Parenthood is all about keeping kids safe from harm, but there's no handbook for dealing with a pandemic like coronavirus (COVID-19). As cases climb into the tens of thousands in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) count—so do parents' concerns and questions. How can we protect our children who we've heard can carry the virus and still look perfectly healthy, while not hurting sitters, grandparents, and others in our orbit? Is a trip to the playground or the park OK?

The White House has advised all Americans to practice social distancing by not gathering in groups of more than 10 people. School, sports, and big birthday parties are off the table in many areas right now. Some states have even closed parks amid coronavirus concerns. But it's less clear how parents should manage neighbor pals, babysitters, and grandparent visits while sticking close to home. We took our most pressing parent questions to Leigh Grossman, M.D., a University of Virginia professor of pediatric infectious disease and author of The Parents' Survival Guide to Daycare Infections. Here's what the doctor, mother, and grandmother advises parents about outdoor time, handwashing, cleaning, childcare, and even coughs and fevers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

And while you're sticking close to home, check out our Coronavirus Guide for Parents, which has hundreds of ideas for keeping kids of all ages busy.

Coronavirus outbreaks throughout the state have promoted Illinois officials to issue a shelter-in-place for residents. But even with social distancing measures recommending that people stay at least six feet away from each other to avoid the spread of germs, there's still plenty for kids and parents to do outside or virtually to enjoy this unplanned stay-cation.

With the city on lockdown our normally robust calendar of events has dwindled down to cancellations, postponements, and virtual activities as we try to navigate our current norm of social distancing, however, we don't think that means your weekend has to be any less fun than normal.

We rounded up a slew of activities that will keep you engaged and entertained all weekend long. And while rain is in the forecast, if it holds off and you're able to get outdoors this weekend to take advantage of some passive recreation, please stay aware and safe! And if all else fails, don't forget to consult our parents' pandemic guide with hundreds of at-home activities and crafts. In Gov. Pritzker's shelter-in-place mandate, there are specific exceptions made for "walking, hiking, running or biking – including going to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas, except for playgrounds." Make sure a healthy dose of sunshine is on your family's agenda for the weekend!

The past few weeks have consistently become more and more uncertain, and what started as caution quickly turned into school closures, remote jobs, and a recommendation to stay home as much as possible. With the city on lockdown our normally robust calendar of events has dwindled down to cancellations, postponements, and virtual activities as we try to navigate our current norm of social distancing, however, we don't think that means your weekend has to be any less fun than normal.  

We rounded up a slew of activities that will keep you engaged and entertained all weekend long. And while rain is in the forecast, if it holds off and you're able to get outdoors this weekend to take advantage of some passive recreation, please stay aware and safe! And if all else fails, don't forget to consult our parents' pandemic guide with hundreds of at-home activities and crafts.

Social distancing with kids is no easy task—boy do we relate! Whether your kids are young and whiny or older and rebellious, keeping them occupied and safe nowadays is a challenge.

We recognize the need to get out of the house for fresh air and a change of scenery. Fortunately, we can! Below we’ve compiled a list of destinations that remain open to the public in and around Westchester. We hope that these refuges not only provide a sense of normalcy in these trying times but also help you discover a new destination your family loves. Disclaimer: With everything changing from one day to the next, please check with any venue you plan to visit to confirm it remains open.

Be sure to bookmark our Coronavirus Parent Guide, chock-full of boredom busters, online learning tools, STEM activities, craft projects, podcasts, movie picks, and more. We’ve also been cataloging virtual events from all over the country on our Event Calendar and have rounded up our faves for the days ahead. 

Read on for where to go—and be sure to practice safe social distancing! Most of these venues are FREE!

Social distancing has become the new norm, but getting outside for fresh air is still allowed... and encouraged! Kid-friendly walks, hikes, and bike rides are a nice break from screen time, without the crowds of playgrounds (many of which are closed) and other outdoor gathering spots.

The following outdoor activities in our state remain open as of publishing time. Disclaimer: With everything changing from one day to the next, please check with any venue you plan to visit to confirm it remains open.

For more ideas for things to do at home or in your own backyard, check out our Coronavirus Guide for Parents, where you'll find hundreds of ideas and resources for keeping the kids busy while keeping your sanity. We’ve also been cataloging virtual events from all over the country on our Event Calendar and have rounded up our faves for the days ahead.

Stay safe and be well, New Jersey!

Advised social distancing plus vast closures across Long Island has us getting creative here at Mommy Poppins. Whether it's an open trail hike or other outdoor experience, we've rounded up some activities if you're cooped up or heading to open space. 

Visit our Coronavirus Guide for Parents, for tons of resources and Boredom Busters to keep the kids busy. We've got educational science experiments, fun exercise games, remote learning resources like these mostly free online learning resources, websites and apps for kids, and more.

For more information on Coronavirus updates from around New York State, click here to read what parents should know.

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Family life as we know it has changed dramatically in the past week, and those of us with restless children are definitely feeling the stress (and in some cases, boredom) of it all. Be sure to check out our Coronavirus Guide for Parents, which we have filled with hundreds of activities and ideas to try out with the kids. With everyone housebound and turning to the Internet, there is also an abundance of quality virtual experiences worth streaming and some cool podcasts kids will love.

However, many of us could use some fresh ideas for getting outdoors while social distancing, or connecting to the outside world in screen-free ways. We have some ideas for safe and meaningful family time, from playing a hide-and-seek game with spring "bunnies" in Walpole to picking up take-out art supplies in Wellesley. Please check in with these spots and with local restrictions before heading out, and remember to observe social distancing guidelines of keeping yourself (and kids) 6 feet away from non-family members. Have fun—and hang in there! 

With social distancing practices putting the kibosh on the normal slate of early spring activities, parents who have spent the past week as a homeschooler/school nurse/short-order cook sure could use a break. Thanks to our Coronavirus Guide for Parents, families have turned to some terrific online options like virtual museum tours and concerts or clever podcasts to keep kids entertained. However, many of us would love some new ideas for getting fresh air or connecting with our community without screens.

We scouted the area and found some great local activities that families can still do safely, from a coastal birdwatching walk to take-out craft projects from some of our favorite local art studios. Please check in with these spots and local restrictions before heading out to make sure visits are still allowed, and remember to observe social distancing guidelines of keeping yourself (and kids) at least 6 feet away from non-family members. Have fun—and hang in there.