Here is an ever-evolving list of activities — online and off — for kids and families to enjoy 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.
IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES
Addison County Readers: Sign up to receive free books in the mail for your child (ages 0-5) from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Addison United Soccer Club: Registration now open for spring soccer (ages 4-10).
Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center: Cross-country ski and snowshoe at this nonprofit trail network in Goshen. Rentals and limited, single-family indoor spaces available. Free mini-lessons every Saturday at 10:30. Outdoor fire pits open on weekends.
Books on Sticks: Take a walk and read a picture book at Riverside Park (Marble Works) and Harrow Way in Middlebury. Every two weeks a new picture book appears thanks to Ilsley Public Library.
Crown Point State Historic Site: Explore the fort ruins along Lake Champlain.
ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Find Your Wings: A Middlebury-based public art installation project. Find new craft projects to do at home on the website each week.
Frost Mountain Nordic Ski Club: Cross-country skiing programs for kids in grades K-8 and their families.
Girls On The Run: Programs for girls in grades 3-8, based at the Middlebury Rec Center.
The Good Citizen Challenge: Developed with a coalition of statewide partners, this kids’ challenge is filled with activities in four subject areas essential to a responsible citizenry: history, government, news literacy and community service. Most of the tasks — such as making cloth face masks, playing Virtual Vermont Trivia, reading a community newspaper — can be done from home.
Hescock’s Ice Rink: Book the pond-hockey rink at Trade Winds Farm in Shoreham — there’s also a fire pit! — or check their website for open skating hours.
Ilsley Public Library: Check out snowshoes, a movie projector or a ukulele! You can also, of course, check out books and DVDs. Due to rising COVID cases in Vermont, the library has returned to outside pickup service only.
Local Motion’s Walking or Biking Scavenger Hunts And Other Resources
Memorial Sports Center: Rent the whole ice rink for your family.
Middlebury Amateur Hockey Association
Middlebury College Snow Bowl: The lodge is only open for bathroom use and food pick-up, but the mountain and Magic Carpet are open for skiing and riding. Fire pits surrounding the lodge lend a cozy camp vibe.
Middlebury Parks & Rec Programs
Middlebury Studio School Art Classes
Music Together: The Middlebury Community Music Center is offering this series in Middlebury and Lincoln.
Spotlight Vermont: In-person (and virtual) dance classes for all ages in Vergennes.
Sun Is Up Farm: Ride a horse!
Wonderfeet Kids Museum: The museum is currently closed to the general public but booking private visits.
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ONLINE ACTIVITIES
Children’s Literacy Foundation recommends at-home activities
The Clemmons Family Farm Multicultural Online Curriculum
Community Friends: Sign up your 6- to 12-year-olds for one-on-one mentoring with Middlebury College students.
UVM Extension 4-H At Home: Find a variety of activities for kids of all ages, including Cloverbuds Connect Challenges, which are issued each Friday and are geared toward youth in grades K-2.
Drawing Tutorials By Artist Michael Kin
ECHO Lake Aquarium And Science Center Activities
Flynn Center for the Arts: The performing arts venue is offering online dance, theater and choir classes for kids of all ages.
Ilsley Public Library Activities
King Arthur Baking Company Videos
Magic At Home: Live and interactive magic shows by Vermont-based Magicians Without Borders
Middlebury Area Land Trust Videos And More
Middlebury Studio School Art Classes
Montshire Museum Science Projects
Rhyme Time with Miss Tricia, Ilsley Public Library
Vermont Institute of Natural Science’s At Home Educational Resources
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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 open.