The long weekend for our family represents the finality of summer vacation. The kids go back to school after it, and we get back into some sort of routine. For other families in Ottawa, school is already in session.
Either way, there’s plenty to do to squeeze a bit more out of the summer over the Labour Day long weekend in Ottawa.
*note, some events are only on Saturday/Sunday while others are open on the holiday Monday too.
Make plans for the long weekend in Ottawa and have some fun!
Until August 31, enjoy the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival with headliners like Flo Rida and Alessia Cara, plus family-friendly activities (most of which are free!)
Visit a Market
I loved taking the kids to markets when they were younger. There’s something about connecting them with the local makers and farmers that was impactful. Plus, there’s always some delicious food to be found! It’s a great way to head outdoors.
The Summer Maze Days at Saunders Farm conclude this weekend. While you may be used to visiting during the haunting season, summer is a great time to go! There’s a splash pad, slide, jumping pillows wagon rides, great food and summer memories waiting to be made.
With the Canada Strong pass still in effect, kids entry to Upper Canada Village is free (or discounted for youth) so it’s a great time to visit for Horse Lovers’ Weekend! Activities are planned daily and it’s open Labour Day Monday.
For many years, since our kids were little, we have travelled with our extended families, to various locations, often with our parents (the grandparents.)
The memories we’ve made over the years when immersed in a special vacation out of the country, or an overnight for a quick getaway have been priceless. It didn’t matter where we were, there was sure to be laughter and inside jokes that we still talk about as my kids are teens and young adults.
Travel brings people together and our family loves that.
When thinking about Mother’s Day this year, my mom and I had the idea that we needed a little getaway. It wasn’t difficult to decide where to go; Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello is always on our list.
After my family of four took a quick trip to the resort in February to celebrate the 16th birthday of our youngest, we vowed to return sooner rather than later. Mother’s Day seemed like the perfect timing so we booked it.
Travelling as a family to a historic resort in Canada
Andy and our teens had no objections. It’s a frequent request to go there year-round. We’ve been during the winter when there is snow on the ground and you want to curl up playing games by the fireplace after skating or curling and a quick swim in their historic indoor pool. We’ve also been during the heat of the summer when we play tennis and mini golf before lounging by their gorgeous outdoor pool, overlooking the river with poolside food and beverage service available.
Like I said, it’s the perfect spot all-year long for our family, at any age.
Something for everyone of all ages when travelling
When booking travel as a multi-generational family, you have to account for a few things: The ages and needs of all the travellers (are their mobility concerns? Is it an easy spot for kids to participate and feel welcomed? Will the grandparents be able to find time to relax too? What pace does everyone want to be going at?).
You also want to consider what activities everyone likes to do, or how well you can mix and match. This is why for many years we’ve travelled as an extended family to Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello.
With its sprawling grounds, and extensive list of activities, we knew our time could be filled with fun, followed by relaxation. The five of us were able to play mini golf together, some of us played tennis, we all enjoyed a walk around the property, and began and ended the day chatting in the many gathering areas at the resort.
Planning to Travel to Montebello
Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello is only about an hour’s drive from Ottawa and yet feels like it’s far away.
The nearby town of Montebello and the area has even more activities (we will always recommend Parc Omega) as well as great food. But don’t feel you have to leave the resort to eat. There are two restaurants on-site, plus in the summer months a dinner BBQ is available as well as a patio food and bar (with pool side service too.)
If you do nothing else, enjoy their buffet breakfast. It’s incredible. Just like the memories our family made.
disclosure: Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello treated us to breakfast during our Mother’s Day visit. All opinions are my own.
*this post was originally written years ago, when my kids were younger but I still love these activities. I’ve tried to update it recently to provide some additional tips.
When my kids were little, I was often asked what we did to pass the time during the day. Even now that they are older, there are a few go-to activities that we continue!
I wrote this post a few years ago about how I fill the days – and yet, not fill them completely. I stand by that. The kids need some time at home to be ‘bored’ if you will. To figure out their own fun.
But, trust me, I know that not every day goes as planned and we want to do some activities that will be fun and keep them interested.
Here is a list of 25 activities that might help get you started!
Park Tours – does your city have a variety of parks? Don’t just go to your regular one, take this chance to explore the others and hit the park circuit! Which one is the favourite? What makes each one unique? You’ll find that the kids treat each one as a new, fantastical destination! They don’t need to be fancy, but I will say there are usually bonus points if there is water involved.
Play dates – especially when you can be outside. These are as much for parents as they are for the kids. Check in with friends who are also looking for more to do!
Colouring pages – pick their favourite video game, or cartoon and print some pages if you can.
Obstacle course – keep them active, even if you are inside on hot or rainy days!
