Stay-cation Fun For Kids on Long Island & Beyond
Stay-cations never meant stay-in-place but that's what we need to do right now to help us stay healthy and safe. We have some fun (and educational) things to do while at home (or making very quick trips out) with the little ones.
*Some other helpful tips when staying home with the kids is to:
- create a routine
- set goals (like how many books you can read in a week)
-include them on household chores
- remember to cleanup and put-away the toys when possible (it's funny how exciting the once boring blocks are when they are put away).*
1. Get crafty! ✂️
You can make some play items right at home- Pinterest has some great ideas to have fun while learning about science, exploring art and having fun!
Lucky to Live Here Realty's Catherine Wallack used this make at home playodough recipe.
You might want to set up a dedicated art space too so that your kiddo really feels like an artist.
FYI- Retailers like Michaels are offering delivery and curbside pickup so you can get your last minute craft needs.
2. Work on your own library 📚
Create a comfy library area where you can read your books. If you missed the opportunity to take books out of the library- have no fear- you can virtually read books using your library card and using the apps OverDrive and Libby.
Book Revue is delivering and Barnes and Noble offers delivery and curbside pickup if you purchase online.
Check our your favorite children's authors on social media as many are doing virtual readings too!
3. Create a garden🌷
Get your kids outside and appreciate the wonders of nature. Add some color to your gardens and planters by adding seasonal flowering plants. You can also opt for seasonal vegetables or try seeds. Not only will you be shopping small, you'll be adding some colors of hope to your yard.
At the current time, NYS is allowing nurseries and its agriculture community to operate their businesses. As most of the business takes place outside, you should still maintain the safe distance from other people. Click here, for more information about NYS regulation regarding Agriculture & Horticulture.
4. Explore Museums, Aquariums & More! 🐯🐬
Several New York City museums can be experienced via Google’s Arts & Culture platform,In addition to providing a glimpse at those museums’ collections, the platform also lets you explore their buildings—so if you’ve never visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s nautilus-inspired Guggenheim building, now’s the time to do so (virtually).
Twelve famous museums across the world are offering virtual tours.
Take a trip to a virtual zoo or aquarium
Check out the L.I. Children's Museum Virtual Tour
Preservation Long Island also allows you to explore their historic buildings.
Virtual workshops courtesy Microsoft Store at the Walt Whitman Shops
5. Junior Chef! 🥪
Turn your kids into junior chefs! Include your kids in making their own meals and snacks with tasty and enjoyable recipes.
Here are 30 easy recipes that kids could make with your help or on their own.
6. Exercise can be fun!
Get out and get your blood pumping... create an obstacle course inside or outside, go for a bike ride, go for a run and more!
Here are 6 simple exercises that you and the kids can do
Cosmic Kids offers yoga videos for kids too
You can also give back while working out. Charity Miles is a free app that enables you to earn money for charitywhenever you walk, run or bike. Anytime. Anywhere.