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.
ONLINE ACTIVITIES
Children’s Literacy Foundation recommends at-home activities
The Clemmons Family Farm Multicultural Online Curriculum
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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OFFLINE 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.
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
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, or enjoy open skating times on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
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 is returning 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: Registration is on hold for the 20-21 season, due to the latest executive order restricting youth and adult hockey.
Middlebury College Snow Bowl: Operations will look different this year, but the mountain will be open for skiing and riding.
Middlebury Parks & Rec Programs
Middlebury Studio School Art Classes
Trail Around Middlebury: take a hike!
Wonderfeet Kids Museum: The museum is currently closed due to the latest executive order.
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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.