Because of concerns about coronavirus, zoos and aquariums in NJ are temporarily closed to the public. That doesn’t mean the animals at these spots just hibernate, though. They’re still up and active, and many zoos and aquariums have virtually opened their doors with live streams or daily tours so you can see these animals at play. Note that many of the cams aren’t 24 hours, and instead are only up and running while the animals are awake.
Cincinnati Zoo
At 3 pm daily, this zoo hosts a live safari on Facebook, where you’ll see different animals every day. The videos are posted on YouTube if you miss it, and there are activities to go along with the animal of the day.
Georgia Aquarium
This is one of the biggest aquariums in the world, and its live feeds feature the Ocean Voyager cam, which takes you inside the largest tank in the Western hemisphere, that’s home to four whale sharks and countless other animals. You can also watch daily piranha feedings, a jellyfish cam (we highly recommend this one) and super sweet beluga whales. Also, if you haven’t been watching The Aquarium on Animal Planet, now’s the time to binge watch. You’ll see behind-the-scenes footage of this conservation center and its efforts to care for its animals.
Houston Zoo
There’s a host of animals to watch live, like elephants, gorillas, giraffes and rhinos. But the most bizarrely fascinating one is the leafcutter ant cam, which gets especially exciting when fresh leaves enter their habitat.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Marine Life Institute in Finding Dory may be fictional, but this spot gave a lot of inspiration to the animators. You might not see Hank the octopus, but you can watch the Open-Ocean exhibit to see sea turtles and sharks. There are also penguins, moon jellies, coral reefs, aviaries and kelp forests to observe. We’re kind of hooked on the peaceful live view of the actual Monterey Bay, where you can see seagulls and little waves.
National Aquarium
This Baltimore spot offers virtual tours in addition to its blacktip reef shark live and pacific coral reef cams.
San Diego Zoo
This wildlife center is massive, so it should come as no surprise that you’ve got options galore if you want some animal fun. From polar bears and elephants to tigers and penguins to condors and orangutans, there’s tons to see here. Our favorites are the view of the African plains, where you’ll spot giraffes and rhinos roaming, and theKoala cam.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington DC
This site offers live cams of multiple animals, including its famed giant panda. There are also naked mole-rat, lion and elephant cams set up. The website notes that the cameras are currently unmanned, so you might not always see animals, but we spotted a super playful panda.
Tennessee Aquarium
There’s a live cam set up so you can watch North American river otters at play, as well as penguins and reef fish (sharks, sea turtles and more). The reef fish one is particularly mesmerizing if you’re feeling stressed out.
STUFF TO DO
This Free Virtual Harry Potter Escape Room Will Spellbind Your Kids
Hop on Disney Rides From Across the World Without Leaving Home
Virtual Museums Are an Awesome Way to Keep the Kids Learning
Weekly Math Brain Teasers to Keep Your Kids’ Minds Sharp
The Kids Can Take Free Online Dance Classes with Ballet En Demand
Disney+ Is Releasing Pixar’s “Onward” Early
Stream Broadway Shows, Operas and Symphonies for Free Online
Children’s Authors Are Reading Their Books To Your Kids
Foodstirs Has Answered All Your Stress Baking Prayers
Free Mindfulness Lessons to Help Your Kids in These Stressful Times
The Best Family Board Games for Self-Isolation
Disney-Loving Kids Can Start Their Imagineering Careers With This Free Course
You Can Host Netflix Parties for Virtual Movie Nights
Trolls World Tour and More Universal Studios Released Online Early
Keep Busy During Self-Isolation with Free Online Ivy League Classes
Josh Gad Is Reading Bedtime Stories During the Coronavirus Quarantine
Try Free Music Classes from Rockness Music While the Kids Are Stuck at Home
Mo Willems Offers Daily Doodles While You’re Stuck Inside With the Kids
Free Resources to Keep the Kids Learning and Entertained During Coronavirus Shutdowns