10 Free Ways to Keep Kids Entertained This Summer
With COVID-19 changing summer plans for most, here are 10 free ways to keep your kids entertained this summer that are easy on the wallet and you don't have to leave the comfort of home.
1. Create an Obstacle Course
Create an obstacle course using things around the house or chalk. You can also encourage your kids to create their own courses.
2. Go to Space
National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Kids' Club has free educational games about Earth science and space.
3. Bring the Pacific Science Center Home
PacSci Now: Experiences On Demand shows what happens behind-the-scenes at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle. See butterflies flutter, listen to interviews with staff, or try different science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities.
4. Learn How to Code
There are lots of free computer coding games for teaching kids programming skills, for various ages and skill levels.
5. Have Fun With Vocabulary
Flocabulary uses hip-hop to teach everything from language arts to history, for all ages. Covering a wide range of topics.
6. Make Your Own Board Game
Get inventive and creative and build your own board game. Kids can have fun creating the game and coming up with the rules. The possibilities are endless.
7. Get Musical
From instrument lessons, Broadway shows, and nightly opera, these music resources will keep your kids singing and making their own music.
8. Go to the Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has launched "Zoo to You," with activities and resources to enjoy the zoo from home. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma has "Watch Our Zoo" with videos and live webcam feed of different animals.
9. Go to the Museum
Imagine Children's Museum in Everett has a wide variety of virtual programs and free YouTube videos available for kids.
10. Visit a National Park
Many national parks across the country are offering virtual tours and experiences that you can access anytime, anywhere.