We know you’re probably going stir crazy in the house by now—trust us, we are too. That’s why we decided to get out of our funk by searching cool virtual experiences that spice up our mundane daily routines in lockdown. The opportunities for things to do in isolation are endless, with guitar lessons, virtual museum tours and DJ live streams all available for you, so that you don’t get bored enough that you attempt to cut your own hair.
Learn How To Play Guitar
Fender is making it easier to learn a new instrument in isolation, with online virtual guitar lessons. What’s more—they’re offering the first 500,000 shredders that sign up for Fender Play three months of free guitar, bass and ukulele lessons. If you want to drive your family or partner mad, drag that guitar out of the garage and make some noise with Fender.
Watch Zoo Live Streams
Everybody loves animals and if you don’t, you may need serious help. It may not be your time to get up close and personal with a quokka, but with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo you may get the chance to see Davey, their resident quokka, or other animals popping up on their live streams. Honorable mentions also go out to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, San Diego Zoo and Warrior Canine Connection for their live cams, which gives you an insight into a range of animals all at your fingertips.
Visit Famous Museums Around The World
If you’re a history or arts buff, we’ve got you covered with numerous famous museums opening their virtual doors to online visitors. Escape to Paris and the Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay, to London and The Nation Gallery or British Museum, New York and the National Museum of Natural History or Italy and our personal favourite, the Vatican. Hop online and learn something fascinating today.
Catch A Show At The Sydney Opera House
Never had the chance to catch a show live at the Sydney Opera House? Now is your time. They’rre bringing you the best live shows from their stages to your sofa, with new digital programs broadcasted weekly. Live your best life listening to opera and drinking wine in your PJs.
Sing Along To A Broadway Musical
Do you consider yourself a Broadway musical fanatic? Then what are you doing, sign up to Broadway HD for the best in the biz. They’ve got the likes of Peter Pan, Romeo and Juliet and Swan Lake for you to binge for days. We can’t be held accountable for all the songs you get stuck in your head.
Travel To Faraway Places
If your travel plans have sadly been postponed due to the current pandemic, don’t give up your hopes just yet. We’ve found you some of the most incredible virtual tours that teleport you to another country without leaving the living room. From discovering the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, walking the Great Wall of China and experiencing the Northern Lights from Lapland, you’ll hardly remember you’re sitting at home. You can also check out our guides to virtual experiences in the USA or Australia.
Party With The DJs
Hit the clubs and be home by bedtime? Say no more. Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel are streaming #STAYATHOMESESSIONS and A State of Trance have a similar #BEATTHESILENCE campaign where they both stream DJ sets for you to enjoy from home. Even Diplo is getting on the streaming bandwagon, with new streams blessing your ears weekly. Or, just search one of your favourite music festivals or artists from around the world on YouTube and see what turns up.
Learn To Cook
Want to learn a new skill? Cooking not your strong point? Look no further, because people with amazing cooking skills are popping up online to teach you. Christina Tosi teaches you how to make delicious sweet treats live on Instagram daily and Massimo Bottura has kindly created a range of Instagram TV videos for quick and easy meals you can try at home. If you’re serious though, you can subscribe to Masterclass for a range of cooking courses from some heavy hitters in the culinary world.
Watch Iconic Ballets Online
Sleeping Beauty. Cinderella. Romeo and Juliet. Whatever your favourite ballet is, you can now watch it online thanks to The Australian Ballet. Their free cinema-quality digital season brings full-length performances to your lounge room, with each of the ballets available to watch for two weeks before being replaced with another. Or, if you prefer to dance rather than watch, check out their free online ballet classes here.
Learn To Sketch With NGV Artists
Melbourne’s NGV is determined to keep you stimulated with free online drawing classes hosted by several revered local artists. Drop-by Drawing, which was previously open to whoever wanted to drop by the NGV, has been adapted to an online format for anyone wanting to brush up their illustration skills. The first of the series is up online now and is led by Lily Mae Martin taking you through the art of sketching.
Skill Up With A Free Online Course
From art history classes brought to you by MOMA, workshops from actual Ivy League schools and then a bunch of courses spanning how to nail public speaking and even how to master the art of calling bullshit, there’s plenty you could be teaching yourself while you’re stuck at home. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourites here, and best of all, they’re all free.
Get Your Binge On
If you're feeling lazy, never fear—there’s no need to be productive this weekend. Try the binge-worthy four-part series everyone’s talking about or jump on the Disney+ Bandwagon. We’ve also gone and found you the best movies on Netflix, the best comedies on Netflix, the best shows on Netflix, the best movies on Stan and the best shows on Stan, the best free-to-air shows, plus a bunch of streaming services that aren’t Netflix or Stan. Even better, turn your lounge into a full-on cinema with this handy how-to guide.
While you’re doing all of the above, keep your appetite well fed with these iconic dishes you can now get takeaway.
Image credit: Avi Naim