UPDATED March 25, 2020
Many parents and students were saddened to see that our governor ordered the closure of all public and private K-12 schools across Virginia through the end of the school year. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
We're adding additional web-based events on our calendar as received. If your organization is offering an event for kids or families, please submit your event here! For location of web-based events, please use "Your Home, Anywhere, Anywhere, VA, 00000" for location (event venue, street, city, state, zip code).
We're also adding articles each week with fun and educational opportunities including: virtual field trips, crafts, educational resources, and much more!
Colleges closed for the semester, K-12 schools closed across Virginia (and many other states) for how knows how long, businesses shut down, and canceled plans and events have become the new normal since last week as the respiratory disease known as COVID-19 continues to spread to communities across the United States.
As we all sit back to see what's going to happen next, Lynchburg Macaroni Kid is changing and evolving to help you. During this time of change, we're changing our focus from local events to resources for parents to use with kids at home all. day. long. every. day.
New Changes for our Calendar
Starting March 18, we added these categories of events to our calendar to help fill the extra hours your kids are spending at home:
Educational Resources for Kids -- online resources for kids from preschool through high school
Meal for Kids -- information about free lunches for kids up to age 18 in Lynchburg and surrounding counties
Cooking with MacKid -- a new recipe every day
Daily Crafts -- a new craft every day (Messy Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Winning Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, Fabulous Friday, Super Saturday, and Sunday Funday)
Weekend Family Fun with indoor and outdoor activities your family can enjoy together -- stay tuned as we add activities for each weekday too!
COVID-19 Resources
Need help talking to your kids about COVID-19? Talking To Your Kids About Coronavirus
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers the following guidelines to help keep you and your family safe from an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus which has been detected in more than 100 locations around the world, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease caused by the virus is named “coronavirus disease 2019” and abbreviated “COVID-19”.
CDC Guidelines
"Take everyday preventive actions to stay healthy.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Stay informed. CDC’s COVID-19 Situation Summary will be updated regularly as information becomes available."
You will find updated information about COVID-19 at Center for Disease Control (CDC)
We're Here to Help
This is a rapidly changing situation and it's impossible to keep up. Nearly all local events have been canceled, nearly all indoor play places have closed, and many restaurants and retail stores have reduced service or closed temporarily. We will share any new cancellations on our Facebook page as quickly as possible; however, please check with the venue before attending any event including events for which you have already purchased tickets.
As always, we'll have new articles published in our free newsletter and on our website every week with crafts, recipes, boredom busters, and other ways to entertain your kids and keep them busy! Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® in Lynchburg, Central Virginia, and in the comfort of your own home.
