I’m sorry, but I have to say it. I’m bored.
So. Very. Bored.
I’m so thankful to be home safe with my little family. And I understand the importance of allowing children to be boredom.
But with most of my own everyday coping mechanism — playdates, walking baby to the park, or even just walking baby around the block — restricted due to the city’s strict quarantine measures, our days are under-stimulating.
And I need to find a solution.
Virtual Winter Fun
Lucky for us, there are many creative, professionally trained artists and educators right here in Buenos Aires ready to lend us a hand with this problem. Cultural spaces and children’s programs across the city are preparing virtual colonias de invierno to help keep kids of all ages and their parents busy over the annual winter school break.
I hear you, I hear you. Virtual activities just aren’t the same. They don’t offer parents a real break. And who needs more screen time?
Agreed. But I really do need something fresh to look forward to. Plus, cultural spaces and jardines are clearly struggling to make ends meet. So paying for one of these winter programs feels like one small way my little family can assist.
If you’re not already Zoom’d out, scroll on for a few of the winter festivities coming up later this month. From festivals full of live workshops to immersive live shows, there’s lots to choose from.
Surely I’ve missed some good options, so please add your own great finds in the comments!
Festivals
Revista Planetario will host special activities for the entire family for four days straight. In the mornings, families can enjoy workshops like movement and dance, puppetry and illustration. In the afternoons, local artists will perform.
Date: July 29-Aug 1
Ages: All Ages
Price: $300/event or $500/day
Espacio Sueños: Que Sean Vacaciones
Date: July 18-Aug 2
This cultural space in Caballito is going all out with two full weeks of nonstop shows and workshops for children and parents. A few of the activities: a circus show and bubble workshop for the whole family; creative writing and drawing workshops; and an hour of Mexican music for babies.
Follow on Instagram for the full schedule and updates on registration.
Colonias & Class Series
Minca Animaciones: Colonia en Casa
Date: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from July 20-30
All year round, Minca Animaciones is dedicated to entertaining kids and kids at heart. And quarantine will not stop the company’s annual colonia de invierno. Designed for ages 6-10, the two-week virtual program will feature everything from theater and dance to arts, crafts and yoga.
Contact: info@animacionesminca.com.ar
Kindermusik Playdates
The English institute is hosting three special themed musical playdates for children ages 1-7. The themes: French songs and stories (18/7), The Beatles (28/7) and winter crafts (30/7).
Price: $500/class or register with a friend and pay half price
Contact: kindermusicplaydates@gmail.com
Lecturas para Jugar
Children ages 6-10 and their families are also invited to workshops celebrating literary greats from around the world: legendary Argentine poet and novelist Maria Elena Walsh (17/7); and English natural scientist and writer Beatrix Potter (20/7 and 27/7).
Date: July 17-27
Price: $500/class
Contact: kindermusik@cambridge.com.ar
Gymboree: Gymbo Around The World
Date: July 20-31
Gymboree Nor Delta will take children ages 1-6 on a journey to explore countries and cultures all over the world through interactive Zoom classes.
Contact: gymboree.nordelta@gmail.com
Movi Juegos is continuing to host multi-sensory movement sessions throughout the winter “break” as well. The virtual classes encourage toddlers ages 1-3 to freely explore their bodies, minds and environments through music, dance and more stimulating experiences. Upcoming classes will explore colors (21/7) and music (28/7).
Contact: movijuegos123@gmail.com
Extravaganzas
Take a trip under the sea with Sueños Curiosos. The theater company for babies is preparing a 360° sensory experience full of music, movement and play. In addition to a live performance via Zoom, staff will contact parents to help them construct an actual scene using everyday items.
Date: July 17
Ages: 8 months-4 years
Price: $300
Contact: info@suenioscuriosos.com
Señales de Agua: Vamos de Paseo
Artist, educator and mother Valeria Donati has gathered more than 30 artists to take children of all ages and their families on a journey — without leaving their homes. Broadcasted for free on YouTube, each paseo will be filled with music and dance, art and theatrics, humor, games and magic.
Date: 5pm Saturday, July 18
Price: Free! But those who can donate are encouraged
Contact: donatiproducciones@gmail.com
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