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
- Soundview Family YMCA, Lynn Wheeler – Art Using Force
- DIY Snowflakes https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/how-to-make-paper-snowflakes/
- Rocking Paper Plate Snowmen https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/rocking-paper-plate-snowman/
- Footprint Penguins https://www.simpleeverydaymom.com/footprint-penguin-craft-for-kids/
- Make Your Own Mosaics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Lxyqn42eU
- Handmade Marble Runs https://buggyandbuddy.com/10-awesome-homemade-marble-runs/
- DIY Hungry Caterpillar https://www.gathered.how/knitting-and-crochet/crochet/how-to-make-a-pompom/
- Origami Instructions and Diagrams https://www.origami.me/diagrams/
- What is Decoupage? https://modpodgerocksblog.com/decoupage-learn-from-an-expert/
- Craft Stick Hot Cocoa Mug https://www.michaels.com/kids-club-craft-stick-hot-cocoa-mug/B_81891.html?epik=dj0yJnU9REpreVdLNnlldkl1ZHA5ZmpnMkZBWWxrdEtKZTUtbTcmcD0wJm49aDZ1MnE3blFzYWZhRC1oVTNfVW1PZyZ0PUFBQUFBR0FSbElB
- Heart Cone Tree http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentine-heart-cone-tree-tutorial.html?epik=dj0yJnU9QldGODg4RWRQQmFsTnRDSUdXRjhvSmJ5REdzTkVnV0omcD0wJm49UGxuWHJSNUpRTXk2ZVFJZUR0MHhzUSZ0PUFBQUFBR0FSbFZF
- Crispy Heart Kisses https://www.education.com/activity/article/crispykisses_preschool/
- Make a Heart Map https://www.education.com/activity/article/make_a_heart_map_second/
- Love and Kisses Jar https://www.education.com/activity/article/Love_and_Kisses_Valentines_Day/
- Heart Bag Craft https://www.education.com/activity/article/lace_up_valentine_tote_second/
- Paper Mache Fun https://www.education.com/activity/article/paper-mache-heart/
- Chalk It Out, social emotional learning for kids https://tinkergarten.com/activities/let-s-chalk-it-out#do_this_activity
- 8 Fun and Simple Playdough Recipes for Kids https://www.verywellfamily.com/playdough-recipes-4164126
- 50 Clever Cardboard Box Boredom Buster Activities https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/cardboard-box-activities-for-kids/
- 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/
- Wax Paper Hearts https://www.education.com/activity/article/wax_paper_valentines_third/
- Create an island adventure of your own with edible art https://www.freshfacs.com/product-p/fd019.htm
- DIY Play Dough, it’s edible too! https://www.survivingateacherssalary.com/diy-edible-homemade-play-dough-recipe-with-koolaid-rainbow-colors/
- Snacks Kids Can Make at Home https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/easy-recipes-for-kids-to-make-by-themselves/
- Art for Kids of All Ages https://www.artforkidshub.com/
- Draw Mickey Mouse at Home with A Disney Parks Artist https://www.themainstreetmouse.com/2020/03/20/bettertogether-draw-mickey-mouse-at-home-with-a-disney-parks-artist/
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.
- Explore Meig’s Point Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach State Park. https://www.meigspointnaturecenter.org/virtual-learning-center/
- Maritime Aquarium’s Weekly Adventures for Families https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/virtual-programs
- Birth Places of Music http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/joshuasmith8/502/virtualtour/start.html
- Tour Yellowstone National Park! https://www.nps.gov/…/lea…/photosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm
- Visit Ellis Island http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/webcast.htm
- Explore the surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover. https://accessmars.withgoogle.com/
- Connecticut Science Center’s Movie Mondays https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog_categories/movie-mondays/
- Field Trip: Earth https://www.amnh.org/explore/videos/space/field-trip-earth
- Diving for 500 Year Old Corals in Tobago https://www.amnh.org/explore/videos/in-the-field/diving-for-corals-tobago
- Pacificum: Return to the Ocean https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/movie-monday-pacificum-return-to-the-ocean/
- Exploring Greenland’s Icy Waters https://www.amnh.org/explore/videos/in-the-field/exploring-greenlands-icy-waters
- 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/
- Our Planet https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/movie-monday-our-planet/
- 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 Hawaii’s 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
- Shark Dive: What Sam Sees https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr8xuQjCzLk
- Chasing Coral https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/movie-mondays-chasing-coral/
- 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/
- Nat Geo Kids, USA Alligators, Are We There Yet? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wuo42PdluY
- 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
- 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.
