There are so many opportunities to learn online and we’re so lucky to be able to access so much information. But what if you just want to chill out for a little while? We’ve pulled together some entertaining ways to chill out online which you can enjoy from your sofa!
Five ways to chill out online
Written by The Hive
(Virtually) explore the world with Google Maps
1) Get Lost with MapCrunch
MapCrunch will teleport you to a random location on Google Maps. You could spend some time exploring the neighbourhood, or pretend you’re stranded and have to make it to an airport to fly home! Why not challenge your friends to see who can ‘make it home’ first? Teleport to a random destination: https://www.mapcrunch.com/
2) See the sites
Speaking of Google Maps, why not explore some of the world's most famous sites? Did you know you can explore the Great Barrier Reef, The Palace of Versailles, The White House, or even Diagon Alley?
This blog has 17 amazing places to see on Google Maps, from natural wonders to magical locations! Go exploring. If you’ve explored the wonders of the world, you could revisit travel destinations you’ve been to in the past to prompt some fun reminiscing.
Online Jigsaws
Looking for that jigsaw puzzle fix? Jigsaw Explorer has a number of free online jigsaws to keep you busy! You can also upload your own photo to puzzle over.
Read the classics and discover something new
Always thought about reading some Edgar Allen Poe, catching up with classic horror novels such as Frankenstein or Dracula, or taking a look at childhood classics like Peter Pan or The Jungle Book? Project Gutenberg has hundreds of books you can access online for free.
We’ve linked to their top 100 books, but they have many more in their library! See the top 100 books here. You can read them online or download them to your device.
Choose your own adventure!
Have you ever enjoyed reading 'choose your own adventure' books? Well, why not try some online versions! This site has a number to choose from and you can find some fun adventures to try below.
Self Care for Wizards: You’re a wizard regaining your strength in your dwelling. Choose a healing rune, pet your familiar, unwind!
Recipe for Love: Help a robot find the recipe for love.
Realistic Teen Witch Simulator: A teenager tries to find the ingredients for a solstice spell.
Going to the Market for Oranges: Will you choose oranges or pastries?
Hot Soup and Cats: A short story about not burning soup and enjoying a relaxing afternoon.
Sleeper Notes: What would happen if you started passing notes to a stranger on a train? We loved the ending of this story!
Want a story with a bit more suspense? Try a spooky adventure story...
Choose your own Perambulation: Explore a kooky Victorian London looking for inspiration for your new book. Meet a whole host of weird characters!
Feeling inspired? Try creating your own story using Twine! See how.
Please be aware, we’ve chosen the above examples to be for a general audience, although the last one can be a little spooky! However, if you do explore more stories on the website keep in mind some are for a more mature audience and may feature adult language/themes.
Fancy a choose your own adventure challenge? Try this Harry Potter themed online escape room!
Live Webcam Streams
From outer space to cute animals, we’ve selected some fun live streams so you can see what’s happening in little pockets around - and on top of! - the world.
- Space Cam - watch live video from the International Space Station.
- Want to know what Space Cam is showing you? Track the International Space Station at http://www.isstracker.com/. Use this website to spot the ISS in the sky if you’re lucky enough to have it pass overhead!
- Atlantic Puffin Burrow Cam.
- Tropical Reef Camera - live underwater video of fish & coral.
- Sea Otter Cam.
- Warrior Canine Connection Puppy Cam.
- Donkey Cam.
