CHP’s Favorite Online Experiences Under Quarantine

Nowadays, we hear the word “quarantine” and automatically picture a long list of things we’re not allowed to do.  No lake. No coffee with friends. No 606. No restaurant date nights. The restrictions seem overwhelming.   But perhaps we need to shift our mindset and think of all the opportunities this slower lifestyle offers? Instead of sitting around worrying about what we cannot control, why not use downtime to learn new skills, embrace this rare family time, and reconnect with what makes you happy?

It’s called downtime for a reason and we’d like to help you enjoy, escape or experience something awesome.  From free online fitness and foreign language classes – to virtual museum tours and Michelin-rated take out – there are literally hundreds of online experiences available at your fingertips, and most of them are free.

We’ve compiled the list below of our favorites, categorized with links and information so you can enjoy them immediately.  Every one of us at Chicago Home Partner are facing similar challenges in this current environment.  With that in mind, we know that taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, should be your top priority right now. 

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE:

• Duolingo: Not only is Duolingo useful when learning a new language, it’s fun and addictive. This service takes a game-like approach to learning and offers apps for iOS, Windows Phone and Android.

TAKE A COLLEGE COURSE FROM HARVARD OR YALE

• “Psychology and the Good Life,” the most popular class in the history of Yale is now available online, along with over 20 other classes taught by Yale faculty.

• Harvard has offered up 196 courses from introduction to Game Development to Buddhism. Two of the courses that caught our eye:
  • Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology
  • Data Science: Probability (because CHP loves their data!)

ZOOS, AQUARIUMS AND MUSEUMS AROUND THE WORLD

• First we have to keep it close to home and recommend our Mayor’s series at #STAYHOMEHITPLAY where last week she toured the Shedd Aquarium escorted by penguins. In upcoming weeks she plans to visit the MSI, Field and the Art Institute.

• For more the more worldly crowd – explore Egyptian relics at the Louvre, the famous spiral staircase at the Guggenheim, and the masterpieces at the Van Gogh Museum—all from the comfort of your couch. Canada’s Aga Khan Museum is now offering immersive 3-D tours. And, thanks to Google’s Arts & Culture project, the ROM’s Blue Whale exhibit, as well as hundreds more around the world, can all be viewed crowd-free from your home.

• Or if you’re looking for something that’s kiddo-approved and NOT Tiger King – CBS compiled a great list of zoos and aquariums across the country that are streaming virtual visits.

VIRTUAL VACATIONS (TRAVEL)

• Just because we have to stay home, doesn’t mean we can’t experience the world. Kayak has created virtual city guides and travel content to celebrate some of the cities they love. Spend a day in these incredible destinations without leaving the house.

FITNESS

• Working up a sweat and staying healthy while stuck at home can be difficult — but not impossible. Fitness including Orangetheory, Peloton, Gold’s Gym and CorePower Yoga have come up with a creative solution to keep you moving: live-streamed and recorded digital classes you can join from anywhere for FREE.

HOMESCHOOL LIKE A PRO

•  Khan Academy has self-paced, interactive content–exercises, videos and articles–for students in every grade and in most major subject areas. It is all free and non-commercial and is made possible by philanthropic support from people like you.

• Hundreds of homeschool sites have opened their doors to the parents of elementary school age kids. Their content range from worksheets and lesson plans to arts and crafts and even science experiments.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

• More and more restaurants across Chicago are offering takeout and delivery options as of way of keeping their staff employed and their neighborhood fed. Thrillist has an amazing list of MUST TRY takeout restaurants here that should definitely be viewed.

• Local staples like Gene and Georgetti are offering up their menu for take out and are even offering family-style as one of their ordering options.

• Even 3-star Michelin restaurant Alinea has adapted to the closure of dining rooms. A dinner there typically costs around $300 per person, but recently the restaurant announced that it would offer to-go meals for $35 a piece. The first batch of dinners, featuring beef Wellington, sold out within five hours, so put in your order or get on the waitlist here.