Our staff compiled this list of some of the best free online resources available now. Up for opera or a Broadway show? Ready for a Peloton workout? Here’s your chance for a new experience! We will add to this page as we find more fantastic opportunities to help you through your time at home. (Updated 5/12/2020)
Free Things That Normally Aren't Free (from NPR.org)
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/20/818670715/getting-bored-heres-a-list-of-free-things-that-werent-free-before-coronavirus
Xfinity WiFi Hotspots in out-of-home locations are available for free to anyone who needs them to support communities through this challenging time.
https://wifi.xfinity.com/?rid=16667121&mid=20200323_Adhoc_CM_Crisis_DWWeekly
Animals Animal Cameras Books, Reading and Streaming Computers and Computer Skills Documentaries Education Financial Assistance Fitness Food and Cooking Genealogy Libraries Mental Health Music Museums Outer Space Virtual Tours Working From Home COVID-19 Info Library Resources City Resources
Animals
The Shedd Aquarium’s live cam is equal parts relaxing and mesmerizing
https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/the-shedd-aquariums-live-cam-is-equal-parts-relaxing-and-mesmerizing-040820
How to stay sane at home with the help of your pet
https://www.today.com/pets/stay-sane-during-quarantine-pet-friendly-activities-t176201
An Australian zoo is running a 24/7 koala live-streaming service
https://www.timeout.com/news/an-australian-zoo-is-running-a-24-7-koala-livestreaming-service-032520
Zoos are live-streaming their feeding times – here’s when to tune in
https://www.timeout.com/news/zoos-are-live-streaming-their-feeding-times-heres-when-to-tune-in-032520
Brookfield Zoo launches ‘Bringing the Zoo to You’ during coronavirus outbreak
https://wgntv.com/news/coronavirus/brookfield-zoo-launches-bringing-the-zoo-to-you-during-coronavirus-outbreak/
Animal Planet Will Air 94 Hours Of Puppies And Kitties Because We Need It
https://www.scarymommy.com/animal-planet-too-cute-marathon-puppies/
Brookfield (IL) Zoo’s YouTube page
https://www.youtube.com/user/CZSBrookfieldZoo
Virtual Farm Tool, “Immerse Yourself in Canadian Farm and Food Tours”
https://www.farmfood360.ca/
Cincinnati Zoo Offers an Online Educational ‘Home Safari’ Featuring Fiona the Hippo and Her Mom Bibi
https://laughingsquid.com/cincinnati-zoo-home-safari/
Return to Top
Animal Cameras
Animal Cameras: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams
Animal Cameras: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams
Animal Cameras: https://zooatlanta.org/panda-cam/
Animal Cameras: https://www.houstonzoo.org/explore/webcams/
Live beluga whale feed:
https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/beluga-whale-webcam/
Videos of cute animals:
thepetcollective.com/pages/watch
Brookfield (IL) Zoo’s YouTube page
https://www.youtube.com/user/CZSBrookfieldZoo
Virtual Farm Tool: “Immerse Yourself in Canadian Farm and Food Tours”
https://www.farmfood360.ca/
Return to Top
Books, Reading, and Streaming
Here’s How to Watch Upcoming Films From Cannes & Sundance on YouTube for Free
https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/cannes-sundace-film-festival-stream/
We know you can’t see the Ailey dancers perform in a theater, so we wanted to make sure you can still find comfort and joy in the beauty of dance by virtually connecting with their performances. For a limited time, Ailey is thrilled to share full-length videos of the Company performing on stage! https://www.alvinailey.org/performances-tickets/ailey-all-access
The 40 Best Literary Adaptations to Stream Right Now
https://lithub.com/the-40-best-literary-adaptations-to-stream-right-now/
Quaint English Village Murder Mystery TV Shows with A Million Seasons, For Your Binge-Watching Pleasure During These Hard Times
https://crimereads.com/quaint-english-village-murder-mystery-tv-shows
National Theatre Announces FRANKENSTEIN With Benedict Cumberbatch and ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Will Be Available to Stream
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/National-Theatre-Announces-FRANKENSTEIN-With-Benedict-Cumberbatch-and-ANTONY-AND-CLEOPATRA-Will-Be-Available-to-Stream-20200423
HBO is making hundreds of hours of content free
https://news.avclub.com/hbo-is-making-hundreds-of-hours-of-its-content-free-to-1842651167?rev=1585865282612
