This week we saw an extended and surprise spring break issued for our children, so many parents are wondering how to fill the long days with activities during a time that was previously slated for school. While part of the day is meant to be learning time still, there is a lot of downtime to do other activities. With some imagination and a little flexibility, you’ll be able to make the most of these extra daytime hours with your kids. 

Take a hike – Research has suggested that being outside helps build immunity, so get outdoors. This is a great time to get some good family walking and talking time together. If it’s just your little family group, you can throw a football at the park, enjoy a sunset or hike on a trail. 

Visit online museums – With all the recent travel bans, visiting world class museums isn’t on anyone’s radar in the next coming weeks, so many of them have put their cultural offerings online. This list will let you see twelve of the some the most famous sites including Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum and Paris’s Musée d’Orsay. 

Watch and listen to an opera – From now until March 21 the Metropolitan Opera is streaming encore presentations of famous operas like Bizet’s Carmen and Verdi’s La Traviata. 

Practice a new language – Download a language learning app like Duolingo and have your kids start learning a new language of their choice. Many of these apps are free, very easy to use and can be used on any device. 

Start a new hobby – With the use of Youtube and some online shopping for supplies, this is the perfect time to learn a new craft with your kids like knitting or crocheting. 

Take advantage of free online courses – From art to anthropology to architecture there are thousands of free online courses you can take. These may be advanced for the littler set, but your older kids might find a new topic they love. 

Watch fun online streaming shows  – Mo Willems, the popular kids’ author, has released Lunch Doodle where every day he’ll entertain children with his creative doodles via livestream. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is live streaming its aquarium for all to see. 

One of the only certainties over the next few weeks is that your kids are going to say, “I’m bored!” We hope this list helps you give them some fun options while, perhaps, giving you a little break.