During lockdown it can be hard to think of ways to keep yourself or your children entertained. But thankfully the internet has plenty of things to help you get over the cabin fever. From exploring the canals of Venice, to watching baby lemurs or learning new skills, these are the best websites as suggested by My Baggage, to help you with self-isolation.
Nature
Self-isolation can be incredibly hard, especially for those of us who don’t have gardens or an outside space to enjoy nature. Thankfully there are plenty of websites out there that are helping us connect to the outdoors.
Visit a zoo
Zoos around the world are allowing us the opportunity to observe the animals go about their daily lives via live streaming. Many zoos are offering virtual tours and with spring bringing lots of new arrivals, it makes for some cute viewing!
Chester Zoo is offering a virtual tour and behind the scenes insight into life of animals that call the zoo home. It also is allowing you to follow the progress of newborn twin lemurs. Edinburgh Zoo has set up a live webcam to capture its most popular residents from Yang Guang the panda to tiger cam and penguin cam.
Try your hand at birdwatching
Every year thousands of people tune into Springwatch, but just because it is not able to be on our TVs doesn’t mean we can’t take part. Chris Packam has set up the self-isolation bird club Facebook group to ensure you can still take part. Every morning there is a live feed, which is viewed by up to 500,000 people.
Check in at an aquarium
Similar to zoos, many aquariums are now allowing you to get up close and personal with them behind the scenes. Monterey Bay Aquarium in California has set up live feeds so you can check in with the jellyfish, penguins and coral reefs.
Explore one of the national parks of America
Have you ever wanted to take in the sights of the national parks in America? Well now you can! Enjoy the views, take in nature and plan treks and trips all from your home. Who knows, maybe this will inspire you to one day visit it in the flesh!
Culture
Visit the Museum of Modern Art in New York
Why not visit one of the most famous art museums in the world? The MoMA in New York is offering you a free virtual tour of their impressive galleries all from the comfort of your sofa. You don’t have to worry about any crowds, just sit back and explore works from famous artists such as Monet to Pollock.
Take in a tour
We are never as cut off from the world as we think we are. Thanks to the internet there’s nowhere in the world we can’t see at the touch of a button. Have you ever wanted to tour Ancient Rome? Take in the canals of Venice, or marvel at the Eiffel Tower? You can do all of this thanks to Google Street View. Why not explore the journey with friends via a video call? It’s not as good as being there, but it is the next best thing. And it might even give you some inspiration for your next holiday.
Explore the British Museum
The British Museum is offering you virtual tours of its impressive collections. From the wonders of Ancient Egypt to Ancient Rome, you can take in the best exhibitions without having to worry about the crowds. You can have your real night at the museum, all from the comfort of your home.
Skills
Maybe you want to spend this free time learning a new passion or bulking out your CV? If you have been furloughed, picking up a free online course is now possible. Not only will this course give you a daily routine, but it will also help you build on your knowledge and skill set.
Marketing courses
If you are studying or working in marketing Google offers a free course in Digital Marketing through its Digital Garage platform. This course will give you an overview of digital marketing, helping you master the basics and undertake practical exercises. Once you complete the course you will receive a certificate and accreditation from Interactive Advertising Bureau in Europe.
Learn a language
Maybe you have always wanted to learn a new language? Rosetta Stone is offering 3 months free for anyone wanting to learn a new language during lockdown. There are also handy language learning apps available, with the most popular being Duolingo. This app allows you to learn a language at your own pace, including interactive stories and a leaderboard that you can share with friends. You can track your progress and add a daily notification that reminds you to practise, practise, practise!
Learn an instrument
Fender, the famous guitar maker is offering a free three-month subscription to their educational online app Fender Play. You will be able to learn how to play guitar, ukulele or bass. You can learn how to play thanks to instructional videos with songs from your favourite artists such as Led Zeppelin to Sia.
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