Sling TV’s 14-Day Free Trial Gives You Access to Countless Movies and Shows, No Credit Card Required
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/621870/sling-tv-14-day-trial
19 True Crime Podcasts to Fuel Your Inner Sleuth
https://the-line-up.com/9-best-true-crime-podcasts-that-will-fuel-your-inner-detective
Amazon to stream canceled SXSW Film Festival in your home for free
https://ew.com/movies/film-festivals/amazon-sxsw-streaming/
Disney is offering a free online course in how to be an Imagineer
https://www.insider.com/disney-offering-free-online-course-how-to-be-imagineer-2020-4
Marvel announces free access to popular comics
https://ew.com/books/marvel-free-access-comics/
Bookish 2020's Virtual Bookish Events - Bookish https://bookish.netgalley.com/2020s-virtual-bookish-events/
Scribd - Read books, audiobooks, and more
The world's largest digital library. Read unlimited* books, audiobooks,... Access to millions of documents. FREE with a 30 day free trial. Cancel Anytime
https://www.scribd.com/readfree
USA Today: Coronavirus: Free movies, shows, and audiobooks to stream while you're self-quarantining
If you're hunkering down at home in the age of coronavirus, we offer suggestions for free TV, movies, and books you can stream to pass the time.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2020/03/18/coronavirus-free-tv-movies-stream-you-quarantine-home/5074254002/
Here’s how to try every major streaming service for free during the coronavirus quarantine. How to get the best free trials for Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and more.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90477701/heres-how-to-try-every-major-streaming-service-for-free-during-coronavirus-quarantine
Free stuff for adults from Neil Gaiman
https://www.neilgaiman.com/Cool_Stuff
How to Hold a Virtual Book Club
https://bookish.netgalley.com/book-club/03/2020/virtual-book-club-meeting/
Room of Requirement: Librarian Creates Virtual Escape Room to Entertain Harry Potter Fans at Home
http://ow.ly/Yje250yT2iz
LibraryThing is now free. Enter what you’re reading or your whole library. It’s an easy, library-quality catalog.
https://blog.librarything.com/main/2020/03/librarything-goes-free/e
Manga publishers are releasing over 450 volumes of comics available to read for free online.
http://epicstream.com/news/NobelleBorines/Coronavirus-Outbreak-Leads-to-Over-450-Manga-Volumes-Released-Online-for-Free
Return to Top
Computers and Computer Skills
Freecodecamp.org https://www.freecodecamp.org
Learn to code with free online courses, programming projects, and interview preparation for developer jobs.
Return to Top
Documentaries
Geoffrey Baer Tours. Explore Chicago, its neighborhoods, and beyond with WTTW host and producer Geoffrey Baer
https://interactive.wttw.com/geoffrey-baer-tours
PBS is streaming Ken Burn's documentary on baseball for free. https://www.pbs.org/show/baseball/
Return to Top
Education
MoMA Is Offering Free Online Courses for Art Lovers (and People Trying to Understand It)
https://www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/visual-arts/free-virtual-art-courses-moma
Lin-Manuel Miranda Announces Virtual School Program, #EduHam at Home: The free digital program encourages teens and their families to create their own theatrical pieces
https://www.playbill.com/article/lin-manuel-miranda-announces-virtual-school-program-eduham-at-home
Nikon is offering free online photography classes for all of April (Free until April 30th)
https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/2/21204243/nikon-free-photography-classes-april
Leica and Olympus are offering free virtual courses and talks for photographers
https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/10/21216983/leica-olympus-free-virtual-courses-photography-coronavirus-covid
VICTORY GARDEN CHALLENGE 2020 Free online classes on gardening, growing food, and self-reliance. Your challenge: Attend every class & get your garden planted!
https://urbanfarm.lpages.co/daily-gardening-classes/
Skillshare Classes to Engage Your Creativity through Watercolor Flora, Striking Posters, and Houseplant Care
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2020/04/skillshare-stay-home-covid-19/
Stuck Inside? Come Hang Out With The Mighty Community!
