Resources for Promoting a Creative Outlet
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in many children continuing their education from home. But it can’t be all science and math, right? Here are some resources for you and your child to explore your creative sides.
Arts and Crafts
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Join well-known children's author and illustrator, Mo Willems, in his studio to explore drawing, writing, and new ways to create. Episodes feature the beloved characters from his books Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Elephant and Piggie.
The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross
Paint along with public television legend Bob Ross. Find full episodes on the official YouTube channel.
Digital Photography with Marc Levoy
Learn digital photography from Stanford University professor Marc Levoy. The course requires no prior knowledge of photography.
Easy Peasy Drawing and Painting Course
Improve your artistic skills with 180 lessons from Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool.
Pixar in a Box
Take a behind-the-scenes look at how Pixar artists do their jobs. Learn about story telling, color science, and lighting - even create your own animations!
Cloud Dough
From our blog: learn how to make cloud dough, a fun activity for kids.
DIY Paper Pinwheels
Learn how to make your own pinwheels using items you already have at home.
Simple Activity Ideas for Kids During COVID-19
A child life specialist at Cincinnati Children's recommends these activities that are compatible with social distancing.
Art Museums
Met Kids: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Use the interactive, cartoon map to tour the museum, or jump in the "time machine" to visit pieces from a particular time period, continent, or big idea. When you're ready to create your own project, find inspiration in the videos section.
Google Arts and Culture
Tour the world's museums from right where you are. Watch a 360° video tour, zoom into high-definition artworks, or learn about different artists, mediums, or movements.
Tour the Louvre
Take a 360° tour of the Louvre's exhibition "The Advent of the Artist" in the Petite Galerie, including artworks from Delacroix, Rembrandt or Tintoretto.
Cincinnati Art Museum
Browse digital collections of African, American, Asian, and European art.
Music
Piano Lessons and Music Theory
Andrew Furmanczyk is a pianist and piano teacher on a mission to provide free lessons to people who may not otherwise be able to access them. Courses include music theory and beginning to advanced piano playing.
Classics for Kids
Introduce your child to classical music through this fun, interactive website from Cincinnati Public Radio. Each week features a new composer along with games and activities. You can even compose your own music!
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: Learning at Home
Explore daily music lessons, watch CSO musicians demonstrate their instruments, or try the musical crafts and activities for the whole family.
Theatre
TCT Everywhere
The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati offers virtual resources to enjoy from anywhere. Find full performances, interviews, contests, crafts, games, lessons, and more.
Culinary Arts
Cooking with Kids
Whip up some delicious meals, snacks, and treats with these kid-tested recipes. You might try sesame flatbread, sunset salsa, or a pear tart. Recipes are in English and Spanish.
Baking with Kids
Step-by-step videos from the King Arthur Baking Company show you and your kids how to make a variety of baked goods - everything from bread and muffins to empanadas and focaccia. You may also enjoy Martin Bakes at Home, a father-son series featuring Challah, hand pies, and more.
Gardening
Kids Gardening
Find your green thumb with dozens of fun, easy gardening activities for kids and families. Grow new plants from kitchen scraps, plant a butterfly garden, make your own botanical paper, or go on a garden scavenger hunt.
Keukenhof Gardens in Holland
Gardeners lead virtual tours of the world's largest tulip garden. Enjoy the beauty of over 7 million spring blooms.
Dallas Arboretum
Garden STEM at Home encourages kids to explore their own backyards, neighborhoods, or pantries with these fun gardening activities.
More Arts and Creativity
Wiki Art
Wiki Art seeks to make the world's art available to all. Browse more than 250,000 artworks by thousand of artists. You can focus in on a particular style, time period, or medium.
PBS Learning Media: The Arts
Discover dance, music, theater, and visual art through this vast collection of educational videos and resources.
Art History from Kahn Academy
Journey through time and around the world with this interactive course.
