and art activities |
Visit here |
| Smithsonian Kids |
Arts, science and history activities and games for kids |
Visit here |
| Stardust Tutoring and Writing |
Online private tutoring, creative coaching and consulting for high school and college students. |
Visit here |
| Starfall |
Free online educational programs focusing on language arts, reading and mathematics for preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade kids |
Visit here |
| TEDEd at Home |
A daily newsletter filled with engaging videos and accompanying lessons (organized by age group) |
Subscribe here |
Reading and writing resources
| Amie Kaufman's Lit Parties |
For the next few weeks (and perhaps even longer), on Monday nights, Kaufman is hosting virtual conversations using the hashtag #kidlitgoesviral on Twitter. Dozens of writers have signed up to participate, with teachers, librarians, parents and readers joining to ask questions. |
Visit here |
| Audible (free stories) |
Free stories to listen to on Audible.com |
Listen here |
| Everywhere Book Fest |
In response to the dozens of canceled books festivals, three young adult writers decided to start the Everywhere Book Fest, “a virtual gathering of kid-lit authors, books and readers that will bring the book festival experience to everyone,” according to their website. |
Visit here |
| Food Writing Lessons with Julia Turshen |
Julia provides food writing prompts every weekday for all to enjoy. |
Follow @turshen on Instagram and check her posts for the latest prompts. New prompts each day, M-F, at 2 p.m. EST |
| Gene Luen Yang |
Gene is the cartoonist of the graphic novel "Dragon Hoops". Because his book tour was cancelled you can now hear him discuss his book and provide other cartoon-related activities on Facebook and Instagram. |
Visit here |
| Litchfield Historical Society's Cursive Writing Course |
Learn how to write cursive |
Find the course online here |
| Mac Barnett - Lunch Time Reads |
Mac Barnett, who’s written dozens of books, including the Jack Book and Mac B. Kid Spy series, is reading a book every afternoon on Instagram Live. |
Visit here |
| Oliver Jeffers - Stay at Home Storytime |
Jeffers (“The Day the Crayons Quit,” “How to Catch a Star,” “The Fate of Fausto,”) is reading on Instagram Live on weekday afternoons and making all the recordings available on his site. |
Visit here |
| Peter H. Reynolds - Live Read Aloud |
The writer and illustrator, whose tour for his most recent picture book, “Be You,” was canceled, is reading aloud from his work on Facebook Live every day. |
Visit here |
| Storyline Online |
Children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. |
Visit here |
| Story Time from Space |
We send children’s books to the International Space Station. While in space, astronauts are videotaping themselves reading these books to children on Earth. These videos are being edited and placed on this Story Time From Space website- look under the heading ” Story Time Videos”. |
Visit here |
| Susan Tan's 'Author's Everywhere!' |
The “Authors Everywhere!” YouTube channel, started by Susan Tan, who wrote the Cilla Lee-Jenkins series for middle-grade readers, includes activities, writing workshops and readings from a range of authors. |
Visit here |
| Susan Verde's Live Read Aloud |
Susan Verde, who wrote the picture books “I Am Love” and “I Am Human,” among others, is reading from her books live on Instagram. |
Visit here |
| Teach Your Monster to Read |
The groundbreaking game that makes learning to read fun. Covers everything from letters and sounds to reading full sentences. Designed in collaboration with leading academics. Complements all synthetic phonics programs used in schools. Computer version is 100% free.
