French Online Educational and Leisure Activities for Kids

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Many of us have kids in French Immersion or French boards, so wanted to put together a list of educational activities, games and other resources for kids - both for homeschooling purposes and for fun! Have any to add? Let us know in the comments!

Online Educational and Leisure Resources and Activities for Kids

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Looking for online educational resources and fun activities for your kids that are also interesting? We’ve compiled a list and separated it by area of interest or subject. Let us know if you have any to add!

Animals and Nature

The San Diego Zoo has a website just for kids with amazing videos, activities, and games:  https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/

Tour Yellowstone National Park: https://www.nps.gov/…/lea…/photosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm

This Canadian site FarmFood 360 offers 11 Virtual Tours of farms from minks, pigs, and cows, to apples and eggs: https://www.farmfood360.ca/

Play games and learn all about animals: https://switchzoo.com/

National Geographic, geography and animals: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

Animal Cams list: https://www.adventure-journal.com/2020/03/if-youre-stuck-inside-might-as-well-enjoy-this-list-of-animal-cams/

Space 

Explore the surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover: https://accessmars.withgoogle.com/

Television Characters

Play with favourite TV show characters and learn too: https://pbskids.org/

Around the world

This Virtual Tour of the Great Wall of China is beautiful and makes history come to life: https://www.thechinaguide.com/destinati…/great-wall-of-china

35,000 pages of online content on the cultures and countries of the world: https://www.countryreports.org/

Live WebCams, Virtual Tours, and Virtual Field Trips: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/1NGi3CzD0gY7Dq83dtX_Oa4LDVdU0qkew251N6LQk-Fw/htmlview?usp=sharing&fbclid=IwAR3clQcJcC-Mwyc8uylWUnuarob_OJFJN22KXqDYEhAwHNeZJqXBmv7MZaY&sle=true

Math and Science

Math and Reading games: https://www.funbrain.com/

Math practice from counting to algebra and geometry: http://www.mathscore.com/

High school chemistry topics: https://www.acs.org/…/hi…/chemmatters/articles-by-topic.html

Math and reading games: https://www.abcya.com/

Math and language games: https://www.arcademics.com/

Elem science videos: https://www.backpacksciences.com/science-simplified

Elem Math through 6th grade: https://boddlelearning.com/

Math as a fun part of your daily family routine: http://bedtimemath.org/

Biology: https://www.biologysimulations.com/

Geometry: https://www.canfigureit.com/

Science, Math, Social Studies: https://www.ck12.org/student/

Chemistry: https://www.playmadagames.com/

Kindergarten to Grade 5 Science lessons: https://mysteryscience.com/

A wide range of math content from middle school through AP Calculus: https://deltamath.com/overview 

Kindergarten to Grade 8 online math program: https://www.dreambox.com/at-home

Interactive video earth science-based curriculum supplement: https://www.everyday-earth.com/

80+ do at-home science activities: https://elementalscience.com/…/n…/80-free-science-activities

Science and math labs and simulations: https://phet.colorado.edu/

Learn all about earthquakes: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids/

Learn all about the periodic table: https://www.chemicool.com/

Space science: https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html

Math Games, Logic Puzzles and Brain Builders: https://www.mathplayground.com/

Smithsonian Learning Lab: https://www.si.edu/kids

Science Mom fun science videos:  www.youtube.com/sciencemom 

Skype a Scientist - https://www.facebook.com/annfro/posts/10157039487963873

Languages, Literature and Spelling

Phonics skills: https://www.starfall.com/h/ 

Resources for Spanish practice: https://www.difusion.com/campus/

Chinese learning activities: https://chalkacademy.com/

Grammar practice for middle grades: https://www.classroomcereal.com/

Reading passages for grades 3-12: https://www.commonlit.org/

Vocabulary, grammar, listening activities and games in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Korean, and Latin: https://conjuguemos.com/

Multiple Foreign languages: https://www.duolingo.com/

Magic Spell is a carefully crafted spelling adventure: https://brainbox.games/

Spelling grades 1 to 4: https://www.spellingtraining.com/

Free stories online ages 3-12: https://www.freechildrenstories.com/

Read, play games, and hang out with Dr. Seuss: https://www.seussville.com/

Fave kids books read by famous people: https://www.storylineonline.net/

Free printables library with activities for children 0-6: https://www.littlesparkcompany.com/printables-library

Interactive games based on the book series: https://www.magictreehouse.com/

General education

Curio.ca is the educational platform of CBC/Radio-Canada, and gives students, from primary through to post-secondary levels, streaming access to educational content from CBC and Radio-Canada. This includes thousands of programs and resources, from television and radio, documentaries, to news reports, archival material, and more: https://curio.ca/en/

Educational games Kindergarten to 12: https://www.breakoutedu.com/funathome

Scholastic multi-interest projects: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html?

