Kids Connect Here

At the Y, we believe that active children are happy children!  Ideas to keep your kids learning, moving, and exploring the world around them are listed here.

Check-In for Youth Activities!

Scroll to the many ideas we are offering!

 

 

ARTS & CRAFTS

Every child needs to feel creative. Arts and Crafts boost self-esteem, encourages self-expression and enhances decision- making skills. We all need more of that!

• Soundview Family YMCA, Lynn Wheeler – Origami Balloon
• Soundview Family YMCA, Lynn Wheeler – Origami Glider
• Soundview Family YMCA, Lynn Wheeler – Origami Boat
• Soundview Family YMCA, Lynn Wheeler – Origami Bear or Cat
• Soudview Family YMCA, Lynn Wheeler – Art Using Force
• Science at Play, Build a Paper Kite https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-build-a-paper-kite/
• Get Your Gummy Greenhouse Gases https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/gumdrops/en/
• DIY Parachutes at Home https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-make-a-parachute/
• How to Make Color Changing Slime https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/how-to-make-color-changing-slime/
• Chalk Art Explosion https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/how-to-make-chalk-bombs-for-an-ultimate-art-experience/
• Paper Plate Tropical Fish  https://craftsbyamanda.com/paper-plate-tropical-fish/
• Mud Day Activities for Preschoolers https://happyhooligans.ca/international-mud-day-activities-kids/
• Ocean Animal Crafts https://iheartcraftythings.com/summer-crafts-for-kids.html#Ocean_Animal_Crafts
• Rain Cloud Gravity Painting https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/rain-cloud-gravity-painting-for-kids/
• Make Colorful Star Cookies https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/star-cookies/en/
• DIY Snack Board https://www.smartschoolhouse.com/diy-crafts/disney-snack-board
• Mickey Pom Pom Rug https://family.disney.com/craft/hidden-mickey-pom-pom-rug/
• DIY Ice Cream at Home https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-ice-cream-in-a-bag/
• Star Wars Bake Boba Fett Banana Bread Muffins https://www.starwars.com/news/empire-at-40-boba-fett-banana-bread-muffins
• DIY Rainbow Jar Art https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/how-to-make-a-rainbow-jar-kids-craft/
• Fish Windsocks https://iheartcraftythings.com/fish-windsocks.html
• Make Your Own Cardboard Wall-E https://news.disney.com/magicmoments/video/draw-with-pixar
• Fruitsabers and Jedi Dip Edible Art   https://www.starwars.com/news/fruitsabers-and-jedi-dip
• DIY Mini Jello Aquariums  http://www.confessionsofacookbookqueen.com/mini-jello-fish-bowls/
• Lilo and Stitch Family Tree Activity https://family.disney.com/disney-family-sundays/lilo-and-stitch-family-tree/
• Bear-y Cute “Winnie the Pooh” Popsicles https://family.disney.com/recipe/winnie-the-pooh-popsicles/
• Star Wars DIY Yoda Pancakes https://www.starwars.com/news/yoda-pancakes
• Stay Cool with Two Ingredient Mickey Fruit Popsicles  https://family.disney.com/recipe/mickey-fruit-popsicles/
• How to Draw with Disney Animation Buzz Lightyear https://news.disney.com/magicmoments/video/draw-with-pixar

VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS

Everyone learns in different ways. Virtual Field Trips can offer children many benefits such as being more inclusive and building confidence in a controlled environment.

