In these times where most families are stuck together inside the walls of their homes, it can be difficult to find quality and stimulating entertainment. Some people may turn to social media, internet browsing, or Netflix but we recommend taking advantage of virtual tours and videos that different museums, galleries, amusement parks, aquariums, zoos, and several other organizations have released. There are even educational lessons, concerts, and book readings by celebrities for all to enjoy. These videos are a great way to break the mundane, learn a thing or two, and be highly entertained all from the safety of your sofa!
Aquariums and Zoos
South Carolina Aquarium: The South Carolina Aquarium, located in downtown Charleston, is offering virtual visits and nature challenges through their education team. Learn about animals and their habitats each weekday at 10AM and 1PM via their Facebook page.
Georgia Aquarium: Take a live look at the animals at Georgia Aquarium on their website or join in on one of their live streaming events. They even offer downloadable lesson plans and resources for parents to take advantage of.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden: Each day you can join their Facebook Live or Youtube account to see the incredible animals and enjoy a family-friendly activity.
Zoo Atlanta: Livestream one of everyone's favorite zoo animals- the pandas!
Museums and Galleries
The Louvre: Located in Paris, France this is a place most people only dream of visiting… until now! Take in the beauty of some of the most famous art pieces via a virtual tour.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: This gives viewers the opportunity to see current and past exhibits at the museum by using the blue arrow links on the floor or using the navigation map.
Gibbes Museum of Art: A local favorite! The Gibbes Museum of Art is offering kid-friendly educational experiences via Vimeo.
Metropolitan Museum of Art: As one of the world's largest museums, they are offering 26 interesting exhibits to view virtually.
The Charleston Museum: Learn the history of the South Carolina Lowcountry through several virtual tours.
Concerts
Virtual Concerts: With festivals and concerts closing all over the world, different artists have gone to their webpages and social media accounts to perform live for their fans. Follow the link to learn when and where you can hear specific artists.
Attractions
Disney World and Disney Land Attractions: A family favorite! Disney World and Land are closed until further notice but the fun doesn’t have to stop. Use your imagination and enjoy riding your favorite attraction right from your living room.
LegoLand: Take a virtual tour of Hotel LegoLand!
Cooking
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits: Founder of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits, Carrie Morey, provides baking and cooking videos on Sundays and Thursdays via her Instagram account.
Nature
Kiawah Conservancy: If you want to discover Kiawah Island virtually, download the free TravelStorysGPS app to your smartphone. There are eight exciting tour options available including Kiawah Paddling, Beach Scavenger Hunt, Kiawahs' Ponds: A Wildlife Wonderland, Western Kiawah Island, Central Kiawah Island, Eastern Kiawah Island, Kiawah Photography and The Preserve.
National Parks: Enjoy “walking” through 5 National Parks from Florida all the way to Alaska!
Learning
Scholastic Learning from Home: Offering educational resources from Pre-K to 9th grade, this is a goldmine for parents.
Charleston Ghost and Pirate Tours: Informative, entertaining, and maybe a bit creepy, here is where you can learn the history of Ghosts and Pirates in the Lowcountry.
Reading
Save With Stories: Actresses Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams have started #savewithstories which provides storytime from their famous friends on Instagram and Facebook. This is sure to offer fun and education to children and parents alike.
Josh Gad’s Twitter Stories: Josh Gad, famously known as the voice of Olaf in Disney’s Frozen, has gone to Twitter live to provide storytime in the evening. Follow him @joshgad!
