Everything You Need to Know About New York During COVID-19

Here's what's going on in the New York metro area during coronavirus and resources for parents to make it all a little easier.

By NYMetroParents Staff February 23, 2021

Updated Feb. 23: With things changing every day due to the coronavirus, we'll be your source for everything that's happening in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester County, Rockland County, and Long Island, including local news, business hours, online classes for kids and families, and services to help families who are staying home. Here's everything you need to know about the New York metro area during COVID-19.

Family Coronavirus Resources:

How to Find a Safe Sense of Normalcy During COVID-19
How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
How Coronavirus Affects Children

What's Happening in New York During the Pandemic:

What's Open in New York?
What’s Happening in Manhattan
What’s Happening in Brooklyn
What’s Happening in Queens
What’s Happening in Westchester
What’s Happening in Rockland and Bergen
What’s Happening on Long Island

How to Find a Safe Sense of Normalcy During COVID-19

What will school look like for 2020-2021?

Here's everything you need to know right now about the reopening of schools throughout New York State, the reopening of schools in NYC, and the reopening of special needs programming in New York.

What restaurants in my area are open and how will I stay safe eating at them?

Indoor and outdoor dining are currently open throughout New York. Here's everything you need to know about returning to restaurants during coronavirus.

How do I go to the dentist safely during coronavirus?

Dentist offices are taking a lot of CDC recommended safety measures to keep you safe when you come in for routine dental work. Here's what you need to know.

Can my kids have a playdate during coronavirus?

While kids are capable of carrying the virus without exhibiting any symptoms, socializing is very important for children. There are ways you can keep kids safe if you want to allow them to have playdates. If you don't, we have also included ideas for ways kids can socialize while apart from their friends.

When can I get a haircut in New York and how do I do it safely?

Here's how hair salons will keep you safe and precautions you can take to get a haircut during coronavirus.

Can my kids play sports?

Here's the latest on youth sports in New York and how you can keep your kids safe while playing.

Can my family and friends meet my newborn?

We spoke with three doctors for advice on introducing your newborn to your family and friends right now.

How will child care centers keep my kids safe when they reopen?

When deciding whether to send your children to a day care, ultimately it comes down to what’s right for your family. These are the guidelines child care centers are following as they reopen in New York and ways parents can help keep their kids safe from the coronavirus as they send them back to daycare.

Can I ride public transportation?

While the best way to stay safe is to avoid subways, buses, and trains as much as possible, here are safety precautions you can take to prevent the spread of coronavirus if you need to ride NYC public transportation.

Can we visit the grandparents during Coronavirus?

Wendy Proskin, M.D., of Westmed Medical Group says the best thing you can do is not see your older parents right now—that’s the only thing that will truly keep them safe. However, she understands that you miss them so if you do take the risk, maintain six feet distance and wear masks for the entirety of the visit. If you plan to spend the whole day together, have your entire family quarantine (real, true quarantine) for two weeks prior to visiting. Don't let grandparents hold newborns and ideally you should be outside during the visit. For 100% safety, Zoom and FaceTime can be fun 'visits' in their own ways.

How do I reassure my kids that it's safe to go out?

Everyday activities are slowly starting to come back. Here's how to talk to your kids who are anxious or nervous to return to the "real world" after quarantining for so long.

How do I keep my toddler safe if she isn't supposed to wear a mask?

According to the CDC, children ages 2 and younger should not wear a mask. Here's how you can protect your toddler from the coronavirus and ensure she is still meeting all milestones while socially distancing.

Can I breastfeed if I have coronavirus?

The short answer is yes, and experts do not believe that coronavirus can pass through breast milk. Read more about breastfeeding during coronavirus here.

Can I go on a trip during coronavirus?

Now is not the best time to fly with your family and it may not be an ideal time to take public transportation either. Here are some ideas for family day trips you can take during the pandemic (as long as you're careful). If you're driving somewhere, renting a car may be the safest option.

When will playgrounds in my area open and how can I keep my kids safe?

Playgrounds in Nassau County are able to open June 13, while playgrounds in Westchester, Rockland, Suffolk, and NYC are still closed. This is everything you need to know about keeping kids safe at the playground during coronavirus.

How to Talk To Your Kids About Coronavirus

The Child Mind Institute published tips on how to talk to your kids about coronavirus with inciting panic or fear. Strategies include:

Don't be afraid to talk about the virus—not talking about the illness kids will probably hear about on the news can make them more anxious. Keep conversations going as the story develops.

Be developmentally appropriate. Too much information can be overwhelming. Meet your kids at their level.

Be reassuring, focus on what your family can do to stay safe, and stick to your routine as much as possible. Structured days with regular mealtimes can be essential to keeping kids healthy and happy, says Janine Domingues, Ph.D., a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, especially if their schools close. You can read the rest of the tips on the Child Mind website.

Common Sense Media has also released guidelines to help parents now that schools have closed. Check out their tips, resources, and more. This piece provides strategies for easing anxiety in kids with special needs, as well.

How Coronavirus Affects Children

If your child is less than 21 years old and has a persistent fever lasting more than four days, incomplete or typical Kawasaki disease (which causes inflammation of arteries), and/or toxic shock syndrome-like symptoms, your pediatrician should immediately refer you to a pediatric infectious disease specialist and you should report the case to the Health Department through the Provider Access Line at 866-692-3641.

Good hygiene and health practices are essential to protect your family, and others in your community who might be immunocompromised. Always encourage kids of all ages to cough and sneeze into their elbows, not their hands. Make sure kids wash their hands thoroughly and often (hand sanitizer is helpful, but not a replacement!). Do not go out right now if you or your kids are sick. Take extra care with kids who have chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.

If your child starts to exhibit coronavirus symptoms, experts recommend you call your local health provider before taking your child to the doctor to figure out the best course of action.

What's Open in New York?

Low-risk, outdoor arts and entertainment—including zoos and botanical gardens at 33 percent capacity
Indoor arts and entertainment, including museums and aquariums at 25 percent capacity
Colleges, universities, and other higher education
Schools throughout New York
Professional sports without fans
Indoor religious gatherings up to 33 percent capacity
Social gatherings of up to 50 people
Indoor dining at 25 percent capacity
Movie theaters can open in NYC starting March 5
Billiard Halls can re-open statewide beginning March 5

Many popular New York City attractions are reopening as well, including the High Line, the Top of the Rock, the GIANT Room, the 9/11 Memorial, the Bronx Zoo, the Prospect Park Zoo, the Central Park Zoo, and the Queens Zoo. You can also go...

mini golfing
hiking
camping
fishing
zip lining
horseback riding
bowling
to amusement parks
to aquariums
to museums
to Chelsea Market
to the playground
to play tennis
to a drive-in movie
to rent a boat
to Roosevelt Island
to Governors Island
to Brooklyn Bridge Park
to FAO Schwarz
to Prospect Park
to farmers' markets
to the zoo, a nature center, or botanical garden
on an NYC boat tour
on a day trip

Here's our full list of family activities that are open in New York City right now.

What’s Happening in Manhattan

Coronavirus News for Manhattan

Ronald A. Primas, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.P.M., an internist and preventive medicine specialist at TravelMD, is currently treating active COVID patients and doing real time COVID viral PCR testing, as well as rapid antibody testing for immunity. TravelMD is consulting with hotel and other industry COVID prevention protocols and workplace walk throughs to ensure employee, workplace and hotel guest safety.

Although the school year is winding down, special education services continue. Students have to be evaluated and IEPs and 504 remain an important function of a school's responsibility towards educating all students. If you are having trouble accessing your district's special education office, do not understand how to maintain services, and are worried about regression because school buildings have been closed since March, contact MLM Advocacy to help you understand and manage your child's special education needs at [email protected]

Join Plum & Honey remotely in baking everything from cookies to cakes! A great introduction to baking for young bakers, or a chance to hone skills for more advanced students. All ingredients and materials included. Bake with the Chef weekly Zoom session included but not required, focusing on "from scratch" items. Each kit will contain photo and written instructions, meaning your child can take on projects at their own pace. Plum & Honey will deliver one kit to you each week full of recipes (if you live in Brooklyn or Manhattan): Monday-Wednesday: 6-9pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10am-2pm. Book your delivery now via Coursehorse or at www.plumandhoney.com.

New York University, Department of Psychology is trying to understand how babies and children learn about the world. It has several short, fun studies that can be accessed at any time without an appointment. The studies focus on how babies and children engage with the geometry of everyday life, from the shapes of objects they see to the places they navigate. All you need is a computer and a webcam. After you finish the study, you'll receive a $5 Amazon gift card!

The Child Mind Institute recently launched an online support platform at CrisisLogger.org, where people from all walks of life—parents, first responders, health care workers, educators—can hear others’ experiences around COVID-19 and share their own stories. Anyone who contributes their story also can decide to donate it to CMI’s scientific effort to identify current struggles and needs within communities, and develop appropriate resources and interventions around those. Additionally, the Child Mind Institute's HealthyBrainNetwork.org team continues to offer children in the tristate area no-cost comprehensive mental health and learning evaluations during the crisis. At this time, all assessments are being done via video and phone conferencing.

Let's Dress Up is open for business! We take safety and cleanliness very seriously and have many new protocols in place. We are confident that we can deliver safe, yet magical princess fun. We have fewer sessions and limited capacity, but we are also offering private sessions for small groups. Just call to inquire. Our Perfect Princess Birthday Tea Party for 6 remains very popular. We have also added interactive virtual events. So there is a lot to choose from and we truly appreciate the support of our customers.

Battery Park Montessori is scheduling private virtual tour and info sessions on Tuesdays at 9am, Wednesdays at 11am and 4pm, and Thursdays at 4pm. Email [email protected], call 212-235-2304, or start your family profile at ravenna-hub.com/schools/207883 to see all available private tour times slots.

Offering rolling admissions, your first step in the Pine Street School admissions process is to sign up for a Family Information Session and virtual tour! Learn everything you need to know about Pine Street School’s intellectually rigorous, full-immersion International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Middle Years Programs in a private 1-on-1 online Zoom session. Sessions are available Tuesdays at 10am, 4pm, and 5pm; Wednesdays at 9am and 5pm; and Thursdays at 9am, 10am, and 5pm. Email [email protected], call 212-235-2304 or start your family profile within ravenna-hub.com/schools/207880 to see all available sessions.

Boomerang Toys, West Side Kids, and Little Things Toys Brooklyn are hosting a toy drive to help homeless children in need during this crisis. Go to shelterandplay.org to donate.

The SUNY College of Optometry University Eye Center announced the opening of the state-of-the-art Barbara Saltzman Center for Pediatric Eye Care. In response to the current health emergency, the center is open for urgent care needs and is available to see patients via the newly launched, user-friendly UEC telehealth platform. A smartphone, computer, or any device with a camera is all that is required for a virtual visit with a UEC doctor.

Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of New York are providing the New York State core curriculum and faith-based education to our students via home-based learning. Enrollment for 2020-2021 is proceeding, and applications may be submitted online. Plus, parents, students, and staff can visit catholicschoolsny.org/covid-19 for updates, helpful resources, and messages of faith and hope.

Morton's The Steakhouse is offering a variety of to-go options, including a prepared Easter dinner for two, kits to cook your own Easter dinner at home, "Butcher Block" to-go options, and kits to cook Morton's specialties at home.

NYC Admissions Solutions is supporting NYC middle school families during this challenging time with a series of free webinars on the NYC Public High School Admissions Process, "NYC Admissions Solutions Spring 2020 Webinar Series: NYC Public High School Admissions."

Red Carpet Kids has teamed up with a Broadway company to provide birthday packages, which include a custom birthday cake delivered to your home, a 1-on-1 performance with your choice of Broadway star, and a microphone karaoke machine (to keep) with Broadway sheet music to sing and perform your favorite tunes. Stars from shows such as Hamilton, Mean Girls, Beetlejuice, Aladdin, Harry Potter, Beautiful, Dear Evan Hansen, and Lion King! Email [email protected] or call 310-666-2734 for availability.

Ribbon 72 is offering weekend brunch delivery for families in Manhattan. The package, which is $34.95 for two people or $59.95 for four people, is offered from 11am-3pm every Saturday and Sunday and includes your choice of appetizer, entree, sides, and a bloody Mary or mimosa.

You can now access an escape room game from home! The Escape Game, an escape room in NYC, created TEG Unlocked, a digital version of it's in-person activity. Plus, it's offering TEG Field Trips, free online games designed to take kids on engaging and educational journeys through famous museums, historic landmarks and even back to major moments in time.

Local healthy cooking expert and TV chef Julie Hartigan of CookingwJulie.com is sharing easy pantry cooking ideas and taking viewer questions in her LIVE cooking show Quarantine Kitchen. It airs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5pm on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Plus, she is sharing a free cookbook, 10 Healthy Meals in Under 20 Minutes, to help you with easy, family-friendly pantry recipes.

Gen-Z Media has launched a new daily podcast for young people, called "Remy's Life...Interrupted," which takes place in self-quarantine and tells the story of an 11-year-old girl grappling with a changing life, while finding exciting adventure and mystery within the confines of her own home. Tune in and connect with the whole family!

Butterfield Market has received an overwhelming number of inquiries and orders from customers and neighbors who would like to donate meals to the neighborhood physicians, nurses, hospital staff, and administration who are on the front lines. So, it's partnering with Lenox Hill Hospital, NY Presbyterian Heroes Initiative, and other local medical centers to produce and deliver individually packaged meals to neighborhood hospitals. The cost of feeding a staff member is roughly $10 per meal. Visit the link above to learn more.

NYC Birthday Clowns is offering FREE personalized birthday messages to children celebrating their birthday during the quarantine. Send an email to [email protected] and include the birthday child's name, age, and a list of their favorite characters (NYC Birthday Clowns doesn’t usually provide character appearances so it has a limited selection).

Looking for a way to celebrate your child's birthday? Sammie & Tudie's Imagination Playhouse is offering a 2-minute, virtual birthday party, complete with dancing, fireworks, balloon animal, and lots of comedy! Email [email protected] for more information.

The École is fully onsite. Masks are required for everyone at school. Anyone who enters the building (students, staff and any visitors) must fill out a health screening every day. Temperature checks are done for anyone coming into the building and twice a day for students. Only essential visitors are allowed to enter either building. Students are divided into smaller groups called cohorts, and the cohorts do not mix. Desks in each class are six feet apart. Lunch is served in the classrooms rather than in the lunchroom to keep students who are in different cohorts from mixing. Hand sanitizer dispensers are located throughout the building. 'Hot spots' throughout the building such as door handles and bathrooms are cleaned multiple times a day, and deep sanitization of both buildings is carried out every night. Drop-off and pickup times are staggered. Stairways are one way to maintain social distancing. Pool testing was carried out for all staff and students at the beginning of the year, and it will be done at strategic times throughout the year.

With class options both in person and online, the safety of students at the Ballet Club is its top priority. Safety guidelines include mask requirements, strict social distancing, strict time tables, hand sanitizer, increased disinfecting, and limited people in the studio. Click here to view safety protocols or visit the website for more information.

Manhattan Businesses with Modified Hours

Ribbon 72 just launched its $89 July 4th special, which is available for both pickup and delivery, and preordering begins June 28.

One of Linhart Dentistry's dentists is on call 24/7 in case you have an emergency dental need. Call 212-682-5180 and press 1 to reach a doctor on his or her cellphone. You can also leave a message by pressing 2, which will be checked daily, or email [email protected]. The office will also be performing remote video consultations.

Let's Dress Up, a princess-themed play and birthday party space on the Upper East Side, plans to re-open April 1 (subject to change based on safety guidelines). It's currently looking into a modified schedule, possible on-demand or private playdates or a way to do a virtual offering. Check the website for updates.

To help keep kids active, Huddle Up NYC is available for individual or small group (no more than 6 participants) sessions. All sessions will be held outdoors and will start and end with the use of hand sanitizer to keep good hygiene at the forefront. Any child or staff member that exhibits any symptoms of illness will not be allowed to attend.

The IDEAL School of Manhattan will conduct distance learning for all students beginning Tuesday, March 31, until at least Tuesday, April 21. Plus, the school's April 7 and April 15 open houses will now be virtual. Visit theidealschool.org for details.

British Swim School Manhattan suspended operations due to COVID-19 on March 13. It has tentatively set a reopening date of April 15 April, but due to the uncertainty of virus containment, this is subject to change.

Online Classes for Kids and Families in Manhattan

In honor of what would have been NDI’s 2020 Event of the Year this month, ndiLIVE! will highlight performances from years past. The Event of the Year is a joyful celebration of music and dance starring 200 children from NDI’s partner schools in NYC. Join us for this opportunity to learn some of our favorite pieces from the NDI repertoire. Head to the website to learn more about the event and performance lineup!

Manhattan Fencing Center is offering new virtual program, which allows students to learn fencing from the comfort and safety of their home. Virtual classes and lesson's are ideal for beginner and intermediate fencers. Fencing groups are separated by age and experience. Activities include fencing games, footwork, drills, and open bouting.

Little Maestros is currently running weekly Zoom classes, Vimeo on-demand episodes, and daily social media content @littlemaestrosofficial.

Breakaway Hoops is offering group and private remote training. Receive weekly instructional basketball and fitness videos, feedback from coach, and more. Plus, you can compete amongst friends remotely to showcase basketball highlights, videos, photos, and athletic achievements on group news feed and win prizes.

Guidepost Montessori has developed a fully integrated online learning platform for children ages newborn to 12 coupled with a Parent Concierge who lends unlimited advice and assistance in helping your child to thrive at home. Distance learning for children ages newborn to 6 connects your family with Montessori educators with parents and homeschoolers who are looking for clear, collaborative at-home guidance. Meanwhile, elementary students (ages 6-12) work online directly with world-class Montessori educators, lifting the burden of schoolwork logistics off of parents' schedules.

TADA! Youth Theater is now offering online musical theater small group classes and private piano, voice, acting, and dance lessons.

Connect the Dots OT transformed its after-school enrichment program to live stream courses. Students can participate in any of the five different enrichment programs led by an occupational therapist. Children can join online with peers throughout the country, or schools can offer this exclusively to their students as an addition to their remote learning curriculum. Note: There is a class attendance minimum. If the minimum attendance is not met by 6pm the evening before the class, your payment will be and you will receive an email letting you know the class will be cancelled. Registration classes close 48 hours prior to the scheduled date/time. Plus, the facility is offering telehealth therapy sessions. Email [email protected] for more information.

NYC Guitar School is offering virtual music camps! Virtual camps mix small group bonding and learning with independent practice and breakout coaching from NYC Guitar School’s instructors, all via video conference, the cloud based digital audio work space Soundtrap, and laptop based programs like Abelton Live.

New York Piano School has switched to online piano lessons. Children can explore music and learn to play in the comfort and safety of home. Plus, it’s offering discounted rates for the month of May.

Pono, an urban outdoor educational program, is opening its spring term Virtual Classes to all! They will be led by Pono faculty, Pono visiting teachers, and Pono children. Maximum enrollment is seven students per class.

Spyscape, an interactive spy museum and experience, launched True Spies, a podcast series hosted by Hayley Atwell. Each episode focuses on a different real-life spy.

IKIGAI USA is offering Yoga and Indian Dance, mainly Bollywood classes, for kids via Zoom. Each session in 45 minutes and focuses on one song for 4 classes. Fees for 4 classes: $25. It also offers online adult Bollywood Classes.

Cooking With Stars has added virtual cooking classes to its enrichment programs for Long Island and NYC. In the comfort of your own family kitchen, your K-4 or Middle School students, plus siblings, can join each week for a 60-minute cooking class. Recipes with ingredient lists are posted prior to each class. You can purchase a single class for $22, or join the Cooking With Stars Loyalty Club to receive a 20-percent discount. Join Sunday, May 3 for a Pre-Mother's Day Brunch at 10am, Star Wars Day on May 4 at 4:30pm, and Cinco de Mayo on May 5 at 4:30pm.

I Can Do That NYC is offering online dance and theater classes to kids ages 3-11. Plus, it’s rolled out adult dance classes and is offering Broadway workshops for teens and young adults starting in May.

The Center for Architecture has launched Architecture at Home, a series of free family-friendly activities and lessons, offered in partnership with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development. Follow the center on Facebook and Instagram to be notified when new activities are posted!

Yogi Beans is offering online yoga classes for kids, and all online programs are donation based with a minimum donation of $3 and a suggested donation of $12. The majority of profits from these classes will go to the Yogi Beans Instructors.

Intelligentsia Inc. is offering tutoring services remotely with discounts, including its test prep and college consulting services. New clients will receive an hour free of consulting to troubleshoot home learning environments and create best plans of action for effective homeschooling and extracurricular enrichment. It's also hosting a free college process webinar on May 12 at 6:30pm on how the college application process is being affected by COVID-19. The webinar will cover things like standardized testing delays, virtual campus visits and how to determine best fit, how to bolster activities during social distancing, and sampling college courses via MOOC platforms.

Pianist Orli Shaham's interactive classical music series for children is now online. New episodes will be posted on Kaufman Music Center's website and social channels every Sunday at 11am.

The cast of Eight is Never Enough Improv (Improv 4 Kids) has continued its programs online including free improv shows for the whole family and classes for kids, tweens, teens, and adults.

Private Prep is offering customized online learning sessions for students in pre-K to fifth grade, including enrichment, remedial, or “maintenance” activities; kindergarten readiness; help with remote school assignments; and personalized sessions designed as book, writing, research, or STEAM “clubs”.

