Try out one of these Columbus and Ohio–based activities with your kids at home this weekend!
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How is it going for everyone? I’ll be honest . . . I’m working through some acceptance issues right now. Coincidentally, on Tuesday, Dr. Amy Acton shared about Victor Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning (which I was required to read in college). These were her thoughts on his findings about surviving tough times (he survived the Holocaust!):
“These things are endured by not just hope alone . . . you have hope but first you have to know the reality of the ground you stand on and you have to accept it. You can’t wish it away, you can’t push it away. And the people who survive can balance understanding the reality but still having that optimism and hope. And in that balance – hope alone, people don’t survive because as they go through wave and wave of disappointment, it knocks the wind out of them – but our resiliency is marrying those.”
I just wanted to share this with you because I know my readers are people who are used to getting out and doing things around Columbus. I know many of you are like me, “stuck” at home with kids, wishing that life could return to “normal”.
I don’t know what our new normal will look like. I don’t know what this blog will look like over the coming months. So every day I am with you in trying to balance hope with reality.
For now I plan to keep giving you these ideas every week for as long as we need to stay home! Each week’s list is really applicable at all times, so make sure you check back through the older lists for more ideas!
1. Watch animal videos from COSI
First of all, who knew COSI had an opossum? Tired of watching cat videos? Watch Patches the opossum eat an Easter treat courtesy of COSI! Want to learn more about the opossum? Check out this book.
2. Watch a Teaching Tuesday video from Ohio State Parks
A Naturalist in this video from Hueston Woods State Park talks about a barred owls! Want to take it a step further? Get your own Barred Owl House!
3. Reduce Stress with Greater Cleveland Aquarium
This might be my favorite one on the list this week. The video starts out by saying that some studies say that aquarium-watching can reduce stress, calm anxiety and lower blood pressure. After watching, I’m a believer. Give it a try!
4. Learn to Draw Animals
Local artist Rebecca Burdock of Rebecca Ink is doing FB live videos teaching us all how to draw animals with simple shapes. She also has downloadable coloring pages for $1 each on her website. The coloring sheets are pretty detailed so great for older kids (or adults)!
5. Print Out Activities from mrly
Local kids clothing designer mrly has a slew of online activities for kids on their website! You can download a full coloring book or individual coloring pages (they’re adorable!), be a designer with a printable paper doll and clothing and learn letters!
6. Color Fun and Free Coloring Pages
Download free coloring pages from local artist anna cj neely! How about a puppy painting or a kitty baking? These are sweet and whimsical.
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7. Watch the Columbus Zoo YouTube Channel
Missing the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium? Us too. Head over to the Columbus Zoo Live YouTube Channel to get your daily dose of the animals you’ve been missing! They are also beginning a Virtual Learning Academy on Thursdays at 10:00 AM on Zoom. These videos will be posted on YouTube as well.
8. Visit the Cleveland Metro Parks Virtual Classroom
Every week day at 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM you can watch the Virtual Classroom taking place at Cleveland Metroparks via Facebook Live! Learn all sorts of fun things and your family can also do extra activities provided on their website like crafts, coloring pages, word find, scavenger hunt, recipes and more!
9. Learn about Geology and Fossils with OSU’s Orton Geological Museum
Orton Geological Museum has online resources and activities for kids from ages PreK through High School! Activities include Fossil Yoga, a Birthstones Activity, Make Your Own Fossils and more! If your kids love dinosaurs, check out this dinosaur coloring book (my son loves it)!
10. Participate in a Crafted Contest with Ohio State Fair
Kids can participate in a contest sponsored by the Ohio State Fair. Using the list of supplies provided, kids can create their own special creation and enter to win VIP tickets to the Ohio State Fair! There are competitions for all ages so head over to the Ohio State Fair Facebook Page for all the rules and eligibility.
In case you missed it, click the picture below for more online activities!
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