{"id":2184,"date":"2020-05-17T18:06:52","date_gmt":"2020-05-17T18:06:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/?p=2184"},"modified":"2021-09-26T20:17:43","modified_gmt":"2021-09-26T20:17:43","slug":"indoors-or-outdoors-theres-safe-fun-to-be-had-in-ontario-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/indoors-or-outdoors-theres-safe-fun-to-be-had-in-ontario-and-beyond\/","title":{"rendered":"INDOORS OR OUTDOORS, THERE\u2019S SAFE FUN TO BE HAD IN ONTARIO AND BEYOND!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"b12171e95ca29a06569361a76d0dc3e3\" data-index=\"1\" style=\"float: none; margin:10px 0 10px 0; text-align:center;\">\n<script data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6144103376590397\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>In this unique and challenging time where social distancing is being encouraged, everything is closed and the kids are not in school, you are probably wondering how long this is going to last and what am I going to do with my time?! Unfortunately, no one knows the answer to the first question, we can only hope this situation is resolved as fast as possible.\u00a0 We can however answer the second question with a list of fun, educational and safe activities to keep yourself and your kids busy during this unprecedented time.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Nature is our greatest Healer<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2190\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-1.59.55-PM.png\" alt=\"Feet walking on fall road\" width=\"261\" height=\"138\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Did you know that it is thought that nature lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, reduces stress and helps to prevent disease? Breathe in the crisp, fresh air with a trip to one of your local parks. Go for a run, a walk or just find a quiet place and enjoy the silence.\u00a0 A quiet walk can do wonders for the soul if you have been feeling anxious, need to clear your head or just take a breather from being home cooped up with your family or roommates.\u00a0 If you have your kids in tow, there are a number of fun outdoor activities that you can create on the fly. Create an outdoor scavenger hunt where your kids collect items from nature or a simple piece of chalk an go a long way! Create a chalk obstacle course or create art pieces on sidewalks and rocks. Have an old sheet lying around?\u00a0 Use a sheet and rope and help your kids make an outdoor fort.\u00a0 Depending on where you live you can set up a bonfire night and play a round of hot potatoe. Stand in a circle around the bonfire. When the music starts toss\u00a0 a potato from person to person around the circle. Whoever is left holding the \u2018hot\u2019 potato when the music stops is out. Continue playing until only one player remains to claim their victory!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>The learning never stops!<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2189\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-2.00.00-PM.png\" alt=\"Boy sitting in front of a lap top\" width=\"261\" height=\"142\" \/><\/p>\n<p>School may be cancelled but that doesn\u2019t mean that learning is!\u00a0 Get your learn on with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/classroommagazines.scholastic.com\/support\/learnathome.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Scholastic\u2019s Learn at Home Program<\/a>. Introduced to help kids stay engaged and learning while off school, this free resource offers daily projects, games and material to get kids reading, thinking and growing! With subject matter ranging from kindergarten to grade six plus or check out\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.khanacademy.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Khan Academy<\/a>\u00a0for kids 4-18. If you\u2019re not a kid and just want to use your time wisely while learning a new craft\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/coursera.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Coursera<\/a>\u00a0is one of the leading providers of MOOCs \u2013 massive open online courses. It is a website that partners with universities and organizations around the world to bring a wide variety of topics and perspectives to one searchable database. This gives the site an extremely wide range of in-depth courses. Some Coursera courses provide certificates of completion to recognize that you passed the class. If you enjoy learning in a structured classroom-style environment and want to do this at home, now would be an excellent time to start.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Pour Yourself a glass of wine and enjoy the show!<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2188\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-2.00.05-PM.png\" alt=\"Glass of wine\" width=\"259\" height=\"142\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With travel, events and concerts all being cancelled, experiencing everything virtually has quickly become the new norm.