Regardless of whether or not your child returned to in-person school or is embarking on another virtual learning journey, sometimes kids are in need of some fun, thought-provoking, educational activities at home that don’t require a classroom or classroom-like setting. Whether kids go back to school in person or not, it’s always nice to have a few extra educational activities up your sleeve. Keep reading for a roundup of out-of-the-box ideas to keep little minds active this year.
{Photo credit @littlebeelearningstudio}
Little Linguists {739 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken}
Give your little ones the advantage of learning another language when you enroll them in classes with Little Linguists. The Spanish immersion program is for children ages one to six years old. Toddler classes center learning around play and music; classes for older kids are more structured and expand into numbers, colors, and letters.
School of Rock {720 Monroe Street e104, Hoboken}
A global pandemic can’t stop tiny musicians from rocking out. School of Rock is currently offering one-on-one remote lessons for all ages. Lessons will feature a combination of live video lessons, book instruction, the use of the company’s Method App, and the SongFirst Approach. Enroll your child in a weekly lesson to pique their interest in piano, guitar, drums, bass guitar, and voice.
Jersey Explorer Children’s Museum {192 Dodd Street, East Orange}
Exhibits in this interactive museum were created with the help of at-risk youth. Kids can enjoy exploring tombs of the ancient kings, walk through Main Street Village, and expand their minds by discovering the stargazing exhibit. The cost is $10 per child, adults are free. Call 908-385-5443 for the current schedule.
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Home Depot Classes {180 12th Street, Jersey City}
To replace their typically free and in-person workshop classes, Home Depot is offering virtual workshops via pre-recorded video and live stream. Register online, order the kit, and when it arrives — get to work. A Home Depot associate will guide you and your apprentice through the process of building a birdhouse, mini soccer game, and even a small usable locker. Other workshops use supplies you have at home to create projects like a deluxe cardboard house.
Meadowlands Environment Center {2 De Korte Park Plz, Lyndhurst}
The MEC offers innovative, hands-on programs for elementary, middle, and high school-aged kids. Classes include biology, ecology, natural history, chemistry, and astronomy. Students can also learn about solar energy and recycled building materials as the building itself features solar roof panels and was built using sustainable materials. Call 201-460-8300 to register.
Garden Street School of the Performing Arts {1018 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Hoboken}
While alfresco dining with the family you might have passed a dance class being taught along Washington Street. Adjusting as well as the team can, Garden Street has been offering outdoor, distanced dance classes to the young performers of Hoboken. The performing arts school is offering in-person music and dance classes inside the studio starting this month Sign up on the website to keep those active feet engaged this fall.
Hoboken Historical Museum {1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken}
Currently open, with masks required, what is more, unique than learning more about our one-of-a-kind city? Check out the artificial reality app that shows present-day views from vintage Hudson County postcards to compare what Hoboken and the surrounding towns used to look like with what we know today. On display in the 13th Street tunnel outside the museum, stop by to see history in the making in the form of local artwork designed on disposable facemasks.
Liberty Science Center {222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City}
A local favorite, the Liberty Science Center has opened at 25% capacity. While the experience won’t be exactly as families remember it given new hygiene and social distancing regulations, the kids will just be excited to be back. The center will feature new programs and exhibits that interest young minds without compromising families’ health. Check out the science center’s website for more details.
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Little Bee Learning Studio {163 4th Street, Hoboken}
Calling all busy little bees. The staff at Little Bee Learning Studio are prepared to optimize your child’s learning experience, growth, and overall enjoyment of learning in a fun, interactive way. With hands-on, Montessori inspired activities parents can rest assured their little ones are building an excellent foundation for their early development.
Trailside Nature and Science Center {452 New Providence Road, Mountainside}
Trailside has adapted during these difficult times to offer virtual camps. Kids can enjoy puzzles, coloring pages, videos, experiments, and crafts all while learning about nature and what literally makes the world go ‘round.
What special educational activities do you love engaging your kids in? Tell us what your little ones love in the comments below!
