March was a roller coaster ride of a month.Â
As the spread of COVID-19 became a reality in our state, our favorite places did the right thing and closed their doors to help flatten the curve.
While we are grateful to them for that, we are even more grateful that in the weeks since, they have found creative ways to stay connected to us virtually to keep us entertained, educated and, quite frankly, sane. Here are just a few ways our local establishments stepped up.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
From a morning greeting from Rex to DIY science videos, live virtual events with museum experts, storytime and more, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers a daily virtual lineup to keep us entertained and educated while their doors are closed. The full schedule of virtual live events is released daily on the TCM Facebook page, so check back regularly.
Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo might be closed, but their zookeepers are still on hand to care for the animals, and they are also dedicated to bringing you a daily dose of the zoo through videos that give you a behind-the-scenes look at the animals and care staff on their Facebook page.
Indianapolis Art Center
The Art Center is encouraging the community to stay creative and active during this time with a wide variety of resources. Follow them on social media for a daily dose of inspiration, weekly art challenges and demo videos. Or check out their resource page for creative projects to try at home. They are even bringing their latest exhibit, College Invitational Exhibition, to patrons virtually.
Indiana State Museum
The Indiana State Museum remains devoted to offering educational and entertaining activities on their website and social media. With step-by-step activities, stories and virtual tours of the galleries, the museum is offering a weekly line up of entertainment until their doors open again.
Conner Prairie
With the support of Roche Diagnostics, Conner Prairie at Home allows you to explore the living history museum virtually. While the grounds are closed, learn from Conner Prairie experts as they share their knowledge, behind-the-scenes happenings, demonstrations, Q&As and much more. New content is constantly being added to their website, so be sure to check in daily and follow along on Facebook.
Indy YMCA Virtual Events & Classes
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has developed an extensive range of virtual classes and programming available on their Facebook page at scheduled times, and then available on demand in the video folder. Programs are also available on their YouTube channel, as well as YMCA360.org where there are more than 60 energetic workouts featuring Y instructors from across the country. YMCA members have access to exclusive content, but much of the content is available to non-members as well.
Indy Parks & Recreation
While the outdoor spaces, greenspaces and trails are still operating while adhering to CDC guidelines for social distancing, all programming is on pause. Follow along on their Facebook page for storytime, crafts and more!
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation
On-site programming may be on pause, but Carmel Clay Parks & Rec has a full lineup of virtual activities, including storytime, fitness classes, adaptive programming — even dry land activities to prepare for pool season! Follow along on their Facebook page or find their complete video playlist on their website.
Move It Mornings with NinjaZone
With the kids cooped up at home, maintaining a regular fitness routine can be challenging. NinjaZone is doing their part to keep kids up and off the couch with their Move It Mornings, daily live sessions on the NinjaZone Facebook page with a fun ninja coach that get those hearts pumping and starts the day off right!
Gymboree Play & Music Videos
Stay Healthy, Play Healthy at Home is an initiative that delivers video content on the Gymboree Play & Music YouTube channel to keep little ones active and engaged with crafts, activities, games, storytime and more. You can also follow along on their Facebook page for daily updates and links to activities.
DeVeau’s Daily Workout Videos
Check DeVeau’s School of Gymnastics’s Facebook page for videos to get kids moving and challenges that the whole family can do. They also have a Social Media Calendar with daily challenges and activities. Be sure to tag @deveausgym and @deveausdragonselite and use #deveausstrong and #dragonsstrong so they can see you doing the challenges! Winners will be featured on the DeVeau’s Facebook page!
It will be a great day when we are able to visit our favorite spots in person again. For now, we are grateful that they have all stepped up to keep us connected during this unprecedented time.
