Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t worry about germs in public restrooms much more than you usually do. Apparently particles from toilet flushing can *possibly* be a problem, but it should be fine as long as you’re not going into a stall that someone has recently vacated.

You’re in and out fast, wearing masks and washing hands well. The chances of breathing in a critical mass of aerosolized COVID particles are minimal.

Go to Brookside Gardens and walk around the pond, check out the turtles, have a picnic on the lawn.

Good with the exception that picnics are not allowed.

Really? Is this a COVID thing, or a regular rule?

We used to do it all the time when my daughter was little, although that’s probably been close to 10 years. But we took one when we went to an outdoor Shakespeare play there last summer (2019).

Might just be a COVID thing. We were there on Sunday, and they had signs all over that said no picnics.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t worry about germs in public restrooms much more than you usually do. Apparently particles from toilet flushing can *possibly* be a problem, but it should be fine as long as you’re not going into a stall that someone has recently vacated.

You’re in and out fast, wearing masks and washing hands well. The chances of breathing in a critical mass of aerosolized COVID particles are minimal.

Go to Brookside Gardens and walk around the pond, check out the turtles, have a picnic on the lawn.

Good with the exception that picnics are not allowed.

Really? Is this a COVID thing, or a regular rule?

We used to do it all the time when my daughter was little, although that’s probably been close to 10 years. But we took one when we went to an outdoor Shakespeare play there last summer (2019).

Op I can completely understand your worries given that your DH and parents are high-risk. Keeping the kids to outside locations that are not crowded is your best bet.

We have been to Cunningham falls - there is a waterfall and lake, Terrapin Nature Park, short walk to the beach and the kids can play in the sand, Butlers Orchard (maybe better after the Fall festivals), and countless other day trips. I would let the 5 year old pee on a tree and don't stress about it.

We've started bringing our old potty in the car with us with bags. My almost 5 year old is now used to using it when we go out. We've been able to go to farms, hiking and we did a day trip to Annapolis. The majority of time she didn't need it and lasted many hours without having to go.

Buy a small travel potty for the car. Go anywhere outdoors. Have fun. Wear masks. Please don’t keep your kids cooped up any longer.

OP- go to a playground. Get there early, and if a lot of people arrive, leave. It's outside, which is probably better than going inside to Dunkin Donuts waiting for your order.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t worry about germs in public restrooms much more than you usually do. Apparently particles from toilet flushing can *possibly* be a problem, but it should be fine as long as you’re not going into a stall that someone has recently vacated.

You’re in and out fast, wearing masks and washing hands well. The chances of breathing in a critical mass of aerosolized COVID particles are minimal.

Go to Brookside Gardens and walk around the pond, check out the turtles, have a picnic on the lawn.

Good with the exception that picnics are not allowed.

^at brookside

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t worry about germs in public restrooms much more than you usually do. Apparently particles from toilet flushing can *possibly* be a problem, but it should be fine as long as you’re not going into a stall that someone has recently vacated.

You’re in and out fast, wearing masks and washing hands well. The chances of breathing in a critical mass of aerosolized COVID particles are minimal.

Go to Brookside Gardens and walk around the pond, check out the turtles, have a picnic on the lawn.

Good with the exception that picnics are not allowed.

Seneca National Park has plenty of space for you to spread out and walk around.

Anonymous wrote:Have you really not gone anywhere this entire time? Even for hikes?

This is op. It is sad that I have to answer yes we have not gone anywhere this entire time, even for hikes. Since March, both kids have only walked (scooter for older one) in neighborhood, gone to doctor appointment and that is it. I think I also have let 5 year old to go shopping at supermarket 1 time, and go into Dunkin’ Donuts to get donuts a few times. DH and grandparents are high risk. I don’t let them played on playgrounds.

I wouldn’t worry about germs in public restrooms much more than you usually do. Apparently particles from toilet flushing can *possibly* be a problem, but it should be fine as long as you’re not going into a stall that someone has recently vacated.

You’re in and out fast, wearing masks and washing hands well. The chances of breathing in a critical mass of aerosolized COVID particles are minimal.

Go to Brookside Gardens and walk around the pond, check out the turtles, have a picnic on the lawn.

Please don’t put a mask on your toddler. Please. CDC and pediatric experts agree it is UNSAFE.

Butlers is open - get a reservation online and go pick something. Any playground is safe if it is uncrowded and the few people there are in masks.

We know how to be safe now - use the knowledge!

Go hiking. Start small with a short trail. Or bring a soccer ball and picnic to a neighborhood park. Find a pick-your-own place that has reservations. We're fine with playgrounds especially the ones that don't get used as often.

Outside is safe and the weather is nice. Go!

Have you really not gone anywhere this entire time? Even for hikes?

Where are safe place for family to go on weekend, rather than stuck at home or walking/scooting in the neighborhood. Kids are 19 months old & 5 year old.

I still cannot figure out the public bathroom situation for 5 year old to minimize risks. He is a boy, but he sits on toilet. However, he is good on wearing mask.

19 months old can wear diaper, but she does not wear mask. I can give her a face shield but not sure if it will affect her vision to walk/run.

I live in Gaithersburg, Md. So, the shorter distance is better because it is less likely my 5 year old needs to use the bathroom. Is orchard or farmland safe? Hiking may not work because I can predict parents have to carry both kids at the end, unless it is short hike. I am not sure about dc zoo since it is a bit far & not sure of the situation there. Any suggestions?