\u00a0 Google Arts &amp; Culture has partnered with over\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/artsandculture.google.com\/partner?hl=en%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank%22%20%5Co%20%22(opens%20new%20window)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">2500 museums and galleries<\/a>\u00a0around the world to bring anyone and everyone virtual tours and online exhibits of some of the most famous\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/attractions\/museums-galleries\/best-american-museums\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">museums<\/a>\u00a0around the world. If you\u2019ve dreamt about seeing some of the world\u2019s greatest attractions, now\u2019s your chance to get a sneak peek. If it\u2019s opera you love, check out the New York Met\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.metopera.org\/season\/on-demand\/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9PjK1qam6AIVF3iGCh1InQi2EAAYASAAEgK0jPD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">opera streaming service<\/a>! At 7:30 each evening, you\u2019ll enjoy a recording from a previous live performance and you can stream for 20 hours for free. From La Boh\u00e8me to La Triviata, these are the classics. Just get comfy in your pajamas and enjoy the show! Rock out with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/articles\/columns\/pop\/9335531\/coronavirus-quarantine-music-events-online-streams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">free concert performances<\/a> you can enjoy right from your living room. Celebs from Rhett Miller to Bruce Springsteen are hitting the right note with content! Search #togetherathome to enjoy performances from John Legend, Jann Arden, Niall Horan and many more. Watch your favourite stars perform together and separately, from all different venues, without even missing a beat.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Stay fit &amp; go within<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2187\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-2.00.10-PM.png\" alt=\"Women working out\" width=\"259\" height=\"137\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Looking to stay fit while staying indoors? Give the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.onepeloton.ca\/app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Peloton app<\/a>\u00a0a try. With their free 90 day trial, you\u2019ll experience intense workouts ranging from bootcamp to cycling to strength, all from the comfort of your own home. If you thought Peloton was just for bikes, think again! They\u2019ve got thousands of live and on-demand classes, including outdoor workouts. For all the runners out there, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nike.com\/ca\/nrc-app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Nike Run Club<\/a>\u00a0is\u00a0 a free app that is downloadable for either Apple or Android and provides, performance tracking and guided runs so you always have a coach with you encouraging you to achieve your goals and showing you how to do it.\u00a0 Also, on the list is the app\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fitonapp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">FitOn<\/a>\u00a0which really is entirely free.\u00a0 Check out our favorite instructor Sydney Benner for her signature yoga and dance fusion workout called Take Flight Fitness. For a more zen approach,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/yogawithadriene\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Yoga with adriene<\/a>\u00a0could be just what you need to calm your anxiety and help you breathe easier. From beginner to expert, you\u2019ll find videos in all ranges to suit your mood. Just grab your mat and get ready to stretch! These days you might not be feeling that calm and centered, so make meditation part of your quarantine schedule.\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-ca\/HT206999\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Apple\u2019s Breathe app<\/a>\u00a0takes you through guided meditations, so you can practice taking calming breaths. You set the length of time you want to spend and the app even mutes your notifications so you can really focus on getting centered.\u00a0 If you\u2019re having trouble sleeping, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/?url=https:\/\/www.calm.com\/&amp;pid=google&amp;af_channel=g&amp;af_c_id=6459091402&amp;af_adset_id=81030215207&amp;af_ad_id=378985127678&amp;af_sub_siteid=&amp;af_keyword=calm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Calm app<\/a>\u00a0will have you resting easy.\u00a0 Follow the steps to getting a good night\u2019s rest with sleep aids, meditation, gentle movement and music designed to get you to your happy place. With hundreds of meditations and sleep stories added weekly, you\u2019ll be on your way to catching some zzzz\u2019s in no time.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Talk to the animals<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2186\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-2.00.16-PM.png\" alt=\"The face of a lion\" width=\"265\" height=\"140\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With virtual tours gaining momentum, several zoos around the world are opening their doors for a virtual look at some of their top exhibits! At\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/kids.sandiegozoo.org\/videos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">The San Diego Zoo<\/a>, check out their live cams featuring apes, elephants, owls and more. Catch the Panda Cam at the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_6wbfVWVk8Q&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Atlanta Zoo<\/a>. Learn about the naked mole rat at the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nationalzoo.si.edu\/webcams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Smithsonian\u2019s National Zoo<\/a>, and at