tips to keep kids busy during a coronavirus summer

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Tips and resources to keep all kids busy during coronavirus social distancing

  • Moderate physical activity can increase life expectancy.

Family recreation during the coronavirus pandemic can be tough if you have a child or family member with a physical or developmental challenge. Here are some tips from the experts at Courage Kenny’s SHARE Program for free and low-cost ways to help your family remain active and engaged during home quarantine. Some activities are free, some charge a small fee. Many are disability friendly and adaptable for family members of all ability levels.

Allina Health resources for kids and teens

Change to Chill, this free website helps teens become more aware of the things that stress them out and equips them with tools and resources to better manage stress and anxiety.

Courage Kenny Assistive Technology offers a wealth resources for people of all ages. Simple to advanced technology can help kids and adults with physical disabilities or other medical conditions be more independent and be able to participate in fun, recreational activities. From switches on toys, to one-handed knitting after a stroke, to voice-activated computer controls or a fishing pole you can use one-handed, we can help you find an activity you love.

Health Powered Kids

SHARE – Courage Kenny's Sports, Health, Activity, Recreation and Exercise program has extensive adaptive resources for your family, and resources to help you adapt activities tailored to your family’s needs.

Games, crafts and more

Card games

Crayola art projects

Fave Crafts

Pinterest resources from Courage Kenny 

Library resources and apps

Libby app
Download free e-books, music and more from the library

Lynda

A free website for library card holders in Minnesota. Video tutorials taught by industry experts. Lessons for all skill levels on a variety of topics including business skills and software, web design and development, music, photo and video editing, and 3D design and animation.

Free and low-cost e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines and films

Bookbub.com, Kindle, Apple

Biblioboard

Cloudlibrary

Kanopy

Fitness apps and web resources

Inclusive Home Workouts

Adapted yoga (for all abilities)

Victory over Paralysis exercises/videos

Nike Training Club. More than 185 free workouts for all levels including strength, endurance, yoga and mobility training.

30 Day Squat Challenge

7 Minute Workout

Daily Yoga. Free trial

Daily Workout Fitness Trainer. Features 10 different 5-10 minute workouts, as well as 10 full-body workouts. The paid option has nearly 400 workouts to choose from.

FitOn: Fitness workout plans. Free with option to upgrade for a fee. Celebrity trainers lead cardio, Pilates, yoga and dance workouts.

Sworkit fitness & workout app. Plenty of free workouts including exercises designed for kids.

J&J Official 7-Minute Workout. Offers 72 different exercises and 22 workouts that last from 7 to 32 minutes and vary in intensity. 

Inclusive family activities

Not sure how to adapt an activity for your family member who has a physical or developmental challenge? Many recreational activities can easily be adapted to meet the needs of your loved one. This includes resources for board or card games, from Uno to Telestrations, geocaching, hiking, biking and pickleball. Many public venues also have accessibility guides, sensory friendly events or reduced prices. Check the website for access information or call ahead.

Accessible playgrounds

Going to the playground can be a great activity and you can always make it extra special by packing a picnic. Minnesota and Wisconsin accessible playgrounds often include sensory friendly equipment. Here’s a resource for the closest accessible playground near you.

Minnesota State parks

Most of Minnesota’s State Parks have accessible trails, lodging and activities. Check the website to learn more.

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