To help with the Covid-19 lockdown, a range of brands and services have designed programmes specifically for the self-isolation period and are offering them for free. Below are some suggestions on what you can do to keep yourself (and your family) healthy and entertained during self-isolation.

KIDS

Nanogirl. Dr Michelle Dickinson, aka Nanogirl, is here to provide kids with a fun-filled science adventure every weekday. Along with free informative videos and podcasts, a paid subscription service allows you to access 50 instructional videos and worksheets as well as a weekly webinar for parents.

Audible. Giant audiobook platform Audible has made an impressive range of audiobooks free for children and teens.

Elevenses. Comedian and author David Walliams is releasing a free children's story every day for the next 30 days as part of his 'World's Worst Children' book series.

EDUCATION

Auckland Museum.  While Auckland Museum is temporarily closed, the team have made learning available at home with virtual exhibits, interactive learning, quizzes, and puzzles.

Google Arts and Culture. Google has partnered with famous museums and galleries from all around the world to offer virtual exhibits from the comfort of your own home.

Road Trip from Home. At a time when travel is heavily restricted (or you are in lockdown), virtual field trips are the next best thing. This website has a range of historic landmarks, museums, marvels, and science adventures that you can explore digitally.

E-Learning for Kids. This website offers free and fun digital education for kids worldwide, ranging from topics such as computer skills to maths to language arts.

More. And for some incredible insights on the 17 tallest structures around the world, including their height, details of construction, and interesting facts – you can visit this website for an amazing virtual experience (thanks to Amelia for the suggestion!)

FITNESS

Les Mills x TVNZ.  Les Mills and TVNZ have partnered to broadcast free daily workouts on TV. Adult programmes air daily at 9.00am on TVNZ1. Workouts for children and teenagers will screen daily at 3.00pm on TVNZ2.

P.E. with Joe. Youtube fitness instructor The Body Coach is uploading free exercise video for kids specifically for the lockdown period; parents are welcome to join in

Zumba for Kids. Kanikani Fitness is offering free online Zumba classes for kids, streaming every Tuesday and Thursday at 9.30am.

ENTERTAINMENT

Netflix Party. For those of us missing movie nights with people, Netflix Party is a free service which synchronizes Netflix streaming with other people and adds a group chat alongside it.

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. With all its concerts cancelled for the time being, the NZSO is streaming performances to people at home.

Beamafilm. For those of us who enjoy independent films and documentaries, Beamafilm is a free film streaming platform you can sign up to with a library membership.

Royal New Zealand Ballet. The Royal New Zealand Ballet is live-streaming its performances via Facebook Premiere. The full schedule can be found here.

Quiz Packs. Clue HQ is offering a free weekly quiz pack to do with your family or housemates. Message the team on Facebook and they can assist.

MENTAL HEALTH

Headspace.  The team at Headspace are offering free access to their 'Weathering the Storm' meditation package.

1737. 1737 is a free service for Kiwis who are feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed, particularly during the lockdown. If you are feeling isolated or vulnerable, you can free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. You’ll get to talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor.

Calm. The sleep and meditation giant have made a range of their meditations free and are live streaming free meditations each weekday on Facebook and Youtube.

Insight Timer. A meditation app with more than 100k free guided meditations, including ones that will get you through the uncertainty and anxieties of lockdown.