Broadway Bound Kids is now offering live weekly classes online. Students meet weekly online for 5 weeks and will receive a recording of each class to continue to practice at home. Classes include Create-a-Musical, Acting for Film & TV with Stranger Things star Michael Park, Musical Theater with Susie Carroll from Mean Girls on Broadway, and Movie Musicals. Plus, its offering online master classes with Broadway stars, and all proceeds will benefit our Teaching Artist Relief Fund. Master Classes instructors include Ali Stroker from Oklahoma!, Laura Michelle Kelly of Disney's Mary Poppins, Amy Spanger of Rock of Ages, and Audition Like a Pro with Donnie Kehr (Jersey Boys) & Cori Gardner (Producer).

Music Together in the City is offering two free class demos coming up: Music Together on Thursday, April 23, 10:30-11am and Canta y Baila Conmigo Spanish Immersion Music Class on Tuesday, April 28, 11-11:30am.

Creative Play for Kids Music & Movement program is offering daily Sing and Shake Videos and story time read alouds for babies and toddlers on its Instagram. Livestreams are Mondays and Thursdays at 10:30am on Instagram, plus its YouTube channel has even more virtual classes. Email to get the full schedule of options: [email protected].

Jodi's Gym is offering Jodi's @ Home, a complete library of active, engaging, and fun videos for children ages 1-12. Videos include sing-alongs, at-home gymnastics lessons, and cardio, stretching, and strength workouts.

Just because we have to practice social distancing, doesn’t mean we have to stop playing soccer! The New York Red Bulls Youth Programs has released a free, full-scale “Train @ Home” plan for children! Each week the program will share new content and videos for your child to develop his or her skills and fitness at home. Your child will be able to use a scorecard to track their progress, join in fun quizzes and challenges, and even see surprise guests each week. Sign up today!

The Educators/Teaching Artists at The Little Orchestra Society put together a series of resources for children and families to use together. These interactive videos support creativity, communication, and collaboration for you and your loved ones while at home. The videos are free and can be watched at your convenience.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, many Harlem School of the Arts classes have shifted to online platforms. Register today for classes in music, dance, theater, and art and design!

Urban Stages Outreach, which typically facilitates more than 300 kid-friendly arts programs a year in libraries across New York City, is moving its programming online! Currently offering two new virtual classes a week, including African Dancing and Folktales, Found Object Maskmaking, and Silly Singalongs!

Beginning May 4, Atlantic for Kids & Teens will have new Virtual Acting Classes for Kids & Teens to ensure your children can stay connected, play with friends, and create more art! Choose from comedy, camera acting, dance parties, and more! All classes will be held via Zoom.

ibidPREP tutors are now available for 1-on-1 instruction in any topic for any age, seven days a week from 10am-8pm. ibidPREP is also offering small classes to continue instruction for fourth-seventh grades. Its SHSAT courses are also still enrolling. Check the website for details! Plus founder Stuart Servetar is also available every Thursday beginning at 5pm for FREE Extra Help; 20-minute sessions are first-come, first-serve. Email [email protected] to claim one!

While care center tours and classroom visits aren't possible right now, Animal Care Centers of NYC's Community Kids Program is offering virtual presentations for groups of all ages about its mission, animal body language, and ways the community can join the mission to end animal homelessness in NYC. If you’re interested in having an ACC representative "visit" your students, please fill out this form requesting a virtual presentation.

Tune in to Chelsea Piers' weekly Instagram Live classes @chelseapiersNYC. Coaches teach a wide range of classes, including yoga, preschool, developmental and adult gymnastics classes, soccer and fitness, and dance classes. No pre-registration is required, just follow @chelseapiersNYC and visit the website for weekly class schedules.

Watson Adventures has adapted four of its live games to be virtual experiences. The 90-minute virtual hunts are offered to the public on the weekends, inviting teams or families of 4-6 people—whether together or remote!—to participate against teams from around the country. Trivia Slam (suggested for ages 8 and older) emphasizes teamwork through trivia questions, visual puzzles, a scavenger-hunt round, and an unusual, surprise final round. Tickets for Trivia Slam are $45 for a team of four-six people. Plus, all four virtual hunts are also available for private corporate, nonprofit, and educational bookings. Additional information is available on Watson Adventures’ website.

The Paper Bag Players now offers Activities for Kids at Home. Each Monday, you’ll find a new video and activity for use during the week. Each installment will include a full Paper Bag Players sketch (3-10 minutes) paired with questions and activities that will help children think about what they’ve watched and provide opportunities to create and imagine on their own. Activities for Kids at Home can bring theater to your family and inspire kids to bring what they imagine to life right in your own living room!

Curatedcare.com connects families with artists and teachers for babysitting, lessons, tutoring, and more. It's now offering free membership and access to tons of virtual sessions of bite size fun (think: scavenger hunts, creative storytelling, high energy games, and play) and structured, online tutoring (languages, math, reading).

NYC Guitar School is offering Virtual Camps for kids and teens in guitar, songwriting, music production and more. Virtual Camps mix small group bonding and learning with independent practice and breakout coaching from NYC Guitar School’s instructors, all via video conference and cloud based digital audio work spaces.

HiArtKids! has started a free Opera 'N Art YouTube channel, providing high-quality children's arts programming for kids and teens. This week's step-by-step lessons (beginner and advanced) were offered by Japan-trained manga and fine artist Zoë Greenbaum and HiArt!/TimeIn founder Cyndie Bellen-Berthézène. Get ready for more amazing programming to keep all kids busy and building amazing skills. Check out the channel, gather your drawing materials, and have fun!

Modern Martial Arts NYC is offering FREE livestream classes for kids and adults. These classes are open to the public. Join its Facebook group to access.

iD Tech has launched a series of 1-week Virtual Tech Camps for the spring and summer sessions. Camps are for ages 7-19, with curriculum in Python, Java, Minecraft, Roblox, AI, Unreal Engine, Adobe, 3-D modeling, and more. Sessions are limited to five students per instructor so each camper gets individualized attention. Save $100 on tuition with the code TOGETHER.

Applause New York is offering one-week camps taught by Broadway professionals and teachers for kids ages 3-18! Applause Virtual Performing Arts Classes are fun, interactive, and highly energetic. Two sessions are now open for registration: Session 1 runs April 6-10 and Session 2 runs April 13-17.

Manhattan Fencing Center is offering online classes, lessons, and training to help everyone keep in shape physically and mentally and stay connected during this time. Email [email protected] for more information.

National Dance Institute launched ndiLIVE!, its platform of free online classes. Programming includes Appalachian Clog Dance Workshop (all ages); Warm-Up Wednesdays! (all ages); NDI Dance! with Jennifer Aks-Neuman (third grade and older); NDI Arts Encounter with Jenn Eisenberg (pre-K to second grade); and NDI Live Jam Session with Jerry Korman (all ages). All sessions will stream on Facebook.

Parker-Anderson Enrichment is currently holding free, online, interactive enrichment classes via Zoom for kids while school is out of session. Teachers are highly trained and are New York’s finest artists and educators. Donations are encouraged. Classes include movement, STEM, language, and creative expression!

The teaching artists at Broadway Bound Kids—a performing arts, education-based nonprofit—have created a variety of virtual programs for kids. Video-on-demand classes are available for a suggested donation of $25 because Broadway Bound Kids wants all students to continue to have access to the arts. It’s also providing online private instruction opportunities, and will be announcing additional programs in the coming weeks.

Baby2Body is a personalized health and well-being service dedicated to prenatal and postpartum women. It offers free online workouts you can do from home, recipe ideas, and tips and advice, which will be useful to pregnant women at this time.

The Art Studio NY is offering online kids' art classes for ages 2-102, utilizing Zoom. Kids' classes include comics, cartooning, drawing, painting, fashion design, and step-by-step drawing.

Since 2015, Willan Academy has been offering music lessons to children ages 4 and older. Now, music lessons in piano, violin, guitar, voice, and more are available online. Games and activities are incorporated to make online lessons fun and engaging. After each lesson, you will receive a report, so you’ll know what your child need to do. It also offers free online recitals April 5 and April 15. Contact Willan today for 10 percent off online lessons.

Kids at Art classes are going online—Zoom into its online studio for some creative fun! You can find a list of supplies, many of which you probably already have at home, on the website.

Pilates on Fifth's virtual studio is open, with more than 40 classes per week, ranging from Pilates to barre to fusion classes and more. Classes are $15. Plus, private sessions can be scheduled at your convenience. In addition the studio offers on demand streaming access 24/7 to Pilates workouts and more; use coupon code promo2020 for a 35-percent discount.

The Fashion Class is offering 1-on-1 sewing lessons, group fashion illustration classes, fashion history, textile science, design business, and more online for kids! Group courses are drop in and can be taken one time or as a series. Private 1-on-1 lessons cover sewing projects with a sewing machine or simple hand sewing and embroidery for any age—adults included! And if you don't have a sewing machine, any of its 1-on-1 lessons can be adapted for hand sewing.

Kings County Chess is currently offering all group and private lessons, coaching, and workshops online, via Zoom and lichess.org.

Creative Play for Kids is offering Silly and Fun Online Music Videos, StoryTime Read Alouds, and Livestream music classes on its Instagram Feed—all for free! Follow @creativeplayforkids so your little one can enjoy the fun.

Bravo's Book Nook is hosting "Storytime with Bravo!" Each week, a Children’s book will be selected and read aloud on Bravo’s Book Nook Facebook. Michael, a professional composer and musician, will compose scores to perform with each reading, and Bravo the dog will snuggle in to hear the story as well. You can also view the past live readings anytime on the Facebook page.

Varsity Tutors recently launched Virtual School Day, which provides students with 20 hours of free live, online instruction each week. Each class is led by an expert tutor with experience in the course topic, as well as familiarity with virtual instruction. Classes refresh weekly, with age-appropriate options for kindergarten to 12th grades.

Dance T.Ruth is offering online dance classes, plus it has free coloring pages, for kids. Email [email protected] for more information about the online classes.

iCAMP is offering a brand-new, online learning environment. Students can work virtually, under the guidance of experienced, well-trained instructors, on various STEAM topics, including coding, 3-D printing, graphic design, video game design, and animation. Online classes may be completed 1-on-1 or in small groups. To learn more about iCAMP online and how to get the first session for free, email [email protected] or call 631-466-5298.

BOLD Arts is now offering daily $12 online dance classes for children and adults! Every class is tailored to be a positive, high-energy experience that is developmentally appropriate. BOLD Arts understands that this is a trying time for many families; it doesn't want the cost of classes to limit those who want to participate. Email [email protected] for a discount code if needed.

Snapology is offering its popular STEAM classes online to provide some fun, focused activities and challenges for children who have access to LEGO bricks and other creative materials at their homes. Plus, check its Facebook page daily for free LEGO building challenges—and enter to win or vote for your favorites!

