While most of us are in self-isolation mode, we’ve been fortunate here in the Greater Vancouver Area to have the most beautiful sunny weather, allowing for walks, bikes, and backyard play while social distancing from the rest of the world to help us stay connected with nature.
But when that inevitable Vancouver rain returns, what will we do with all that indoor time with the kids? How will we stay connected with the world, and each other, when we’re truly stuck on the couch?
To help bust that boredom, we’ve compiled a list of virtual tours, live webcams, and digitally-guided crafts and exercises to keep your kids entertained (and distracted while you work!). Check out our list to help you stay connected. Keep checking back here for more ideas as we will continually be adding to it as more ideas come in.
Take In A Live Concert (From Your Couch)
With a constant stream of cancellations and postponements hitting the headlines, performing artists are getting creative, finding new ways to deliver the joy of music to their disappointed fans. Artists such as Canada’s own Jann Arden, are performing live from their homes, and these virtual pop-up concerts are becoming a huge hit! From Pink!, to John Legend, to Coldplay’s Chris Martin, see who’s planning to play in this post shared by Hello Giggles. Learn More
Check Out These Live Wildlife Webcams
Cancelled spring break plans may have dampened your days, but these live nature and wildlife webcams are sure to entertain the kids (and the parents too!). From gazing at geysers at Yellowstone National Park, to tracking fluffy cahow chicks in Bermuda (one of the rarest seabird species in the world), you can explore the best of the outdoors from the comfort of your couch in this story shared on Forbes. Learn More
For more virtual outdoor explorations, check out this story shared in the Vancouver Courier which includes webcams found in a few local hot spots, such as Tofino, Stanley Park, and White Rock! Learn More
The Vancouver Aquarium is also sharing a series of wildlife webcams. Check out the underwater otter cam, the jellyfish cam, or the penguin cam from the comforts of home. Learn More
Enjoy FaceTime Sessions With Elsa (And Other Characters)
With Disneyland closed and birthday parties being cancelled, one local performer is offering FaceTime videos with your child (a half hour session with Elsa is only $20). Support local businesses and surprise your little one with a virtual visit from one of their favourite characters! Learn More
Do Some Lunch Doodles With Mo Willems
This famous creator of children’s books such as the Elephant & Piggie series has created a series of YouTube videos where you can follow along as he teaches you how to sketch some of your favourite storybook characters. Find new videos posted daily at 1pm ET. Learn More
Take A Virtual Museum Or Art Gallery Tour
Get a taste of culture with a virtual tour of a world-renowned museum or art gallery. From taking in over 250 works of art at the Musee D’Orsee in Paris, to learning about African American history and culture in Washington, DC, these digital tours will transport you to cultural attractions around the world to help you stay connected. Learn More
Learn A New Language
Now that you’re stuck indoors, why not learn a new language? There are a few great resources available, including this site where you can learn how to speak French or German, and even learn how to do sign language! Learn More
Showcase Your Ideas In This Virtual Science Fair
The Youth Innovation Showcase (run by the Science Fair Foundation of BC) is calling for selfie pitch submissions from young innovators between the ages of 12 to 24. From innovative, new medical devices to a new, sustainable 3D printing process, youth from all areas of BC and the Yukon are invited to pitch their innovative solutions. Innovators are asked to complete a registration form and submit a 30-second selfie video outlining; who they are, where they are from, their age and a brief summary highlighting their latest and greatest innovation. Learn More
For more science-related videos and activities, SFU has some great resources to stay connected, including seasonal activities that are linked to the new BC Science Curriculum. Learn More
For more great activities, tips and resources, check out our latest issue! You can read the full magazine online here.
