Virtual Tours for Kids: Explore the World from Home
Even with restrictions on travel starting to lift, many families won’t be going anywhere for a while. They can, however, take advantage of the many virtual tours available online, allowing kids to travel to places that both entertain and educate them. Some tours are super professional, while others are more informal, created by tourists themselves. The range can be overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to start. Additionally, some experiences might not work so well for kids, or are best enjoyed with equipment such as VR headsets. Here are some of the best virtual tours for families, along with tips on how to make the most of them.
Visit a Virtual Aquarium
Aquariums are ideal for virtual experiences, as static cameras effectively capture tanks and large pools. Follow in the footsteps of a visitor to the Georgia Aquarium, or check out the live webcams showcasing penguins, otters, and the “secret reef” at the Tennessee Aquarium. If marine life intrigues your kids, explore these Sea Curious clips as well.
Take an Online Trip to a Theme Park
Although less educational, visiting a theme or water park digitally can be incredibly fun during lockdown. If Disney is your interest, explore the best virtual tours from Disney parks around the world. For fans of Lego, experience a 360-degree view of Legoland Windsor’s Miniland. Alternatively, a simple YouTube search for water parks or roller-coasters will allow you and your children to feel the excitement of being on a ride.
Go on a Digital Safari
If your children adore wild animals, there are plenty of nature programs available, but for a digestible escape, check out the WildwatchLive program by &Beyond. Through YouTube, Facebook Live, and Instagram Live, you can follow and interact with expert guides on game drives in South Africa. Watching a live rhino sighting with your kids is truly remarkable.
See Some Street Art from Afar
Street art can captivate children, serving as a fun way to teach social history and political commentary. This tour of Buenos Aires on StreetArt with Google offers short segments paired with useful audio, making navigation easy for children with short attention spans.
Take an Online Tour of an Art Gallery
Many renowned art galleries have shifted to offering interactive experiences for kids long before lockdown. Start with MetKids or MoMA’s audio guides for kids. Focusing on a specific painting or artist can make art more accessible for children, so consider enjoying a children’s virtual tour of the famous Night Watch or visit the Warhol exhibition currently featured at Tate Modern in London, then explore a kid’s perspective on Pop Art via TateKids.
See Nature Without Going Out
When lockdown limits children’s access to the natural world, exploring it virtually is a great alternative. Google’s Street View is a fantastic starting point for virtually visiting nearly any location around the globe, possibly linking it to a school topic. Additionally, the tours of five US national parks are particularly engaging, incorporating stunning footage with personal narratives, making them accessible for children.
Explore Some Wonders of the World
Google has accomplished remarkable work in making notable attractions digitally accessible. With its trek experiences, wander through the Great Pyramids of Giza, visit the temples of Angkor, explore the canals of Venice, and much more! Each journey offers bite-sized information, short clips, and enticing footage perfect for children. Moreover, the Heritage on the Edge series highlights how communities worldwide protect cultural sites from climate change.
Blast into Space
For an extraordinary virtual travel experience, explore fascinating space-related websites. Begin with NASA’s 360-degree tours, download the Space Center Houston’s app for engaging activities, then finish by exploring Mars with the Curiosity rover (in collaboration with Google).
Visit a Museum’s Online Collection
Many world-renowned museums have transitioned their collections online. Although the experience of learning from something firsthand is irreplaceable, children can benefit from shorter, focused visits free from crowds and long lines. For instance, kids can see the Rosetta stone at the British Museum, dive into Roald Dahl’s creative world at Roald Dahl or explore the achievements of female adventurers at the US National Women’s History Museum.
Top Tips for Happy Virtual Touring
If you’re unsure where to start, consider places your kids enjoy visiting and noteworthy museums or landmarks they’ve loved. Visiting familiar locations virtually can help children acclimate to the medium while simultaneously revisiting positive memories.
Set realistic expectations; you might not keep your children engaged for hours with a virtual tour. Be prepared for a quick visit, using it as an opportunity to discuss what you’ve seen and explore potential real-life visits in the future.
Be mindful of potential wi-fi or software issues that could cause stress; if possible, familiarize yourself with the tour’s technology before introducing it to your kids, especially if it involves virtual reality.