The Barrow Group has curated a select number of its regularly scheduled classes and is offering them online for children ages 4-17, as well as adults. Classes include music and movement, acting, improv, audition prep, and screenwriting.

NORY is providing online STEM activities while the physical location is closed until April 20 (re-opening date subject to change based on what's happening). The online classes will be a combination of Science/Robotics projects and Coding classes. Its summer camps are currently on as planned, and families registration is open. Though, if for whatever reason NORY is unable to hold summer camp, it will provide families full refunds.

City Births, which offers classes for expecting and new parents, is hosting all of its signature classes in live online groups, including Childbirth Prep, Infant Care and Breastfeeding, and Infant CPR and Safety, as well as virtual live breast-feeding assistance and virtual doula support.

Dedimus Potestatem is now offering Debate, Mock Trial, Logic and Critical Thinking, Civics, Chess and Speechwriting online through Zoom. Plus, it's offering virtual summer camps to its school partners.

NYC Top Tutors is offering online tutoring services for children in Manhattan. Subjects include elementary math, pre-algebra, algebra, algebra 2, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics, as well as test prep.

Body Conceptions, a dance-based fitness company in NYC that specializes in pre- and postnatal exercise, is offering FaceTime sessions in lieu of its in-home training. Founder Mahri Relin is also offering free phone consultations and discounted FaceTime packages for new clients. Contact Mahri to schedule a consultation at [email protected].

Super Soccer Stars is helping kids stay active with its digital distance learning platform. Soccer Stars @ Home, powered by the Famer app, will allow families access the curriculum on a mobile device or tablet. With over 450 training videos, you will be able to view a full 14-week curriculum of 2-10 age-specific skills, with drills set up as 30 minute weekly assignments. Additionally, Super Soccer Stars will be setting up a series of free, age-specific, live-streaming classes, so your kids can follow along at home throughout the day. Follow it on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Home Services for Families in Manhattan

Vivvi is committed to providing resources to help parents working from home organize their time and care for their children, from emails with daily activities, to video conferencing with our teachers, to 1-on-1 parent support.

To support the community during these challenging times, NewbornCourse.com is offering 50 percent off all five courses with coupon code babyontheway at checkout. NewbornCourse.com is an online parent-training program dedicated to newborn and mother care. It was developed with the help of highly regarded pediatricians, OB-GYNs, newborn care specialists, and an instructional architect with a Ph.D. in designing online education. Comprised of 19 modules and more than 20 hours of content, it’s the perfect tool to alleviate the insecurities and self-doubts that plague new and expectant parents.

Wing It Parenting is hosting a webinar called Building Resiliency in a Virtual World, which will explore new perspectives and practical solutions for families navigating life during today's epidemic. Participants will learn how to create more engaging dynamics at home, share struggles, design new approaches to parenting, form personalized learning structures, and learn how to inspire independence to make family life easier. Anastasia Gavalas, M.S., S.D.A. is a mother of five, educator, award-winning author of Leadership Through the Eyes of Children and Wing It Parenting, school board trustee, and founder of Wing It Project Inc.

Parenting Pathfinders offers parents and caregivers online support that approaches parenting challenges from a mindful perspective and builds upon each person's strengths. Through FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom, Parenting Pathfinders provides insight, tips, concrete tools and strategies to help parents and caregivers. Initial consultations are free and NYMetroParents readers can get a 30-percent discount (limit 1 per family).

Benjamin Steakhouse is offering its full menu for pickup and delivery. Plus, its offering special deals on a variety of packaged meats to cook at home, including burgers for $5 per patty, filet mignon for $25 per piece, thick-cut Canadian bacon for $5 per piece, porterhouse steak of $20 per pound, tomahawk steak for $39.95 per pound, rack of lamb for $7.50 per piece, and bone-in NY strip steak for $20 per pound. Call 212-297-9177 for more information.

The NYC Doula community has come together to hold space and offer virtual labor and birth support to the NYC pregnant community. Connect with them on the private FB group to access 24/7 donation based support via the doula on-call.

Butterfield Market is offering same-day delivery to all those who may not want to or are unable to leave home, or have friends or loved ones who need food and other necessities. Fresh produce, grocery items, prepared foods, dairy, beverages, meats, poultry, and snacks are available to order online—plus, now you can also get four flavors of frozen yogurt (plain, coffee, chocolate, and peanut butter!)—delivered or call one of the market’s personal shoppers at 212-288-7800 x0.

The family law attorneys at Fersch LLC are offering a video conferencing option for those concerned about traveling to and from the office.

What’s Happening in Brooklyn

Coronavirus News for Brooklyn

Fontbonne Hall Academy, a college preparatory school in Bay Ridge for young women, is offering a virtual open house for incoming seventh graders. Visit fontbonne.org or email [email protected] for more information.

Brooklyn Music School is a community arts organization, located in the quant Fort Greene. We offer a huge variety of music, dance, music therapy and musical theater based instruction, ensembles and online courses. We also have a large Outreach division, serving dozens of area schools and a bustling after school enrichment program. While many of our offerings are now available online, we did safely and successfully reopen in September 2020!

Max Adventures has taken enhanced health and safety measures for you, your birthday guests, and its staff.

Science, Language & Arts International School is hosting a virtual workshop called Supporting Your Adolescent in Times of Stress: Staying Connected, Maintaining Structure with Dr. Michael Davidovits on Thursday, April 30, at 7pm. Like all of us, adolescents are facing challenges they are not used to facing, and also deprived of many of the outlets that help them feel good about themselves and their place in the world. Michael Davidovits, Ph.D., LCSW, will address helping our kids structure their time in away that does not generate conflict, helping our kids with their fears and anxieties, managing increased levels of conflict in the home, and staying connected to our kids, even as they pull away.

Guidepost Montessori is offering reliable, safe, and loving child care for health care professionals, first responders, and other essential workers. Child care will be provided in small group cohorts at existing licensed Guidepost locations in New York. Contact Guidepost if you are an essential service provider and need child care: guidepostmontessori.com/emergency-care, 855-444-1442, or [email protected].

Aviator Sports is bringing back its Early Bird Discount for as long as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. The deposit required to reserve spots is also reduced to $300 (usually $500), which will be applied to camp balances. Plus, as soon as Aviator Sports is able to re-open, it plans to offer an exclusive, free camp day for all registered campers, so they can see what the summer has in store.

Brooklyn Businesses with Modified Hours

Looking for virtual summer activities for your child or teen? The Service Learning Project is excited to announce the launch of SLP Summer Lab, a unique opportunity for students across the country in grades 4-12 to make real change on a social issue they are passionate about! Participating in action civics can help young people feel connected and empowered during this incredibly challenging time. Visit our website to learn more and apply today!

Two Kids and A Dog, a children’s store in DUMBO, offers same-day home delivery, same-day shipping nationwide, and curbside pick up daily! It also offers FaceTime calls so customers can view all the products. Call or text for more info: 646-342 4549.

Lubella Boutique, which has locations in Bay Ridge and Rockaway Park, will be open 2 hours a day selling trendy fashionable cloths masks along with fresh baked cookies provided by The Cookie House of Kings Plaza. Hours may vary, so follow the boutique on Instagram or call 954-579-0300 to confirm.

While Emma's Place grief support groups are temporarily suspended, virtual helpful tips and activities will be provided. Groups will reunite virtually as well. More details to come.

Miss American Pie is open for whole pie, savory pie, and cookie orders, with curbside pick-up or delivery on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Call 718-789-3747 to place your order at least 24 hours in advance. Want to bless your local medical professionals, hospital staff, fire house, or first responder? Send them a whole pie and a coffee sampler, a batch of cookies, or even a family size pot pie! For every whole pie or dozen cookies ordered for one of these groups, Miss American Pie will throw in a dozen extra cookies and will deliver the order safely to anywhere in Brooklyn.

All BAMkids live performances for the spring season have been canceled. Ticket holders for canceled performances will be notified. Tickets may be refunded via the method of payment by contacting ticket services at [email protected]—or ticket holders can donate the cost of their tickets in support of the institution.

Home Sweet Home - The Brooklyn Daycare, an infant nursery and day care, is reopening on March 23. It will have modified hours of 9am-5pm for all children younger than 6. Three organic meals will be provided daily, plus the center has a private outdoor space. Follow the day care on Instagram for a closer look: @thebrooklyndaycare.

Barnes & Noble Staten Island is currently open from 12-7pm and the café is open for Grab and Go. Plus, the book store is offering curb-side pickup, encouraging customers to utilize the Buy Online Pick Up in Store program or call store directly.

Online Classes for Kids and Families in Brooklyn

Girls Rise Up is hosting its Summer Program, STEM From Dance, online this summer. Girls will be able to imagine and design a tech-infused dance routine that shines on social media. Learn more at stemfromdance.org.

Brooklyn Music School is offering Online Private Lessons and Group Classes for all ages through its BMS Online portal to continue its mission of making high quality music education accessible to all.

Creatively Wild Art Studio has switched all of its programs—art classes for toddlers, kids, teens and adults—to online classes. It’s offering online camps (morning and afternoon) for kids or teens on Memorial Day, May 25. Summer classes start June 1 and are booking now. Plus, starting June 8 it will offer both online art camps for kids and teens (morning or afternoons), along with in-studio camps with safety measures strictly in place. Note: June 8 is a tentative date to open the studio for camps; changes to schedule will be announced. For more info, email [email protected]

Jalopy Theater has begun a new, free online series of concerts for all on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm, and specifically for children on Sundays at 11am. Links to donate will be listed in the description, and all proceeds will be split between these marvelous artists and the Jalopy Theatre, providing much needed support. Jalopy also offers online workshops, sing-alongs, and private lessons for adults. Visit jalopytheatre.org for more information.

During the pandemic closure, Positive Parenting is offering a free, 30-minute Zoom meeting every day at 2pm. Topics include 9 Things to do Instead of Spanking, 10 Keys to Success Parenting, Keep Yourself Encouraged & Spread it Around, Temperament Tools, Natural Consequences, Effectively Dealing with Teenagers, and Effectively Dealing with Power Struggles.

Mark Morris Dance Group is offering its Parent & Toddler Movement classes online, allowing toddlers and caregivers to explore dance and movement activities at home through on demand videos.

Pinot's Palette now has take-home kits and virtual painting classes available for both kids and adults.

Private Picassos launched Online Art Classes to bring the art experience virtually to your home. Each lesson will follow a specific lesson plan, designed by trained art educators. Activities include observational drawing, self portraiture, relief printmaking, bookmaking, clay modeling, acrylic on canvas, watercolor exploration, and assemblages.

Dancewave offers a wide range of online dance and fitness classes to keep your body moving and your spirits up during these times of social distance, including weekly drop-in classes, a free all-ages global class series, and special workshops. Visit dancewave.org/online-classes to see the current offerings.

