Fun Local Activities to Do Online for All Ages
Our local attractions, galleries, and more have been upping their online game as we all stay home to flatten the curve and mitigate the COVID-19 impact. The beautiful thing is that even if you miss the live event, you can watch it later. Here are some places to check out:
Ballet Quad Cities - “Dance Me a Story” began as an interactive, in-person experience of using movement and music to create dance versions of familiar tales. Ballet Quad Cities is expanding it into a virtual format, with five new videos to come. In each 10- to 15-minute video, participants see and hear the story read aloud. They get to dance along, learning and creating their own choreography to music that captures the characters, action, and emotions in the story. Visit their website and Facebook page for more performances.
Putnam Museum and Science Center - They are showing experiments to do at home from the Virtual Science Lab. Take a virtual tour of their new exhibit Liberated Voices/Changing Lives about the suffrage movement. (They are planning future virtual tours.) We are living through a history-making moment right now. The Putnam is asking us to document this time to share with generations to come.
River Music Experience - On their Facebook page, they are having Music Lab (mainly for kids…but adults are welcome to watch too) each weekday morning at 10 a.m. You can also watch Solitary Sessions featuring performances by our talented local musicians. Discover your next fav artist or listen to one of your must-sees.
John Deere - John Deere for Kids is full of activities, videos, and guided curriculum to help kids develop their love of the land. Here they will learn more about the methods, machines, and people that keep the world running.
Family Museum - Go to their Facebook page for fun videos on how to make kid-friendly stuff, games, sing-a-longs, demonstrations, and the progress on the new Luckey Climber.
Niabi Zoo - Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2 p.m., watch their Facebook page for animal tales, encounters with many of our animal family members, conservation actions, zookeeper chats, and more.
Figge Art Museum - They have started a virtual museum page on their website with activities and virtual tours for kids and adults. They also have two new virtual exhibits. You can also find activities on their Facebook page and audio explanations of pieces in their collection.
Quad City Symphony Orchestra - QCSO Music Minute is a new series of videos that will cover a variety of classical music topics with links to online materials that will support your learning. New videos are released Tuesdays and Thursdays on their Facebook page and YouTube.
Midwest Writing Center - Have you always wanted to write? Is now the time to start? Or do you have kids at home that need some help with writing assignments? The Midwest Writing Center is moving their programming online, and adding to it! They are hosting live “write-ins” on their Facebook page twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 1 pm CST. The events are intended to be an opportunity to connect through writing while so many people are at home, and offer a supplement those who are distance learning during the response to COVID-19.
Girl Scouts - They bringing virtual programs as a fun, new way to participate at home! From crafts to keep active to other virtual sessions, they have activities planned. New programs will be updated and added to their Facebook page so check back frequently for fresh, new content.
German American Heritage Center & Museum - They continue to post great info about historical Power Frauens on their Facebook page. You can now take a virtual tour of their current exhibit Power Frauen. Or watch a video about their permanent exhibit.
Mercado On Fifth - This outdoor market isn't even open yet, and they are launching a new way to virtually connect with the community! Watch their Facebook page for cooking videos, live music and story-time.
Quad City Botanical Center - Check in each weekday at noon on their Facebook page for education time with Mr. Greg - featuring lessons, activities, or story time!
Quad City Arts - They are moving their annual High School Art Show online so you can view it there. View their new gallery exhibit also on the website. Watch their Facebook page for more gallery information.
WQAD StormTrack Weather School - Every day at 1 p.m., Meteorologists Andrew Stutzke and Morgan Strackbein are hosting “Weather School”. Watch online here.
Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy - Their April Tom Christopher Exhibition will now be held online. Look at their Facebook page and website for gorgeous artwork.
Davenport Public Library - The popular Little Makers program has gone virtual and will now take place on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. on the Davenport Public Library’s Facebook page. Join Miss Christie for simple crafts you can make with things you probably already have around the house!
Bettendorf Public Library - Tales for Tots Online takes place Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. on the Bettendorf Public Library’s YouTube page. Attend these online sessions filled with simple exercises, stories, songs, rhymes, parenting tips and more.
WQPT Public Television - In addition to the early childhood TV programs, their website has resources for teachers, hands-on learning activities for kids, and interactive adventures.
Oh So Sweet by Tiphanie - She's hosting Virtual Baking Parties on certain days at 7 pm from her home kitchen on both Facebook and Instagram live.
Mississippi River Distilling Company - Join their Virtual Happy Hour on their Facebook page on Fridays.
It's also fun to think about where you would love to take a future trip. Travelingmom.com has put together a blog of ideas for “Travel at Home”.