https://themighty.com/2020/03/online-events-for-people-stuck-inside-during-coronavirus-outbreak/
Free Online Classes for Adults
https://www.lifewire.com/free-online-classes-for-adults-2996977
MoMA is offering free online art courses you can take from home
https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/moma-is-offering-free-online-art-courses-you-can-take-from-home-033020
You Can Take Online Classes at an Ivy League School for Free Right Now
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/educational-travel/syndications-free-ivy-league-classes-online
How to Help Librarians and Archivists from Your Living Room
If you’re cooped-up and curious, use your free time to decipher handwriting, tag images, and more.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/archives-to-browse-from-home
Return to Top
Financial Assistance
What You Need To Know About The New Tax Credit Meant To Help Businesses Of Practically Any Size Keep Employees On Payroll
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2020/04/02/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-tax-credit-meant-to-help-businesses-of-practically-any-size-keep-employees-on-payroll/
Economic Impact Payment Information Center
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center
NYT Your Money: A Hub for Help During the Coronavirus Crisis: If your income has fallen or been cut off completely, we’re here to help. This guide will connect you to the basic information you’ll need to get through this, including on government benefits, free services and financial strategies.
https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-money-unemployment.html
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—CFPB has a post on how to protect yourself financially from the impact of COVID-19
www.consumerfinance.gov
Return to Top
Fitness
This Chicago observation deck is hosting free virtual yoga classes 1,000 feet above the city
https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/this-chicago-observation-deck-is-hosting-free-virtual-yoga-classes-1-000-feet-above-the-city-050120
8 Exercises You Can Do With a Chair
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/advice/a29690/8-exercises-you-can-do-with-a-chair/
Quarantine Fitness: ‘Prison-Style’ Exercises You Can Do Anywhere
https://gearjunkie.com/quarantine-fitness-prison-workout-home
Get your zen on from home with these digital yoga classes offered by local studios
https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/get-your-zen-on-from-home-with-these-digital-yoga-classes-offered-by-local-studios-031820
YMCA 360 - Online Exercise
YMCA 360 offers online exercise, fitness, well-being, and youth sports classes from the comfort of your own home. Popular classes like yoga, barre, boot camp, tai chi, boxing, weightlifting, and soccer are free for you and your family.
https://ymca360.org/
Chris Hemsworth is Offering Free Virtual Workouts for the Next Six Weeks
https://nerdbot.com/2020/03/24/chris-hemsworth-is-offering-free-virtual-workouts-for-the-next-six-weeks/
Peloton - the popular spin fitness program - is offering a free 90-day trial of its fitness app, which guides you through a variety of challenging workouts from yoga to circuit training.
https://www.onepeloton.com/app
At Home Workouts - Les Mills On Demand
https://watch.lesmillsondemand.com/at-home-workouts
Thanks to your fitness club, this temporary site allows free access to 100 workouts during the COVID-19 disruptions.
Planet Fitness is offering fitness videos for free on their Facebook page as Facebook Live videos 6pm CT
https://www.facebook.com/planetfitness
Return to Top
Food and Cooking
Need new recipes for quarantine? Pixar's YouTube channel is here to help
https://ew.com/movies/cooking-with-pixar-recipes-youtube/
10 Things to Bake When You Don’t Have Flour
https://www.thekitchn.com/flourless-baked-goods-23021352
On-the-Fly Substitutions for 35 Common Ingredients
When supplies are running low, a good substitution can be your best friend.
https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/2319-on-the-fly-substitutions-for-35-common-ingredients
Easy recipes you can make during coronavirus quarantine with five ingredients or less
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/food-dining/2020/04/10/coronavirus-quarantine-cooking-easy-recipes-you-can-make-few-ingredients/5131173002/
The best online resources for quarantine cooking at all skill levels. They include beginner-friendly recipes and ways to use what you have on hand.
https://www.engadget.com/quarantine-cooking-online-resources-163009672.html
Take a Free Online Cooking Class From the World-famous Borough Market in London
https://www.travelandleisure.com/food-drink/cooking-entertaining/borough-market-london-cooking-classes-online
84-Year-Old Italian Nonna Is Live-Streaming Pasta-Making Classes From Her Home Outside Rome
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/621573/nonna-live-streaming-pasta-making-classes
Supercook: Just add your ingredients and Supercook instantly finds matching recipes from the most popular cooking websites! Apps available to make it easier.