Old school games outside – Hopscotch is a great one to start with!
Set up a sprinkler for some water fun. Don’t have one? Fill a huge bucket with water. Kids and water will make their own fun! Just add cups and sponges.
Go for a walk and observe – what do they see in nature? What do they see around them?
Have some fun with cardboard boxes. Build a post office, store, space ship, anything!
“paint” the fence or deck with water and a giant paintbrush or roller.
Play dress up. Use your existing costumes, but also pull out some unusual items – like your own hats, scarves, or create your own super hero masks.
Eat a full meal outside (not just snacks!).
Lunch break somewhere unusual in the house.
Build a fort with blankets.
Go on a scavenger hunt. Draw pictures for younger kids to find (leaf, rock, pine cone, flower) or write them out for the reading aged kids. Or, try this game especially with older kids.
Skip rope. Tell them recess stories from your childhood lol
Movie time! You can set up a mini drive in or theatre style setting. Pop some popcorn and enjoy! TIP: Take this time to watch the movie together, not to do some extra housework 😉
Become little scientists – do an activity like this simple colour oneor amaze them with the classic baking soda/vinegar concoction.
Create an activity circle. Sing and dance around it until the music stops then pick up a card to do the action.
Bring the indoor toys outside. Playmobil and My Little Pony characters can find a whole new world to explore in the garden or on the patio!
Visit a museum. Don’t have access to a family-friendly museum? Have your kids create one! Set up ‘areas’ where they can display their ‘artifacts’. TIP: Many libraries offer Museum passes to borrow. Some museums have ‘free’ entry days and/or times.
Tell a ’round circle’ story – each of you takes turns speaking a sentence of a story, the next person adds a line and so on until it’s complete. Need some starters?
“Once upon a time, there was an egg in the middle of the forest…”
“One day, while playing in the backyard, a little boy heard a strange noise in the garden…”
“Somewhere in Outer space, a space ship was landing on a planet…”
Have some more tips for readers? Leave them in the comments!
Want to know the easy, honest answer about what to do with your teens for Easter?
It’s the same answer I would give for most other holidays:
Keep up with the traditions (at least, those you all love).
Yes, eggs will once again be hidden all over my house. Giant sized young adults will be pj-clad and hunting for them and I love it.
We will have an Easter meal, with lots of desserts and treats.
I may even add a few gifts if possible.
The kids asked me this year if the ‘Easter Bunny’ would be coming.
I think they ask in part because they worry I might stop the traditions as they grow. And yet, they should know me better.
We are a family that loves building tradition (sometimes it’s an issue because we also find it hard to let go of some, even if they no longer serve us!)
And so, no matter how old they are, if they want to participate I am more than happy to set something up for them.
It’s as much for us, as parents, as it is for them sometimes.
We help our children grow and fly off into the world. But I love being able to still be the nest they come back to for comfort and childhood joy.
this post is paid in partnership with the Canadian Folk Music Awards – all opinions are my own
What you need to know: There’s a musical event for families happening on April 6. It’s free with your Canadian Museum of History admission. Keep reading for details.
When my kids were younger (very young), we enjoyed taking them to live events – performances, life music and so on. We did this as often as we could (sometimes, it was just to the mall!)
We loved introducing the kids to the arts in this way. Our family continues to enjoy live performances, especially music. And now that they are teens, they still enjoy music, musical theatre, plays and more. While I enjoy music, the rest of my family LOVES music, it’s on all the time around here or in someone’s headphones.
Folk for Families: You’re invited!
Do you want to introduce your kids to live music too? You’ll want to save the date and plan to attend the Folk for Families: Musical fun for everyone at the Canadian Museum of History. It’s a part of the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Get even more details on their Facebook page (plus you’ll get a reminder!)
The event is happening on April 6th, 2025 at the child-friendly hour of 10:30 am and is meant for the entire family. It will be happening in the Grand Hall (a gorgeous location!) right in the Museum.
Also, you should know that tickets are INCLUDED with your admission to the Canadian Museum of History so plan to have an entire family day outing in Ottawa.
Museum membership holders, this is just another bonus!
Who’s playing at the concert?
The Folk for Families Concert has a line up with performances by Canadian Folk Music Award nominees that you may recognize.
Additionally, this is a fantastic way to celebrate Canadian music and artists as a family!
Get all of the weekend event details on the website.
I was also sent information about each performer, and I encourage you to add them all to your music playlists!
Check out the details for each nominated performing artist below by visiting their website, listening to their playlist, and following them on social media!
Save the date, get your museum tickets, and head to the Canadian Museum of History and support Canadian artists at the Folk for Families concert as a part of the Canadian Folk Music Awards on April 6!
Reminder! Admission is FREE with your Museum ticket!