Fast Feet NYC is offering free, at-home fitness plans to help students stay active, healthy, and engaged during our weeks of virtual learning.

Brooklyn Music Factory is enrolling new students for online lessons! It offers 30-, 45- and 60-minute lessons for kids and adults on piano, guitar, vocals, drums, and bass. Plus, you can try a free lesson during the month of April and play games and do music activities through BMFTV.

The Babysitter Guru is currently enrolling 10 students to beta-test a 2-week online coaching course called, A Babysitter's Training Guide To Success. The course will include interactive worksheets, modules, 1-on-1 coaching, and more. There is no cost associated with the beta testing.

During the current COVID-19 outbreak, Creatively WILD Art Studio switched its current spring classes to online options running seven days a week for toddlers, kids, and teens. It’s also added private online art sessions for a 1-on-1 experience with a professional art instructor. Plus, you can book a private group session with loved ones near and far for fun!

Body Conceptions by Mahri Ltd, which specializes in pre- and postnatal support, has moved its services to virtual personal training through Zoom or FaceTime. You can do sessions 1-on-1 or share the cost of sessions with others. Its on-demand platform features pre- and postnatal workouts, plus a range of full and on-the-go workouts for everyone. The first week is free.

Mark Morris Dance Group has launched a series of free online classes, including ballet, modern, Pilates, and hip-hop, for people of all ages, with and without disabilities, to enjoy from anywhere. You can join each class live, or watch classes on demand on its YouTube channel at any time. New classes for adults, children, teens, and families will be held each week.

Science, Language & Arts International School is offering free trials of its Children’s Mandarin Program on April 4. In the Virtual Music and Mandarin Saturday Baby/Toddler Playgroup at 10am, ages 1-3 will sing and dance to traditional Chinese nursery rhymes and songs. Register by April 3 with the coupon code april4baby for the free trial of the upcoming class. Plus, at 11am, participate in Zhuyin, popularly known as Bopomofo, a system designed to represent the Mandarin Chinese sounds. This class is suited for kindergarteners to second graders who are already fluent Mandarin speakers. Register for this free trial by April 3 with coupon code april4zhuyin.

Energize Your Voice is hosting Storytelling Basics for Parents every Thursday at 11am via Zoom. This class is designed for parents to engage in professional development while building a skill that will engage their child, increase creative thinking, and build confidence in communication. Children are welcome to join!

New York Society of Play is currently offering roleplaying game online workshops! Uncover treasures, discover new cities, and engage in epic battles! First trial session is free. Plus, its printable zine, Guild Hall Magazine, is filled with activities that will keep your kids engaged and occupied for hours. Find more information at nyplays.org/online-workshops.

Last week, Science, Language & Arts International School, a French and Mandarin immersion school, launched a fully integrated online learning platform for students, complete with a parent guide. The faculty continues to add original multilingual content and materials to the virtual library, as well as curate existing content, to support remote learning. Students access daily video lessons as well as interact live online with their teachers. Learn more at slaschool.org/about.

KoKo NYC is excited to connect with NYC families through new, virtual workshops! KoKo is known for using recyclables and objects found around the home to spark imaginations and get young artists to think like engineers. Classes take place Monday-Friday, 1:30-2:30pm. Register at kokonyc.org/koko-online to join in on all the fun!

While Super Soccer Stars has temporarily paused in-person classes with a tentative restart date of April 13, it’s now offering ways to help keep your children happy and active. If you have questions, email [email protected] or call 212-877-7171.

Services for Families in Brooklyn

O.W.L. Academy, an Early Intervention Program, is offering physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies; special instruction; ABA; and Social Work services through virtual appointments. Plus, evaluations can be conducted for children and their families virtually.

Blue Skies Psychological Services remains committed to provide the Staten Island community with behavioral health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Services are provided safely through its secure telehealth platform. To learn more or schedule an appointment, Blue Skies' website.

Butter Beans is preparing and delivering emergency grab-and-go meals for schools, day cares, and community centers in need. Grab-and-go meals are packaged in its commissary kitchen and delivered by an in-house transportation team to locations across the New York metropolitan area. To set up, email [email protected]tterbeanskitchen.com or call 718-499-0010.

Barking Cat Studio Arts & Crafts for Everyone is now taking orders for its ArtBags! There are three to choose from: The Little Hands ArtBag (ages 2-6) contains three different projects each week; Creative Cats ArtBag (ages 4-6) contains two projects; and the Art Explorers ArtBag (ages 7 and older) contains one project. Available as Grab ‘N’ Go or delivered to you. To order, call 718-686-1132.

What’s Happening in Queens

Coronavirus News for Queens

Super Kickers if offering remote learning support. masks required, social distancing, increased disinfecting, hand sanitizer on site, room and desk dividers.

Though the Lewis Latimer House Museum is temporarily closed to the public until further notice, it does send out a weekly email full of STEAM projects and resources for families. Sign up for the Tinker Lab Newsletter!

The annual Queensboro Dance Festival is still currently scheduled to run May 16-Oct. 4. Every summer season, the Queensboro Dance Festival offers the Queens public free dance performances & dance classes led by diverse Queens-based dance companies. Visit queensborodancefestival.com for season lineup announcements and any schedule updates.

Queens Businesses with Modified Hours

Play to Learn is offering tele-therapy services that focus on areas of speciality and high need, including autism, behavior management through play, language challenges and executive functioning skills, and feeding therapy and nutrition education. Parent coaching and empowerment is another major area of intervention as parents are guided through real-time step-by-step instructions to help them grow as communicative partners for their children.

Kon Gen International Preschool is slated to reopen April 20. Founded in 2014, it is a child-focused, family-friendly preschool in Bayside/Flushing serving ages 2-5 year. The preschool believes children learn best by playing and exploring and it integrates reading, math, science, writing, and social studies into everyday learning.

ProHEALTH Dental will maintain office hours for emergency care, Monday-Saturday, at its Howard Beach and Astoria locations. All other appointments will be scheduled starting the week of April 6, in coordination with guidelines from the American Dental Association. All ProHEALTH Dental offices are operating under CDC guidelines, including screening all patients who pose a risk of having coronavirus. Clinical staff will also be available via email ([email protected]) and telephone (855-PHD-CARE or 718-DENTIST) for questions from patients.

Online Classes for Kids and Families in Queens

The Cadenza Music Center has moved all lessons and classes online, and new students can take a free online lesson with any of its dedicated teachers. Contact director Martin Soderberg at 917- 922-8558. Plus, it's currently adapting facilities to reduce the waiting area for parents in order to keep a safe distance between seats as well as working out a new schedule to allow only 2 students at a time with one parent at the school.

The BFREE team is hosting virtual Baby Cafes to provide breast-feeding support to pregnant and new mothers (and their families) during this challenging time. These sessions, held on Microsoft Teams and hosted by an IBCLC, will be Tuesdays from 7-8pm in English; Thursdays from 10-11am in Spanish; and Thursdays from 11am-12pm in English.

CantaEspañol is offering online Spanish classes via Zoom for ages 6 months to 4 years. You’ll need two spoons and a plastic bowl. Be ready to have fun with your child through engaging songs, puppets, dance, and interactive activities. Classes are Fridays from 11-11:30am. Donations accepted via Venmo: CantaEspañol with Ana Campos-Stephens; [email protected]; 917-691-5995.

Music Together with Music and Me started online Music Together classes this week for families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. One Household Family Fee includes: unlimited 15-minute mini Music Together zoom classes, privacy protected, digital song downloads, digital songbook download, family music zone access, and more! Classes meet throughout the day, Monday-Saturday.

Queens Music Academy is offering music lessons online for piano, violin, cello, viola, trumpet, trombone, guitar, drums, bass, singing, saxophone, flute, and clarinet. Call 646-818-1990 for more information.

Temple Shaaray Teflia Early Childhood Center is open and meeting in person Mondays to Fridays. We have put up tents and have 10 beautiful acres here which the children are exploring and enjoying.

PLAYDAY is offering online access to all scheduled Grown Up & Me 0-4 and Creative Classes 5+. You and your kids can benefit from social interaction, positive reinforcement, and a respectful community all while learning essential creative skills. Registered guests will receive Zoom link and password to the online class in an emailed receipt.

Industry Gymnastics is offering free online classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for children ages 3 months to teens. For exact class times, visit industrygymnastics.com/online-classes or its Facebook page. Classes can also be viewed anytime on its Youtube channel.

While Super Soccer Stars has temporarily paused in-person programming, it’s offering digital programming to keep your children happy and active! If you have questions, email [email protected] or call 212-877-7171.

Home Services for Families in Queens

For parents of children with special needs, MSR Legal & Consulting Services, PLLC is offering hour-long consultations via videoconference to discuss your child's special education rights. You can book a consultation online.

What’s Happening in Westchester

Coronavirus News for Westchester

Hoff-Barthelson Music School will be offering an online version of their popular Summer Arts Program for students entering grades 1-12 in the Fall, beginning July 6 through August 6. Our online, 3-day per week program is highly customizable, offering students the opportunity to grow in their enjoyment and practice of music while minimizing screen time. Students may combine classes to focus on classical music performance, jazz and popular music, music technology, musical theater, composition and arranging, or other areas of interest. Configure classes to suit your interests and scheduling needs. For more information, visit the Hoff-Barthelson website!

ISG Gymnastics plans to re-open May 1 (unless otherwise recommended by current safety guidelines), so it's still accepting registrations for its spring semester. tuition will be prorated based on when the facility re-opens.

Blue Moon Mexican Café locations are offering take-out and curbside pickup to help ease the blues of the current quarantine restrictions. Plus, if you’re celebrating a birthday, you can choose from two Birthday Fiesta To-Go options, which include food for six, a dessert platter, beverages, sombreros, birthday candles: a taco dinner or a fajita dinner. Want more fun? You can add a filled piñata or decorations for $40.

For all gift cards that are purchased, Grand Prix New York Racing & Entertainment will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to Feeding Westchester to help support the community and families in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

Clay Art Center is offering a 10-percent discount on its Summer Camp through April 30. Registration is open. Camper's safety is the center's most important concern, so if changes must be made to camp programming, it will be offer credit / refund options. If you have any questions or concerns, email James Pastor, camp director at [email protected].

Future Stars Summer Camps is currently planning for summer and hopeful that it will be a valuable opportunity for kids (and parents) to return to an environment that gives them a sense of normalcy again. Camp season is scheduled to start June 15 as planned, barring any new safety guidelines.

Westchester Businesses with Modified Hours

Westchester Psychological Testing Center is open, offering psychological and neuropsychological evaluations to determine whether your child has a learning disability. It also offers evaluations for autism utilizing the ADOS-2. For more information, call 914-548-7509.