• Connecticut Science Center’s Movie Mondays   https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog_categories/movie-mondays/
• Field Trip: The Known Universe  https://www.amnh.org/explore/videos/space/field-trip-known-universe
• American Astronomical Society Worldwide Telescope Experience  http://www.worldwidetelescope.org/webclient/
• Toyota Test Lab  https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/virtual-field-trip-toyota-test-lab/
• Discover Dinosaurs https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/virtual-field-trip-dinosaurs/
• San Diego Zoo Live Animal Cams  https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams
• The Tech Interactive Virtual Field Trip  https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/virtual-field-trip-the-tech-interactive/
• SEA-SPAN: Penguins Waddle Through the Aquarium   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju-wRiQLvJY
• Legends of the Night Sky, Perseus and Andromeda  https://vimeo.com/404669548
• New York Aquarium Walk Through Tour  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plDZH7jG6og
• Tour Hawai’i Volcano National Park  https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/virtual-field-trip-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park/
• Field Trip Earth  https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/earth/field-trip-earth?utm_source=education&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=042720EDUAprilNewsletter&utm_term=teacher-programs&utm_content=version_A&sourcenumber=28522
• Museum of Flight https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/virtual-field-trip-museum-of-flight/
• Marineland Dolphin Adventure  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGImD-h0eFQ
• Explore the Amazon Rainforest  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEsV5rqbVNQ
• Zoo Experiences Around the Country https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/virtual-field-trip-zoo-experiences-around-the-country/
• Rochester Museum Virtual Planetarium: Sun, Moon, and Stars https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1631&v=byrPyWAOX9w&feature=emb_logo
• The Discovery Museum Solar System: The Icy Giant and the Kuiper Belt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6lw_lYrh8k
• Awesome Animals, Super Pride https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/videos/awesome-animals/#/394598467718
• Discover the Grand Canyon  https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtour.htm
• Explore the Great Barrier Reef    https://greatbarrierreef.com.au/explore-the-great-barrier-reef-with-google/
• Animal Showdown, Sloth vs Koala for the Laziest https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/videos/animal-showdown/?cmpid=org=ngp::mc=crm-email::src=ngp::cmp=editorial::add=FFG_Special_20200505&rid=C7DE829A4C50B9364B1719E5871CAA94#/1332174403583
• Destination World: Antartica https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/videos/destination-world/#/1252876867883
• Experience the USS Intrepid Anywhere! Weekly Program Options https://m.intrepidmuseum.org/digital-resources
• Zoo School with the Groundhog and the Tortoise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP-XLimUY9A
• Visit CT Beardsley Zoo’s Science Corner Biomimicry  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKoDpWaK3hw
• Feeding Frenzy African Penguins at Mystic Aquarium https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjtr_J8Dldg
• Best Job Ever, Astrophysicist Jedidah Isler https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/videos/best-job-ever/#/1362338883807
• Kathryn the Adventurer at the Aquarium Jellies  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys9pt3yZYjs&list=PLG8dzfNtO_TDR4eOI5JdHorOotJVccvc6&index=6
• Dry Tortogas National Park in Florida   https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service/dry-tortugas/near-little-africa-tour
• Explore Meig’s Point Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach State Park Daily Adventures for Families  https://www.meigspointnaturecenter.org/virtual-learning-center/
• Visit Space, Tour the International Space Station   https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/suni_iss_tour.html
• Natural Museum of History Exhibits Tour Washington, DC   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdcEKPS6tOQ
• Maritime Aquarium’s Weekly Adventures for Families   https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/virtual-programs

FITNESS

The children need to get their exercise and their jitters out. Being cooped up in the house, doing their school work they need to burn off some energy.

• Y-360 Youth Performance Sports – A program for young athletes to help develop overall athleticism and reduce injuries. Use these at-home drills to help take your skills to the next level.    https://ymca360.org/on-demand/category/17
• Y-360 Youth Soccer – Our youth sports program designed to develop basic soccer skills and drills for all levels.  https://ymca360.org/on-demand/category/17
• Y-360 Kids Yoga – Our kids classes are full of energy and fun for all members of the family. Get your kids off the couch with exercise tailored for them.  https://ymca360.org/on-demand/category/86
• Fun Family Basketball Game! Use a deck of cards for Red/Black and Pass   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj5FfbPzUks&feature=youtu.be
• The Sneakin’ Up on Summer Scavenger Hunt https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/the-sneakin-up-on-summer-scavenger-hunt/
• How to Create the Best at Home Field Day https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/virtual-field-day/
• 50+ Cleaver Cardboard Box Boredom Buster Kids Activities https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/cardboard-box-activities-for-kids/
• “The Lion King” Dance Tutorial with Get Up and Go  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avf5QyUY1Bo
• Peter Pan, Get Moving with Disney Family by Disney Family     https://video.disney.com/watch/peter-pan-get-moving-with-disney-family-by-disney-family-567dbdeb0331807f5760365b
• Let’s Throw Something-Outdoor Family Activities    https://www.pumpitupparty.com/blog/outdoor-activities/
• 50 Fun Things to do Outside with Kids as a Family  https://www.verywellfamily.com/outdoor-family-activities-2764716
• 28 Fun Backyard Games for Kids of All Ages  https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/22/cnn-underscored/kids-outdoor-games/index.html
• Cosmic Kids Yoga, Trolls  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9Q6FKF12Qs
• Fun Game Ideas for Rainy Day Play   https://www.verywellfamily.com/activities-to-play-in-the-rain-2764570
• The Lion King: Get Up and Go Fitness  https://video.disney.com/watch/the-lion-king-get-up-and-go-5a2a9ee8a8304ebd6b4f2a72
• How to Exercise with Your Dog https://video.disney.com/watch/how-to-exercise-with-your-dog-5a69143dc9275ebd6b4f2a72
• KIDZ Bop Kids-“That’s My Girl” (Dance Along)    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5nl5csWiEYABC Planks,Woodruff Family YMCA, Jennifer Fleischer, Health & Wellness Director
• Who Says Exercise Can’t Be Educational? Try our Central Connecticut Coast YMCA Family ABC WorkoutChallenge
• Have a Blast with This Family Fun Workout!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5if4cjO5nxo

