To say the coronavirus pandemic has upended life as we know it would be an understatement. Out are playgrounds and playdates; in are days split between homeschooling and trying to maintain some semblance of a home office. But, in a time of crisis, it's been uplifting to see all the FREE resources for NYC families, proving that though we can't get any closer to one another than a social distancing appropriate six feet, we're still all in this together.

Read on for help with everything from your homeschool set up to your next hot meal or much-needed mental health break. We've got more than 15 FREE resources for NYC families trying to weather the COVID-19 crisis.

The first day of spring is usually filled with sunshine and plans for a care-free spring break, but this year things are shaping up quite differently. Much of NYC is closed thanks to the coronavirus shutdown, the Department of Education is shifting to a long-distance learning plan, and our event calendar has more virtual events than in-person ones to support the new norm of social distancing.

The rules of daily life are constantly changing, with Governor Andrew Cuomo announcing ever-tightening restrictions Friday afternoon. Individuals can go outside to collect essential supplies, like groceries and medicine, or for solitary, non-contact recreation, and must maintain a safe social distance of 6 feet.

But, no shelter-in-place order has been given, so if you need to get out with the kids, we've rounded up seven ways to do it safely during the coronavirus shutdown.

Updated Sunday, March 15 at 6pm

Following mounting pressure, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday that the New York City Department of Education—the largest school district in the nation—would close until at least April 20 in an attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the area. The late Sunday announcement may leave parents scrambling to find childcare, figure out what "distance learning" will look like, and what to do with kids at home all day every. 

To help everyone grapple with the new reality, we've put together more details about the NYC school closings, where kids can get free meals while schools are closed, how to get free internet access, as well as other updates about how Coronavirus is impacting NYC, including other closings of NYC institutions.

Continue to check back on our Cornavirus Guide for Parents as we update it daily with any news and Boredom Busters to keep the kids busy. We've got educational science experiments, fun exercise games, remote learning resources like FREE online coding classes for kids, and more. 

Updated: Monday, March 16 at 7am

When Governor Andrew Cuomo took to the airwaves on Thursday afternoon to announce new bans on mass gatherings in the state, Broadway shows were one of the first New York City standbys to go dark, but in the past 24 hours, the closures have piled up. From the New York Public Library to myriad museums, cultural institutions, and indoor play spaces, the city is gearing up for a whole new way of life. Sunday night brought even more changes with Mayor Bill de Blasio announcing bars and cafes will be limited to take-out and delivery orders only, and that nightclubs, theaters, and small concert venues must close effective Tuesday, March 17 at 9am.

See our Coronavirus Guide for the latest on the virus, plus tons of options to keep families busy while the city faces these unprecedented shutdowns, and read on for details on the significant closures city-wide.

In the midst of a redevelopment renaissance, Baltimore's Inner Harbor neighborhood is a beacon for families with its compact size, jam-packed with plenty of engaging attractions, kid-friendly eats, and a balance of history and new-age attractions. We've visited Baltimore before and found plenty of family-friendly fun to enjoy in the Charm City, but the Inner Harbor area packs enough in for a day trip from the Washington, DC, area or a weekend away for other East Coasters. Even better: It's easily accessible by Amtrak, and you won't need a car once you're there.

Read on for 20 things to do in the Baltimore Inner Harbor area, plus our parent-tested pick for a great place to stay. Be sure to check out our City Guides for more great family travel ideas.

A visit to the Lower East Side can feel like taking a step back in time. Walk the right route, and you're greeted with narrow, tenement-lined streets that haven't changed much since this area was a bustling center of immigrant life. Take a different route, though, and you see gleaming new boutique buildings and high-price businesses peddling shiny wares. Change, as they say, is constant. And though one neighborhood mainstay—the Essex Market—has undergone some significant changes of its own, it has stayed true to the neighborhood its called home for more than 130 years.

The Essex Market, rebuilt in a modern building that opened last spring, is just a stone's throw away from its old location. Enter, and you're walking into a mini version of the neighborhood. Rows and rows of stalls honor the area's past and the long-time merchants with deep roots there. So, whether you're spending a day exploring the Lower East Side or searching for a specialty item or a tasty meal, the Essex Market is worth a visit.

Read on for all you can see, do, and taste at this New York City gem.

It's hard to believe March has arrived, bringing with it signs of spring all around New York City, from budding daffodils to outdoor play. Our overflowing event calendar makes it easy for you to hit all the best spring-inspired events, including the Macy's Flower Show, girl-powered ways to celebrate Women's History Month, and of course, St. Patrick's Day parades and children's activities as the city turns green on Tuesday, March 17. 

We've rounded up 10 must-hit happenings in our GoList, including a trio of stage shows, a sky-high attraction opening, and a pair of new exhibitions at two of our favorite museums.

Don't forget to get a jump on spring break planning with our Getaways and Day Trips Guide, as well as our roundup of Spring Break Camps for NYC Kids. You can also grab early bird summer camp rates by perusing our Summer Camp Guide, which includes FREE camps and plenty of fresh picks.

Now get your calendars ready! Here are the top things to do with kids in New York City this March.

Big things are happening at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. The museum we already love for so many reasons has opened two new exhibits in the past six weeks, including the just-introduced Superpowered Metropolis: Early Learning City, which debuted over the weekend.

The exhibit takes over the ground floor space, bringing to life a trio of super-hero inspired pigeons who are ready to lead the institution's youngest visitors on an interactive, city-inspired journey meant to build early learning lessons and set them up for success in school and beyond.

Read on for an introduction to the new feathered friends, Zip, Zap, and Zoom and to learn more about this exhibit that's big fun for little kids and their grownups.