The Montessori Children's Center is remaining open to provide child care for first responders, health care workers, and other working families who are looking for a safe and stable place for their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. All groups are 10 people or fewer (including staff) and staff frequently wash hands and deep clean. Hours are 8am-5:30pm. Call for more information: 914-607-7600.

Chocolations launched a new online ordering site where you will find Easter items for sale, including full baskets. Chocolations also has a make your own chocolate bark kit you can do at home with your children. In addition, Chocolations is helping the first responders at the hospitals; visit wewillprovide.com if you want to help too. Your children can make cards and letters that will be delivered to hospital staff. Plus, Chocolations now also offers a Party-To-Go kit for those who are looking for a special way to celebrate birthdays during quarantine.

The Harvey Summer Camp has canceled its April 4 Open House and Circus Arts Show. No new date has been selected. Online registration for the 2020 summer session remains open at harveycavaliercamp.org.

FlexSchool is holding all of its classes online. It has limited space available for new students in its Cloud Campus. Call (914) 704-3334 to inquire.

ProHEALTH Dental will maintain office hours for emergency care, Monday-Saturday, at its White Plains location. All other appointments will be scheduled starting the week of April 6, in coordination with guidelines from the American Dental Association. All ProHEALTH Dental offices are operating under CDC guidelines, including screening all patients who pose a risk of having coronavirus. Clinical staff will also be available via email ([email protected]) and telephone (855-PHD-CARE or 718-DENTIST) for questions from patients.

Online Classes for Kids and Families in Westchester

Summer is better with music! Music Conservatory of Westchester is offering virtual summer programs. Kids in grades K-7 will be able to take fun, interactive classes to spark their interest in the visual and performing arts! From the safety and comfort of their own homes, kids can experiment with music, learn to play instruments, write songs, create art, sing, dance, and perform musical theatre scenes and songs with the Conservatory’s expert, world-class faculty. Contact Jake Robinson, Director of Summer Programs, at [email protected] with any questions. Visit SummeratMCW.org for more details and to register!

With the release of new CDC guidelines for summer camps, Camp PGT has made the difficult decision to move all Summer 2020 programming online. We can’t wait to bring you virtual performances for the whole family, guest artists from all over the country, and the Camp PGT traditions that you know and love! Registration is now open for all 10 of our online programs. Check out our website to explore the countless options for Camp PGT. June open house dates will be announced soon so that you can meet the staff, try a class, and get a glimpse into the fun that will be Online Camp PGT!!

Academy of Dance Arts is hosting virtual summer classes June 8-Aug. 28 with flexible class schedules. Classes start at $15.

FlexSchool is offering its FlexSummer/ESY (Extended School Year) program online this summer. Classes will run from July 6-31, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm. If you have a child who needs academic maintenance, credit recovery, continued social/emotional development, or meeting state graduation requirements to allow greater schedule flexibility during the school year then FlexSummer may be the right fit. For more info, visit flexschool.net/admission/flexsummer

YogaShine is now offering virtual yoga group classes for adults, floor and chair yoga, as well as virtual private sessions for children and families at home. Call 914-769-8745 to set up your participation via Zoom.

UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester is offering several no-fee family-friendly events to engage the community at this challenging time.

While Neuberger Museum of Art is temporarily closed, it’s updating NEU-To-Do for Kids with suggestions for art-related projects and activities that are perfect for kids to do at home, such as NEU Word Searches & Games, NEU Activity Worksheets, Art Books for Kids, and Open Studio for Kids (PreRecorded lessons).

Sheldrake Environmental Center is going virtual, offering school field trips, scout badge quests, and weekly classes for children online. Check the calendar, its social media, or sign up for its newsletter, to stay current with new offerings. Sheldrake's grounds remain open from dawn to dusk daily and are free to enter. The playground and office are closed. Donations gratefully accepted (and needed); it’s a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to nature education and nurturing the next generation of environmental conservationists.

Groove Family JAM is on Zoom, Monday-Thursday at 10:30am. Register for an unlimited monthly or weekly pass or grab a daily drop-in.

New York Piano School has switched to online piano lessons! Children can explore music and learn to play in the comfort and safety of home. Plus, it’s offering discounted rates for the month of May.

Clay Art Center is offering Kids Clay Virtual Parties via Zoom for birthday parties, scout meetings, get-togethers with friends, or weekly playdates. Instructors will guide kids through a fun clay project of your choosing. For ages 7 to teens; 20 children maximum.

While classes are cancelled because of COVID-19, the Steffi Nossen School of Dance is sharing its love of dance. Take a class right in your own home! Classes are available for all ages, toddler to teen: Creative Movement and Story Book Dance, Ballet Warm-up, learn a cool hip-hop or tap step, or a May O’Donnell technique segment. There’s even a Disco routine the whole family can enjoy together. Visit the school’s website, and find it on Facebook, Instagram, and Vimeo.

One River School of Art & Design's One River Virtual Studio provides a live class experience, taught directly by its world-class educators streamed in real time. Students participate in a small group setting with personalized instruction. New classes were recently added, including a family inclusive class for pre-K and kindergarten students (ages 3-6), teen drawing intensives, and private 1-on-1 lessons for all ages. There is a special discount for Westchester Parent readers: 50 percent off your first month with the code APRILRETURN at checkout!

The Music Conservatory of Westchester will present Keep the Music Playing: A Virtual Concert for the Community to be streamed online for free on Friday, May 8 at 12pm. Conservatory students, faculty, and friends of the organization are planned to participate with musical performances from their homes. Audiences can expect a showcase of a variety of genres and instruments with some fun surprise guests! The Virtual Concert for the Community can be viewed on the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s YouTube channel.

Dance Cavise Studios is offering free, online dance classes for all ages.

Clay Art Center now offers Virtual Clay Youth Classes for ages 7 and older. During the 1-hour classes, instructors will guide your child (via Zoom) through a clay project to create a work inspired by nature or animals. All materials can be ordered through Amazon or Michael’s curbside pickup.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center is offering remote learning opportunities via Facebook Live, daily at 10am and 2pm. In addition, the Wednesday and Friday 2pm classes will be held in Spanish. Plus, its offering 30-minute remote animal visits through Zoom to your household. For more details, email [email protected] or call 203-977-6568. And activity packs will soon be available for ages 5-10 (details coming), which can be delivered curbside (local areas only and limited supply). Topics include Owl Pellet Exploration, Superb Snakes, Farm Critter Creation, and Rocks & Minerals.

Bach to Rock Mamaroneck is now offering virtual private lessons, group band lessons, and Rock City classes for students who have an instrument at home—and it's accepting new students. Call 914-341-1457 or email [email protected] for more information.

Larchmont Music Academy has gone virtual, offering Kindermusik classes and private lessons via Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime! Email [email protected] to start today!

The Admissions Angle is hosting a free Zoom webinar on Planning for College Admissions on Wednesday, April 1 at 4pm. Parents and students are likely wondering how it will be possible to maintain grades, extracurricular activities, and educational opportunities in a way that will still lead to a compelling college admissions profile. We will be sharing specific information about what parents and students should expect and how to plan accordingly during this time. The webinar will conclude with Q-and-A. Guests can register for free at theadmissionsangle.com/events.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is offering private lessons online—via Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime—with its expert, accredited faculty.

UFC GYM Mamaroneck is offering free virtual fitness classes for adults and kids via Zoom. Kids classes are every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3-4pm, and will provide a full body cardio workout, with boxing and martial arts themed games and challenges! Kids classes are available to all! Visit UFC's website to see its entire virtual class schedule, including adult classes! Join a Zoom class: Meeting ID: 530 870 8002; Password: UFCGYMFIT

A-Game Sports is offering free trial classes of its new Virtual Little Athletes Academy programs next week. Virtual Multi-Sport Program: Monday, March 30 and Wednesday, April 1, 12-12:40pm. Virtual Music & Movement Program: Tuesday, March 31 and Thursday, April 2, 10-10:40am. For more information and to register, visit A-Game's website.

Amy Rosen Cooking By Design will now offer cook-along cooking classes for kids and adults every Thursday at 3pm via Zoom. After you sign up, ingredients will be emailed to you along with video call info. The cost is $10 per class. Venmo Amy at @Amy-Rosen-2 and she will send you the info. You can follow Amy on instagram @Cookingcoach_amyr

Artistree Performing Arts is hosting online drop-in classes, including Musical Theatre, Dance, and Preschool Broadway. Visit artistreearts.com to learn more and to sign up!

Mandarin Discovery School is offering virtual lessons to students of all ages, as well as mommy-and-me classes for ages 2-5.

The Rewilding School is introducing Nature from Home, a free, daily video series offering families outdoor learning opportunities in collaboration with nature-based coach Lynn Trotta and the school's team of naturalists and educators. Each video offers a range of 10- to 30-minute outdoor activities. New videos available weekdays at 1pm. Learn more at rewildingschool.com.

Random Farms Kids' Theater is offering online dance, voice, and acting classes, as well as role placement coaching for kids of all ages.

To help kids stay active right now, Super Soccer Stars is offering private, interactive, live video classes. Choose the day, time, and number of participants (maximum 15). This option allows you to create a secure virtual classroom space, exclusive to your students, with the coaches that live and work in your community. For even more flexibility, families can access the digital learning platform on the Famer app, with more than 450 training videos of skills for ages 2-10, with drills set up as 30 minute weekly assignments. Plus, it has set up a series of subscription-based, age-specific, live-streaming classes on Facebook, streaming every hour on the hour.

Services for Families in Westchester

Rob Bernstein, an autism care specialist and behavioral therapist, is available for Zoom sessions. Visit autismspeech.com or call 914-330-3393 for more information.

LiceOut911 is providing lice removal services and education in any format with which you are comfortable: product delivery and online coaching, outdoor head checks and removal at a location if your specification or at lounge, where all necessary precautions are taken.

Westchester Children’s Museum just launched WCM At Home, an online learning resource curated by its educators. It will be updated weekly with new, featured activities from its own reserve, its drop-in lesson plans, and some of its favorite websites like The Exploratorium, National Geographic Kids, and the National Informal STEM Education Network. Tag any activities you do and share on social with #WCMatHome!

Children's Creative Corner can ship fun projects or crafts to your door. It can create Custom Busy Bags that are just right for your family. Packages can be put together for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, it's creating digital art classes for kids and adults and materials will be delivered to your home. For more information, visit the website, email [email protected], or call 914-833-2880.

Empire Movers is a fully licensed and insured moving company based in New York City. The professional movers offer a wide range of moving services, including local, commercial, and long-distance moving.

MADE: my art + design experience has created an online store to shop its inventory of art projects (pottery, canvas, mosaics) and purchase from home. Free delivery within 24 hours for anyone in Westchester and within 10 miles of Mamaroneck. Plus, you can watch its free art tutorials on Facebook or its website with your kids or by yourself for a moment of creativity throughout the day.