https://www.supercook.com/
Free Access: The 50 America's Test Kitchen Recipes You Need Now | America's Test Kitchen --America's Test Kitchen is providing this special collection of 50 all-time favorite recipes free for everyone during the COVID-19
https://www.americastestkitchen.com/collections/50-americas-test-kitchen-recipes-you-need-now
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street: Milk Street Cooking School is making all their online classes free until the end of April:
https://www.177milkstreet.com/school/classes/online-classes/
Return to Top
Genealogy
When Life Gives You Lemons: Genealogy Activities for Coronavirus Quarantine
https://www.legacytree.com/blog/coronavirus-quarantine-activities
Free Genealogy Classes from Brigham Young University
https://is.byu.edu/catalog/free-courses
Adding Branches to Your Family Tree using DNA
https://www.rootstech.org/video/adding-branches-to-your-family-tree-using-dna?et_cid=1685852&et_rid=114346080&linkid=textlink1&cid=em-fsn-9735
Healing & Family History--The Emotional Side of DNA
https://www.rootstech.org/video/healing-family-history-the-emotional-side-of-dna
RootsMOOC: An Introduction to Genealogy and Family History Research
https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/ghl/genealogy/roots-mooc
Family History Activities from Familyhistory.org
In-home and online activities designed for the whole family
https://www.familysearch.org/discovery/?et_cid=1679470&et_rid=114346080&linkid=CTA1d&cid=em-fsn-9570
Return to Top
Libraries
Discover 36,918,180 images, texts, videos, and sounds from across the United States in the Digital Public Library of America
https://dp.la/
Discover archival photos, maps, illustrations, and more for free at these libraries’ websites.
http://www.ilovelibraries.org/article/amazing-library-collections-explore-online
Return to Top
Mental Health
Crisis Text Line
If you aren’t able or don’t want to talk on the phone, the Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text “HOME” to 741741 from anywhere in the US to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor—every text is viewed by a human who can help you make a plan to stay safe and healthy. Learn more or message them online at www.crisistextline.org.
Get Help Now from the Pandemic Crisis Services Coalition
https://www.covidmentalhealthsupport.org/get-help-now
10 Ways to Care For Your Emotional and Mental Wellbeing during COVID-19
https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/covid-19/2020/04/caring-for-your-emotional-and-mental-welbeing-during-covid-19/
13 Ways to Cope With Pandemic Stress and Grief
https://nutritionstudies.org/13-ways-to-cope-with-pandemic-stress-and-grief/
15 Ideas for Relieving Stress During Coronavirus Quarantine
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/relieving-stress-ideas/357346/
Cook County North Suburban branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://namiccns.org/
Illinois Department of Human Services launched a free emotional-support text line for Illinoisans experiencing stress related to COVID-19: Call4Calm. This isn’t a crisis hotline, but a source of support. If you want to speak to a counselor, text TALK to 552020, or HABLAR for Spanish speakers. You can also access a wider array of supports using the same number on your mobile phone. Text 552020 with keywords such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” to receive information to help you navigate getting assistance.
Safe Space is home to resources and tools to provide you with some extra support in an emotionally safe environment.
https://www.vibrant.org/safespace/
The CDC has tips for managing stress and anxiety
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Yale's most popular class ever is available free online — and the topic is how to be happier in your daily life
https://www.businessinsider.com/coursera-yale-science-of-wellbeing-free-course-review-overview
5 Resources: Mental Health During Social Distancing
https://www.chipublib.org/blogs/post/5-resources-mental-health-during-social-distancing/
Kindness Resources
A collection of resources to help us stay busy, calm & kind during the pandemic.