- Animal Exercises for Kids with Animals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26guG6wr5so
- Fun Family Basketball Game! Use a deck of cards for Red/Black and Pass https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj5FfbPzUks&feature=youtu.be
- 20 Indoor Activities to Get Kids Up and Moving https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/expert-advice/articles/top-20-indoor-activities-to-get-kids-up-and-moving.aspx?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI47n51–v7AIVho3ICh3XbQ0aEAMYAiAAEgJO3PD_BwE#.X4TBXNBKhPa
- 10 Disney Zumba Videos You Can Master at Home https://www.elitedaily.com/p/10-disney-zumba-videos-you-can-master-at-home-for-a-magical-workout-22645880
- Cosmic Kids Yoga and Mindfulness https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga
- Scavenger Hunts for Fun https://primaryplayground.net/scavenger-hunts/?fbclid=IwAR0-yD5I4b8Dyx2Vmc7CccQdlK5AZLs8Rxy4F-nWpmxLfNatPI51iJ1pEyssavenger
- ABC Planks,Woodruff Family YMCA, Jennifer Fleisher, Health & Wellness Director
- Who Says Exercise Can’t Be Educational? Try our Central Connecticut Coast YMCA Family ABC WorkoutChallenge
- Crank it Up, Dance it Out, Music Activities for Kids https://pbskids.org/games/music/
- 9 Fitness Videos for Kids, Let’s Move! https://www.therealisticmama.com/exercise-videos-for-kids/
- Polka Dot Jump and Play Game https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/polka-dot-jump-and-play-game/
- Fun Music Activities for Preschoolers https://www.verywellfamily.com/preschool-music-activities-2764608
- How to Create the Best at Home Field Day https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/virtual-field-day/
- Preschool Fun, Indoor Activities for Kids https://www.verywellfamily.com/indoor-games-to-play-with-your-preschooler-2764612
- 50+ Cleaver Cardboard Box Boredom Buster Kids Activities https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/cardboard-box-activities-for-kids/
- Wet Weather Day? Head Outside Anyway https://www.verywellfamily.com/activities-to-play-in-the-rain-2764570
- “The Lion King” Dance Tutorial with Get Up and Go https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avf5QyUY1Bo
- Indoor Activities for Young Children https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/4-indoor-activities-young-kids/
- Classic Ball Games for Kids https://www.verywellfamily.com/old-fashioned-ball-games-for-kids-1696146
- 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
- 20 Indoor Activities to Get Kids Up and Moving https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/expert-advice/articles/top-20-indoor-activities-to-get-kids-up-and-moving.aspx?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI47n51–v7AIVho3ICh3XbQ0aEAMYAiAAEgJO3PD_BwE#.X4TBXNBKhPa
MATH, SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES & READING
Making learning a little more exciting and fun!
