With the drastic changes that are occurring almost daily throughout the River Valley — and globally — this week’s issue of “This Weekend in the River Valley” is going to take a different route. Government and health officials are recommending people stay home and only venture out if necessary. #WeAreInThisTogether!!

Here are some great virtual events you can enjoy this weekend with your family!

Around the World Safari – Virtual Spring Break 2020!

Dates: 3/19/2020 - 3/29/2020

Times: 2pm each day

You can't come to the Zoo?  Let the Zoo come to you!  Join the Little Rock Zoo live via Facebook. You can visit exhibits with zoo keepers during their Virtual Spring Break! Watch as they give up close and personal introductions to the animals.  See corners of the Zoo and explore animals from all over the world right at home!  This event takes place at 2 pm each day. Join their Facebook live as they share fun and engaging education on the animals that call the Little Rock Zoo home. Here’s the schedule through March 29:

March 19 – Thursday ~Featured Animal: Lion        For lion activity pages, click here:

March 20 – Friday ~ Featured Animal: Otter         

March 21 – Saturday~Featured Animal: Penguin

March 22 – Sunday~ Featured Animal: Elephant

March 23 – Monday~ Featured Animal: Small Carnivores

March 24 – Tuesday~ Featured Animal: Siamangs

March 25- Wednesday~ Featured Animal:Reptiles

March 26 – Thursday~ Featured Animal: Rhino

March 27 – Friday~ Featured Animal: Sloth Bears

March 28 – Saturday~ Featured Animal: Orangutans

March 29 – Sunday~Featured Animal: Birds of Prey


NASA International Space Station Tour

Ever wished you could travel through space like an astronaut? Well, this might be the next best thing! Now you can take a virtual tour of your favorite space station!

Station Tour: Harmony, Tranquility, Unity

Expedition 33 Commander Suni Williams starts off her tour of the International Space Station with a look at its nodes -- Harmony, Tranquility and Unity -- which include the crew's sleeping quarters and hygiene station.

Station Tour: Destiny, Columbus, Kibo

Expedition 33 Commander Suni Williams continues the International Space Station tour with a look at the Destiny, Kibo and Columbus laboratory modules as well as the Quest airlock. 

Station Tour: Cupola and Leonardo

Expedition 33 Commander Suni Williams continues the tour of the International Space Station with a look at the station's observation deck, known as the cupola, as well as the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device in the Tranquility node, before heading into the Leonardo Permanent Multi-Purpose Module. 

Station Tour: Zarya and Zvezda

Expedition 33 Commander Suni Williams concludes her tour of the International Space Station with a visit to the Russian segment, which includes Zarya, the first segment of the station launched in 1998, and Zvezda, the central command post. She also takes a look at the Poisk and Rassvet modules where Soyuz spacecraft are docked. 


Famous Museum Virtual Tours

Now, you get “go to the museum” and never have to leave your couch. Google Arts & Culture’s collection includes the British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City, and literally hundreds of more places where you can gain knowledge about art, history, and science. This collection is especially good for students who are looking for ways to stay on top of their studies while schools are closed.


Google Earth National Parks Virtual Tours

One of our greatest treasures is our national park system. With sheltering in place being advised right now, you can still explore our national parks — from the comfort of your home thanks to Google Earth! Google Earth has put together guided virtual tours of 31 national parks. While we admit it’s not the same as lacing up your hiking boots and visiting them in person, it’s a great way to visit our national parks without leaving home.  


This is just a sampling of activities you and your family can take advantage of online. With school closures being extended to April 17, we will continue to bring you virtual events over the next several weeks. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy. And if you need anything during these challenging times, please know that we are here for you. We encourage you to check in on your neighbors — especially those who are 65 and above. Many of them have lost their transportation services, and stores are out of many basic supplies. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact us.