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.
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.
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.
Local Motion’s Walking or Biking Scavenger Hunts And Other Resources
Middlebury Amateur Hockey Association
Middlebury Parks & Rec Programs
Middlebury Studio School Art Classes
Spotlight Vermont: dance classes
Sun Is Up Farm: Ride a horse!
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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.
Drawing Tutorials By Artist Michael Kin
ECHO Lake Aquarium And Science Center Activities
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