Stay At Home Activities & Inspiration
The Loyalty Alliance® Way
The Loyalty Alliance team has been closely watching the events related to COVID-19 and has been in the thick of it in Midtown Manhattan. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the heroes in this war, including every single one of you practicing shelter-in-place and social distancing. Your efforts and sacrifices are so very much appreciated!
So, as a corporate “thank you” we decided to do our small part to lift your spirits and provide much-needed distractions for you and your family members by offering this web/social media curated selection of “Stay At Home” activities, including inspiring stories, tips, ideas, fun things to do, and other tidbits. Click the “cards” below or the menu on the right and explore!
Watch our social media channels and this page for additions/changes and please feel free to contribute and share! We look forward to receiving your comments, contributions and thoughts. For those who would like to reach out to our President, her email is cfields@loyaltyalliance.com.
Stay safe!
Online Resources: Art and Culture
Enjoy this amazing listing of art museums, theater companies, history and culture, and fashion sites from around the country and the globe submitted by NY State Senator Liz Krueger. Online Resources: Art and Culture PDF Download ...
“Move Everything Outdoors” The New Your Times Readers Respond
The New York Times recently asked readers to tell them about how people were moving activities outdoors in innovative ways. You'll be amazed at what people are doing! Even the Times' editorial staff found many of the submissions inspiring...
Free Art and Craft Classes from Creativebug
If you're still looking for things do to during the pandemic - for you or your kids - check out Creativebug! They offer free and very low cost online classes that seem accessible and easy to use. Let us know if you like what you...
Blue Note at Home
As we slowly get back to "new normal" the news cycles are shifting to so many other issues we're experiencing. Yet, the pandemic continues and we'll do our best to keep finding activities and inspiration to share. Today we found that the...
The Simpsons’ 2020 commencement speech is as chaotic as you’d expect
This one is pure fun. Not everyone is a Simpson's fan, but this will put a smile on your face if you are, or should be 🙂 Courtesy of...
Live Music and More…
If you're into music you'll want to check out Bands in Town, an app for your phone that connects to your music and location, then alerts you when bands you like are playing near you. And now, during the pandemic, it is alerting for live...
He ran 100 miles in a day to raise nearly $17,000 for suicide prevention programs for veterans
Peter Makredes of Las Vegas ran 100 miles and raised $17,000 for vets. How inspiring is that ? Read his story on CNN';s website....
Six tips to survive a COVID-19 summer with your kids
This is going to be the weirdest summer ever for kids. Probably no day or sleepaway camp, possibly no day care available - what's a family to do? Here are some tips from Erika Coles, clinical director at the FIU Center for Children and...
A Funeral Director, First Responder And Father: ‘You’re Stronger Than You Feel’
Are you familiar with Storycorps ? They profile individuals with real, human, inspirational stories. StoryCorps’ mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and...
Storywriting with the Kids
Though not free, this website has the coolest stories you can create with your kids or grandkids! It's called Once Upon a Pancake and it seems like a lot of fun. Check it out and let us know what you think!...
The Music of Motown
We're going to try to get some R&R this Memorial Day weekend - how about you? One of our favorite ways to kick back us with great music and is there anything better than Motown? The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has got an incredible...
104-year-old great-great-grandmother recovers from COVID-19
Eva Wilson, a 104 year old woman living in Centennial, Colorado has now lived through two pandemics. Read more about this inspirational lady on the 9 News website...
Virtual Travel Shows From Lonely Planet
One of our favorite publishers of travel guides is Lonely Planet. Though we can't use their guides right now, we're watching their collection of shows that transport you to some of the coolest and most interesting places on Earth. For...
How to use Nextdoor, Facebook, Slack to help neighbors amid coronavirus
In Manhattan in particular it's a scary proposition to help our neighbors. Getting in an elevator and doing the laundry in a tiny laundry room are nerve wracking enough. But how do we help those who need it, even if it is just human...
Stories from the Front Lines – A Salute to our Healthcare Heroes
The American Hospital Association is compiling stories from the front lines we'd like to share with you. We're doing so to honor these heroes many of whom have gotten sick, have PTSD, and who continue to save lives. Read their stories on...
