At Home Activities

Over the past couple of years, our staff at the YMCA and friends in other organizations have come up with a lot of different ways you can have fun and be creative from home!

YMCA360

First, check out the library of on-demand videos on YMCA360 — available on the web or through the app. YMCA360 is free for all members, and in addition to exercise classes, you'll find:

• Music lessons
• Youth sports training videos
• At home science and art projects
• Dance and performing arts instructions for all ages
• Kids yoga and Pilates
• And more!

Local Resources

We compiled the below list during 2020-21 when lockdowns were a part of life and organizations were offering online programming. Some may have gone back to in-person activities; others may have archived their collection. Either way, there are tons of ways to have fun without leaving the house. Check the links to learn more!

• ITHACA SCIENCENTER: Live science activities weekday mornings, virtual animal room tours, and more
• ROSS PARK ZOO: Offering a variety of resources to bring the animals to you through ZooU
• PALEONTOLOGICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE: Learn more about our remarkable Earth and its past and present life
• CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY: Deepen your knowledge and appreciation of birds with a wealth of online resources
• ITHACA CHILDREN'S GARDEN: Resources to help children and families stay connected to nature
• THE HISTORY CENTER IN TOMPKINS COUNTY: Check out these "History at Home" resources and connect to this place where you live

 

YMCA Activities

Our own staff came up with some activities that have been popular in our day camp or childcare programs. Try out a few of these for yourself! Links will open in a new window.

• Tracking at the Outdoor Education Center (1349 Mecklenburg Rd)
• Exploration Hike
• Let's Build a Village
• Do-It-Yourself Bird Feeder
• Building Cardboard Forts
• Glacier at Home
• Natural Play Clay
• Take It Outside!

If you try one or more of these, let us know! Share on social media and tag the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County.