Explore Milwaukee—and Beyond— Virtually
Spring has sprung, and although we’re into the second month of social distancing, getting out for walks in the neighborhoods or for bike rides through the parks can provide a much-needed boost of nourishment for the body and soul during these upside-down times. But while we’re indoors, the internet has been a saving grace, offering us a chance to stay connected to family and friends, and to the arts and culture of our community. Even though we can’t partake in in-person visits to Milwaukee’s main attractions at this time, be sure to check out some virtual offerings:
Around Milwaukee:
https://mam.org/?utm_campaign=athome&utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=various&utm_content=302-index/
Experience the museum online through virtual tours, which is the next best thing to being there. There’s also a blog, audio guides and podcasts. The museum’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/milwaukeeart has daily posts of their collection rotation. Viewers can see a painting or drawing in the collection and learn about the piece and the artist. Their Look, Write, See activities challenge virtual visitors to imaging the people and settings in the paintings.
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum:
https://www.facebook.com/bettybrinn/
Parents can utilize an online version of the museum’s popular programs such as Tot Time or participate in Play In the Cloud weekly meetup.
Milwaukee County Parks Slow TV:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc4DdU0hoJfjqfjLmUWCbs5nnZfr69KTV
The Milwaukee County Parks’ Slow TV captures majestic aerial footage of several parks in the system, set to relaxing music.
Milwaukee County Zoo Webcam:
See the animals in action at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Cams are available for polar bears, jaguars, African lions, Humboldt penguins, and more.
Milwaukee Public Museum:
Discover the Milwaukee Public Museum exhibits and programs through weekly newsletters with fun activities, engaging stories, and unique content to keep on learning, even at home.
Milwaukee Public Library:
https://www.mpl.org/digital/downloads.php
Visit the site to access an array of e-books, audio, video and other materials for downloads. This past week, Wisconsin’s Safer at Home order has been revised to allow libraries to offer curbside pickup of materials. Policies vary among the libraries within the Milwaukee County Federated Library system; check with your local library for details.
Other fun stuff:
Great Lakes Now Virtual field Trip:
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/educational-resources-v1/virtual-field-trip/
The Great Lakes Now Virtual Field Trip educates on Great Lakes coastal wetlands, lake sturgeon, and the danger of algal blooms.
Great Lakes Now, a monthly magazine style television program produced by Detroit Public TV, covers a range of topics affecting the Great Lakes and the communities that depend on them. The program airs locally on MPTV Channel 10; visit https://www.milwaukeepbs.org/local-programs/ for updates.
U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force flyovers
https://www.blueangels.navy.mil
http://afthunderbirds.com/site/
Watch the aerial stunts of our military flight demonstration squadrons, including a recent flyover in a touching tribute to New York City healthcare workers and first responders.
This is not a comprehensive list. Check out Visit Milwaukee’s virtual tours list, https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/articles/things-to-do/virtual-mke/ for other engaging and educational activities. Stay well!
Sheila Julson is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.
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