7 Ways To Stay Mentally Healthy During Quarantine
We know things are starting to open up, but we also know we're all going stir crazy and some are on the verge of mental exhaustion. It's with that in mind that we're sharing this piece from Forbes about how to stay mentally healthy during...
Meet the Internet’s Newest Star
If you haven't seen this video of a baby making pizza you're about to have your day made. Well, unless you don't like babies and pizza 😉 We hope it puts a smile on your face https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TTFaix8VgU
The ultimate parents’ guide to education and activity resources
The Washington Post has compiled a terrific resource for parents with links to numerous stay at home education and activities! From Art to Mental Wellness. Languages, Dance, Physical Activity and more, if you have kids, you'll appreciate...
Inspiring stories: A spotlight on Acts of Kindness
Need a little inspiration today? This TV station from Youngstown, Ohio is tracking daily acts of kindness and inspiration from Ohio and across the USA. You'll feel good after checking their...
11 affordable online writing classes taught by bestselling authors and writers to improve your communication skills
Here are some really cool sounding online classes taught by accomplished, award-winning writers. Some specialize in fiction, while others employ storytelling tricks to make even the driest facts shine. Thanks to the good folks at Business...
Being Boring Is an Act of Heroism During the Covid-19 Crisis
Of all things, here's a fun ad campaign from Mucinex emphasizing the importance of social distancing. Hopefully it will put a smile on your face. Read all about it on AdWeek's...
The First Signs of Travel’s Return?
As Australia announces plans to revive tourism, This article from the New Your Times takes a look at 10 top travel destinations and their timetables for reopening. The challenge: balancing safety with the need to reboot. Read all about it...
Oregon’s 1st coronavirus patient released from hospital after months
After more than two months in the hospital, the first Oregon resident to test positive for coronavirus was released to cheers and a mariachi parade. Read all about it on the ABC News...
10 free online courses to help you learn a new skill for no money at all
Whether you're hoping to boost your employability or just want to learn something for fun, you're in luck. There's a ton of free online courses that can help you do just that – and the good folks at Mashable rounded up 10. Check them out...
Stephen King explains why reading horror is so cathartic during a pandemic
Stephen King was recently on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and not surprisingly is in favor of reading more horror during the pandemic. Check out Mashable's website to see the master of horror's unique take on the...
Natural Soundscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park
Are you missing the outdoors? Our National Parks are treasures and they, too, are victims of the pandemic. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado has come up with a way for us to get our outdoor fix in the comfort of our living rooms....
Jerry Seinfeld, Janelle Monáe, and 97 other pop-culture musts for May
Did you know that May is traditionally when the Summer movie calendar kicks off? Well this year, the good folks at Fast Company have created a May creative calendar with some great movies, stand up, and more. Enjoy! Read all about it on...
16 things to help battle your social distancing boredom, all on sale
Thanks to this list compiled by Mashable, get up to 98% off on Apps, Online Learning Bundles and Gadgets. These top selling deals are massively discounted so get them while you still can! Check them all out on Mashable's...
The Goonies are Back!
Are you a Goonies fan? If you are, you're going to want to see this. And if you aren't, and don't even know what it is, now is your chance to get experienced... https://youtu.be/-SF_VyXQpyo
United We Move – Free Workouts from Planet Fitness
If you're still shut in like we are, we're sure you need as many excuses as possible to keep moving. Well, the good folks at Planet Fitness have created a series of workouts - with new ones live streamed daily on Facebook - on YouTube....
Jazz at Lincoln Center
If you're into Jazz, or just need a fine does of musical relief, Lincoln Center has got you covered with free, daily Jazz programming! Check out the schedule on the Center's...
This 7-year-old is making and delivering care packages to the elderly shut in by the coronavirus
Here's an inspiring story to start the week from CNN. This 7 year old used $600 of his own money to get started and has continued to deliver care packages to the elderly. Wow! Learn more about this extraordinary child on CNN's...
Watch Theater Casts From Around the World Come Together With Uplifting Performances
Everyone is missing theater right now — especially the casts around the world who are accustomed to bringing joy to audiences eight times a week. But just because everyone is isolating doesn’t mean that these performers can’t find a stage...
20 amazing virtual field trips to aquariums, museums and Mars
CNN has compiled twenty virtual tours of museums, zoos, aquariums - even Mars! We're sure you'll get lost in these as we have 🙂 Enjoy! Find them all on CNN's website...