The workforce of Littman Krooks will be working remotely and all Littman Krooks offices will be closed through Friday, March 27. The team will be monitoring the situation closely to determine if these arrangements need to be extended. You can schedule consultations or meetings via Zoom, phone, or other platforms, and staff and attorneys will answer your emails and phone calls as per usual.

What’s Happening in Rockland and Bergen

Coronavirus News for Rockland and Bergen

Vicki's Dance Studio & Kreative Kids is offering virtual classes June 15-30 For 2 year olds. In-studio programs for adults start in July! We are the perfect, safe solution for you to ease into dropping your child off again! New safety guidelines in place including; smaller classes, sanitizing throughout each session, temperatures taken before entering, and masks worn by teachers. We offer fun filled part time programs for kids and adults. Visit the website to find all offerings!

Rockland and Bergen Businesses with Modified Hours

Retro Fitness Pearl River & Retro Fitness Tappan are offering FREE Virtual Group Fitness Classes through Zoom. Virtual classes include: Bootcamps, Barre, Yoga, Zumba, Cardio Kickboxing, & more! Please contact Jackie at pearlrivern[email protected] for the weekly class schedule and Zoom codes!

Green Meadow Waldorf School is hosting Online Info Sessions on alternate Wednesdays at 9am and every Friday at 1pm with its director of admissions. Please register with Melissa McDonagh: [email protected].

In accordance with the New York state mandate of March 22 and the guidelines set forth by the American Dental Association, Miriam Aronoff, DDS & Associates's Fletcher Road office is currently closed. However, its Pearl Drive office will remain open to see patients, by appointment, for emergencies only.

Online Classes for Kids and Families in Rockland and Bergen

Strawtown Studio is featuring a suite of FREE At Home Nature Art activities that is available to ALL FAMILIES throughout the year on our website at: www.strawtownstudio.org/learning-guide We are also offering a Summer Virtual program...Summer NatureArt Box Program! We have paired an extraordinary rich Art Box of materials and tools with 6 Zoom sessions and 2 consultations for parents and caregivers on how to use the box this season and throughout the year! Here's to making art and exploring nature!

Code Ninjas can keep your kids engaged, coding, and having fun online. Kids will complete fun activities that put their ninja coding skills to the test, encourage productive and creative screen time, boost problem solving and critical thinking skills, and more.

Challenge Island Rockland/NE Bergen is offering virtual STEAM camps for summer 2020! Campers will (virtually) cross the USA, create Xtreme sporting events, channel extraordinary superhero powers, and more! For a full listing of our summer 2020 virtual camps, visit challenge-island.com/rockland-ne-bergen/programs/camps today!

Rockland Center for the Arts is offering a variety of FREE Virtual Art Workshops for Children. All levels of creativity and talent are welcome! To register, e-mail [email protected]

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Moon River Mother and Child is now holding its Music Together classes online in a very fun and engaging way. Every week we meet in our ZOOM music classroom where babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grownups who love them come together to play together musically. Little ones love playing along in class, and caregivers love being a part of their children’s growth into confident music-makers. And everyone loves our songs that’ll have you tapping along in no time. Parents can register their children for a new semester every season and receive a songbook, CD and digital downloads of new music every semester. Our next session begins the first week of January. Please visit our website for details.

Cross Cultural Communications, Inc. now offers all of classes on Zoom. Classes are still private and a date and time is selected for the class. They are offering special prices and you select how long you want to meet.

Bach to Rock Nanuet is now offering virtual Rock City Classes for ages 3-5 via Zoom. Classes are 30 minutes each and are $18 per class. Current available class times: Tuesdays at 2:45pm, Wednesdays at 12:15pm, Saturdays at 10:45am. For new students, inquire about a free trial class. Call at 845-215-9536 or email [email protected] for more information!

Little Ivy Academy is offering online lab programs for third-fifth and sixth-eighth grades. With projects from beginner to advanced, no specific experience is necessary for your child to make real video games in its small-group programs. In addition, Little Ivy is offering a 25-percent discount on regular tuition and an additional 10-percent discount on each additional tuition for siblings. Plus, it's offering an online spring camp for kindergarten-second grades.

Every evening at 7pm, Moon River Mother and Child will be posting a new lullaby to its Facebook page. Plus, its now offering "Music Together Online," a live-streaming early childhood music classes in a virtual classroom. To register for the online Music Together program, visit moonrivermotherandchild.com.

Bach to Rock Nanuet is now offering virtual private lessons and group band lessons for students who have an instrument at home—and it's accepting new students, ages 5 and older. Virtual lessons use today's music to motivate learning—just like at the school—and they're a great way to break up the stay-at-home doldrums! There is also a "4 for the price of 3" lesson offer. Call 845-215-9536 or email [email protected] for more information. When Bach to Rock reopens, classes will be held in 8 extra-large lesson rooms with 10+ feet of teacher-student distance. All visitors will use touchless hand sanitizer at the lobby door. All visitors' temperatures will be checked at the door with a touchless thermometer. All teachers and staff will be wearing masks, and B2R will provide them for free to those visitors without one. Just like before the shutdown, B2R will have hand sanitizers in every room for teachers and students to use before and after each lesson, and will apply disinfectant to surfaces throughout the day.

Beginning April 1, Abrakadoodle Art Studio will offer online art classes and sell art supply kits. Kits are $49 (includes art classes). Online classes are $14. Registration required for all programs on our website.

FIT4MOM Rockland is offering virtual Stroller Strides workouts, meditation, kid-friendly activities, and moms events. Events are free to all through March 30 and can be found on its Our Village Facebook group.

Home Services for Families in Rockland and Bergen

Although Jill's Ceramics art studio is closed to groups, it is now providing ceramics craft kits that can be picked up and taken home to work on with your kids. Please call ahead at 845-623-4975 to order your items in advance (paint will be included).

What’s Happening on Long Island

Coronavirus News for Long Island

The Suffolk Center for Speech has opened all 7 of it's offices. Teletherapy is also available. Visit the center's website to sign up! A new online tutoring platform has been launched as well. 30 minute sessions done via Zoom. For details visit the website.

Although our branches may be closed, the YMCA of Long Island has pivoted our response with programs to help you, your family and our community during this crisis. We are providing Emergency Child Care for Essential Personnel including health care professionals and first responders that must report to work to serve our community during this public health crisis. Programs are offered at Countrywood Primary School in Huntington, Mary G Clarkson School in Bay Shore and the Patchogue Family YMCA. Our YMCA Family Services branch continues to provide behavioral health services through telehealth counseling sessions for children and adults in need of support, conducted by our licensed, professional staff. For a confidential assessment with a licensed counselor, call (631) 580-7777 ext. 3117.

Oasis Day Camp at LIU Post University is offering an early bird registration special for new families only! If you register and pay in full in January, you’ll get 50 dollars off tuition for each week.

Although a lot of uncertainty remains as the summer nears, the YMCA of Long Island is still preparing to offer Summer Day Camp with adjusted protocols and procedures and added safety measures. Registration is open online at with discounts extended. Our staff is also available to answer any questions you may have, please feel free to email us at [email protected] We look forward to welcoming your children to camp so they can learn, grow and thrive this summer!

Basketball Academy of LI is offering basketball clinics for all ages on Saturdays, with grades 2-3 at 9am, pre-k & k at 9:15am, grades 4-7 at 11:30am, and grades 8-12 at 10am. Masks are required and temperature checks. Players bring their own balls. Limited parents entrance for younger players, drop offs for players grades 4 and older

The Art Guild has created a new Young at Art contest & exhibit for kids in grades K-8. Every participant gets to submit up to 2 works of art, with one guaranteed to be in the show. A terrific way to show your work! Visit www.theartguild.org/young-at-art for more information. Summer camps are limited to just 8 kids and will be held outdoors on their 3-acre preserve (an online option is also available). And, more online classes are on the way for adults & kids! We hope to see everyone soon!

EmCard+ recently released a new and important mobile app called EmCard+. The App allows parents/guardians to create virtual emergency cards for their children that they can share with (and retrieve from) any other adult who might be responsible for that child. Babysitters, nannies, extended family, friends, coaches, etc. Even in the midst of this pandemic, it takes a village to manage our children's needs and schedules. We rely on text messages, emails, conversations, and other people's memories of what is important to know about our children. But their allergy details, other health information, back up contacts, and fears/likes/dislikes can get lost in transition. EmCard+ improves this communication process securely, easily, and efficiently. Please take a moment to check out the App in the Apple App Store. NOTE: For COVID purposes, there is a space for other alerts/details where parents could input mask preferences and other notes that often cause anxiety when we're trying to figure out how to have these conversations!

Celebrations In The Kitchen offers a full line of Baking Kits, which can be shipped nationwide. Kits are designed to provide extraordinary baking fun for kids while being stress-free for parents! All kits are ready to use, right out of the box, and include things that kids like, such as Themed Cookie Decorating, Cupcake Baking From Scratch, Cake Decorating, Classic Cookie Dough, and Rainbow Cookie Dough! All our products are nut-free, and allergy-friendly options are available.

The Explorium has created a new experience during the holiday season. Book your exclusive 40-minute time slot for an all inclusive immersive, educational, and joyful experience and go home with a "goodie bag" to continue the fun at home. Each "ticketed" visit will receive an interactive and personalized experience with our staff. Your private tour on the Explorium Express will walk you through time and explore different forms of science, including technology of the past and future. Follow us on Social Media and sign up for our newsletter to learn of our dates first before they are sold out. Registration is necessary. First come first serve. To ensure the health and safety of our staff and participants, we will implement a mask-on policy at all times for all participants as well as a COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire. Dates & Times: EVERY week, the Explorium Express will take you on a unique and different journey. These private 40 minute ticketed time slots between 9-5pm will allow our valued members an opportunity to have the Explorium all to themselves. Click on the date to purchase your ticketed time slots Wednesday, Dec. 2; Thursday, Dec. 3; Friday, Dec. 4; Saturday, Dec 5; Sunday, Dec. 6. We currently have dates until Jan. 3, 2021, see our calendar for additional dates. Price: $45 per ticketed time slot for up to 6 people (Cost includes all materials onsite and a take home goodie bag)

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts launched Summer Starts Now, a collection of creative content and resources to help the community stay creatively engaged. The collection brings together all the things campers love about a summer at Usdan—the arts, nature, friendship, and live performance—to help us find joy in these uncertain times.

Variety Child Learning Center has resources for families to utilize during this difficult time. The resources page on the site is updated as VCLC receives new and exciting material. Share what you are learning with VCLC on social media by tagging @varietychildlearningcenter and using the hashtag #vclcstrong.

Einstein’s Attic in Northport will be available 10am-3pm for phone orders; product recommendations by email, Facebook, and Instagram; and curbside pickup and free porch drop-offs in the surrounding area for as long as the toy store is allowed to remain open.

