After another great week of Remote Learning across NYC, it’s time to change things up.
For the second time, we’ve scoured the web for fun, inspiring, and free activities for students and families seeking a bit of downtime while New York State remains on PAUSE.
Check out our list below, and let us know in the comments below if you have suggestions of your own!
Need to borrow a digital device to access these great sites? Find out how NYC students can apply for internet-enabled tablets TODAY right here on The Morning Bell.
Fun Activities While You #StayHome
- Elmo and Cookie Monster are here for you! Sesame Street in Communities have simple routines, activities, resources and more! Families seeking activities in Spanish can visit Sesame Street en las Comunidades.
- Looking for challenging games to play at home? Play free online chess with ChessKid.
- The U.K.-based Scouts has some activity ideas for the Great Indoors! These activities are guaranteed to keep kids learning while having fun.
- Have you ever tried making your very own slime at home? Here is the recipe for fluffy slime, which is a must-try! If you don’t have the ingredients for fluffy slime make non-stick slime–with two simple ingredients–that will keep you occupied for hours.
- In addition to slime, you can also make your own playdough! Check out this easy recipe, see if you have the required ingredients at home, and start making all the homemade playdough your family could ever want!

Elmo, Cookie Monster, and the rest of the Sesame Street gang are here for families while we #StayHome. Check out the Sesame Street in Communities page for fun activities at home!
- Chrome Music Lab makes learning music more accessible—through fun hands-on experiments. Learn about Rhythm and Arpeggios, and make your own song using the song maker!
- Try visiting Holidog’s Digital FunTown! Holidog wants you to help you Get Up and Move with new exercise routines every Mondays and help you fight boredom with word search and crossword puzzles!
- Experience the magic of Disney wherever you may be in your home through #DisneyMagicMoments! Join Disney characters and franchises for online story times, including “At Home with Olaf,” and virtual ride-throughs of Disney’s famous It’s a Small World theme park ride and the Magic Happens Parade. Also enjoy free, downloadable activities from Disney Theatrical Productions, including instructions to make The Lion King-inspired masks, as well as guidance for Aladdin-inspired creative writing prompts.
- Challenge your family to a 30-Day LEGO/Building Brick Challenge! Use this free 30-day challenge calendar (PDF) to help get you started.
- Stay connected with Cirque Du Soleil and enjoy their 60-minute specials. Their latest 60-minute special features scenes from their live shows, “KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities,” “O,” and “LUZIA!”

Make the most of your time while you #StayHome by taking on a 30-day LEGO Challenge! (Photo by @Darren via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.)
We hope this list helps keep you and your family inspired and refreshed during these challenging times. For more great tips, news, and suggested activities, including our first #StayHome activities list and our updated NYC Reads 365 list, subscribe to The Morning Bell today!
(Credit for banner image, “March 25: Fluffy Slime” by @Shannon via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.)
You must log in to post a comment.