Attend Your Next Virtual Meeting in Style with these Ten Lavish Backgrounds
Leave it to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to brighten our day. This time, with beautiful virtual backgrounds to use in Zoom or Microsoft Teams meetings we're having! From a Frank Lloyd Wright living room to The Dissolute Household...
World’s 25 Greatest Leaders: Heroes of the pandemic
Here's a great one from Fortune highlighting twenty five people worldwide who've been leading the way in fighting the COVID-19 virus. Of course, there are thousands of people on the front lines, but this is just honoring some who are a...
Hero of the Day: Hospital janitor finds joy in cleaning, helping others overcome
Here's a heartwarming story from the New York Post about a janitor on the front lines of keeping Bellevue Hospital clean and sanitary - even in the face of the COVID-19 virus. We salute all our front-line heroes who continue to serve our...
The Globe Theatre is streaming Shakespeare’s greatest plays for free this month
Friends, Romans, and Corona shut ins, you can now see some of Shakespeare's greatest plays for FREE courtesy of the Globe Theatre. As part of The Globe’s YouTube premieres, one play will be available for free every two weeks, all...
Nine Uplifting Stories from Around The World (Video)
The good folks at National Post have created a video featuring stories of people playing music out and about in their communities, doctors traveling to hard hit countries and more! Check it out https://youtu.be/DpbYcEkelG4
This pageant queen is joining the front lines against COVID-19 as a respiratory specialist
The Washington Post recently reported on "Miss England" who went home to the UK to be on the front lines on April 1. Bhasa Mukherjee, 24, packed up her crown and gowns and flew home to Britain, where she is now in quarantine until early...
New York Botanical Garden At Home
Here's a unique resource sent to us by one of you! The New Your Botanical Garden has created a video collection of some of their best Spring blooms and tours. As they put it "See Spring Bloom." We hope you enjoy it as much as we did :-)...
Introducing Kiva U: the homeschooling solution during the COVID-19 pandemic
Look at what we found! Kiva U sounds like a terrific home schooling resource while the kids are out of school, and for now it's free! Here is what Kiva has to say about their offering. "For all the parents out there, we know it’s...
NASA is showing you the picture the Hubble Space Telescope took on your birthday
Here's a really cool diversion courtesy of CNN. As part of the NASA's celebrations of the Hubble Telescope's 30 years in orbit, NASA launched a place for you to see a picture of the cosmos on your birthday. All you have to do is select...
Free Group Yoga Classes Online
From MyYogaTeacher.com. Connect with teachers who are passionate in helping you find exactly what you need. No future obligation or fine print. https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-group-classes-online
Heroes of the Front Lines
Time Magazine is running a series featuring "Heroes of the Front Lines" done in conjunction with Katie Couric's "Wake Up Call." This installment features a Paramedic on the front lines of the Pandemic. At the bottom of the page there are...
Disney has a new website filled with free activities that both children and adults can enjoy
It's becoming easier and easier to experience Disney magic from your home. On Monday, the entertainment giant released a new website called Disney Magic Moments. The site is free to use, and offers Disney-themed activities that both...
Cisco CEO Tells Staff Jobs Are Safe, Urges Others to Avoid Cuts
Here is a great example for companies who can afford it to help get us through this crisis. Cisco Systems Inc. Chief Executive Officer Chuck Robbins said he’s told staff not to worry about losing their jobs and urged other companies to...
30 Creative Activities for Kids
Apple today has released a new “30 Creative Activities for Kids” worksheet designed specifically for those learning from home due to COVID-19. The worksheet includes 30 creative tasks for kids, ranging from photo walks to creating a comic...
Good News and Inspiring Stories From the Pandemic to Lift Your Spirits
Here's a terrific compilation of inspiring stories from Red Book Magazine. Share these with your friends and family! Positivity can be contagious, no matter who you are and how big or small an idea -- pursue it and pass on the good. Here...
These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours
A fine contribution from one of our colleagues. We hope you enjoy it! Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch (Video) Experience the best museums from London to Seoul in the comfort of your...
Here are 450 Ivy League courses you can take online right now for free
A terrific contribution from our network. Hope you like it! Brown, Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, Dartmouth, Yale, and Columbia universities, and the University of Pennsylvania now offer free online courses across multiple online course...
