In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19, activities all over town are being canceled or postponed. And it’s spring break. What’s a parent to do? Here are some options for entertaining the kids (and yourself) while still keeping your distance. Stay safe out there!
Art Garage Pottery to Go
The Art Garage is still open, but if you’d rather not risk being in public, you can pick up a kit and paint your pottery at home! Simply visit their site to select your pottery, pick it up or have it delivered (for $10 extra). Once you’ve placed the order, someone will call you to confirm the order and collect payment. Prices range from $40-$60 for two to four items. Keep it as long as you like. It will be ready for pick up within one week of you bringing it back.
Where: 11190 Circle Dr #202, Austin, TX 78736
Cost: 2 for $40, 3 for $52 or 4 for $60
More information: www.theartgarageaustin.com
Live Online Princess Storytime
Don your favorite princess gown and join this virtual storytime happening Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook! A surprise princess guest will be in attendance as well! Hosted by Once Upon a Party, LLC.
Michael Buckley reads The Sisters Grimm
Author Michael Buckley brings the first installment of his best-selling series to life by reading excerpts of The Fairytale Detectives. If you’d like access to the Google Drive file, send Buckley your email address! Visit him on Facebook.
Thinkery Online
Austin’s beloved children’s museum is closed, but they will be sharing fun online content soon. Follow them on Facebook to get access to a variety of resources, at-home activities, and health and safety tips.
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Children’s author and illustrator and Kennedy Center Education Artist in Residence Mo Willems (think Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, the Elephant & Piggie books, and Knuffle Bunny) is inviting kids into his studio – virtually. Aspiring artists can check out the Kennedy Center’s YouTube channel to watch a new episode every day at noon and learn how to draw Pigeon, write captions, and use their creativity in exciting ways.
Robot Week with Cassie Stephens
Cassie Stephens is an elementary art teacher who blogs her lessons. She does incredible stuff. And this week, she’s sharing new content with her readers. Her focus is on robots! It’s a daily dose of creating centered around robots. Follow her YouTube channel to see archived episodes. She also has great free resources on her website.
Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Join the Cincinnati Zoo each weekday at 2 p.m. as they highlight one of their amazing animals. They’ll also offer up an activity you can do at your own pace from your own space. What a great way to keep spring break fun and educational. Find them on Facebook.
Digital and Online Library Resources
The libraries are closed but online content is still available. Round Rock Public Library offers eBooks (in English and Spanish), eAudiobooks, and TumbleBooks (animated talking picture books). Visit their site to learn more.
Pflugerville Public Library offers eBooks, streaming music and movies, and online databases that you can access from home. Find more information here.
Austin Public Library offers a virtual library for children and adults. The virtual library gives cardholders access to books, entertainment, newspapers and magazines, and more. Visit their site to find out how.
Take a Virtual Tour of Famous Museums
With most of the world practicing social distancing and spending time at home, several world-famous museums are offering virtual tours, online galleries, or digital shows! Travel + Leisure has the scoop.
Partner Offer:
Springfree Trampoline Stay & Play Safe
Stay & Play Safe in your Backyard with a Springfree Trampoline! During this time of self-isolation and social distancing, sending the kids out to jump on their very own trampoline may be just the thing to save your sanity! Springfree Trampoline currently offers a promotion to save up to $399 when you buy a trampoline. The offer comes with a FREE FlexrHoop® + $200 Off Installation. The offer ends on April 6, 2020. Use Promo Code: USSTAYANDPLAY when purchasing online. See the details here.
We’ll continue to add to this list as we see additional online activities. If you’d like your online activity to be added or you saw something that you think is super cool, email Catherine@365ThingsAustin.com so we can add it to the list.
