Whether you’ve embraced full-time homeschooling or you’re dabbling in remote teaching, these local businesses are making it easy to fill your daily schedule with educational lessons that are fun and entertaining. If you’re looking to fill the gaps between online instructions or you need to hop on a conference call (or take a shower!) these live streams offer an interactive experience that your average Disney movie can’t deliver. Feel inspired? Consider supporting these services during these unprecedented times.
photo: Kennedy Center
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence, Mo Willems, invites your kids into his studio every day for Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems at 1 p.m. Kids of all ages can practice their drawing skills with each virtual studio visit.
Support: Make a tax-deductible donation here.
Online: kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/
Learning Livestream
Tune in to the Learning Livestream Mon.-Fri. at 2 p.m. for programming designed for Pre-K, K and first-graders. Meg Kerns, a former elementary school teacher and NOVA mom, covers reading, sight words, spelling, math facts and math concepts. Kids will also enjoy stories, songs and easy-to-do-at-home activities. If you missed the live stream, you can watch a replay.
Online: themotherofchaos.com
How Things Fly with the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum
3-2-1… Blast-off with online fun from the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. You and your crew may be grounded, but you can still take-off with activities and archived lectures, courtesy of the Air & space Museum. We recommend the How Things Fly activity page. Design and launch rockets with RocketLab, a 3D game or learn how to control and fly various aircraft with an online simulator.
Support: Become a member here.
Online: http://howthingsfly.si.edu/activities
photo: Dancing Bear Toys & Gifts
1 for Fun with Dancing Bear Toys & Gifts
Every day at 1 p.m. tune in for a puppet show, a science experiment, a ukulele lesson and more as the team from Dancing Bear Toys & Gifts guide you and your little one through an hour of online fun. Looking to add more ways to play indoors? This store in Frederick, MD is offering curbside pick ups so you can stock up on games, puzzles and DIY projects for indoor fun.
Support: Call (301-631-9300) to order toys for curbside pick-up.
Online: facebook.com/dbeartoys
Virtual Events with The Lane (Anti) Social Club
DC’s newly opened family social club, The Lane, is offering virtual events to keep the littles entertained at-home. Inspiring events that were originally scheduled for the new swanky indoor playground will now be available for small, online gatherings via Google Meet. You can score free tickets for upcoming events here. A donation of $5 or more is suggested.
Support: Donations go to support Virtual Events.
Online: thelanesocialclub.com
Live Streamed Classes with BalletNova
It’s a great time to pick up a new activity; why not dance? Online classes at this studio include ballet, jazz, tap, theater, yoga and more geared for children, teens and adults. Check BalletNova’s Facebook page for daily schedules.
Support: You can donate here.
Online: facebook.com/BalletNovaCenterForDance
photo: Valeria Ushakava via Pexels
Play to Grow
Don’t let four-walls keep you from stretching your limbs; Maryland’s only aerial yoga studio for kids is hosting a virtual studio. Play to Grow has other awesome resources for your home-bound kiddos. You can checkout mindful breathing exercises and download free resources like a mindful coloring page and a Calm Down Kit.
Online: playtogrowmd.com
photo: The Goodfriend Art Studio
The Goodfriend Art Studio
Get out your paper, and paints and follow along with The Goodfriend Art Studio as they lead kids 4 & up in artful afternoons. Every day at 1 p.m. you can tune in to the studio’s Facebook page for a livestream lesson. Or check back later for the instant replay.
Online: facebook.com/goodfriendartstudio
photo: Mr. Jon and Friends
Mr Jon and Friends
Jump-start your morning with one of DC’s most beloved kids acts, Mr. Jon & Friends. Starting at 10:30 a.m., Mr. Jon entertains and delights little ones with songs you can dance to. Stay tuned for an upcoming YouTube concert!
Support: Donations are welcome.
Online: facebook.com/MrJonandFriends
Virtual Circle Time with Crescendo Communication
Currently running every day (including Sat. & Sun.), Crescendo Communication is featuring a virtual circle time for music enthusiasts. Enjoy stories, songs, dance and general silliness. Sessions are held three times a day. Classes start at $18. A webinar link and instructions are emailed after ticket purchase.
Online: linktr.ee/crescendo.communication
—Meghan Yudes Meyers
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