Stuck at home and can’t make it on a field trip? Take a virtual tour via one of the many Midwest destinations that are striving to assist students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. While you can’t patronize your favorite local museum or attraction, you can support them in many ways.
Support Local Attractions
- Visit their website
- Follow them on social media.
- Many of our favorite museums are member supported. Increasing their reach does make a difference.
- Leave a comment or review on a site like TripAdvisor.
- Send a written thank you for programs or services you have enjoyed.
- Buy a membership as a gift for once they are operating again.
- Look for volunteer opportunities.
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Midwest Virtual FieldTrips
From Cincinnati, Ohio – tune in each day at 3:00 P.M. ET for a live Facebook animal encounter video with zoo staff. If you miss the videos, you can watch them on their website anytime. Along with the videos there are activity and craft ideas.
Indianapolis,Indiana’s famous children’s museum is offering a new series called Museum at Home featuring DIY science projects, live videos, read-a-loud stories, and more.
The Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, is offering daily Zoom learning programs geared toward grades K-5th. Topics include trains, a one-room schoolhouse, and the World Fair.
Out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Butterfly House & Aquarium has daily live Facebook Ambassador Animals and Dive Into Science videos.
Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa, has a schedule for social media activities including yoga and animal adventures.
In Coralville, Iowa, The Children’s Museum offers Play To Read online lesson plans with over a dozen downloadable easy-to-follow lessons.
Saint Paul, Minnesota is home to the Science Museum of Minnesota which Learn At Home features.
The Stunning Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois lists several resources on their Science At Home website including hands-on videos and games like Simple Machines.
Notes
Remember, many of these videos or learning tools may be accessible from the museum/location’s website or YouTube channel.
You won’t be able to fit in all these wonderful learning opportunities, so pick a few of your children’s favorites and have fun!
Don’t forget to check in with your local library. Many librarians are offering online story times or posting other craft and activity ideas.
In addition, see if your local historical society or community group is hosting a neighborhood scavenger hunt, photo cake decorating competition, or online coloring contest.
Planning Ahead
While your family is taking virtual tours and staying home, use our Bucket List and Planning Guide tools to start thinking ahead!
IN IOWA – Experience the Authentic. Find museums, archives, and other collecting institutions that hold authentic artifacts in trust for the public to see the “real thing” and center learning in primary sources. Visit Iowa Museum Association to find a museum near you.