8 online resources to educate and entertain the whole family while we’re quarantined
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While schools are closed for in-person learning, many of Charlotte’s museums and businesses have added online resources to keep families entertained.
Museums around the world are participating in #MuseumFromHome, an initiative that allows people to check out virtual exhibits and videos online. It’s like visiting the museum in person, without having to pay for parking. While you’re hunkered down at home, check out the offerings at these Charlotte museums, plus a few bonus options to keep your family busy:
(1) Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place is focused on “stay at home science” like how to build your own bird beak, a virtual visit to a bee yard, a step-by-step explainer on how to make your own pH indicator, and a family maze building activity. For the wee ones, they even have storytime with the Lorax, a Dr. Seuss classic.
(2) Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture
The Gantt Center hosted a virtual panel on how COVID-19 specifically impacts the vulnerable on April 14. If you missed it, you can watch on YouTube. This could a good fit for teens and adults looking for a lively conversation while at home.
(3) The Mint Museum
On its website, North Carolina’s first art museum provides something for all ages. Kids will love these arts projects like a shaving cream print, water colors tutorials, and how to make a mandala. For adults, it has insights about what staffers are doing to stay sane (bingeable documentaries and podcasts), virtual gallery tours, and tips on how to preserve the art in your home since you’re stuck there.
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(4) Levine Museum of the New South
The Levine Museum of the New South is providing self-guided history lessons and exhibits for ages 6-18, videos, crossword puzzles, and comprehensive lesson plans that are easy for parents-turned-homeschool-teachers.
(5) Charlotte Museum of History
The East Charlotte museum is providing tons of virtual content on Facebook with virtual exhibits and its Family Friday series, including a class on how to make 18th-century style Johnny Cakes. The museum has also launched a Lunch & Learn series on Zoom. The next virtual event is on April 23 at noon and will discuss fashion of the 18th century.
(6) The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
The Uptown museum is offering printable coloring sheets for all ages, art lesson plans for children, and for adults, The Bechtler has turned its Friday night jazz series into #JazzAtHome with performances you can view online. Plus, check out artist interviews and Instagram art challenges.
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(7) Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
In addition to the library’s extensive collection of e-books that can be checked out for free by any member, the library is hosting family storytime live on Facebook every day (except Sunday) at 9:30 a.m. Even if you miss the live storytime, they’re available to watch later. The library is also offering 30-minute slots to answer your kid’s research project questions.
(8) Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Churches typically thrive on in-person meetings on Sundays, but they are also finding opportunities to be creative and serve children. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has created a children’s corner, which includes storytime videos, gospel songs, and exercise videos for kids.