MATH, SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES & READING

Making learning a little more exciting and fun!

• Fairfield Y Camp Badakookala Ice Cream in a Bag Recipe – https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a54721/ice-cream-in-a-bag-recipe/
• Fairfield YMCA, Melissa Spiro – STEAM Balloon Experiment
• Flying Fish https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/
• Nature Education, Leaf Chromatography https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-lead-chromatography/
• Static Electricity in Motion https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-lead-chromatography/
• What is a Satellite Galaxy? https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/satellite-galaxies/en/
• STEM Activity, Super Bookmaking  https://www.invent.org/blog/stem-activity/super-bookmaking
• Nat Geo Kids Discovery Connecticut https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/states/connecticut/
• What is a Nebula? https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/nebula/en/
• Construction Site Sensory Bin for Preschoolers  https://happyhooligans.ca/construction-bin/
• Wacky Weekend Wildcats https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/wacky-weekend/wild-cats/
• Build a Physics Machine https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/momentum/en/
• STEM Activity, Outside-the-Box Thinking https://www.invent.org/blog/stem-activity/video-game-design
• Neighborhood Adventure – Bingo Activity Cards https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/nature/neighborhood-adventure/
• What’s a Gravitational Wave? https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/gravitational-waves/en/
• The World of Water, Save that Water!  https://www.uniteforliteracy.com/mystic/water/book?BookId=1435
• Ocean in a Bottle https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/videos/try-this/?cmpid=org=ngp::mc=crm-email::src=ngp::cmp=editorial::add=FFG_Special_20200505&rid=C7DE829A4C50B9364B1719E5871CAA94#/1266027075946
• Fish and Kids Environmental Stewardship Activities  https://fishandkids.msc.org/en/play/games-films/catch-save
• Science at Home: Centripetal Force Fun  https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-centripetal-force-fun/
• Discovery at Home: Hot and Cold Water Density Experiment  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxY6C294FuE
• Count and Pop Bubble Wrap Math  https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/count-and-pop-bubble-wrap-math-and-free-printable
• Cereal Box Ramps: Hands-on STEM Activity  https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/cereal-box-ramps-hands-science-activity-kids-play/
• STEM Activity: Ghost Gloves  https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/books/try-this-ghost-glove/
• Discovery at Home: The Adaptations Challenge  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgbm2yIwA4o
• Lava Lamp Hack https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/videos/try-this/?cmpid=org=ngp::mc=crm-email::src=ngp::cmp=editorial::add=FFG_Special_20200505&rid=C7DE829A4C50B9364B1719E5871CAA94#/1266105923691
• M&M Rainbow Science Experiment  https://www.adabofgluewilldo.com/mm-rainbow-science-experiment/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes
• Color Explosion STEM Activity https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/books/try-this-extreme/color-explosion/
• STEM Challenge: Paper Airplanes Tag https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAySpMPgLVQ&feature=youtu.be
• Science at Play, Sense Games https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-sense-games/
• ABC Soup Water Play Activity https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/water-play-pirates-love-to-learn-linky/
• Sounds of Music, Sand Drags  https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-sand-drags/
• Elephant toothpaste, What’s That? https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/books/try-this-extreme/elephant-toothpaste/
• Solar System: Hello Pluto!  https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/solar-system/
• Science at Play, Shoulder Tag https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=IGRnnCKuZPc&feature=emb_title
• Science at Play, Fun Sensory Play Recipes  https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-fun-sensory-play-recipes/
• SciJinks: Oceans and Coasts https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts/ocean-currents
• Pet Personalities https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/personality-quizzes/which-pet/
• Science at Play, Build a Fort Challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjwcRskUUYE&feature=emb_logo
• Energy in Motion, Simple Machines https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/simple-machines-video-for-kids/
• Structure of Living Things https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/structure-and-function-video-for-kids/
• Bacteria vs Viruses, What’s the Difference? https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/bacteria-viruses/
• Summer Reading Adventures https://www.funbrain.com/books
• Underwater Scope, Do the Activity https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/books/underwater-scope/
• Technology and Computer Programming: Scientific Method Exploration https://jr.brainpop.com/science/beascientist/scientificmethod/
• Math Playground, Dirt Bike Proportions https://www.mathplayground.com/grade_6_games.html
• Preschool Literacy Activity, Processing with DIY Palate https://preschooltoolkit.com/blog/process-art-preschool-painting/
• Science at Play, Paper Tower Challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=If-tqF8-Apo&feature=emb_logo
• Candy Math Challenge https://www.mathplayground.com/candy_challenge_game.html
• Story Time at Mystic Aquarium, Pierre the Penguin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j6xZSRGMJs&list=PLG8dzfNtO_TDJpjWdfewj-QomLT8JdNF0&index=4
• Story Time from Space with Astronauts, “If I Were an Astronaut” https://storytimefromspace.com/if-i-were-an-astronaut-2/
• Story Time with Niles Fitch, “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” https://news.disney.com/magicmoments/video/storytime
• Storyline Online, “How I Learned Geography” https://www.storylineonline.net/books/how-i-learned-geography/

