13 Virtual Play Ideas

by Keri Wilmot View Bio

Keri Wilmot

Keri Wilmot from ToyQueen.com is an occupational therapist, toy expert, Dallas blogger and parent, who shares popular toy reviews, tips and toy unboxings.

Keri is a full-time pediatric occupational therapist. With more than 18 years of clinical experience, professionally Keri specializes in working with infants, young children and their families by promoting developmental milestones in clients' homes, in the public school system and in the community.

Over time it was clear that Keri had developed a talent for finding developmental toys that promoted a child's educational skills, in fun, natural and playful ways. ToyQueen.com and its various social media channels (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) were developed to be an online resource that reviews toys, games, attractions, events, movies, experiences and baby products for their developmental qualities, with the goal to help all parents and caregivers learn practical ways to play everyday with their children through unique products and experiences.

There is a difference between screen time and virtual play. Screen time involves more passive entertainment that children watch, like a television show, movie or an app. But virtual play is different. It’s a much more engaging form of entertainment. And while the play scenario might have originated from an idea first shared online, these virtual play ideas not only reduce boredom, but inspire togetherness, collaboration, interaction, and mental and physical stimulation in everyday life.

1. Go on a Virtual Museum Tour
   The Vatican Museums in Rome, National History Museum in London, Musee d’Orsay in Paris, National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam are just some of the few that offer virtual museum tours online. Don’t forget the crayons, paints, art supplies, modeling clay and paper to use while you engage in your tour to draw, color and sculpt your favorites along the way.


2. Take a Virtual Art Lesson
   Ever wanted to learn how to doodle, illustrate or blend watercolors? Lots of popular illustrators and artists have taken to live social media sessions and certain times of the day and specific days of the week to share their techniques and tips with artists to pass the time. Curious on how to draw that favorite animal or movie character in a specific medium? Search “How to ____” videos on YouTube for even more ideas on specific characters and techniques.


3. Engage in a Virtual Exercise Class, Yoga or Martial Arts Video
   Mindfulness and exercise are popular ways to de-stress. Join in on a live virtual exercise class, play a dance music video, or cue up a martial arts or yoga session for the kids from YouTube. Even if it’s only for 10-15 minutes as a brain break from virtual learning and other work, physical play has a tremendous impact on overall attention, health and wellness.


4. Go on A Virtual Field Trip
   Love trips to the zoo, aquarium, or farms to see animals in their natural habitats? Gather up your favorite stuffed toys and animal figures, then cozy up together on the couch or at the table and check out the animal cams together.


5. Scavenger Hunts
   Kids love to play hide-and-seek and “I spy” games. Why not engage in a neighborhood scavenger hunt! Send a message to all your neighbors or post the idea in the neighborhood Facebook page. Whether you decide to color hearts for healthcare professionals or leave stuffed animal bears on the front porch to spot during a bear hunt, just take a walk, propel a scooter or a take a short bike ride around the block and see just how many you can find in your neighborhood.


6. Virtual Science Projects
   Did you know you can perform simple science projects with common household items and turn an egg into a bouncy ball using just vinegar? Watch virtual science projects online first, then perform them for fun at home.


7. Digital Escape Rooms
   Love working together as a team to sort through clues within a certain time frame to successfully “break out” of the escape room to win by collectively answering questions, riddles and puzzles? There are lots of virtual escape rooms to explore online with friends and family members, even a popular Harry Potter themed escape room!


8. Set Up a Virtual Play Date or Party with Friends
   Are the kids missing friends from school or family members in another state? Want to celebrate a milestone event like a birthday? Instead of the impromptu meet-ups at a community place, join a group chat, through Facetime, Google Hangout or Zoom. Have the kids bring 5 of their favorite collectible toys to share, an art project to do, or maybe just a container of sculpting sand or dough to play with on their own while they connect with friends and family online through play.


9. Download Printable Logic Games, Strategy Games, Crossword Puzzles and Brainteasers
   Not necessarily into large group activities, but looking for a way to exercise the mind and problem solve through challenging puzzles? Look for printable logic games, strategy games and brainteasers for all ages. Why not ask a friend or a grandparent to download one too and see who can solve it first!


10. STEM Projects
    Have an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math? Like building, creating and solving problems with constriction bricks and other manipulatives? Look for online virtual STEM/STEAM clubs to join or maybe even start one of your own.


11. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument
    Ever wanted to learn to play a musical instrument? With demo videos, tutorials and apps, through virtual play, kids can learn to play the keyboard, ukulele, guitar, drums, harmonica or any instrument they desire.


12. Virtual Karaoke
    It’s not a problem if you don’t have a karaoke machine or a microphone! Grab a wooden spoon from the kitchen and cue up any number of the popular YouTube karaoke videos for kids that feature nursery rhymes, popular movie soundtracks and other famous children’s songs and belt out those tunes.


13. Create Art Murals & Inspirational Quotes
    Want to color with sidewalk chalk and leave a lasting memory? Research your favorite inspirational quotes and sayings online or choose a mural to design in tape on the sidewalk, driveway or fence for others to enjoy.

• Print
• |
• Share