The historic Riversdale House Museum, at 4811 Riverdale Road in Riverdale Park, put together two new self-guided outdoor tours of its grounds and architecture for visitors during the coronavirus pandemic.

The tours are perfect for the museum, which has been closed since March 16 but remains open as a public space from dawn to dusk.

To maintain proper social distancing, it might be best to visit during the early morning hours or after dinner, when fewer people are present.

Aimed at kids, the “Compass Rose” tour requires guests bring a compass which they use to follow specific directions like “walk east 25 steps.”

It’s a fun tour that mixes a little science with some history and architecture, explaining the different types of columns and pointing out details like fanlights.

The “Architecture and Grounds Tour” gives more in-depth information about the various buildings on the site along with some historical photographs.

Both tours are available in full-color pamphlets in a box by the garden. While you’re there, be sure to visit the onsite Victory Garden Station they added in late March, where you can take home for free what’s supplied in the station buckets including organic herbs, vegetables and flowers.

You can also learn more about the Riversdale garden on its blog.