Some of the best ways to keep my kids engaged at home includehaving them imagine a world unlike their own, whether that’s playing make believe in the backyard or reading a transporting book. Now that they’re staying put for the foreseeable future, it’s never been more important to create a routine that reinforceslearning and escapism. From taking a virtual safari with naturalists in Kenyato practicing outdoor survival skills with what’s available in your green space, here are some ideas to bring that sense of adventure into your your little ones’lives.
Take a Virtual Field Trip
Farms, zoos, and aquariums around the planet are releasing virtual field trips geared towardchildren. , in Half Moon Bay, California, is offering private and school-group virtual tours that take viewers behind the scenes of the property and introduce them to its rescued animals. Thehosts a home safari on Facebook Live each weekday, while Dz峦ٲlive, interactiveonline safaris for kids ages 4 to 18 with naturalists in South Africaand Kenya. You can’t rip down the 60-foot-long natural waterslide at in North Carolina right now, but you can enjoy a of it, then don swimsuits andin the backyard.
Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space
Staying home doesn’t have to mean staying inside your house. If you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a window, recess can still be in session. For activities that can work in various types of spaces, check out this from around the world, which includeclapping games from Nigeria and a two-person hopping contest from Brazil calledluta de galothat requires no more than a handkerchief. With or without outdoor space, pick up the book ($17),which outlines creative ways to turn your kids into clever outdoorspeople, from assembling a pocket first aid kit and identifying animal tracks to using rocks to make a sun-clock. Or sign up for the, which has youngsters across the country logging and sharingtimes for their fastest mile or 50-yard dash, as a way to replicate school sports.
Receive the World in Your Mailbox
When it comes to travel, whether that’s to the park or somewhere more far-flung, the loss of anticipation can be just as impactful for kids as canceling the trip itself. Recreate it by signing up for one of the many subscription services that connect childrenwith cultures around the world. ’ World Edition (from $17 a month), geared toward kids ages threeto nine, sends a monthly package that’s focused ona different country. Each includes pen-pal letters from the brand’s “hosts,”Sam and Sofia, along with activity sheets, souvenirs, and online access to interactive activities. is similarbut sends bimonthly packages that are more centered aroundarts and crafts. Or consider a subscription, a monthly box of global snack food, like Turkish spice crackers or Colombian lollipops.
Create a Photo Book of Your Trip
You can finally put together that photo journal or scrapbook from your last trip—and your child can help select and arrange the design. For younger kids, Lonely Planet’s ($10) allows them to get creative with pictures and other souvenirs, including making a miniature park with collected leaves and a skyline with ticket stubs. For those a little older who want to start planning for future travel, this from Etsy ($28) includes more than 140 decorative and organizing elements, as well as craftmaterials.
Buy a Book That Inspires Travel
You’re never too young to learn about the importance of preserving wild spaces. Two wonderfully illustrated books for young readers include ($8), by Kate Coombs, and($19), byϳԹ contributor Kate Siber. Each park featured in Siber’s book offers information about its wildlife and plants, and a page at the back tests readers’ knowledge. Another inspirational choiceis($15), by Elisha Cooper, a fictional story about a woman’s solo canoe trip downthe Hudson River that explores the diversity that exists among New York’s urban sprawl. And don’t forget ($8), a classic by Barbara Cooney, where old Aunt Alice travels the world before figuring out a way to make it more beautiful.
Stream Activities from Hotels’ Kids’ Clubs
Bring the joy of a hotel’s kids’ clubinto your living room with the #AubergeatHome series from the. You can from in Aspen, Colorado, whip up a with the help of the wellness crew at theresort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, orunder the direction of staff at the nearby . Also coming from Los Cabos is the series, which is streaming arts and crafts activities from the hotel’s kids’ club.