POPULAR BOOKS/AUDIOBOOKS
ITS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAY
Learn how to find unexpected strength when disappointments leave you shattered.
THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY
Take a journey back into 1942 when Europe was on the brink of war with a lie that will remain buried until the next century and a decision that will alter destinies.
THE MURMUR OF BEES
On the backdrop of the Mexican revolution and the 1918 influenza, The Murmur of Bees encompasses the fate of a family pushing their love, faith, and future in the unbelievable.
WHAT WE BURIED
For teens with an interest in true crime and mysteries, this novel follows two siblings working together to solve their parents disappearance.
CHAIN OF GOLD
This young adult fiction tale follows Cordelia as she battles demons in a quarantined London, unveiling a world that she’s never seen before.
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POPULAR ON NETFLIX/HULU
TIGER KING
This documentary exposes the owning and exploitation of endangered animals and just how prevalent it is in America. The film (currently the #1 most-watched Netflix program in the U.S.) follows animal rights activist Carol Baskin, and animal breeder and exploiter Joe Exotic.
EVIL GENIUS
When you’ve binged Tiger King and are looking for another crime documentary, check out Evil Genius. This story follows the true story of America’s most diabolical bank heist.
THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE
Switching between past and present, a broken family confronts haunting memories of their old home and the terrifying events that drove them from it.
KILLING EVE
A British spy thriller television series offers multiple binge-worthy seasons.
BETTER THINGS
This sitcom follows the comedically dark undertones of growing older and raising kids.
NEW BOARD GAMES
WINGSPAN
Is your family looking for a game everyone can enjoy? This engine building game works to coax flocks of birds into a nature reserve and lure into one of three biomes.
PUZZLES
Didn’t have a chance to stock up on puzzles? Check out puzzle apps that allow you to play from your phone, or even with a friend!
THROW THROW BURRITO
This boardgame intertwines a card game and dodgeball! Play your hand and throw things to win the game.
COLORING BOOKS
Coloring books don’t have to be just for kids, check out these online sources for printable coloring pages.
CHILDREN’S PLAYTIME
DOLLY PARTON READING
Dolly Parton offers online bedtime story readings every week, with books drawn from her popular imagination library.
LIVESTREAM ZOO
The Cincinnati Zoo offers a live stream video series featuring Fiona the hippo. Explore.org offers livestreaming on their website featuring elephants, bald eagles, lions, monkeys, and more! The Smithsonian Zoo, Houston Zoo, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park , and the Monterey Bay Aquarium also offer live streaming as well.
A DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE
You can watch footage of Disneyland rides online, spreading joy and making your home the happiest place on earth.. Or close to it. Use an empty laundry basket in front of the TV, for your little one to climb aboard and enjoy a ride on their favorite Disney adventure without lines.
BOB ROSS
A great activity for the whole family, especially with older kids is to have a paint night! Head to Netflix, pull out your paintbrushes and choose an episode of Bob Ross. Try your best at painting a masterpiece or have fun with it!
SENSORY BIN
Make a homemade sensory bin and become an archaeologist for the day! Fill a tub with dry rice or beans and bury dinosaur toys to unearth with spoons or fingers.
CARD GAMES
Dust off a deck of cards and entertain yourself for hours with new and old games like the Devil’s Grip, Chain solitaire, the Idiot, and much more. Check out this list of card games and how to play them.
TENT TIME
Clear a space in a section of your home for a tent and create an imaginative play-land celebrating the creativity of your child.
TORNADO IN A JAR
Use this classic experiment with a clear, round bottle and have the kids fill it with water and dish soap. Shake it to create a tornado of your own.
DIY HAND SANITIZER
You may have noticed hand sanitizer is hard to find on the shelves. Make your own at home as a fun family activity! You’ll need 99% isopropyl alcohol, 3% hydrogen peroxide, and 98% glycerin along with distilled water. Follow the steps here.
THINGS TO DO:
- A day at the museum! Now you can experience the beauty and wonder of some of the most famous museums in the world by watching virtual tours from your couch.
- Adopt or foster a pet! Contact local animal rescues, all this free time at home is the perfect time to potty train your new four-legged best friend.
- Calling all seamstresses! Contact your local Jo-Ann fabric store for a mask-making kit! They’ll give you pieces of fabric and you can create masks, drop them back off at Jo-Ann’s and they’ll take them to the local hospital for our heroic medical teams.
- Stream the digital concert hall website free of charge and enjoy the celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday.
- Support local small businesses and local restaurants by ordering take out on Doordash, GrubHub, and more!
- Edit your photos and create photo albums encapsulating your memories.
- Practice an instrument.
- Nike App offers free workouts for those stuck indoors.
- Connect on Nextdoor to see what’s going on in your community and check-in with your neighbors. Make sure to practice safe social distancing with neighbors but be sure to check-in with your elderly neighbors. A quick phone call to boost their morale or an offer to walk their dog will go a long way.
- Detail your car and give it a thorough wash and use some elbow grease to give those hub caps a new shine.
- Home improvement stores are still open and offer home delivery, consider updating a section of your home.