Three Free Weeks of Maker Stations to keep your children creating at home! Each challenge includes simple instructions using materials around the house, QR code video resources, and a student recording sheet. bit.ly/freemakerstations

Online homeschool platform & curriculum for Pre-K to 12th grade. All main subjects are covered, plus extra-curriculum courses. http://discoveryk12.com/dk12/

Farmer's almanac for kids... Date, weather, moon phase:  https://www.almanac.com/kids

PreK-12 digital media service with more than 30,000 learning materials: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/ 

Music

Music is for everyone: https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Experiments

Poetry and music: https://www.thewell.world/mindful-mu…/mindful-poetry-moments

Learn guitar or ukulele: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9cvVvlvr-qBssphm1EdYGQ

Learn piano: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzgTNTgQsR9YYsyOm3k3KQ

QuaverMusic is offering free access to general music activities: https://www.quavermusic.com/info/at-home-resources/

Museums

Ottawa Museum Tours: https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/tour-ottawa-museums-from-the-comfort-of-your-living-room-1.4853809?fbclid=IwAR3-ca0Kdq0P7gUba6PfhB6qG40tEdmI-TNA02BKRcXpm-rSFNILQJcARg8

The Louvre: https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne

British Museum; discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies:. https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/

Arts, Crafts and Games!

This comprehensive guide from Common Sense Media will help you find the best teacher-approved apps, games, and websites to support your kid - broken down by grade! https://www.commonsensemedia.org/guide/essential-school-tools

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems: https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/

Crafts, activities, mazes, dot to dot, etc.: https://www.allkidsnetwork.com/

Fun games, recipes, crafts, activities: https://www.highlightskids.com/

Printable board games, activities and more: https://dogonalogbooks.com/printables/

Online photograph jigsaw puzzles You can set the pieces from 6-1000+: https://www.jigsawexplorer.com/

Physical activity

Free at-home kids yoga lesson plans: https://littletwistersyoga.com/online-store/

Kid-friendly workouts: https://app.sworkit.com/collections/kids-workouts

Cosmic Kids Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga

Cooking with Kids

Illustrated recipes designed to help kids age 2-12 cook with their grown-ups: https://www.nomsterchef.com/nomster-recipe-library

Think Cottage Life: Ideas On How To Take Advantage Of A Slow Down

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By Angèle Alain

This outbreak curve flattening strategy of social distancing is making many Ottawa families anxious and nervous about fighting off boredom. In my case, I’m revelling in the idea of a forced slowdown, a time to rest body and mind, build up immune systems and do so many things we never do because life is just too busy. This is how I suggest approaching the next few weeks. The odds are, we will remember this situation forever, why not create positive memories too.

Think cottage life. 

The cottage is usually where we naturally slow down. It’s where we play cards, dig out the yarn and knitting needles, crack open the Monopoly box (I prefer Cards Against Humanity, but that’s me) or bake something with wild raspberries. It’s where, on a rainy day, there’s nothing “usual” to do, so we give ourselves permission to help the kids build a fort with all those spare blankets. It’s where we watch old movies, read old magazines. 

So here is a list of things to do on your own or with your family:

  • Play a board game or a video game as a group. Dig out the older ones for novelty;

  • Finally get to sewing repairs;

  • Marie Kondo the mess out of your house (declutter and donate);

  • Pair down a collection and organise it: photos, books, records, etc.;

  • Try knitting a scarf or neck warmer: it’s just a rectangle you sew both ends together;

  • Dig out your childhood memory box and share with your kids;

  • Colour in a colouring book: try with wood pencils, then with markers; 

  • Find all that leftover cardboard and paper, or raid the recycling box to make crafts;

  • Read that book you’ve been wanting to read or re-read;

  • Play cards or build card castles;

  • Organise your cupboards or your closets;

  • Clean your windows and walls. It is almost spring, after all;

  • Clean out the garage;

  • Paint your walls or old furniture;

  • Rearrange your furniture;

  • Finally use those paints and canvases someone gave your kid;

  • Bake creative cookies, muffins or bread with what’s in the cupboard or the freezer;

  • Do a puzzle; 

  • Make a model or a Lego-type kit;

  • Cook with food that’s about to go bad and freeze it;

  • Build a blanket and chair fort;

  • Learn something new from a YouTube tutorial;

  • Learn basic sentences in a new language (you will travel again!) or in sign language;

  • Watch a film from your childhood with your children: The Breakfast Club, Gremlins, Close Encounter of the Third Kind, the original Ghostbusters, the list is endless;

  • Finally put photos in the frames you bought and hang those frames;

  • Write and mail someone a letter or make someone a handmade card;

  • Try a science experiment, there are many easy instructions online;

  • Play an instrument you have and you know how to play;

  • Write a short story, a poem or a song;

  • Dig out your favourite music from your teens and share it with your loved ones;

  • Make music playlists on your platform of choice like you would mix-tapes (I showed my age there, didn’t I?)

