Here are some virtual activities we think you'll enjoy.
STEM Activities
Exploratorium: Science Snacks
Science Snacks are exciting hands-on, teacher-tested science activities that use cheap, available materials.
Lawrence Hall of Science: Do Science
Do some science right away, wherever you are.
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose: Virtual Purple Museum
Enjoy many educational broadcasts and hands-on learning activities, along with insightful resources to help you navigate these uncertain times.
The Tech Interactive
Find fun & easy at home activities for parents and educators.
RAFT: STEAM Activity Learning Sheets
STEAM Learning Activity Sheets are free online tools that guide parents, guardians, and students through hands-on learning activities taking advantage of common household items and without the need to purchase additional materials.
Animal Cams
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Live Cams
With ten live cams to choose from, you can experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are.
San Diego Zoo: Live Cams
Enjoy watching animals from the San Diego Zoo from the comfort of your own home.
Explore.org: Livecams
Lots of live animal cams.
Author Activities
We Are Teachers: Big List of Author Reading & Activities
Many of our favorite authors are offering online read-alouds and activities on social media. Here's a list of over 50 of the best virtual author activities.
Dav Pilkey at Home
Check back every Friday to discover new activities, exciting videos, and so much more!
Jason Reynolds, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature: Grab the Mic Resources
Reynolds has created two digital features that fall under his “GRAB THE MIC: Tell Your Story” platform: a video series titled “Write. Right. Rite.” and a blog series titled “GRAB THE MIC Newsletter.” In these discrete efforts, Reynolds will share his passion for storytelling while discussing topics like creativity, connection, and imagination.
Podcasts for Kids
Recommended by Booklist: Children's Story Podcasts
If you want a break from screens, children’s podcasts can offer an absorbing literary experience. This list of shows for kids ages 2 and older are all available free on nearly any podcast app.
NPR’s List of Kid & Family Podcasts
Banish Boredom with These 50 Fun Kids Listen Podcast Activities
New York Times' Big List of Podcasts for Little Kids
A list of great shows to keep kids ages 2 through 6, and their caretakers, occupied.
Virtual Escape Rooms
Amanda Jones' List of Free Virtual Escape Rooms
Virtual Field Trips
Kidsactivities.com: 40 Free Virtual Field Trips
Kids can go on an expedition to the Galapagos Islands or stand on the Great Wall of China without leaving the couch!
Mighty Survival: 28 Free Virtual Field Trips
Here's a comprehensive list of some great virtual tours, zoo cams, and STEM activities (plus some doodling and celebrity readings), and it's all free!
California State Parks: Virtual Tours
Thanks to a partnership between California State Parks and Google Maps, you can now visit many of our beautiful parks right from your computer, tablet or smart phone.