Do your kids have an affection for all creatures furry, feathered, scaled, or slimy? A child’s appreciation for animals is pretty sweet, but it’s also a great teaching experience by helping them learn empathy and understanding the greatness of the world around us. If you’re looking for some ways to engage your little animal lovers with online activities, we’ve got an adorable round-up of ideas for you!
— Austin Humane Society Summer Program
For the past 8 years, the the Austin Humane Society has offered local kids a fun series of summer programming, and this year, they’ve taken it online. You can register your littlest animal lover for hands-on, educational sessions that will inspire and engage. Along the way, they’ll learn what it means to care for a pet of their own and explore ways to help animals in need. Click here to learn how to sign up for virtual teddy bear surgery, storytime with animal-themed activities, and virtual meet & greets, animal Q&A sessions, and workshops to create animal-themed works of art.
Teddy Bear Surgery lets kids learn about work that’s done in animal clinics. Photo from Austin Humane Society
— Austin Wildlife Rescue’s Student Wildlife Art Contest
All students K-12 in Central Texas school districts are invited to paint, draw, sketch, weave, or collage their favorite Texas Wildlife. Winning entries will be printed on AWR’s greeting card fundraiser, and winners will receive a $25 Jerry’s Artarama giftcard, an art book specifically picked based on their grade level and choice of medium, 10 greeting cards with their artwork, and a winning certificate. Deadline is August 10, 2020. Learn more.
— Austin Pets Alive Virtual Tutorials
Learn how to DIY your own wild cat facepaint so kids can dress up and play like cats and kittens around the house! Or tune into to a baking tutorial to learn how to make your own pup-friendly treats. You can find these fun activities and downloadable content on their website. Of course, APA can always use your support. If you are so inclined, a financial donation is always appreciated, which you can make online here.
The APA website includes a cute video of Renata Belyalova, founder and owner of Your Majesty Salon, demonstrating how to put on wild cat makeup.
— Austin Zoo Virtual Education Program
Animal educators from the Austin Zoo are offering 40-minute virtual programs via Zoom for $40 where you can schedule an interactive programs for groups. Or for a more relaxed environment, for $30 you may schedule a 30-minute Ask an Expert session, where a member of the education team will be happy to answer any and all animal related questions! To schedule a virtual program or to get more information, you can email their Education Manager at [email protected].
— Virtual Activities with Austin Parks & Recreation Department
Did you know that City of Austin’s Parks & Rec staff is posting tons of helpful videos on their website? You can find loads of crafting tutorials like how to make an origami frog or how to build a squirrel feeder! You can watch short videos of Park Rangers talking about things such as the common snapping turtle or golden-cheeked warblers. Visit their YouTube channel for a big selection of interesting videos.
Artist Andrea Patin shows you how to create a chic squirrel feeder inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style furniture.
— The Dog Alliance’s Virtual Summer Camp for Kids & Dogs
The Dog Alliance annually hosts summer camp programs for kids to teach their dogs new tricks. This year, the program has moved to an online format in which kids (ages 9-15) can join virtual sessions to learn to teach their dogs positive training techniques as well as classic favorites tricks like shake, spin, giving a high-five, to crawl or sit pretty. Learn more.
— Tiny Tails To You Virtual Hangouts
Through a scheduled private 30 minute Zoom session for you and up to 25 of your guests, you can learn fun facts about animals, ask questions, and have a really unique learning experience to brighten anyone’s day at home. The interactive and educational format makes the hangouts perfect for the whole family because the Tiny Tails team tailors each session to make them age-appropriate for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults alike. Read all about our experience and enter to win a free session.
Join your friends to learn about cute critters from Tiny Tails to You in a virtual playdate.
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