  • Try a new workout or yoga tutorial: there are some good ones on YouTube for small children like Cosmic Kids Star Wars;

  • Follow nail, makeup and hair tutorials for fun;

  • Play dress up and put on a fake Halloween party or fashion show;

  • Go for walks with your animals. Try it with the cat too, it’s funny; 

  • Go snowshoeing if there’s still snow.

I hope this list motivates you as much as it motivates me. I could have kept going but I think you get the idea.

Family Travel: Nashville, Tennessee

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KITC would like to welcome back guest blogger, Stephen Johnson. Stephen Johnson is an Ottawa writer who loves to write about family travel.  During the summer, you will most likely find him and his family at a local fair or festival. During the winter, a beach in Mexico is a likely bet.  

If you like music, you will love Nashville, Tennessee.  Often cited as the home of country music, Nashville is also home to a vibrant rock, blues and folk scene.  The good news is Nashville is also a great place to visit with kids. After a recent trip to the Music City, here are a few of my suggestions.  

Things to do -  Country Music Hall of Fame - A great place to start any visit to Nashville is at the Country Music Hall of Fame.  As one would expect, the Hall of Fame traces the history of country music. A few of my favourite displays included seeing Elvis’s gold car and more guitars from famous singers than I could count.   

The kids will be happy at the Hall of Fame as well.  The Taylor Swift Educational Centre has plenty of interactive displays and kids activities.  The day I visited the museum was jam-packed with school groups.  

As one of the add-ons to your Hall of Fame ticket, a person can do the RCA Studio B tour.  A short ten minute bus ride from the Hall of Fame,  Studio B is where Elvis recorded many of his greatest hits.  Other recording artists at Studio B included Dolly Parton and the Everly Brothers.  Our guide explained the history of the studio and why it was world renowned for the sound achieved in the studio.    The tour was very interesting but might be more geared towards older kids.  

Another addition you can choose to do is the Hatch Show Print Tour. Hatch Show Print has been a letterpress print since 1879.  Today, the print shop is housed within the Country Music Hall of Fame building.  The tour covers the history of the print shop, how posters are made and perhaps best for kids,  you get a chance to make your own poster. Some of the famous artists who have had their concerts promoted by Hatch posters include Elvis Presley, Hank Williams and Duke Ellington.   

Old Town Trolley Tour Nashville -  One of the best ways to get an overview of Nashville is to take a trolley tour.  The tour is a hop on hop off service with fifteen possible stops. I found the tour to be a great introduction to the history of Nashville.  Our guide was very knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor. The entire tour was about an hour and forty minutes. It was very kid-friendly and many of the stops would appeal to kids including several large parks.  

I also chose to do the evening Soul in the City music tour.   Our guide brought along his piano keyboard to play a few tunes on the bus.  We were introduced to the musical history of Nashville including studios where some of the best known hits have been written and recorded.   We also made a stop at a cafe where we got to see a song-writing circle. A trio of three musicians were sharing their songs.  

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum - Nashville -  I love Madame Tussauds because it is a very passive way for kids to learn about history.  I got to take my photo with almost lifelike wax figures including Justin Timberlake, Bono and Beyonce.  None of the above have ever invited me to their house so my photos at Tussauds are the closest I will ever get to the stars.  There was also a large section about the history of country music. As mentioned, the museum is a great place to learn history and have fun at the same time.

Soundwaves Water Experience -  This may be the favourite attraction for any kid visiting Nashville.  Set in the impressive Gaylord Opryland Resort, this indoor/outdoor water park features multiple waterslides, a lazy river and rapids river, a younger kids area and a crowd surfer.  

I appreciated the water experience also offered an adults only area where one could rest and relax.  

During the summer, the outdoor area features more waterslides and even a huge LED screen.  

Where to Eat

Barbecue is almost considered a food group in Nashville.  Jack’s Bar-B-Que,  found along the main entertainment strip, Broadway Avenue, was one of my favourites.  The place wasn’t fancy but served up delicious smoked chicken, pulled pork and brisket.  It is tradition to order a meat and three, meaning three side dishes. I loved the mac n cheese and the cornbread.  

The Peanut Shop - The Peanut Shop is like taking a trip back in time.   The shop has been at the same location since 1927. It originally was a Planters Peanuts store.   The day I visited, I was greeted by the friendly owner Kathy. The smell of freshly roasted nuts filled the shop.  The walls were decorated as if it was still 1927. Every type of nut was on sale along with items like licorice and gum balls.  

I ordered a bag of sweetened cashews and roasted peanuts.   They were the most delicious nuts I have tasted in my life.   Before I left Nashville, I made several trips back to the Peanut Shop and would have brought home half the store if it was not for import food regulations!

