What to Do With Your Kids in Metro Detroit During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Michigan schools are closed until April 5 to blunt the spread of coronavirus. Here is a list of educational, nutritional and recreational activities to do with your kids.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the closure of all K-12 schools until April 5, in response to blunt the spread coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19.
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Here is a list compiled by WDET of education, nutrition and outdoor activities for youth while schools are out. This list will be updated as we learn more.
Education and Crafts
DPSCD Homework Hotline is available to families and students, Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. for academic support, please call 1-833-466-3978. Additional resources can be found here.
PBS LearningMedia provides educational resources.
Metro Parent Virtual Science Camp is free and has science experiments/lessons.
Get Your Teach On is offering a free downloadable curriculum.
The Detroit Public Library system is closed through April 5. Here is DPL’s Digital Collection for e-books, audio books and media, and Royal Oak Public Library’s Digital Collection.
Michigan eLibrary has tests, tutorials and e-books available online.
Mid-Atlantic Museums are offering virtual tours, digital collections and other activities.
Kiwico sells subscription arts and crafts boxes, but hosts a free arts and science blog.
Lowe’s in Madison Heights and Allen Park have cancelled their kids workshops, but families can pick up project kits while supplies last.
GoNoodle provides free videos for “movement and mindfulness created by child development experts.”
Food And Meals
ChalkBeat Detroit has an excellent map of the locations you can pick up food for youth.
The Michigan Department of Education also has offers an online locator for food pick-up locations under various programs.
Mighty Wing Shop at 20131 Greenfield, 48235 is offering free breakfast for K-12 students from 8:00 am-10:00 am until April 6.
Gleaners Food Bank will be hosting 48 food pickup sites across Detroit for all K-12 students.
Wayne RESA lists food service availabilities for youth.
Detroit Public School Community District will keep 17 schools open for to-go breakfast and lunches. More details coming
Royal Oak Schools is providing free, to-go breakfast and lunches for anyone 18-and-under, Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. The schools are:
- Keller Elementary – 1505 N. Campbell Rd.
- Upton Elementary – 4400 Mandalay Ave.
- Royal Oak High School – 1500 Lexington Blvd.
The YMCA and Michigan Department of Education are offering meals for youth up to 18, and up to 26 for young adults with special needs, from Tuesday, March to Friday, March 20. See the full schedule and locations here.
Outdoor Activities
Metro Detroit has 309 public parks, according to the city. Find a park near you here.
The Detroit Zoo is open. The Detroit Zoo is temporarily closed until the end of March.
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