Here is an ever-evolving list of activities — online and off — for kids and families to enjoy while schools are closed during the coronavirus pandemic. There are, of course, endless opportunities out there in the wider world, but we’ve tried to limit our list to just Vermont-based or locally created activities.
ONLINE ACTIVITIES
Children’s Literacy Foundation Storytimes
Christal Brown’s Family Dance Party
Cloverbuds Connect on Flipgrid: A forum for kids ages 5-7 created by the UVM 4-H team
Drawing Tutorials By Artist Michael Kin
ECHO Lake Aquarium And Science Center Activities
Four Science Vermont: STEM experiences
Good Citizen Coronavirus Challenge
King Arthur Flour Baking Videos
Magic At Home: Live and interactive magic shows by Magicians Without Borders
Middlebury Area Land Trust Videos And More
Middlebury Studio School Art Classes
Montshire Museum Science Projects
Mr. Chris and Friends Family Hour
Rhyme Time with Miss Tricia, Ilsley Public Library
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OFFLINE ACTIVITIES
Blueberry Hill Trails: curbside trail lunches available
Crown Point State Historic Site: Explore the fort ruins along Lake Champlain.
Come Alive Outside Summer Passport: Complete all 15 activities in the passport to earn a prize!
Ilsley Public Library Outside Pickup Service: order books, DVDs and other items from the library’s physical collection while the library building remains closed. This service starts June 2.
Ilsley Summer Reading 2020: Pick up a summer reading folder — and craft/activity bags (starting July 7) — at the library’s outdoor pick-up service. Look out for storywalks around downtown Middlebury; librarians will post a new picture book at the Marbleworks waterfall on 7/6, 7/20 and 8/3.
Local Motion’s Walking or Biking Scavenger Hunt
Make It Together: Local early childhood educators are working together to create a series of family crafts that we post on MiniBury each Thursday. Here’s the latest.
Scavenger Hunt For Hidden Gems in Middlebury: Between July 26 and August 8, Duguay & Co. will be hiding small gems around downtown for kids to find. Pick up a bag and directions/map outside of the Main Street branch of the National Bank of Middlebury. After the hunt is over, kids can choose to keep their gemstones or turn them in for $10 of Middlebury Money. Turn-in details are still being worked out. Kids will also receive a gemstone from shopping at downtown stores during that time.
Trail Around Middlebury: take a hike!
Vermont State Parks: Playgrounds are now open.
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SHOPPING FOR KIDS CLOTHES AND TOYS
Junebug: Middlebury’s children’s clothing resale shop is open to the public. Face coverings are required; only 10 people allowed in the store at once. The playroom has been removed.
They also offer personal shopping services for curbside delivery. Send a facebook message or call the store (802.388.1055) 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday to place an order, schedule a Zoom meeting or request pictures.
Simon Says: The “general store for kids and families” in Bristol is closed to in-person shoppers but maintaining a well-stocked online store full of toys, games, treats and more.