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.

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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
• STEM Challenge, Index Card Hole https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWE6N2KObXc&feature=youtu.be
• 8 Fun and Simple Playdough Recipes for Kids https://www.verywellfamily.com/playdough-recipes-4164126
• Turkey Windsock Craft https://iheartcraftythings.com/turkey-windsock-craft.html
• Thankful Turkey Box https://iheartcraftythings.com/thankful-turkey-box-tutorial.html
• Framed Turkey Handprints https://iheartcraftythings.com/handprint-turkey-craft.html
• 50 Clever Cardboard Box Boredom Buster Activities https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/cardboard-box-activities-for-kids/
• Apple Turkey Craft https://iheartcraftythings.com/thanksgiving-apple-turkey-craft.html
• Apple Pie Paper Plate Craft https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/apple-pie-paper-plate-kids-craft/
• DIY Parachutes at Home https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-make-a-parachute/
• Colorful popcorn Art https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/apple-pie-paper-plate-kids-craft/
• How to Make Color Changing Slime https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/how-to-make-color-changing-slime/
• Cupcake Owls https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/how-to-make-a-cute-cupcake-liner-owl-craft-with-kids/
• DIY Mini Aquarium in a Bottle https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/mini-aquarium-in-a-bottle-ocean-sensory-play-to-learn-and-explore/
• Thankful Tree Craft https://happyhooligans.ca/thankful-tree-thanksgiving-craft/
• Clay Dough Glittering Leaf Ornaments https://happyhooligans.ca/glittered-leaf-ornaments/
• DIY Exploding Chalk Bombs https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/how-to-make-chalk-bombs-for-an-ultimate-art-experience/
• Fall Shake Painting https://happyhooligans.ca/painting-fall-colours-with-golf-balls/
• 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
• Lilo and Stitch: Family Tree  https://family.disney.com/disney-family-sundays/lilo-and-stitch-family-tree/
• DIY Ice Cream at Home https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-ice-cream-in-a-bag/
• Pumpkin Spice Mickey Hot Cocoa https://family.disney.com/recipe/pumpkin-spice-mickey-hot-cocoa-recipe/
• Cinderella’s Smoothie Bowl https://family.disney.com/recipe/cinderella-smoothie-bowl/
• Fruitsabers and Jedi Dip Edible Art   https://www.starwars.com/news/fruitsabers-and-jedi-dip
• Little Yummy Jars of Souls from Disney https://family.disney.com/recipe/little-yummy-jar-of-souls/
• Pumpkin Cupcake Art https://family.disney.com/recipe/pumpkin-cupcake/
• Winnie the Pooh: Bag Toss  https://family.disney.com/disney-family-sundays/winnie-the-pooh-bag-toss/
• How to Draw with Disney Animation Sven https://news.disney.com/magicmoments/video/how-to-draw-with-disney-animation

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: 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 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/
• 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
• Museum of Flight https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/virtual-field-trip-museum-of-flight/
• 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
• 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/
• 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
• 10 Halloween Games to Play at Home https://www.joyintheworks.com/5-simple-games-using-plastic-eyeballs-for-your-halloween-class-party/
• 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
• Let’s Throw Something-Outdoor Family Activities    https://www.pumpitupparty.com/blog/outdoor-activities/
• Shoulder Hold Challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGRnnCKuZPc&feature=youtu.be
• Indoor Physical Activities for Toddlers https://www.verywellfamily.com/toddler-activities-4013770
• 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 Workout Challenge
• 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/Science
• Science at Play: Making Bismuth Crystals  https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-making-bismuth-crystals/
• Science of Airplanes https://www.foldnfly.com/#/1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2
• Seismic Shake-Up https://pbskids.org/designsquad/video/seismic-shake-up/
• DIY Homemade Bubble Solution https://www.verywellfamily.com/homemade-bubbles-2764571
• Pumpkin Letter Match Activity https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/pumpkin-letter-match-free-printable-kids-activity/
• 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/
• Static Electricity in Motion 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
• Rubber Bones, What are Those? https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-rubber-bones/
• Silly Monsters Halloween Sensory Play https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/silly-monsters-halloween-sensory-play-with-bunchems/
• What is a Nebula? https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/nebula/en/
• 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/
• 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
• 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
• Discovery at Home: Simulating Plate Tectonics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf8_Uw5zt3k
• Cartesian Divers https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/science-at-play-cartesian-divers/
• 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/
• 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 from Space with Astronauts, “Hey-Ho To Mars We Go” https://storytimefromspace.com/hey-ho-to-mars-2/tps://storytimefromspace.com/if-i-were-an-astronaut-2/
• Story Time with Ginger Zee, “A Sure Cure for the Hiccups”  https://news.disney.com/magicmoments/video/storytime

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

• 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

• 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/