Technology sometimes gets a bad rap. But this spring, as we adjusted to the new realities of life during a pandemic, it was a major blessing to have virtually everything at our fingertips. Just because we stayed home didn’t mean we weren’t connected.
From live-streamed science classes and story times to virtual tours and shows, our favorite Cincinnati attractions kept us connected and entertained during COVID-19. Here are a few highlights:
Cincinnati Art Museum
This spring, Cincinnati Art Museum opened online galleries on their website, allowing Cincy families to access most of the museum’s collections. Families could also explore CAM’s exhibitions and art via the Google Arts & Culture project. (CAM provided great inspo for the Getty Museum’s “art at home” project.)
Cincinnati Ballet
The Cincinnati Ballet stayed connected this spring with its new #CBAtHome page. Fans could enjoy a plethora of free and engaging content, from live online classes and activities to excerpts from past performances and rehearsals. Super fans could even participate in virtual barre classes with the Cincinnati Ballet Company!
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
To stay connected, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra created a digital learning platform where kids could learn about composers, watch demonstrations and even participate in artist-led crafts. Best of all, kids could learn about their favorite instruments via CSO demos and excerpts.
Cincinnati Parks
While nearly all activities and events were cancelled this spring, Cincinnati Parks remained open, providing a much-needed respite during tough times. The cherry and magnolia trees bloomed, and Cincinnati Parks posted videos, tours and photos on social media so all Cincinnati families could delight in the beauty of spring.
Cincinnati Zoo
For Cincy kids missing their favorite Zoo animals, the Cincinnati Zoo delivered. The Zoo hosted daily “Home Safari” sessions on Facebook Live, spotlighting fan-favorites like the flamingos, giraffes, elephants and, of course, #TeamFiona.
Cincinnati Museum Center
The CMC is a Cincy kid favorite, and we all missed it very much this spring. But CMC rolled with the punches, amping up their YouTube presence with regular, STEM-spired Wonder Zone videos. (Think Bill Nye the Science Guy, but with CMC.) Parents could also follow @cincymuseum on Facebook for live-steamed science experiments using easy-to-find household items.
Great Parks of Hamilton County
For families missing Great Parks’ fun programs, the Parks@Home series delivered, bringing nature and conservation education straight to Cincinnati homes. From coloring pages to backyard scavenger hunts, this program allowed Cincy kids to enjoy Great Parks any time. Kids could also tune in weekdays at 10 a.m. on Facebook and Instagram Live for virtual story times, nature walks, animal sessions, crafts and more. Afterwards, all live videos were posted to the Great Parks blog for 24/7 access.
COSI
This spring, this Ohio treasure opened its virtual doors via COSI Connects, the museum’s digital doorway to a STEM-spired world. Through COSI Connects, the talented crew at COSI delivered exciting and engaging content via videos and hands-on science. (You know the phrase “don’t try this at home?” Do try these experiments at home!)
Taft Museum of Art
Taft Museum switched gears this spring to provide Cincinnati with free, 24/7 virtual programs for families. A typical week of programming included Sunday’s “Funday” event, where families could tune in to YouTube, Facebook and Instagram for hands-on activities; Monday’s creative art-making prompt; and Wednesday’s docent-led “Taft Chats,” a fun outlet for adults.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
This spring, TCT proved the “show must go on,” entertaining Cincy kids via their TCT Everywhere page. This page featured crafts, acting and vocal exercises, videos of shows, podcasts, contests and more. They also put Casper: The Friendly Musical up on YouTube for audiences to enjoy, and invited fans to a virtual viewing party, hosted by TCT’s very dapper producing artistic director Roderick Justice.