RALEIGH, N.C. -- As folks were told to stay home to stay safe, many families are finding ways to teach, watch, and entertain their children all day.  

However, that has meant not being able to take the kids out to the playground to work off some energy but that may change by the end of the week if North Carolina's phase two of reopening begins. Closing playgrounds was aimed at keeping kids and their families safe, but means there is one less way for parents to keep kids entertained  as they stay at home.

One mother of two says when Phase 2 kicks in, she'll be glad there are additional options for families, even if everyone may not be ready to use them.

“You know, I'm happy that people will have the option because I know that people don't have all the options I have while being at home. So, I am realistic about that," Raleigh resident Astra Ball said. “Will I send my kids to the playground right now? Probably not.”

For Raleigh mother of three, Missy Currin, she says she is ready to have the swings and slide open again.

“I am cautiously excited. Is that fair?” Currin said. “I am excited for them to get outside and interact with their environment, and I think with some good hand-washing and lots of sunlight on the playground equipments, we'll be just fine.”

Both moms acknowledge this is going to be a personal choice for each parent, based on their comfort level and their kids understanding of the virus. For Ball, she says her oldest, who is three years old, just doesn't understand COVID-19.

“She has no idea what social distancing is, she has no idea not to touch her face. We can, as adults, barely remember those things,” Ball said.

There has been no definitive word from the governor yet as to whether or not Phase 2 will officially begin this weekend. Playgrounds remain closed until that phase begins.