- Learn at home opportunities https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-tools/articles/resources/scholastic-learn-at-home–free-resources-for-school-closures.html#
- Lego Challenge, Disaster Island https://legolibrarian.com/2017/03/11/lego-challenge-disaster-island/?iframe=true&=&theme_preview=true&epik=dj0yJnU9SWozTW1mSklXU3BOUUl2QVJMeG9FXzRJM2k3RmJkcG8mcD0wJm49ZXBybjUzanNMQmZBRGc3NnRDSThBZyZ0PUFBQUFBR0FSbG9z
- Hot Chocolate Science Experiment https://creativefamilyfun.net/hot-chocolate-science/
- Hydrogen Peroxide and Yeast Experiment for Kids https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/valentines-day-hydrogen-peroxide-yeast-experiment/
- Heart Science Experiment Fun https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/valentines-day-science-stem-activities-kids/
- Black History Month Classroom Activities https://www.classroomdoodles.com/black-history-month.html?epik=dj0yJnU9TUowc2V0OWl0ZVVOZXY4VVhwR3RWSDF1cjgwWkhSN2QmcD0wJm49WkNFZVNRbkhhQ3ozWE1CN25uU0pwdyZ0PUFBQUFBR0FSckhv
- What are Stars? https://www.youtube.com/watch/ZrS3Ye8p61Y
- Water Bingo https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/wildlife/pdf_files/outreach/Winter-Bingo.pdf
- Be Bear Aware https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/wildlife/pdf_files/outreach/Kids-Pages/BearKidsColoringPage.pdf
- Bobcats! https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/wildlife/pdf_files/outreach/Kids-Pages/BobcatKids.pdf
- If You Care Leave it There https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/wildlife/pdf_files/outreach/Kids-Pages/IfYouCareKidsPage.pdf
- Terrific Turtles https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/wildlife/pdf_files/outreach/Kids-Pages/TurtleKidsPage.pdf
- Secret Code Cards https://www.education.com/activity/article/Make_Secret_Code_Valentines_Card/
- Discovery at Home, Make Your Own Volcano https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqDa6K-fMTA
- Destination World, Antarctica https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3uT89xoKuc
- Science in Action, Boxcar Ramps https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/how-to-make-a-cardboard-box-car-ramp/
- Rainbow and Clouds Sensory Play Activity https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/rainbow-noodles-with-fluffy-clouds-sensory-play/
- The Ology Challenge: Keep an Animal Journal https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/challenge
- Nature Education, Leaf Chromatography https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-lead-chromatography/
- The Gene Scene https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/genetics
- What is Zoology? https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/zoology
- What is a Satellite Galaxy? https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/satellite-galaxies/en/
- Nat Geo Kids Discovery Colorado https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/states/colorado/
- Marine Biology: The Living Oceans https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/marine-biology
- Construction Site Sensory Bin for Preschoolers https://happyhooligans.ca/construction-bin/
- Wacky Weekend: Upside-Down Animals https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/wacky-weekend/upside-down-animals/
- 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/
- 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/
- Solar System: Hello Pluto! https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/solar-system/
- 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
- 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/
- Reading Adventures https://www.funbrain.com/books
- Technology and Computer Programming: Scientific Method Exploration https://jr.brainpop.com/science/beascientist/scientificmethod/
- Penguin Jump Multiplication https://www.mathplayground.com/ASB_PenguinJumpMultiplication.html
- Preschool Literacy Activity, Story Time at Mystic Aquarium, Astro, the Steller Sea Lion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx7EEUywoR0&list=PLG8dzfNtO_TDJpjWdfewj-QomLT8JdNF0&index=5
- Story Time with Ginger Zee, “A Sure Cure for the Hiccups” https://news.disney.com/magicmoments/video/storytime
- Math and Reading games for children https://www.starfall.com/h/index-grades123.php
- STEAM Pattern Block Castles https://mathgeekmama.com/using-pattern-blocks-to-create-cinderellas-castle/
- Alphabet Space Photo Shoot https://www.education.com/game/outer-space-photoshoot/
- 8 STEM Toys for Pint Sized Einsteins https://mashable.com/2015/02/14/stem-toy-fair-2015/
- Making Music at Home https://buggyandbuddy.com/homemade-straw-pan-flutes/
- Young Explorers with National Geographic https://ngexplorer.cengage.com/ngyoungexplorer/index.html
- Community Resources for Science http://www.crscience.org/educators/Family
- Deep Green Wilderness https://www.deepgreenwilderness.com/unknown-sea
- Shape Lacing Cards to Teach Toddlers Shapes https://teachmytoddlers.com/shape-lacing-cards-to-teach-toddlers-shapes/?utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_term=1016595166_46632382_162688
- Earth’s Minerals and Rocks https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-middle-school-earth-science-flexbook-2.0/
- Transforming Math with Engagement https://boddlelearning.com/
- Storytime from Space with astronauts, Mousetronaut https://storytimefromspace.com/mousetronaut-2/
- Storytime Online, “The Case of the Missing Carrot” https://www.storylineonline.net/books/missing-carrot-cake/
STORYTIME 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
- Hamden/North Haven YMCA Leaders Club Member, Caitlin Brennan – Champ & Me by the Maple Tree, a Vermont Tale
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
- Black History Month: Books for Kids, Tweens, and Teens https://clermontlibrary.org/black-history-month-books-for-kids-tweens-and-teens/
- Alpha Community Services YMCA and Fairfield University Video -Parenting During Covid-19 English Spanish
- 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/