Kathy’s Activities: CoronaVirus Edition
Are you struggling with ideas of what to do during these challenging times? The kids are home and we can’t go anywhere! With all the restrictions and closures in place, we’re all struggling with what to do next. Also, keep in mind that, just because we can’t go to the gym, go out to eat or go shopping, it doesn’t mean we can’t go outside. You can still go into your own yard for some sunlight and activities with the kids!
UPDATED MAY 2020: Here is a list of some activity suggestions you can do while you’re stuck at home:
The Elmwood Park Zoo is closed but they’re doing what they can to bring the zoo to you.
They have a number of resources to educate and entertain while our kids are at home. [Link]
Buddy’s channel is a series of educational videos about all the animals at the zoo.
- There are games and a book club as well.
- A live broadcast from the zoo will take place each day at 11am on Facebook Live.
- This 15-20 minute program will feature the zoo’s Education Team presenting a lesson along with an animal from the zoo’s Ambassador program. Viewers can post questions to be answered live during the stream.
- Live animal cameras will also be available for viewing. You can watch the giraffe & zebra and bald & golden eagles from 10am – 5pm.
Phoenix Arts in Blue Bell
The dance studio is offering live 15 minute dance instructions. Every Tuesday at 9:15am is a toddler class and every Friday at 9:30am is Hip Hop for the whole family. [Link]
Sol Yoga (Conshohocken & Audobon) is offering free 
virtual classes.
They’re using zoom to live stream 45-minute yoga classes for $7. There are 2-3 classes a day in the morning, afternoon and evening. Classes include Power Flow, Yoga Sculpt, and Core Blast. If the times don’t work for you, check out Sol To Go, which is a previously recorded class for $5 that you will have access to for 24 hours. [Link]
Buddy’s at Home Classes
A Facebook page specifically set up for those looking to get a workout in while your gym or dance studio is closed due to the coronavirus. Buddy Casimano, a professional dancer and dance instructor, will offer 2 free dance/workout classes a day. One in the afternoon and one in the evening. Buddy is there to laugh with you & sweat with you during the 30-minute classes. Keep in mind fitness instructors have lost their income during this time so if you like Buddy’s class, consider sending him a tip via venmo @buddycasimano [Link] 
Mimosas and Masterpieces
Mimosas and Master pieces is offering free virtual paint classes on Facebook Live. Classes are for kids and adults. On each event page is a list of supplies you will need in order to participate. Prior to the class click “going” on the Facebook event page. [Link]
Shows to binge on Netflix:
- Ozark ( all 3 seasons available)
- Dead to me (1 season with a new season coming but no release date)
- In The Dark (1 season with a 2nd season premiering on May 28th on CW)
- You (2 seasons with a 3rd season coming out in 2021)
- Atypical (3 Seasons with the 4th and final season coming out in 2021)
- Restaurants on the Edge (1 season)
Home project:
- Paint a room
- Build something
- Refinish a table or chairs
- De-clutter the house
- Organize a closet or rearrange/redecorate a room.
Try something new:
I’m going to try cooking something. We’ll see how this goes.
Learn a language…there are plenty of apps and online programs to learn Spanish, Italian, French, German and pretty much any other language.
Learn to play an instrument. The Garage Band School out of Glenside is offering Facetime music lessons and classes & tutorials on Youtube Live. Check out their Facebook Page for more information.
450 Ivy League courses you can take online right now for free. Brown, Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, Dartmouth, Yale, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania offer free online courses across multiple platforms. [Link]
Online coding classes for kids
There are different hour-long classes for kids from Kindergarten through 12th grade that teach them to code, create video games, develop an app and more. The classes are free at Code.org.
The Handwork Studio
The local Narberth studio is offering creative instruction to help keep a routine and continue to encourage kids to learn by making. They have a virtual 6 week group session, private lessons and virtual parties or group get togethers. [Link]
Kids crafts:
Sundials have been around since ancient times. See if you can figure out what time it is by making one on your own. There are easier sundial crafts for younger kids and more difficult time consuming sundial crafts for the older kids. [Link]
Make a Mandala. A mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols. 
In modern, typically American and European use, “mandala” has become a generic term for any circle ornament, which can be used as a relaxing tool, for diagnostic or in art therapy.
I like to have my son use items from nature (pinecones, stones, shells, flowers, berries). The kids can also use things from their playroom if its rainy and they can’t go outside (Marbles, legos, buttons, nerf darts, matchbox cars, string, etc). Place a larger item down as the main focal point. Then build from there by creating rings and other shapes around the center item. 5 rings is usually suggested for visual impact.
Fill water guns with paint and let the kids spray poster board for a colorful art project. OUTSIDE!
Make a terrarium mini-garden in a Mason jar or small fish bowl. [Link]
Make a bead bowl! I read this as a bread bowl but its BEADS! Also, tag me in your fails. I haven’t tried this one so I’m interested if it works! [Link]
Science experiments
An easy way to keep your kids entertained for a bit.
Get a head start on your DIY Easter decorations:
- Make an Easter wreath [Link]
- Twine wrapped Easter eggs [Link]
- Other DIY Easter/Spring decorations [Link]
