We put together 45 ideas we hope will be helpful for you to stay active and stimulated during the lockdown.
1- Take a baking class
Online Baking Academy is offering free Live Zoom baking classes https://www.onlinebakingacademy.com/.
2- Visit the Zoo online
Plan a virtual trip to the Toronto Zoo. There are lots of fun facts about the animals on the website too. https://www.torontozoo.com/events/BriziCam#evt
3- Learn a new language
You don’t even have to spend a ton, here are some suggestions for free language learning sites https://www.inc.com/…/9-places-to-learn-a-new-language…
4- Listen to a podcast
Watched everything on Netflix? Can’t concentrate on a book? Then why not get lost in a podcast. Pop your earphones in and get transported from your house to somewhere more interesting without getting off the couch.
5- Check out tourist destinations
Usually these places would be filled with crowds and you’d have to line up to see them but in these times they’re all looking pretty different. Always wanted to see Prague, Venice or Rome? Then why not check them out on the live webcams?
6- Watch a bit of Shakespeare
Enjoy a bit of theatre, then why not watch some of William Shakespeare’s best work for free. Bring a bit of the bard to your living room?
7- Watch some live music
Since it doesn’t look like any of us will be going to a concert anytime soon, why not bring the concerts to your living room? There are loads full length concerts to stream for free online.
8- Museum tours
Since we can’t get to museums or art galleries right now why not explore them from home? Take a virtual tour of the R.O.M. https://www.rom.on.ca/…/exh…/exhibitions/online-exhibits
9- Explore some of Canada’s National Parks
We can’t journey to our favourite Canadian destinations anytime soon but thanks to the internet we can take a trip far and wide https://www.todocanada.ca/explore-canadas-stunning…/? Thanks to Google Earth we can.
10- Play Pictionary with a robot
Use the free game ‘quick draw’, which google have created to have fun and draw pictures for their robot to guess.
11- Learn to Cook or expand your culinary skills https://www.cbc.ca/…/andrew-coppolino-online-cooking…
12- Take art lessons
Learn how to paint or draw https://thevirtualinstructor.com/
13- Listen to audio books or short stories
Audible has made a huge section of their collection free. Check out their website to see if there are any you would like.
14- Learn Korean with K-Pop superstars BTS
BTS are aiming to introduce their fans to some simple Korean grammar and expressions. Why not give it a go and see what you could learn?
15- Check out the rides at Disney
Disney world might be closed but that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on all the fun. Have a fun filled day by checking out the virtual rides on Youtube.
16- Head to Hogwarts
Always dreamed of being a wizard? Well now’s your chance. Hogwarts is here is a website created by Harry Potter superfans, you can sign up, chose your house and even create magical potions.
17- Relax on the beach without leaving your house
Wouldn’t it be great to hear the sound of the waves and to see a beautiful sandy beach? Then check out this live beach webcam.
18- Take a virtual Harry Potter tour
A live tour guide takes you through the iconic Harry Potter landmarks.
19- Enter your pet into a photo contest
Pet Connection, Canada’s Natural Health Magazine for Pets http://www.petconnection.ca/photo-contest/
20- Science time
Fancy some free science lessons? Then check out mystery science to see what they have in store for you.
21- Learn how to service your computer
https://www.howtogeek.com/…/how-to-service-your-own…/
22- Make a memory box
Find a box big enough to hold loads of items. Decorate the box and then fill it with lots of your favourite memories from over the last few years for example pictures and concert tickets.
23- Make playdough at home
Can’t get to the shops to buy play dough then no worries, check out simple ways to make it at home.
24- Write a story
Why not grab a pen and paper and get creative. Use your imagination and see where it takes you.
25- Play a board game
Why not dust off some of your board games and spend some time as a family.
26- Make a family tree
How much do you know about your family? Why not do some research and create a family tree.
27- Learn Origami
Got some paper sitting about doing nothing? Then why not try to learn the ancient art of paper folding.
28- Learn a dance
Download the free Tik Tok app and challenge yourself to learn a dance a day.
29- Colour
Whether it be paper and pens or you download an app colouring can be relaxing.
30- Take a bath
Make the most of your free time and relax with a hot bubble bath.
31- Wash your makeup brushes
When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? Give them all a freshen up, your skin will be grateful.
32- Organise your wardrobe
Clean out your closet, you could even do a fashion show. You might discover some outfits you forgot you even had.
33- Go on a picnic
It’s important to get some fresh air. Why not bundle up and have lunch outside.
34- Make a wish jar
Write some things you would love to do in the future and pop them in a jar and when all of this is over start to complete them
35- Make a musical instrument
Have a look around the house and see what you have to make your very own musical instrument.
36- Watch an old film
Why not watch one of your favourite films from when you were younger. Not only will it give you a chance to chill out it will bring back some happy memories.
37- Give yourself a makeover
Been desperate to try out some hair and make up skills or upcycle some old wardrobe items? Check out YouTube for tutorials.
38- Play some games
Dust off the deck of cards or the board games from the back of the closet.
39- Write a letter
Why not write a letter to your future self? Pop in your hopes and dreams for the future and open it in years to come.
40- Video call your friends and family
Don’t forget to check in on your friends and family, and cheer yourself up by seeing your favourite faces.
41- Declutter a room
Get a head start on your spring cleaning. Pick a room in your house to organize and freshen up, even clean your windows. Let the sunshine in.
42- Paint your nails
It may be awhile before we can all head to the nail salon so learn how to give yourself a manicure at home.
43- Make a travel bucket list
Make a list of all the places you would love to travel to when the pandemic is over.
44- Enjoy your favourite music
Why not listen to your favourite music and even have a sing along
45- Plan a virtual visit with friends
Plan an online get together with friends and family on Zoom, FaceBook Messenger or Google Meets.
Staying home keeps everyone safe and healthy. We hope this list helps you beat the blues.