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
Return to Top
Music
CSO and WFMT to launch weekly series, ‘Maestro’s Choice’
https://csosoundsandstories.org/cso-and-wfmt-to-launch-weekly-series-maestros-choice/
Fender offers three months of free guitar lessons amid social distancing
https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/48507/1/fender-offer-three-months-of-free-guitar-lessons-amid-social-distancing
Austin City Limits opens up video archives for free during COVID-19 pandemic
https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/austin-city-limits-opens-up-video-archives-for-free-during-covid-19-pandemic
The Shows Must Go Online: 12 Ways to Stream the Stage
https://observer.com/2020/03/theater-broadway-musicals-plays-online-streaming-platforms/
You can now watch Cirque du Soleil online from your couch
https://604now.com/watch-cirque-du-soleil-online
SiriusXM radio will be free until May 15
https://www.wkrn.com/community/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-siriusxm-radio-will-be-free-until-may-15
For the family that enjoyed Ken Burns Country Music Documentary. A Kentucky Treasure: The JD Crowe Story Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfczIhoOwo8&feature=youtu.be
BroadwayHD Is Letting You Watch Your Favorite Musicals For Free — For a Limited Time
https://www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/tv-movies/live-stream-musicals-broadwayhd
Free Beginner Bluegrass Lesson by Banjo Ben
https://youtu.be/4bk_iYKe_ig
Met launches “Nightly Met Opera Streams,” a free series of encore Live in HD presentations streamed on the company website during the coronavirus closure
https://www.metopera.org/about/press-releases/met-to-launch-nightly-met-opera-streams-a-free-series-of-encore-live-in-hd-presentations-streamed-on-the-company-website-during-the-coronavirus-closure/
Return to Top
Museums
The Louvre:
https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne
U.S. Space and Rocket Museum in Huntsville, Al :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qe5RqyMNhc
Return to Top
Outer Space
Access Mars: A webVR Experience
https://accessmars.withgoogle.com/
NASA’s Image and Video Library is free.
https://images.nasa.gov/
Return to Top
Virtual Tours
Board a virtual tour of the Chicago River without leaving the house
https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/board-a-virtual-tour-of-the-chicago-river-without-leaving-the-house-042820
Virtual Louisiana: Culture and Culinary Experiences Come to Life Online Bring home Louisiana’s vibrant culture and cuisine with museum virtual tours, art exhibits, and culinary events.
https://www.louisianatravel.com/articles/virtual-louisiana-culture-and-culinary-experiences-come-life-online
Take a virtual tour of Frida Kahlo’s dazzling Mexico City home
https://www.timeout.com/news/take-a-virtual-tour-of-frida-kahlos-dazzling-mexico-city-home-042920
Take A Virtual Tour Through A 6-Mile Stretch Of Tulip Lanes In Holland, Michigan
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/virtual-tour-tulips-mi/
NY Botanical Gardens
https://www.nybg.org/take-a-virtual-walk-through-nybgs-spring-landscape/
Take free weekly virtual tours of Frank Lloyd Wright's U.S. buildings
https://www.timeout.com/usa/news/take-free-weekly-virtual-tours-of-frank-lloyd-wrights-u-s-buildings-050520
Virtual Travel Experiences That Let You Explore the World From Your Living Room
https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/virtual-trips-travel-tours
You Can Now Take A Haunted History Virtual Tour Of New Orleans’ French Quarter
https://freaked.com/you-can-now-take-a-haunted-history-virtual-tour-of-new-orleans-french-quarter/
8 Blooming Botanical Gardens To Explore Virtually
https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=8-blooming-botanical-gardens-to-explore-virtually
13 Virtual Train Rides From Around the World That You Can Experience Right Now (Video)
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/bus-train/virtual-train-rides
See the Most Colorful Tulip Fields in the Netherlands Without Leaving Your House This Year
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/netherlands-keukenhof-tulip-bloom-virtual
This Virtual Tour of the Carlsbad Caverns Will Entertain You (and Your Kids) for Hours (Video)
https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/carlsbad-caverns-new-mexico-virtual-tour
Five-thousand-year-old Egyptian tomb opens for a virtual tour
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/apr/15/egyptian-tomb-ancient-wonders-open-for-virtual-tour-in-lockdown
Visit the most haunted places in the U.S. right from your couch
https://www.timeout.com/usa/things-to-do/visit-the-most-haunted-places-in-the-u-s-right-from-your-couch
12 Frank Lloyd Wright buildings are now hosting virtual tours
https://thespaces.com/12-frank-lloyd-wright-buildings-are-now-hosting-virtual-tours/
How to visit some of Chicago’s best museums without leaving your house
https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/how-to-visit-some-of-chicagos-best-museums-without-leaving-your-house-040320
Hit the World's Best Beaches With These 360-Degree Virtual Experiences
https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/virtual-beach-vacations-tours
Calling All Car Lovers: You Can Take a Virtual Tour of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Germany
From vintage cars to futuristic creations, this virtual experience has it all.