WildEarth’s safariLIVE
Here's a submission from our network. Enjoy! WildEarth’s safariLIVE is an award winning, expert hosted LIVE safari, broadcast directly from the African wilderness into your home. Available on both the internet and television, this show...
Medtronic shares ventilator design publicly to increase production
Dublin-headquartered ventilator maker Medtronic is sharing the design specifications for one of its ventilators which can be used to treat critically ill patients suffering the worst affects of Covid-19. Medtronic, one of the world’s...
Under Armour to make protective gear for Maryland hospitals
Under Armour is switching from creating sportswear and spacesuits to making face masks, face shields and even specially equipped fanny packs as it looks to aid health care workers battling the spread of the novel coronavirus. The...
Chanel Plans to Make Face Masks to Give Health Care Workers in France
As COVID-19 has continued to spread, it has had devastating effects on the health care industry. Health care workers have been forced to deal with a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), like face masks, gloves, and gowns,...
Activities and Inspiration: Online Classes and Education
If you're home with time on your hands, perhaps some additional education or online classes are in order. Here are a number of options we found on the web. We hope you find them to be useful and please, let us know if you have some to...
Activities and Inspiration: Travel and Tours
Now that people can't travel an amazing amount of virtual tours of everything from natural wonders and parks, to vacation meccas, and even outer space and have cropped up and we've been able to find some to share below. We hope you'll...
Activities and Inspiration: Theatre
We're scouring the web for free and low cost resources related to theatre and performing arts (like comedy, piano bars, etc...) not captured elsewhere on our site. We hope you'll find these resources to be a respite for you and yours as...
You Can Now Get Access To 1.4 Million Books Online For Free
Just when you were beginning to count twiddling your thumbs as a hobby, more than 1.4 million books have become available online, and it couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Non-profit organization Internet Archive launched the free library...
32 Theater Documentaries You Can Watch Right Now
While we’re not able to go to the theater right now — there are so many other ways to experience the stage and behind-the-scenes magic. The good folks at Today Tix compiled 32 of their fave theater documentaries that are available to...
Activities and Inspiration: Museums
We're scouring the web for free and low cost resources related to museums, We hope you'll find these resources to be a respite for you and yours as you hunker down at home. Please let us know if you have any to share! Misc VR of Rebuilt...
Activities and Inspiration: Music
We're scouring the web for free and low cost resources related to "all things music." We hope you and yours enjoy these! Left Bank Live - Concert https://leftbankmag.com/leftbanklive/ Streaming Daily DJing Live Stream at Nowadays...
Activities and Inspiration: Exercise
We're scouring the web for free and low cost resources related to exercise. We hope you'll find these resources to be a respite for you and yours. Home Work-Ins With Planet Fitness https://www.facebook.com/planetfitness/ Down to Earth...
Activities and Inspiration: Kids
We're scouring the web for mostly free resources related to "all things kids." We hope you'll find these resources to be a respite for you and the family as you hunker down at home. Please let us know if you have any to share! Reading /...
Activities and Inspiration: Movies and TV
We're scouring the web for low cost and free movies, TV programs and everything in-between. We hope you'll find these resources to be a respite for you and yours as you hunker down at home. Please let us know if you have any to share!...
Activities and Inspiration: Literature
We're scouring the web for free resources related to "all things literature." We hope you'll find these resources to be a respite for you and the family as you hunker down at home. Please let us know if you have any to share! Audible...
Activities and Inspiration: Nature
We're scouring the web for free resources related to "all things nature." We hope you'll find these resources to be a respite for you and the family as you hunker down at home. Please let us know if you have any to share! San Diego Zoo...
Opera in Quarantine: Who Says You Can’t Have It All ?
Not everyone is an opera fan but if you are, you’ll know opera in the U.S. starts and ends at the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York.
Though they’ve cancelled the live Opera and HD performances, there will be Opera for all at home! Here’s the official message from The Met.
During this extraordinary and difficult time, the Met hopes to brighten the lives of our audience members even while our stage is dark. Every day a different encore presentation from the company’s Live in HD series is being released for free, on-demand streaming, with each performance available for a period of 23 hours, beginning at 7:30 p.m. EDT.