the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/reidparkzoo.org\/cameras\/lion-cam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Reid Park Zoo<\/a>, you\u2019ll roar with excitement watching the lions in all their glory. If you\u2019re more interested in a marine experience, aquariums are offering you an inside look what\u2019s happening under the sea. Take a guided tour of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=mY8__n13tKM&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Seattle Aquarium<\/a>, a virtual tour of the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/samuraivirtualtours.com\/example\/nadc\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">National Aquarium<\/a>, enjoy the shark cam at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ripleyaquariums.com\/canada\/shark-camera\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Ripley\u2019s Aquarium<\/a>\u00a0or chill out with the soothing live jelly cam view from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.montereybayaquarium.org\/animals\/live-cams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Monterey Bay Aquarium<\/a>. These are just a few of the must-seas you and your family can enjoy!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Escape with entertainment<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2185\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-2.00.24-PM.png\" alt=\"Little girl with headphones on\" width=\"262\" height=\"149\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Haven\u2019t ventured into the world of podcasts yet? Now\u2019s the perfect time! They\u2019re free, fun and cover a broad range of topics for all ages. Looking to entertain your little ones? Focus on growth and optimism with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/biglifejournal.com\/pages\/podcast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Big Life Journal\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0mindful content, make sleepy time super with 20-minute segments on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bedtime.fm\/storytime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Storytime<\/a>\u00a0or nurture your mad scientist with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brainson.org\/pages\/listen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Brains On<\/a>! Want to keep your teens busy? Introduce them to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bestrobotever.com\/pants-on-fire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Pants on Fire<\/a>, a silly gameshow for full-on laughs, keep them entertained with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0ofXAdFIQQRsCYj9754UFx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Stuff You Should Know<\/a>, break the tension with the teen interviews on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/1xlTnftxAfUhPV80Pg4NOw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Socially Awkward<\/a>\u00a0or give them the chills with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/luminarypodcasts.com\/listen\/snap-judgment-and-wnyc-studios\/snap-judgment-presents-spooked-710\/ddef3227-882b-40a3-be76-fafd0d71424f?gclid=Cj0KCQiA7OnxBRCNARIsAIW53B8I7i9VOaVEe3eBUO2tp0Ug8PTIurDvWxJ4fJcim2X2SCbK9uUG6rkaAsMUEALw_wcB&amp;country=CA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Spooked<\/a>.\u00a0 From Harry Potter to girl talk, you\u2019re sure to find something that hits your teen\u2019s fancy! Make it a family affair with these great podcasts for some togetherness fun: for trivia-loving families\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iheart.com\/podcast\/stuff-you-missed-in-history-cl-21124503\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Stuff You Missed in History<\/a>\u00a0is the perfect choice. Or maybe you\u2019re in the mood for a performance and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/gb\/podcast\/storynory-stories-for-kids\/id94571049?mt=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">StoryNory<\/a>\u00a0is the go-to for fables and stories, both classic and modern. Looking for exploration and adventure? Treat your ears to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-cramazingly-incredifun-sugarcrash-kids-podcast\/id956659263?mt=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">The Cramazingly Incredifun Sugarcrash Kids Podcast<\/a> for storytelling like none other.\u00a0 Make some popcorn for a family night in, create a road trip adventure or listen separately for some much-needed me-time. Any way you look at it, it\u2019s guaranteed fun for the whole family!<\/p>\n<p>Stay Safe &amp; Healthy,<\/p>\n<p>Natalie &amp; Phil <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"font-size: 0px; height: 0px; line-height: 0px; margin: 0; padding: 0; clear: both;\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this unique and challenging time where social distancing is being encouraged, everything is closed and the kids are not in school, you are probably wondering how long this is going to last and what am I going to do with my time?! Unfortunately, no one knows the answer to the first question, we can&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2184","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2184"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2184\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3663,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2184\/revisions\/3663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}