Heartland organizations keep kids educated, entertained during COVID-19

(KFVS) - Several local schools, libraries, law enforcement, and other organizations want to make sure your family has educational ways to stay busy and entertained while staying home.

Below is a list of some in the Heartland. If you would like to add to the list, please email news@KFVS12.com.

SIKESTON DEPOT MUSEUM

According to the Facebook page, the museum is offering free virtual tours, Facetimes, or phone calls for children. Call 573-481-9967 to set one up.

SIKESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Sikeston Public Library is offering a free curbside pickup option for renting books. You must call ahead of time to reserve, with a limit of five items. Library accounts must be in good standing.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SIKESTON SCAVENGER HUNT

Historic Downtown Sikeston has set up a scavenger hunt that can be done from the comfort of your vehicle.

BEAR HUNT IN KENNETT

Residents and businesses are having a bear hunt in Kennett, Mo. People of all ages can ride around Kennett searching for hidden bears and other animals.

SIMMONS FAMILY MARTIAL ARTS

This martial arts school located in Cape Girardeau is livestreaming classes on its Facebook page.

CAPE GIRARDEAU PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Cape Girardeau Public Library is holding a virtual story time with a new children’s book once per day on their Facebook page.

CAPE GIRARDEAU FIRE DEPT.

Firefighters will hold a virtual fire engine tour Wednesday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. on their Facebook page.

JACKSON FIRE AND RESCUE

Firefighters with Jackson Fire and Rescue are reading books every night the week of March 29 at 8 p.m. on their Facebook page.

SOUTHEASTHEALTH

The hospital is hosting a scavenger hunt. Enjoy a walk, while social distancing, and see how many items the kids can spot.

POPLAR BLUFF MIDDLE SCHOOL

The school announced opportunities to continue reading while at home thanks to the Poplar Bluff Public Library. Also, any Poplar Bluff school library books can be dropped off at any meal site.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

The Boys & Girls Club of Southern Illinois is hosting online programs and delivering meals.

• The Springer Street site is a designated pick up site for lunches for youth Monday – Friday from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Throughout the day the programming schedule is full of things for youth to check in on Facebook Live or watch the videos on YouTube later.

ILLINOIS EXTENSION

Horticulture Educator Austin Little and Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Katie Bell are teaming up to share a free webinar series for beginning gardeners. There are six webinars planned, beginning April 7. These are activities for all ages. Please contact Tina Carpenter for more information at tcarpenter@bgcsi.org or 618-457-8877 x 0023.

MASSAC COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The sheriff’s office is joining other law enforcement agencies across the nation in a new initiative called Books and Badges. Deputies will be reading books for children.

PADUCAH POLICE DEPARTMENT

D.A.R.E. officers in Paducah, Ky. are reading children’s books on their Facebook page.

DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA

Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn. is sharing several different resources on their social media platforms. Those include: an “ArtiFACT of the Day,” “Moments of Discovery” videos, a weekly release of the popular “Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast,” “Wildlife Wednesdays,”and “Fossil Friday.”

Copyright 2020 KFVS. All rights reserved.