Are you running out of things to do with the kiddos at home? In light of the recent precautions, we are all taking to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), schools and businesses everywhere have been closing their doors. Social distancing and quarantine are the best ways we can work together to flatten the curve and stop the spread of the virus. This also means that the kids will be home for quite some time. Lots of Bossier businesses and national businesses are putting together free virtual activities for the kids to do. All of these activities can both entertain and educate the kids while they’re out of school. Here are some ways you can entertain them while they’re at home: 

1. Get the Wiggles Out With GoNoodle

Have you ever heard of GoNoodle? This awesome company engages kids with movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. The videos are available for free and they are a great resource for parents to use to get their kids moving while school is out. 

Margo Clendenin, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Program Director for CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System, says this is perfect if your kids are going a little stir crazy. You can turn on a video to help them dance, move and get their wiggles out. The program has improved learning skills and physical health for students that have used it. 

“Thanks to donations made to our Children’s Miracle Network Hospital programs at CHRISTUS Shreveport Bossier Health System, in 2017 we gifted GoNoodle Plus to every elementary and middle school in the seven parishes we serve in NWLA.  Our partner CMN Hospital, Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth conducted independent studies about the use of GoNoodle in their community and found students using GoNoodle had 23% greater growth in reading knowledge and skills vs. students who did not play, and an average 13% improvement in childhood normal weight (BMI) during a three-year period for elementary-age students who attend schools at school districts using GoNoodle.”

If you want to check out GoNoodle then you can visit family.gonoodle.com to access the videos or download the GoNoodle app from your TV, computer, tablet or smartphone!

2. Teach Them to Garden 

Spending time in nature is a great way to entertain the kids. All you need is a little sunshine on your side, and you’ll be good to go. Ellis Home and Garden wants to help you give the kids something to do! From now until Saturday, March 21, they are offering a free 6-pack of flowers and veggies for children under 15. It is available at all their locations including the Bossier one. For more information, click here. 

Location: 1150 Airline Dr. Bossier City, LA

3. See the Animals on Home Safari Facebook Live

Is your child an animal lover? Then, they will really enjoy the Home Safari Facebook Live videos from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. While the Cincinnati Zoo is closed and kids are home from school, let them help make your children’s hiatus from school fun and educational. Join them for a Home Safari Facebook Live each weekday at 3 p.m. EDT where they will highlight one of the amazing animals and include an activity you can do from home. Check them out here. 

4. Explore Virtual Museum Tours 

Want to explore some of the most famous museums in the country with your kids? Now is the perfect time to go on a virtual museum tour! You can entertain the kids and teach them about art history. There are 12 famous museums that you and your child can explore. Click here for a full list of the museums. 

5. Dive Into the NICERC Collection of Resources

Learning doesn’t have to only happen in the classroom! NICERC in Bossier has put together a list of online resources for children. This list contains activities that have been curated by their content development specialists. They are separated by grade level, so you know what activity is best for your child. Click here to view the full list by NICERC.