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Visit here |
| Typing Games & Classes |
Free typing games and online courses for kids |
Visit here |
Science and nature resources
| Audobon Society DIY Activities |
From DIY feeders to quick tips for making a bird-friendly yard or home, here are some fun and creative ways to help—and enjoy—your feathered visitors. |
Visit here |
| Cosi Connects |
Every day we're going to deliver fresh, exciting and engaging science through COSI videos and hands-on science you can try with your family at home. |
Visit here |
| Discovery #MindBlown Blast Episodes |
Entertaining STEM videos for kids |
Watch here |
| Exploratorium |
Make sense of timely topics and find general science support for your virtual classroom or learning together at home. |
Visit here |
| Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics |
Teach children how to enjoy the outdoors and natural spaces responsibly. |
Visit here |
| The Old Farmers' Almanac for Kids |
Inspired by the wit and wisdom of North America’s favorite “Old” friend, the Almanac for Kids features a treasure trove of fun facts, creative activities, and great ideas that will keep kids of all ages loving learning the whole year through! Filled with fascinating facts and fun activities on subjects such as weather, sports, astronomy, history, nature, pets and much more! |
Visit here |
| The Planet Protectors |
As a Planet Protector, your mission is to improve the world around you by making less trash. Planet Protectors also help other people learn to reduce, reuse, and recycle. (Available in Spanish) |
Visit here |
| Science Museum of Virginia |
While the Museum is closed to the public, we are exploring innovative ways that we can continue to fulfill our mission: to inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science. |
Visit here |
| Simple STEM Activities |
77 STEM activities for kids and families. |
View here |
| Smithsonian Kids |
Arts, science and history activities and games for kids. |
Visit here |
| Smithsonian Museum of Natural History |
Free virtual tours of the museum and of past and present exhibits. |
Visit here |
| Switch Zoo |
At Switch Zoo you can make new animals, play animal games, build a biome, learn about animals, and hear animal music. |
Visit here |
History resources
| BBC History for Kids |
Enter ancient worlds, meet famous people and discover fascinating facts by exploring a wide selection of historical games and activities |
Visit here |
| Smithsonian Museum of Natural History |
Free virtual tours of the museum and of past and present exhibits |
Visit here |
Museum tours and activities
| American Civil War Museum HomefrontEd |
Check out the new HomefrontEd section for book readings, daily activities and educator resources for students at home |
Visit here |
| Cincinnati Zoo |
While the Cincinnati Zoo is closed and kids are home from school, let us help make your children’s hiatus from school fun and educational. Join us for a Home Safari Facebook Live each day at 3pm EDT where we will highlight one of our amazing animals and include an activity you can do from home. |
Visit here |
| Discovery Education |
Virtual field trips for kids |
Sign up here |
| The Fiona Show |
Meet Fiona, a baby hippopotamus that was born 6 weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo. She is the smallest hippo ever to survive. Follow her remarkable story that has lead her to become an international phenomenon. |
Watch here |
| Google Arts & Culture |
Virtually explore collections from museums and galleries around the world |
Visit here |
| Los Angeles County Museum of Art |
LACMA provides K–12 teachers with professional development opportunities and curricular resources that foster creativity, inspire personal growth, and enhance classroom learning. Teacher programs and resources are aligned with the California State Content Standards and explore best practices in visual arts education and arts integration. |
Visit here |
| Maymont Gardens Virtual Learning Series |
Looking for some ideas to delight, educate and inspire you and your family while you’re staying at home? The Maymont Environmental Education Team has some great suggestions. |
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| The Met Publications |
Five decades of Met publications on Art History available to read, download/search for free |
Visit here |
| Museum of Modern Art |
Whether you are a classroom or homeschool teacher, a parent or caregiver now suddenly in the position of teaching at home, a student, or a lifelong learner, this is a challenging time. Art can be a powerful catalyst for building skills and understanding a range of subjects. Teaching and learning from home is something we can all explore together, so we wanted to share some resources from MoMA to get you started. |
Visit here |
| National Museum of African American History & Culture's Learning Lab |
We are excited to share objects, stories, and resources that tell American history through the African American lens! Our Learning Lab collections provide ways to explore well-known and lesser-known moments of history by utilizing objects, documents, imagery, and videos to enhance content knowledge, hone historical thinking skills and inspire users to see themselves as agents of change. |
Visit here |
| National Portrait Gallery |
Virtually tour some of the National Portrait Gallery's collections |
Visit here |
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Online Learning |
Discover free online educational materials and how you can connect with engaging educational programs available digitally. |
Visit here |
