The Coronavirus (CoVid-19) — What You Need to Know in the Twin Cities

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.

Find CoVid-19 school closing information.

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!

Calendar of Online Events

LOCAL EVENTS

Children’s Theatre Company classes and performancesthrough April 15
Landmark CenterBuilding 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 CenterInterpretive 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.

Stay Indoors with these Family Fun Games during the CoVid-19 quarantine.

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.

 twin cities parks and playgrounds

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.

Colored pencils in a ring

And finally, a few more ideas in our Rainy Day Activities Guide.

RAiny Day

Click here for Rainy Day Activities

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