There’s a great big world out there, and you and your family can discover it together! No matter the weather or where you live, there are plenty of activities in your community to keep you busy all year long. To spark some ideas, here are a few family-friendly activities to help you explore your local surroundings with your child.
Aquariums
Even on the rainy days, aquariums are a wonderful place for kids to explore the world around them. There are countless lessons about biology and the environment—and the beautiful colors and shapes could inspire a few at-home art projects. As a fun alternative to movie night, many aquariums now offer virtual tours so that you can learn about the deep blue sea without ever leaving your home. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago also provides downloadable activities and educational videos to complete your learning experience.
Public Libraries
Your public library has a plethora of books that your child will love. Discover new storytime favorites and the many programs that libraries design for preschool children. Several libraries even have apps that allow you to download audiobooks and movies for an at-home activity.
Zoos
Nice weather calls for a trip to the zoo! Going to the zoo is a family-friendly activity that teaches us about animals and their instincts, natural habitats, and wildlife conservation. As virtual experiences become more popular, many zoos now live-stream their animal exhibits. For example, check out the San Diego Zoo’s Panda Cam.
Virtual Tours
Want to stay in? As we’ve mentioned, you can use Google to find virtual tours of your favorite museums, zoos, aquariums, and other outings.
Arboretums and Parks
Get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air at your local arboretums and parks. Your community’s nature reserves are fantastic spaces to relax, play, and learn with your children. We’ve outlined a few engaging outdoor activities below.
- Go bug hunting with a magnifying glass.
- Make a bird feeder with a pine cone, peanut butter, and birdseed.
- Create art with leaves, twigs, and other found items.
- Assemble a balanced meal together and have a picnic.
Scenic Drives
Load up in the car and head out on a scenic drive! This experience can be relaxing and fun for your family and can also be a teaching moment. Ask your child questions, such as “What do you see?” and “Can you find something with the color blue?” to add a learning element.
World Cuisines
Exploring the world through food is an exciting way to learn about different cultures and countries, while also getting a feel for your local culture. Try ordering from local restaurants and researching the food’s ingredients and origins. Food can teach us a great deal about our world, our nutritional needs, and the environment. The opportunities are endless!
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a tour of your local school!