Are you ready for the weekend? We are here with another virtual edition of This Weekend in the River Valley — and beyond! Hopefully you are enjoying some of our suggestions of things you can do… whether you are under quarantine suffering from cabin fever, or just looking for something fun to do on the weekends, we have put together a collection of fun and interesting things you can do without leaving home. Take a look at these virtual events and activities. You’re sure to find something you and your family will love!

Check Out Library Books and Movies — Virtually!

Do you miss going to the library and checking out a few good books to read or an awesome movie? You can instantly borrow digital movies, music, eBooks and more, 24/7 with your library card. Check out Hoopla or Kanopy. Stream thousands of films for free, thanks to the generous support of your public library or university.


Internet Archive

Watch full-length feature films, classic shorts, world culture documentaries, World War II propaganda, movie trailers, and films created in just ten hours: These options are all featured in this diverse library! Some of these are even available for free download!


Family-Friendly Titles for Free

If you are an Amazon customer, you have access to their entire library of kids tv shows free! This is usually reserved for Amazon Prime members, but now it’s available for all Amazon customers. Browse categories by age, PBS Kids or movies.


Mystery Science

Getting started with at-home learning? A starter list of K-5 science lessons that are easy to do at home is now free; no sign-up or log-in required. Learn plant and animal secrets, weather watching, the human machine and more. OR sign up for free mini-lessons. All of the lessons are expertly designed to engage students, achieve learning outcomes, and be easy to use. These are short mini-lessons that are completely digital and full lessons that include an activity. All of the activities are designed to use simple supplies a parent will likely already have at home.


Math Help from Prodigy

Easily motivate 1st to 8th grade students to learn and practice math. Accessible at home or in class! Prodigy is an engaging, curriculum-aligned math platform loved by over 50 million students, teachers and parents. There is no cost — ever!!


Audubon for Kids

In many ways every child is born a scientist—exploring their world, leading small experiments, asking questions, searching for answers. Audubon for kids brings together activities from across the country, including the classroom curriculum Audubon Adventures, plus related DIY activities and content from Audubon’s editors. These activities can be done at home or in a yard or park, sometimes with the help of a computer. The goal isn’t to teach a child how to name and identify bird species, but rather to give them space to explore and feel connected to the natural world. If you’re a parent or caretaker, that means you don’t need to worry about your own knowledge of birds or plants. All you need to be is a companion to your child’s curiosity.


Stream a Live Concert

So many artists are streaming their concerts live — and most of them for free. (Disclaimer here, some may ask you to register and a few may require a subscription. Feel free to pass on those that do!) I would provide you with a list, but NPR has already created an amazing list of live stream concerts that they update daily! So head on over there to check it out. Choices include Opera, Hip Hop, Norah Jones, Jewel and many more.


Okay! That’s it for this week’s events post. If you know of an amazing on-line event or resource we should include in next week’s edition, please let us know!! Until then, stay safe and have a blessed weekend.