Soon-to-be college graduate and Hewlett resident Carly Fisher launched Rad Grad Creations to give those experiencing graduation loss like her an opportunity to commemorate their college or high school experience with a photo or video montage. Each video is personalized, including traditions, imaging, and messaging specific to the school.

Harbor Child Care is following the requirements of the CDC, NYSDOH, and the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). We have new safety standards in place since June 1st as well as social distancing guidelines to help protect our children, families and staff during these unprecedented times. We have five locations in Nassau County (Glen Cove, New Hyde Park, Manhasset, Mineola and Uniondale) and our staff wears protective facial coverings throughout the day. Cleaning and disinfecting occurs before the children arrive in the morning and after they leave in the afternoon and additional cleaning service is done in the evening.

Tower Talent has reopened its business for both in person and virtual classes and auditions. New sessions will begin January 2021

Long Island Businesses with Modified Hours

Tutor Time has several schools available in both Nassau and Suffolk counties for child care. It provides care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old and provides discounts for first responders.

Vincent Smith School, dedicated to students in first to 12th grade with learning disorders such as Dyslexia or other language/auditory processing disorders, offers an educational alternative for children who can't get the services or therapies they require from their current placements. Its headmaster, principal, and services therapists are available for online or phone visits to provide you with more information. Call 516-365-4900 or email [email protected] to schedule your call today.

Joel Becker, Ph.D., a psychologist at Cognitive Health Services is available for telehealth behavioral medicine consultations. Dr. Becker is offering short-term sessions for children ages 10 and older, as well as for young adults and parents. The sessions will be focused on the individual's needs. Email [email protected] for more information.

Lawrence Woodmere Academy is offering online, remote learning to all students. This is a face-to-face, virtual, live connection with their teacher.

Silverstein & Vinciguerra, LLP is following the recommendation of the American Dental Association and New York State Dental Association to only provide emergency dental care for patients. Elective and non-emergency services will be postponed for a minimum of three weeks. Call 516-354-1768 if you have urgent dental needs.

Let There Be Sleep is available to provide virtual pediatric sleep consulting. Getting an appropriate amount of sleep is important to our health and well-being. So if you are the parent of a child ages newborn to 6 who is experiencing sleep issues, now is perfect time to learn how to establish healthy sleep habits. If you are not working or your income has been affected, Let There Be Sleep is happy to accommodate.

Though it has no known or suspected cases of COVID-19, LuHi Summer Programs has made the decision to close its offices at 131 Brookville Road until further notice. It is still able to process online enrollments and team members are available to answer customer inquiries via email or phone. At this time, there are no changes to its Open House or Summer schedules. Please be sure to check its website for any updated information.

ProHEALTH Dental will maintain office hours for emergency care, Monday-Saturday, at its Lake Success, and Huntington locations. All other appointments will be scheduled starting the week of April 6, in coordination with guidelines from the American Dental Association. All ProHEALTH Dental offices are operating under CDC guidelines, including screening all patients who pose a risk of having coronavirus. Clinical staff will also be available via email ([email protected]) and telephone (855-PHD-CARE or 718-DENTIST) for questions from patients.

Online Classes for Kids and Families on Long Island

Key to My Art has launched a Virtual Art Camp. Camp starts June 22 and runs through August 27. Two hour sessions 2x a day: 10am-12pm class is best for kids ages 5-7, and the 1-3pm class is for kids 8 and older. Art, games, stories, contests, activities, flexible schedule—the more you book the more you save!

Challenge Camp announced it will be hosting Challenge Camp @Home, a live, interactive virtual day camp experience for kids ages 4-15! All of the classes are elective, parents and campers customize a program of selections based on their child's interest. Visit the Challenge Camp website to check out interactive class offerings and build your child's schedule, or email [email protected] Keep your child engaged this summer!

Sylvan Learning in Huntington and Mineola is offering Virtual Tutoring Via Zoom. Delivering results! Now offering online Tutoring. Contact Sylvan today for personalized options!

Eden II/Genesis Programs is offering free, helpful webinars for parents and caregivers of children with autism and special needs. To register, visit eden2.org/webinars. May 19, 6-7pm: Stress Management for Parents; May 26, 3-4pm: Distance Learning: Using Technology and Mobile.

Every Friday, Planting Fields Foundation releases a new Family Explorer activity for families to enjoy at home or on a visit to Planting Fields. Plus, it also has new Learning Kits for ages kindergarten to 3 (Nature Detectives), 4-8 (Bird Blind Designers), and 9-12 (Modern Industrialists). Planting Fields in Oyster Bay is open daily, 9am-5pm for visitors to come enjoy fresh air and wide open green spaces while practicing social distancing. Capacity limitations may be enforced, and all public buildings, including restrooms, are closed.

Extreme STEAM Science Kids, created by Bob Budah, has been offering summer science programming to Park Shore as well as camps around the country for many years. Building on that experience, Budah has now added online programs your children can enjoy from the comfort of your homes! The programs are geared towards children in pre-K to ninth grades with a wide variety of subjects to appeal to all interest levels. Many of these programs are free.

Tiger Schulmann's of Smithtown is running daily live, and on demand through a variety of mediums, Zoom, Twitch and YouTube.

One River School Port Jefferson is offering free, 1-hour art classes for all age groups and skill levels throughout the day on Sunday, April 26. All you need is pencil, paper, an eraser, colored pencils or markers if you have them, and pre-K to second grade family class will need scissors and glue. To join, simply RSVP and you will receive a link to join the Zoom video class!

Long Island Nets’ Devin Cannady will host a Virtual Ball Handling Class on Saturday, April 25 at 1pm on Instagram Live. It's open to all skill levels. Plus, the Long Island Nets Virtual Read to Achieve will be held Thursday, April 30 at 12pm on Facebook Live for elementary school-aged students.

The Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University is working behind the scenes to share live performances, along with the Stony Brook Film Festival, as soon as it is able. In the meantime, it's offering free online content and resources, including great stuff for families.

While the Adventure Park at Long Island is closed, it has an online tutorial to build you own mini aerial adventure

Royal Princess Prep Party Company is offering free, daily story times in its VIP Group on Facebook! It’s also offering virtual services such as personalized video messages and FaceTime calls! Email [email protected] to inquire!

Tilles Center for the Performing Arts launched an online Arts Smart program for kids. As of now, new videos will be posted on YouTube once a week for four weeks.

We Connect The Dots is offering 1-hour, online coding classes (including drag and drop, HTML and CSS, and JavaScript) every day for kids ages 7-18 and parents for a discounted price of $10 per class! Participants will be engaging with their peers and instructors, while learning how to code! Join our virtual community at yammer.com/nebulalearning and request an invite or email [email protected]. Once invited, you will have access to your first FREE coding class as well as a code to get your discounted classes!

Mathnasium is now offering Mathnasium @Home—the same unique math learning experience delivered in real-time, 1-on-1 from the center right into your home. The program has two distinct components that our children value and parents see results in: an Individualized Learning Plan and Classroom Support.

The Bridges Academy is hosting virtual Open Houses, April 2-30, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 9am.

Key to My Art is offering classes and events online daily, several times a day—and anyone can participate! Key to My Art offers fun, educational art classes that are LIVE classrooms with other kids and professional teachers! It also hosts virtual birthday parties using whatever supplies you have in the house—teaching kids to be resourceful and that they can make art out of anything.

School of Rock Rockville Centre is offering School of Rock Remote, a brand-new, interactive private lesson with its team of experienced music staff. Students will use video conferencing to meet with their skilled music instructor in guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocals. Families who are interested should call 516-234-ROCK (7625).

East End Arts School's private music lessons, art workshops, and private art lessons are being held online. Register online or contact the staff at [email protected]. Plus, the school is planning ahead with its Summer Camps and is offering an Early Bird Special extension: You can get 20-percent off all camps until April 18. If the restrictions remain in force, the school will refund any camps that are unable to run.

Child Behavior Consulting is offering video sessions at a reduced rate to help your child become focused and make positive choices. In sessions, CBC works with the parents and child together to help organize and support each of them. It's also offering free videos and tools, which can be found on its Facebook page.

Bach to Rock Music School (Port Washington) is now offering online music lessons. With Zoom (a free video conferencing service that can be easily installed on your iPad, iPhone, or other mobile device), the music program can continue everyone’s music instruction without missing a beat! Email [email protected] or call or text 516-441-5526 to schedule online sessions.

While Soccer Shots is looking forward to being back outside and on the field (as soon as safely allowed), Soccer Shots On The Go is available in the meantime. It's an online video platform packed with fun, soccer skills, life lessons, and activities to keep the children engaged at home.

On Thursday, March 26, Eat Clean Be Vital is hosting a free, online workshop with tips to help cope with stress in a healthy way (and not stress eat). The workshop will be held at 8pm. For more information, email [email protected].

Super Soccer Stars is now offering Distance Learning via The Famer app, which will allow families access to the curriculum directly on a mobile device or tablet. With more than 450 training videos, you will be able to view a full 14-week curriculum of 2-10 age-specific skills, with drills set up as 30 minute weekly assignments. It has also set up a series of subscription-based, age-specific, live-streaming classes on Facebook, streaming every hour on the hour. Enroll now for spring season and get at-home soccer today!

Specializing in services, support, and programming for gifted and 2e children, teens, and their families, Melissa Sornik, LCSW PLLC is moving the practice’s in-person Dungeons & Dragons TTRPGs online, with games for ages 8-12 and 13-17, five days a week. The practice even has a weekly session for parents. For more information, call 516 724-7100 or email [email protected]

Home Services for Families on Long Island

Physical Therapy Options is currently offering Telehealth, a safe, HIPPA-compliant, secure platform for existing and new patients. It can perform full evaluations and consultations. Call to reserve an appointment: 516-747-1520.

Although its community offices are temporarily closed, the Fidelis Care team is ready to serve individuals by phone, answering questions and helping New Yorkers enroll or renew their coverage by phone. NY State of Health and the New York State Department of Financial Services recently announced that a Special Enrollment Period is available to New Yorkers, now through May. Email [email protected] or call 516-418-9319 if you have any questions

The Long Island STEAM Group is now offering at-home Mad Science experiments. Email [email protected] for more information.

Helping Hands Children Applied Behavior Analysis providers can offer virtual Telehealth sessions immediately for New York children who have an autism diagnosis. Visit helpinghandschildren.com or email us at [email protected]to get started.

Main St. Board Game Cafe is open for curbside pickup and local same-day deliveries within 20 miles of Huntington Village. Board games are a great way to spend quality screen-free time for families of all ages, and they help everyone learn to better strategize, multi-task, and problem-solve. Check the café's website for a catalog of its most popular strategy and family board games.

Chocolate Works Plainview now has three @HomeWorkshops to choose from. It's fun for kids (and adults) of all ages! Pickup, delivery, and shipping is available. For more information, call 516-252-3855, email [email protected], or visit chocolateworks.com/plainview.