Ways to stay entertained during Minnesota school closure

Zoey and Lola, both 7 years old, burned off energy Tuesday at Monkey House in White Bear Lake.

The play place will close to the public Tuesday night due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.

Owner Mark Harshman said the phones are ringing off the hook with people wanting to visit. However, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, only small private groups will be allowed in for now.

Other students who are out of school due to the COVID-19 closures were looking for ways to stay occupied.

"The community center is closed, the pools are closed," Lois Campbell said.

Campbell is a senior in high school and also the personal care attendant for a 15-year-old boy. She said physical activity and social interaction are so important and needed for children.

Disruptions due to COVID-19 outbreak

"It's very important and it's very hard, I am a senior in high school and even my friends are having a hard time with it," she said.

While finding alternatives may be tricky, here is a look at some ways kids can remain entertained while out of school:

KSTP found many museums like the British Museum in London and the Guggenheim in New York offering virtual tours.

With many libraries closed, new reading materials can be found through Little Free Library.

Spending time outside, as Katie and Briana did Tuesday, is also an option.

"I think it's better than staying at home because I like the light and the sunlight and it's so warm," 12-year-old Katies said. "So I think it's really nice outside."

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said state parks, recreation areas, campgrounds and other public lands will remain open during this time.