Where to Stay   Nashville is booming right now and it is a tourist city so it is a good idea to book ahead.  I had an enjoyable stay at several hotel properties.

Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown - This hotel was so new, it took awhile for my taxi driver to find it.  The day I checked in, the 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm free happy hour was just starting for guests of the hotel.  We were offered buffet style finger foods like nachos and sliders. Of course, there were juices and pops for the kids and adults are offered two free adult beverages if they so choose.  It was the perfect bridge between supper and going out to explore the city.

The hotel is located within easy walking distance of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Broadway and all downtown attractions.  

The following morning, the breakfast buffet was delicious.   My room was very clean and the hotel comes with free WiFi.  

Hotel Preston - Hotel Preston was quirky in the best sense of the word.   In true Nashville spirit, guests are able to borrow guitars from the front desk.  Perhaps the next great hit will be composed with a Hotel Preston guitar.   

The hotel staff were very friendly, including the front desk staff who offered me an umbrella on a rainy Nashville day.  

The hotel also has a regular-changing art exhibition featuring local artists.  

The standout for me at Hotel Preston was the on-site restaurant, Blackwood.  I had excellent Southern food including fried chicken and waffles for breakfast and a yummy burger for supper.  Prices were very affordable and the taste was far beyond standard hotel fare. There is also live music there certain nights of the week.  

The hotel is located very close to the airport and is a short Uber ride from downtown.  The hotel also offers a shuttle to the airport.

Gaylord Opryland Resort  - This hotel could be worth an entire article on it’s own.  Listed as the largest non-casino hotel in the United States, this hotel is an architectural marvel.  As previously mentioned, it is home to an indoor/outdoor waterpark, a nine-acre indoor garden and an artificial river that offers boat tours and even has waterfalls.  There is a free fountain light show that would be worthy of anything found in Vegas.

The resort is so huge, guests are given a map to navigate the property.   Part of the fun is getting lost and exploring all the nooks and crannies of the hotel.

The resort is conveniently located within walking distance of the Grand Ole Opry.  The resort offers a shuttle bus downtown and to the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills shopping mall.  

If you go - The only problem visitors to Nashville will have is finding enough time to do all the activities.  You can literally find venues playing music from breakfast until the wee hours of the morning. A great place to find information about everything going on is www.visitmusiccity.com.

I found Uber to be a great way to get around the city.   All the drivers were very friendly and offered local tips that were useful.  I also found all the local residents to be polite and friendly as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or just chat.  There is a good chance the person working at the coffee shop or front desk at your hotel is also working on the next hit record or is the lead guitarist for your favorite musical group.  

Snow day activities for kids

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It’s a rare thing to have schools closed here in Ottawa for big snowstorms, but even if they're not closed you may choose to keep your kids home if the roads are really bad. We’ve gathered a list of fun snow day activities for kids to keep everyone from going crazy!

St. Patrick’s Day Crafting

This incredible roundup of St. Patrick’s Day crafts and activities for kids from CBC is sure to keep you busy the entire day. It may also cause a lot of mess, but what’s a great snow day without a little mess?


Write some letters

Remember the days of pen pals? Your kids will get a kick out of writing letters to friends or family members. Decorate them with stickers, stamps or even dried up flowers and leaves (we have many of these falling off our indoor plants) If you’re really brave, you can walk to the mailbox to mail them!

Create an obstacle or activity course

If your kids have energy to burn, then you’ll need to do something active with them. There’s nothing more fun than an obstacle course, which can get the kids jumping, moving through “tunnels” or completing other challenges. An alternative to obstacles are fun activity centres (e.g. 10 jumping jacks, 10 pushups, running on the spot etc.)

Make a good ol’ collage

Remember how much fun collages were? Bring those babies back!! Grab any old magazines or flyers you have lying around the house, and give your kids a theme to work from - maybe it’s “winter” or (more hopeful) “spring.” They’ll love cutting and pasting images onto a blank canvas.

Check out some new apps

Chances are you will have SOME screen time throughout the day, so why not check out our list of fun and educational apps for kids? These ones are parent approved!

Do some “parent is resting” games

Snow days can be long, and you may want to rest even though your kids are looong past naps! If that’s the case, make up games where you get to lie down and close your eyes, or just sit quietly. These include: hairdresser, doctor, massage therapist, or “spa.” I may have been known to actually pay my kids to give me a massage ;)

Read a classic book together

Life is busy, and snow days usually offer us some time to finally slow our pace a bit. I love getting out classic novels that I read as a kid and reading them out loud to my kids. We’ve done Anne of Green Gables, the Secret Garden, (the less classic, but still amazing) Harry Potter and many more!

Write a kids book together

If your kids don’t have the patience to sit and listen to you read out loud, why not create a new kids book together? Make up a fun and simple story, and have your kids draw the characters and action scenes. Staple it all together and voila!