In the past weeks, the world seems to be spinning out of control with the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). It’s an overwhelming, stressful and very uncertain time for all of us. It’s important to take this seriously, use good health practices and do what we can to limit our in-person social activities.
At the same time, we want to encourage you not to let fear take over. Stay positive. Be smart and get the facts. And use this extra time home, if possible, to spend with your kids!
To assist our readers during this time, we are shifting gears here at FFTC. We have collected links to local resources here outlining information from the CDC about COVID-19, Twin Cities local closures, ideas for things to do with your family
| Click here for Family Fun Ideas | Click here for CDC Information | Click here for School at Home |
CDC Information on COVID-19
Center for Disease Control (CDC) website is a wealth of information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Use it for all your FAQs about the virus including symptoms to watch for and facts about the virus in children.
Click here for MDH School Information
Advice from Children’s Hospital Minnesota
One of my daughters catches herself being anxious regarding all the information that is out there. I’ve tried to comfort her many different ways, but if you have no idea where to start, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shares tips for talking with children about Coronavirus. Children’s Minnesota is also a great resource for how to answer questions about the virus, dispel myths and misconceptions and how to protect your family.
Click here for Ways to Talk to Your Kids
Twin Cities Closings & Online Events
As of this time most attractions and public venues have closed in the Twin Cities through at least March 2020. (We recommend this list from KSTP to keep on top.) Schools are closed by mandate through the month. Restaurants will not allow customers to dine-in and many have shuttered temporarily. We can’t visit the library or local recreation center, and it’s advised to limit our social interactions. What’s a family to do? Enter our Fun at Home Calendar – a virus-time spin on our classic Twin Cities family events calendar. Use it to find virtual events popping up all over town and ways to beat boredom at home!
LOCAL EVENTS
Children’s Theatre Company classes and performances – through April 15
Landmark Center – Building closed, all programs suspended through March. Final Urban Expedition (April 5) rescheduled to May 31.
Lowe’s Kids Workshops
Mall of America – Mall is closed until further notice
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
American Swedish Institute – public programs cancelled through May 31
Bell Museum of Natural History – until further notice
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – until further notice
Crayola Experience Mall of America- through April 1
Edina Art Center – through April 3
Edina Playgrounds – Yes, outdoor Playgrounds until further notice
Great Wolf Lodge – until April 2
Guthrie Theatre – through April 5
Mall of America – until further notice
Minneapolis Institute of Art – until further notice
Minnesota Children’s Museum – until March 27
Minnesota Historical Society – all historic sites and museums closed through March 31.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – until further notice
Minnesota Zoo – temporarily closed
Ordway Center events – through April 18
Science Museum of Minnesota – until further notice
Snapology Discovery Center, on Lyndale -until further notice
Springbrook Nature Center – Interpretive center closed through April 5
Three Rivers Park District Buildings and events – until further notice
Walker Art Center galleries and events
INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS & PARKS
Edinborough Park & Adventure Peak Indoor Playground – through April 3
Eagles Nest Indoor Playground – until at least April 1
Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground, Woodbury – until further notice
The Blast Indoor Playground (Eagan) – until further notice
Williston Treehouse (Williston Fitness Center, Minnetonka) – through March 31
LOCAL LIBRARIES
All local library branches are now closed until further notice.
At Home Fun
Looks like we are going to be at home nestled with our families for a while! We’ve got a huge list of fun indoor games and activities you can do to pass the time. We’re also stocked up on crafty activities and science experiments you can perform easily at home.
Outdoor Fun
You don’t have to be stuck indoors during this time. Get outside and away from germs by checking out these outdoor adventures. As of this time, parks across the Twin Cities are welcoming families with energy to burn. You can use our handy park-finder to search for a new spot to explore. Many nature centers and trails remain open; make sure to call ahead for the latest information.
Click here for Nature Play Options
School at Home
With mandated school closings come new challenges for kids (and parents) to learn at home. No matter the age of your children, the learning will continue. We’ve collected some resources to help in our (Coronavirus) Homeschooling Guide: How to Do School at Home.
And finally, a few more ideas in our Rainy Day Activities Guide.