| Smithsonian Museum of Natural History |
Free virtual tours of the museum and of past and present exhibits |
Visit here |
| Tate Modern |
Explore online artworks from Tate's collection |
Visit here |
| Virtual Field Trips |
25 amazing virtual field trips, no permission slips needed |
Visit here |
| Virginia Holocaust Museum |
Lessons for high school aged kids on resistance and rescuing during the Holocaust |
Visit here |
| Virginia Museum of History and Culture |
While we must be closed to do our part in light of the regional spread of COVID-19, we are still here for you, to enrich your life through the saving and sharing of Virginia’s history. We are pleased to share below a curated selection of digital resources, which we will continue to expand and update so long as we are able. |
Visit here |
| VMFA At-Home Activities |
Explore VMFA at home! Take a closer look at art, get ideas for making your own work, or get ready for a visit to the museum! |
Visit here |
Music resources
| BBC Learn to Sing |
Free online singing lessons |
Visit here |
| Hoffman Academy's Piano Lessons |
Free online piano lessons for kids |
Visit here |
| Kids Guitar Zone |
Free online guitar lessons for kids |
Visit here |
| 8 Notes |
Free sheet music & lessons |
Visit here |
Arts and crafts resources
| Adam J. Krutz Activity Pages |
Activity pages for all ages |
Print activity sheets here |
| Carson Ellis - Quarantine Art Club |
The illustrator Carson Ellis (“Home,” “Du Iz Tak?”) is running a Quarantine Art Club for her followers |
Visit here |
| Crayola Coloring Pages |
Free coloring pages for kids |
Visit here |
| Diane Bleck |
Follow @diane.bleck on Instagram for free how to draw and doodle content |
Visit here |
| Dick Blick Art Lessons |
Geared for a wide variety of age and skill levels, we offer hundreds of lesson plans designed to meet the National Standards for Visual Art Education and bring the value of creativity to any teaching experience. All original. All free. |
Visit here |
| #DrawTogether with Wendy MacNaughton |
Wendy hosts her 'Draw Together' class on Instagram Live M-F from 1-1:30 EST. |
Follow @wendymac on Instagram and tune in for her next class. |
| Free Coloring Books |
Free coloring books from world class libraries and museums. |
Find them here |
| Grace Lin Drawing Tutorials |
Grace Lin, an illustrator and author of middle-grade novels and picture books, is posting drawing tutorials and readings from her books on her YouTube channel. |
Visit here |
| Hello Wonderful |
hello, Wonderful is a simple beautiful place where you can find happy colorful, and FUN ideas for kids. Creative arts, crafts, playful products, and everyday fun. |
Visit here |
| Highlights Kids |
A diverse and inclusive family of products for kids from birth to 12 |
Visit here |
| Jarrett J. Krosoczka's Drawing Sessions |
Jarrett J. Krosoczka, best known for his Lunch Lady series of graphic novels, is hosting drawing sessions on his YouTube channel every day. |
Visit here |
| Kids Can Do |
Fun at home activities for kids from Richmond Family Magazine |
Visit here |
| Messy Little Monster |
A blog full of fun art, craft and activity ideas for young children |
Visit here |
| Mo Willems - Lunch Doodles |
The author and illustrator Mo Willems is inviting kids to draw with him every day for “Lunch Doodles” |
Visit here |
| Recycling & Upcycling Art Activities |
Find inspiration in the recycle bin as you learn how to make musical instruments from flower pots, gargoyles from coffee trays and relief carvings from drywall. These lesson plans and ideas will inspire you to reduce, reuse and recycle! |
Visit here |
| Sketch Book Skool |
Live online drawing party for all ages every day |
Visit here |
| Smithsonian Kids |
Arts, science and history activities and games for kids |
Visit here |
| Vashti Harrison's Drawing Tutorials |
Vashti Harrison will share drawing tutorials and worksheets on Instagram inspired by her Little Leaders, Little Dreamers and Little Legends books, which highlight influential black men and women in United States history, including Alvin Ailey and Michelle Obama |
Visit here |
Exercise and yoga
| Cosmic Kids |
Yoga and meditation for kids. The easiest way to access Cosmic Kids is to subscribe to our YouTube channel! We put all our videos on there. It’s free and always will be. |
Visit here |
| Go Noodle |
GoNoodle® engages 14 million kids every month with movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. Available for free at school, home, and everywhere kids are! |
Visit here |
| Koo Koo Kanga Roo |
All all-ages dance party that invites everyone to join in |
Visit here |
| Move to Learn |
Free videos to help kids K-12 shake out the energy and regain focus |
Visit here |
| P.E. Online for Kids |
The CDC recommends that children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. But what to do if you’re stuck indoors? We’ve got you covered with this list of amazing virtual PE resources that can help you find ways to bust some moves in the great indoors. Below find our top virtual PE streaming videos, apps, and lesson plans. |
Visit here |
Food and nutrition resources
TV and movies
| Amazon Prime Video |
Amazon is making a selection of family-friendly and programming for kids available for free streaming on Prime Video as a result of COVID-19 |
Visit here |
| Disney Junior |
Disney themed games, videos and coloring activities for kids |
Visit here |
| Nick Jr. |
Online games and videos for preschoolers |
Visit here |
| Sesame Street |
Helping kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder through online games, videos and art activities |
Visit here |