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Finding free online learning activities might feel a little overwhelming right now, so we’ve created a list I think you’re going to love!
If you’re having trouble explaining Covid-19 to your kiddos, check out this awesome resource from NPR.
Free Online Learning Activities
Table of contents
While I know that our schools will be sending home learning resources, I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to research a few things myself. Keeping the kids entertained AND learning is a huge bonus, so here are some great ideas that I think you will enjoy.
Free Internet Access
Did you know that Comcast is offering 60 days of free internet for low-income families? You are eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and etc. Learn more and apply here.
Engineering and Technology
Learning to Code
If you have a kiddo that loves technology, coding might just become their new favorite activity! Here are a few online resources – all free!
- Check out coding.org, which is perfect for budding computer geniuses. There are plenty of activities for elementary, middle and high school students.
- Scratch is a program from MIT that is ideal for ages 8-16. Kids 5-7 can program their own stories and games at ScratchJr.
Art
If you have a little art lover, you’ll want to subscribe to Wild Free and Crafty’s art lessons on YouTube or check out thousands of video art lessons at Jerry’s Artarama.
Music
Music with Lindsey is a YouTube channel with online music classes for kids. You might also like to visit:
Math
While not all the games are as educational as I might like, my son Ethan (11) loves CoolMathGames.com. Both of our kids have used XtraMath.com, which we really love because it will send you updates on how your child is doing as they work through the levels. Here are a few more math sites to check out:
Reading
Storyline Online is great for young children who can listen to classic stories like Rainbow Fish. There are also online activities. you might also like to check out ABCya which is a favorite for my daughter Olivia (9). Here are some other sites to check out:
This brand new site from Scholastic is perfect for Prek through sixth grade. The site includes all kinds of free online learning activities, including virtual field trips.
Social Studies and History
Nat Geo Kids has videos, games and lots of great articles for kids to learn about the world around them. Time for Kids is an awesome site that has content broken up by grade level. It is super easy to navigate, which I love! you might also want to check out these sites:
- World Geography Games
- iCivics
- Smithsonian for Kids
- US Mint
- Social Studies for Kids
- FactMonster
- History for Kids
Science
PBS Kids has loads of free resources, including science games. The website Science Kids also has games, experiments, and activities. You might also like:
Virtual Field Trips
Speaking of virtual field trips, I’ve found some cool ideas for you. This is the next best thing to going on an actual field trip. These museums offer free online tours!
Whether you want to check out the Eqyptian mummies at the British Museum or view hundreds of paintings and drawings at the Van Gogh Museum, there are loads of opportunities for learning and fun!
Space lovers will not want to miss this one – NASA offers free virtual tours including Zero-G, Propulsion Systems Laboratory and loads more! You’ll also want to check out the Mars Curiosity Rover.
Here are some more great free online learning activities:
- Boston Children’s Museum
- Great Wall of China
- National Gallery of Art
- National Museum of the United States Air Force
- San Diego Zoo
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Georgia Aquarium
- Boeing
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- The Louve
- Shedd Aquarium
- Yellowstone National Park
Podcasts for Kids!
- Brains On!® is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from American Public Media.
- But Why is a show led by kids.
- Captain Ryan’s Stories are stories for kids to listen to before bed, on a car drive, or anytime they need something to capture their attention.
- Tumble explores stories of science discovery.
- The Past and Curious is a History Podcast for Kids! Parents love us, Teachers love us, and most importantly, kids do too!
Typing, Magic, Yoga and More!
- Kids can learn magic tricks at The Illusion Academy, also on YouTube.
- Download free yoga classes for kids, which is great for those rainy days when they can’t get outside to play. My nieces absolutely LOVE Cosmic Yoga, which my sister has added to their daily routine.
- Green Child offers free Guided Meditation perfect for kiddos.
- Check out the Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids for some fun puzzles, riddles and lots more.
- Kids can practice their typing skills with online learning modules.
Boredom Buster Ideas
- Craft Stick Star Bookmarks for Kids
- Stained Glass Tissue Paper Crafts
- Faux Snow Sensory Fun Project
- Indoor Activities for Kids
- Ice Cream Play Dough
- Baking Soda Art Projects
Complete List of Resources
Please visit this link for a comprehensive list of activities, live classes and presentations, and other resources.
If you know of cool educational websites offering FREE resources for families that not listed here, please leave a comment or email me at jugglingactmama @ gmail.com!
Wow so much great info… it will definitely come in so handy for so many people! This is a super tough time right now and with all of the unknowns that everyone is facing, this will make a big difference in keeping the kids engaged in fun and learning! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this all together!