https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/mercedes-benz-museum-germany-virtual-tour
Walking Tour: The Stanley Hotel
https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/323174/walking-tour-the-stanley-hotel/
Virtual Tour: Bran Castle, The Castle That Inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula
https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/323163/virtual-tour-bran-castle-the-castle-that-inspired-bram-stokers-dracula/
See Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, and More on This Virtual Trip Around the United Kingdom
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/virtual-united-kingdom-tour
A Virtual Tour of Biltmore Gardens in the Spring
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/a-virtual-tour-of-biltmore-gardens-in-the-spring-pictures
Mount Vernon Virtual Tour
https://virtualtour.mountvernon.org/
Virtual Disney World
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYyJUEtYv-ZW7BgjhP3UbTg
Guggenheim Museum Virtual tour
https://artsandculture.google.com/streetview/solomon-r-guggenheim-museum-interior-streetview/jAHfbv3JGM2KaQ
Palace of Versailles tour
https://www.vogue.fr/fashion-culture/article/palace-of-versailles-free-online-virtual-tour
Explore amazing library architecture from the comfort of your computer.
http://www.ilovelibraries.org/article/take-virtual-tours-these-stunning-libraries
Take a digital tour of some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic Chicagoland buildings
https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/take-a-digital-tour-of-some-of-frank-lloyd-wrights-most-iconic-chicagoland-buildings-032620
Chicago Is One of the Coolest Cities in the Country — and You Can Take a Virtual Trip There Right Now
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/city-vacations/virtual-tour-chicago
Google Earth US National Parks
https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/google-earth-virtual-tours-of-us-national-parks
This Virtual Tour of the Carlsbad Caverns Will Entertain You (and Your Kids) for Hours (Video)
https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/carlsbad-caverns-new-mexico-virtual-tour
Take a Virtual Hike on the Great Wall of China From the Comfort of Your Couch (Video)
https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/landmarks-monuments/virtual-hike-great-wall-of-china
A Botanical Garden in Seattle Is Livestreaming Plants to Help You Relax
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/volunteer-park-conservatory-seattle-plants-livestream
A Tour of the Paris Catacombs
https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/322066/housebound-horror-fans-can-take-a-virtual-tour-of-the-paris-catacombs/
New Orleans Virtual Tours
https://www.neworleans.com/plan/virtual-experience/
You Can Now Enjoy a Virtual Tour of Buckingham Palace (& Pretend You’re Queen Elizabeth Herself)
https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/buckingham-palace-virtual-tour
You can now take a virtual tour of NYC's best street art
https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/you-can-now-take-a-virtual-tour-of-nycs-best-street-art-032320
Virtual Farm Tool, “Immerse Yourself in Canadian Farm and Food Tours”
https://www.farmfood360.ca/
Virtual Tour, The Great Wall of China:
https://www.thechinaguide.com/destination/great-wall-of-china
Mammoth Hot Springs Boardwalk Trails at Yellowstone National Park Virtual Field trip:
https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/yell-mammoth-hot-springs-trails.htm
Return to Top
Work at Home Ideas
How to Work From Home, According to Neuroscience
You have to trick yourself into believing you’re at work, scientists say. Create cues that indicate you’re not at home anymore. And never work on your phone. (But rules are made to be broken!)
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2020/04/how-to-work-from-home-according-to-neuroscience
9 Productivity Tips for Working at Home Under Quarantine
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-right-mindset/202004/9-productivity-tips-working-home-under-quarantine
That whole quarantine routine gone bust? No problem, we'll set you right. We won't judge you too hard for wearing sweats all day (or will we?), but your quarantine life needs some order -- now.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/that-whole-quarantine-routine-gone-bust-no-problem-well-set-you-right/
Dept. of Labor’s COVID-19 and the American Workplace
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
LinkedIn recently put together 16 unlocked courses in a free learning path to help individuals and organizations manage and work remotely
https://www.linkedin.com/learning/paths/remote-working-setting-yourself-and-your-teams-up-for-success
Live and recorded webinars from SCORE Chicago on different business topics:
https://chicago.score.org/live-and-recorded-webinars
Open-Access JSTOR Materials Accessible to the Public
The online academic resource has made over 6,000 ebooks and over 150 journals accessible without the need for an online login.
