When COVID-19 spread throughout the world, many tourist attractions had to shut down. However, people can still travel all around the world and explore virtual tours from the comfort of their own home. CNN is a great resource to find virtual tours as they created a list of over 50 tours in multiple genres. Below are a few examples of each, sorted by category.

Art Galleries: Google’s Art and Culture is a great resource to see artwork in art galleries. Some sites feature gallery views such as the art in the Smithsonian which features America’s Presidents and the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard. Other virtual galleries include the Tate Museum in London which houses art genres for all walks of life. The site also features a kids version to teach kids how to make things such as friendship bracelets and chocolate paintings. It also has fun games, quizzes, and teaches about artists. The National Gallery of Victoria in Victoria, Australia can take viewers on exhibits based on a specific artist.

Broadway and Theatre: Broadway has shut down but, it doesn’t mean people still can’t enjoy their favorite shows. You can find clips or full performances of shows online, including the entire catalog of legendary Broadway writer Andrew Lloyd Webber on a YouTube channel called, "The Show Must Go On." A new musical will be broadcasted on the channel on Fridays at 1 P.M. CST. Last week, the series of shows started off with the 1999 edition of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring showman Donny Osmond. The Shows Must Go On will premiere Jesus Christ Superstar this Friday. Along with The Shows Must Go On, the U.K.’s National Theatre will stream one show for the week on YouTube. This week is One Man, Two Guvnors starring showman and late-night talk show host James Corden. Next week, will be Jane Eyre based on the book by Charlotte Brontë. 

National Parks and Zoos: Many people had to cancel trips and vacations due to COVID-19. However, people can still visit landmarks all around the world. The Guardian has a list that shares the more popular locations such as the Grand Canyon and the Northern Lights. Visiting a zoo is often an enjoyable activity. Zoos, such as the San Diego Zoo, have live cameras for animals such as apes, koalas, and penguins. Taking five minutes to watch these creatures will make your day better. The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha has a Zoo from Home page where you can watch a keeper clip or a virtual learning video and do an activity based on your grade level. The outdoors is still out there even though you are still inside. 

Smithsonian: When it comes to museums, the Smithsonian is the most popular in America and the location for the 2009 Night of the Museum squeal, therefore, it deserves its own category. In the Natural History museum, taxidermied animals from all around the world are on display along with an exhibit of human evolution, and dinosaur fossils. There are also virtual tours of the Smithsonian Castle and the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden along with archives of past exhibits and an inside look at the research stations. 

Overall, the entire world is still there at the touch of your fingertips. You can explore and not leave the comfort of your own home. Be sure to follow CHS Anchor News on Twitter and Instagram along with checking out our Fusfoo page. I’m Libby Wurdeman. CHS Anchor News.