76 (Mostly Free) Virtual Things To Do at Home Right Now
It’s no secret that staying indoors during COVID-19 has inspired once in-person activities to go completely online (at least for the time being). And as someone on the other side of the screen looking to stay entertained, I happily welcome these virtual offerings into the home.
There’s definitely something for everyone. Want to catch a performance at the Metropolitan Opera House? You can snag your “seat” here. Have dreams of visiting the steeply carved Grand Canyon in Arizona? The hiking tour is available on Google Earth. Want to finally learn how to elevate your home design? Kelly Wearstler is ready to help on MasterClass. The list goes on and on.
To make your search as easy as possible, here’s a compiled list of virtual happenings that you can bookmark and browse whenever boredom strikes.
Dive deep into the arts
- Take a tour of the most famous museums around the world.
- Walk through the rooms of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House in Los Angeles.
- Better yet, venture through a different Wright house every week.
- Witness the the Winchester Mystery House in the California Bay Area.
- Tour Mark Twain’s historic home in Hartford, Connecticut.
- Step inside some of the most famous royal British palaces.
- Or just head right inside Prince Charles’ residence.
- Catch a musical performance at the Sydney Opera House.
- Stream your favorite Broadway shows right at home.
- Head to the Metropolitan Opera House for a nightly performance.
- Tour Tate Modern’s Andy Warhol exhibit.
Explore the great outdoors
- Hike the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
- Or go on a U.S. National Park spree and tour five in a row.
- See the Japanese cherry blossoms around the world.
- Walk around the most iconic cities, from Paris to Tokyo.
- Surrounded yourself with greenery in these lush gardens.
- Live-stream the Aurora Borealis (a.k.a. The Northern Lights).
- Explore a new place on Random Street View.
- Visit the world’s most famous monuments, from Machu Picchu to the Acropolis.
Stay connected with others
- Play a good game of Cards Against Humanity.
- Have a viewing party with your friends on Netflix.
- Listen to your favorite celebrities reading favorite kids books.
- Learn something new from locals around the globe on Airbnb.
- Take a family virtual art class together (minimal paint supplies required).
- Learn about craft beer from a local brewer at happy hour.
- Conduct a science experiment with your family.
- Make time to video call your loved ones (and know the right video apps to use).
- While video calling, turn your room into a greenhouse.
- Or your favorite TV show set.
- Maybe a chic living room designed by West Elm is more your style.
- And you can always go with an illustrated office created by Apartment Therapy!
- Take tips (and backgrounds) from Jonathan Adler for camera time, too.
- Send puppy videos to someone or yourself.
- Miss seeing a loved one? Order a cardboard cutout (no, seriously!).
Have the ultimate staycation
- Travel to Hogwarts via this Harry Potter Escape Room.
- Listen to playlists that transport you to different places.
- Visit zoos and aquariums around the country.
- Bring exotic animals virtually into your own home with this Google feature.
- Read up on how to sharpen your puzzle skills (then do one!).
- Fill out a printable activity/coloring book from IKEA.
- Get busy with thousands of coloring book pages provided by museums.
- Watch people recreate Disney rides within their homes.
- Or take a virtual ride at Disney or Universal that live on YouTube.
- If you’re more interested in the parks, go on an educational walking tour.
- Treat yourself to these coffee roasters you can order from right now.
- Check out free resources sourced by Redditors.
Learn a new skill
- Enroll in Hogwarts and take magic-focused classes.
- Enhance your photography skills with Nikon’s free online classes.
- Learn about (and practice) interior design with Kelly Wearstler on MasterClass.
- Pick up some needles and learn to crochet, knit, embroider, and more.
- Take interactive classes from Disney Imagineers.
- Enroll in weekly art lessons from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Take notes on how to organize your freezer from Ina Garten.
- Check out the list of useful online courses to take, according to Reddit.
- Or check out these sites that offer free college courses.
- Sharpen your Google Calendar skills.
Sweat it out
- Take daily dance parties at this virtual “club” on Instagram.
- Participate in free classes from various gyms and fitness brands.
- Meditate when you’re feeling stressed (or just whenever you want to).
- Try these no-equipment workouts that you can easily do at home.
Give back
- Volunteer remotely to make a difference from home.
- Make a sign to say thank you to essential workers.
- Sign up to be a counselor and teach kids classes at Kristen Bell’s summer camp.
- Order bedding, bath, and other home items from Boll & Branch.
- Buy your essentials from these retailers who are donating during the pandemic.
Watch some flicks
- Here’s what to watch when you’re caught up on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,”
- Or “The Great British Baking Show,”
- Or “Riverdale,”
- Or if you’re missing “Friends,”
- And just in case you’ve also finished “Tiger King” (because you probably have).
- Catch the new show “Celebrity IOU” on HGTV with the Property Brothers.
- Watch “Murder House Flip,” the home renovation show with a twist.
- Tune in for “Flipped,” the new HGTV-inspired comedy.
- Get your dose of feel-good movies with these options on Disney+,
- Or comedies on Netflix,
- Or laugh with Hulu, if that’s your streaming service of choice.
Have a favorite virtual activity that you don’t see here? Let us know in the comments!