With the closure of schools and businesses due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, many families are adjusting to a new normal. For those finding a lull in the day, or those looking to inspire hope during a scary time, we’ve gathered a list of activities and community support opportunities for kids. As a reminder, please remember to follow the CDC’s recommended guidelines for disinfecting and social distancing.
Get Outdoors
Explore one of Dublin’s 60+ parks, start checking off parks from our list of Must-Visit Parks or go on a Parks Scavenger Hunt. View our interactive bike map and start traversing our 130+ miles of paths. Take a guided tour of art in Dublin with the Dublin Arts Council’s Public Art Cell Phone Tour or try to find their geocaching-inspired Riverboxes.
Indoor Fun
For those looking for enriching activities to do at home, our recreation instructors have put together a list of activities for toddlers and kids.
Inspire Creativity
The arts are an essential dimension of individual and community wellness. The Dublin Arts Council has created a list of creative ideas and resources for people of all ages.
DIY Community Clean Up
Walk to your nearest park, stream, tree line or bike path. Wear gloves (garden or disposable) and take trash bags with you to collect litter. Take a separate bag to collect recyclable items!
Neighborly Good Deeds
Check on your neighbors, especially elderly and vulnerable neighbors who could use a little extra help. Something as simple and easy as a phone call could go a long way, or call them to schedule a daily wave from your window!
Stay Connected
Connect with grandparents, seniors, neighbors, and friends through FaceTime, Skype, video messages, selfies, photos of pets, etc. These methods could be vital to combat isolation, especially for anyone spending so many hours at home alone during this time.
Spring Cleaning
Go through your clothes, shoes and toys – put together a pile of things that no longer fit or you no longer play with to be donated to shelters and those in need.
Coin Collection
Clean out an old milk jug and go on the hunt for loose change in the laundry room, couch cushions, etc. Research your favorite charity and label your jug with the name. Once it is full, you can make a donation!
Write Cards to Soldiers
Get a head start on creating letters, patriotic cards, drawings and words of encouragement to be sent overseas to actively deployed soldiers and our at-home veterans. Contact M.A.S.H. Pantry and Resource Center in the fall to donate the cards.
Write Cards to Seniors
Kids can help cheer up Dublin’s older residents who may be facing a lonely time by writing and sending letters or cards to local senior living facilities. Offer words of encouragement or tell stories of how you are spending your time at home while school is closed. Share your favorite activities or create sunny, cheerful drawings and pictures that can be admired for weeks to come.
Letters and cards can be mailed directly to the below senior living facilities. These sites have been pre-approved and are looking forward to receiving your thoughtful cards, letters, drawings and stories. Have fun and enjoy this project from home!
Dublin Retirement Village
Independent Living Community
Attn: Andrea Klabbatz
6470 Post Road
Dublin, OH 43016
Assisted Living/Memory Support
Attn: Jessie Ritter
6480 Post Road
Dublin, OH 43016
Avondale National Church Residences
Avondale Senior Village
Attn: Kim Yoder
5215 Avery Road
Dublin, OH 43016
The Grand of Dublin
The Grand of Dublin
Attn: Sarah Katula
4500 John Shields Pkwy
Dublin, OH 43017
Sunrise of Dublin Sunrise of Dublin
Attn: Fran Herrick
4175 Stoneridge Lane
Dublin, OH 43017
If you enjoy arts & crafts activities and already have the supplies at home, get creative and make things like tissue paper flowers and paper placemats. Hang onto these items, which can be laminated and delivered to senior facilities at a later date.