http://www.universitytimes.ie/2020/03/jstor-makes-database-accessible-to-the-public
Want to Be a Great Storyteller? This Free Online Course From Pixar Is for You! Pixar and Khan Academy are teaming up to offer a free online storytelling course.
https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/now-you-can-learn-storytelling-from-the-best-in-the-business-absolutely-free.html
Coursera: Build Skills with Online Courses from Top Institutions
Join Coursera for free and learn online. Build skills with courses from top universities like Yale, Michigan, Stanford, and leading companies like Google and IBM. Advance your career with degrees, certificates, Specializations, & MOOCs in data science, computer science, business, and dozens of other topics.
https://www.coursera.org/
Return to Top
COVID-19 Info
Why days 5 to 10 are so important when you have coronavirus
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-nyt-coronavirus-symptom-monitoring-20200430-oxeziftcufdszfgpmeljwkvmue-story.html
COVID Explained
https://explaincovid.org/
How To Make A Face Mask With A Bandana For Coronavirus
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-make-face-mask-bandana_l_5e876472c5b63e06281d87d9
How to Make a DIY Face Mask for Coronavirus
https://time.com/5816956/how-to-make-a-face-mask-coronavirus/
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle held a press conference to announce Cook County’s new text message alert system, hotline and email for sharing COVID-19 updates. Residents can now text the word ALERTCOOK to 888-777, to receive rapid updates related to the virus; call the hotline number at (708) 633-3319; or email at: ccdph.covid19@cookcountyhhs.org
You can find more about what Illinois is doing for small businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic at coronavirus.illinois.gov.
Volunteer opportunities for healthy individuals
https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus/Resources/Pages/VolunteerOpportunities.aspx
Questions about COVID-19 and food safety answered.
https://www.seriouseats.com/2020/03/food-safety-and-coronavirus-a-comprehensive-guide.html
These Common Household Products Can Destroy the Novel Coronavirus
Consumer Reports shows you how to use them and tells you which products to stay away from
https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/common-household-products-that-can-destroy-novel-coronavirus/
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Authoritative and Relevant Resources
https://www.proquest.com/products-services/related/Coronavirus-Outbreak-Authoritative-Resources.html
WebMD’s Coronavirus: The Latest Updates
https://www.webmd.com/coronavirus
The Park Ridge Community Network has even more up-to-date resources available https://www.parkridge.info/
Return to Top
Park Ridge Public Library Resources
Book Match from Reader Services! https://www.parkridgelibrary.org/book-match-adult/
PRPL Pinterest Board for Coloring and Coloring Pages https://www.pinterest.com/PRPLPinterest/coloring-and-coloring-books/
If you want to read newspapers (and magazines) don’t forget about Pressreader: www.parkridgelibrary.org/magazines.
Make sure you choose library or group when you sign in, and find Park Ridge Public Library. Enter in your library card number and the word password in the PIN field.
You will have access for 30 days. You don’t have to create an account if you don’t want to. There is also an app of course!!!
RBdigital and Flipster have magazines. From the list of magazines that we subscribe to in print, we note which titles are available on each service.
And we subscribe to more digitally on each service than what is listed here. Enjoy!
www.parkridgelibrary.org/magazines
Return to Top
City of Park Ridge Resources
City of Park Ridge FAQ about coronavirus; Senior Citizens and other residents with special needs with questions should call the Police Department non-emergency line at 847-318-5252
https://www.parkridge.us/city_of_park_ridge_and_coronavirus_covid-19/
The Park Ridge Community Network has even more up-to-date resources available https://www.parkridge.info/
Return to Top
Animals Animal Cameras Books, Reading and Streaming Computers and Computer Skills Documentaries Education Financial Assistance Fitness Food and Cooking Genealogy Libraries Mental Health Music Museums Outer Space Virtual Tours Working From Home COVID-19 Info Library Resources City Resources