Local attractions and organizations may be closed to visitors, but their staffs have been busy creating fun things to do for families online — and most of it is free. Another bonus: Many of these resources will continue to be available as venues open, so save this list for rainy days.
Andrew West
In this file photo, Todd Ruback, center, points out a loggerhead sea turtle on exhibit at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Families and schools often turn to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to learn about nature and how to protect the local environment. The nature center staff takes that mission online with lesson plans, hands-on activities, videos,scavenger hunts, guided virtual walks and resources at conservancy.org/virtual-learning.
C’mon
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples created Play& Learn, a free online program to help families continue to learn and have fun while the museum is temporarily closed. You can access it through C’mon’s YouTube channel,Facebook page, Instagram TV and the museum’s website, cmon.org.
Naples Zoo
The Naples Zoo was one of the first attractions to offer free online learning options. Live videos launch at 9:15 a.m. Staff takes viewers on virtual tours of the Naples Zoo and provides numerous educational videos and activities. Access them via the zoo’s Facebook page or YouTube channel. Learn more at napleszoo.org.
Sanibel Sea School
The Sanibel Sea School is sending out educational e-newsletters three times a week. Each Nature Near You email provides a different lesson, ways to explore nature in your own backyard and additional resources. Plus, on Tuesdays, the school offers a Creature Feature and, on Thursdays at noon, its educators host a live session on Facebook and Instagram. See the archives and sign up for future newsletters at sanibelseaschool.org/nature-near-you.
Love Your Rebellion
Poets, here’s your outlet. Love Your Rebellion developed Poetry for the People, a free virtual workshop that refines poetry skills and connects poets, perfect for teens. It’s led by LYR founder Angela Page. While the workshops are on Zoom every Thursday from April 9 to May 7, the 60-minute sessions are recorded and uploaded to LYR’s social media channels. While they are free, donations are appreciated for this nonprofit arts program. Learn more at loveyourrebellion.org/poetry-for-the-people.
Marco Island Historical Society
Explore historical artifacts and learn about local history through the Marco Island Historical Society’s History at Home web page. There are coloring pages and other printables, activities you can do at home and an open “door” to the museum’s 19,000 objects, photos and artwork through an online database. Visit virtually at themihs.org.
IMAG History & Science Center
Kids can enjoy the fun, educational lessons found at the IMAG History & Science Center online through the IMAG@HOME program. It’s focused on STEM education and local history, and it’s free to all ages. Find lessons, meet-the-keeper live animal encounters, shows, DIY activities and more on the center’s Facebook page. Learn more at theimag.org.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates launched a video series called “Edison Ford Goes Viral.” It’s full of history and science. Find it on the Estates’ Facebook page, @EdisonFordFL.
Naples Botanical Garden
The Naples Botanical Garden is posting educational materials to its website at naplesgarden.org. Read about the different plants in the gardens, find fun activities and tasty recipes, or ask a gardener your plant questions.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens and Sea World are sharing their educational resources, including classroom activities, teacher’s guides and videos for parents, students and teachers to access online at seaworld.org and at x.m.seaworld.com/ats/msg.aspx?sg1=44b61b0871f764215e703c4bc4f78385.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Florida Space Coast icon the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is sharing daily Facebook Live video experiences and at-home activities that relate to all sorts of space topics. Presentations are at 9:30 a.m. Monday through Friday for younger children and 1 p.m. for young adults. Each presentation is followed by a question-and-answer period. You can also find downloadable activities at kennedyspacecenter.com/camps-and-education/educator-resources.
PBS Kids
PBS Kids created a free daily email newsletter with educational activities for parents of young children. Today's newsletter can be found at pbs.org and parents can sign up for the newsletter at public.pbs.org/PBSKIDSDaily. In addition to the newsletter, PBS Kids has other resources, too, such as tips for how parents and children can de-stress during times of uncertainty and tips on how to talk with children about COVID-19.
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club and the AKC Museum of the Dog created free printable activities and coloring pages for kids to use while at home during the quarantine plus helpful articles for families with dogs. Find them at akc.org.
Embry-Riddle
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ramped up free online course offerings for students in grades K-12. Topics range from aeronautics and meteorology to computer applications and history. Courses include "Aviation is Your Future," "Introduction to Aviation," "Introduction to Computers & Applications," "Foundations of Biology" and "Introduction to Sociology."
SynDaverSyn
Daver in Tampa — maker of SynFrog, a synthetic frog with dissectible organs — offered a free instructor-led frog dissection course via Facebook Live on March 31. More courses are in the works.