STORY TIME FROM SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE YMCA TEACHERS

• Fairfield YMCA, Melissa Spiro – Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
• Bridgeport YMCA, Anne Raucci – What Time Is It Mr. Crocodile? 
• Woodruff Family YMCA, Nicole Servas –The Legend of Jelly Bean and the Unbreakable Egg
• Woodruff Family YMCA, Nicole Servas – Spring Sprung
• Woodruff Family YMCA Togetherhood Program Volunteer, Melissa Servas –Seahorse Makes Friends
• Woodruff Family YMCA Togetherhood Program Volunteer, Melissa Servas – Dragons Love Tacos 2, the Sequel
• Woodruff Family YMCA Volunteer, Katie Servas – Planta Kiss
• Stratford YMCA, Melissa Bernardo – Not a Box
• Stratford YMCA, Melissa Bernardo – Market To Market
• Valley YMCA, Samantha Endres – Tina’s Taxi
• Woodruff Family YMCA, Donna Denesha – The Cat In The Hat
• Woodruff Family YMCA, Katya Furda – Dragons Love Tacos
• Woodruff Family YMCA, Susie Marklinsky – If You Give A Cat A Cupcake
• Woodruff Family YMCA, Nicole Servas – It Looked Like Spilt Milk
• Bridgeport YMCA, Anne Raucci – Charlie the Caterpillar

SING A LONG WITH SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE YMCA TEACHERS

• Woodruff Family YMCA, Sue Buglione – Itsy Bitsy Spider
• Woodruff Family YMCA, Sue Buglione – Fish Alive Song
• Woodruff Family YMCA, Sue Buglione – Five Little Monkeys

AN ASSORTMENT OF IDEAS

• From Y-USA   https://www.ymca.net/your-y-at-home-for-kids-and-families
• Sesame Street Town Hall, Doctors Answer Questions from Kids https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/25/app-news-section/cnn-sesame-street-coronavirus-town-hall-april-25-2020-app/index.html
• A Story at Home About Social Distancing for Children   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA_SsZFYw0w
• Research IT CT    https://iconnct.rbdigital.com/
• Learning About the Coronavirus  https://together.stjude.org/content/dam/together/en-us/other/covid-19/coronavirus-for-kids-together.pdf
• Homework Help and Learning Resources   https://nhfpl.org/kids/homework-help/
• From Y-USA, 12 Bursts, a New Program for Kids and Families https://12bursts.org/
• New York Times Free Digital Subscription for High School Students https://www.nytimes.com/initiative/highschoolaccess
• EduHam at Home, Hamilton on Broadway https://www.gilderlehrman.org/programs-and-events/eduham-home?_wcsid=1DD9FAE7A897757D0576A5161AF1FE3E816E9A8BC7549646%20%E2%80%A2The%20Lion%20King%20Experience%20at%20Home,%20Theater%20Curriculum%20for
• Children  https://www.lionkingexperience.com/pdfs/TheLionKingExperience_At_Home_KIDS.pdf
• Home Reading Helper https://www.homereadinghelper.org/
• Keep Calm, Learning is On https://bealearninghero.org/readiness-roadmap/