If you want to plan a date night, or friends night out, check out the entire event line up (with events also happening at the National Arts Centre) during the awards weekend on their website.
Once upon a time, we travelled for March Break. We went somewhere warm and sunny. A joy, and privelege, that we truly loved.
For the past few years, that hasn’t been the case, for a variety of reasons. The kids have different committments, we are saving up for summer travel, and so on. It changes as they get older (and go to university!)
My youngest will be off and plans to enjoy some time to relax, hang with friends and sleep in. I’ll enjoy sleeping in a bit.
But that doesn’t mean we won’t look around the City for opportunities.
If you find yourself wondering what to do with the kids for March Break, or want some ideas to make special plans, I’ve gathered up some options.
Remember – this is meant to be a break. If it feels like a lot of work for everyone, or manufacturing ‘special’ time, try whatever works for you and your family!
March Break Activities in Ottawa
Visit the Mall
I used to love taking the kids to the mall when they were younger (I still do!). The Food Court had something for everyone, we could wonder around indoors and stay warm and dry, and it was a good way to pass the time.
Because of March Break, many of the malls usually offer special programming. Visit your local one to determine if there’s anything happening.
Visit a Museum
Ottawa’s Museums are amazing. I’ve talked about this a lot and they were always a go-to when my kids were younger. The truth? We still love going to museums (the eldest teen especially)!
Ingenium Museums (Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and Canada Science and Technology Museum) all have March Break programming.
Not sure where to go? Start with The Farm (Canada Agriculture and Food Museum) – it’s an awesome place for little ones to be in and outside and the animals are always a hit. If my kids were little that’s where I would start. (Although all the museums have been faves of ours!)
I still love going to the library after years and years of library visits with the kids. It’s the perfect place to spend time time – borrowing books, video games or movies. But also the Ottawa Public Library has programming for kids and teens all week long.
The library programming is also free!
Try a mini vacation nearby
It’s no secret I love a hotel getaway. And there are so many opportunities nearby to enjoy, even during the colder months.
In February, we went back to Chateau Montebello and they always have so many activities for families. We visited after the huge snow storm so mostly enjoyed the pool, squash, food and playing games around the fireplace. If you go for March Break, look into outdoor skating, snowshoeing, tubing and more!
You can also day trip (or spend the night!) at Parc Omega. The kids (now teens) always ask to return here (we were gifted tickets for our recent trip!)
Activities that you can do at home can be fun, unique and memory making without having to bundle everyone up to head to a destination.
Order decorate-your-own cupcakes or cookies from The Cupcake Lounge or make a fancy hot chocolate bar. Try a new local cafe!
March break is the perfect time to try some new recipes as a family too! Pull out a recipe from your childhood and recreate it together or for a meal. Bonus if you have teens: They never get tired of hearing you start stories with ‘when I was younger’ 😉
So you want to do something special for Valentine’s Day, but prefer to stay home. Or maybe you have to stay home since finding a babysitter or heading out for the night can be difficult and expensive. Whatever the reason, keep reading for some delicious at-home take out ideas:
Andy and I used to go out for Valentine’s Day. It was a guaranteed date night and always meant good food. That didn’t change when we had the kids, although going out for a Wednesday night exclusive menu wasn’t as easy, so instead, we started bringing Valentine’s Day to our own dinner table.
We would set up and enjoy a fancy dinner when babies went to bed, or toddlers and preschoolers joined us at the table (with their own sweet menu). That tradition has continued for most years.
Sometimes it’s a fancy take-out meal from one of our fave restaurants, or pizza, or something quick. Sometimes we make it at home.
But the goal is just to come around the table, say cheers to our own little romantic story and life we have created and are working for, and be with those we love.
However, that’s just our experience. I know that Valentine’s Day looks different for many. Maybe you’ll have friends and family over, or maybe you are a single parent (or will be solo) this year. Maybe you just want to celebrate yourself with self-love and a delicious meal. I love that.
Many of these take out options are offered for one adult with child menus added on, or for larger groups when ordered in multiples.
Whatever your plans, if you want to start your own at-home Valentine’s Day tradition (with the kids, or when they are sleeping) here are some places in Ottawa to order from.
You’ll want to open each link to see their full menu, I only mention bits of them sometimes (and hardly do them justice). Also, many of these will likely sell out!
Where to get a take-out Valentine’s Day meal in Ottawa
This has been our go-to for many Valentine’s Days in years past. We would set up a fancy dinner table for the four of us and everything. This year, you have a variety of entrees to choose from so you can serve any palette, but I have to say it’s often the desserts that will have the kids requesting this again in the future!
Pelican Grill is offering their lobster dinner meal that includes two starters, sides and dessert (with local delivery or pick up available) and it’s one to impress. Just reheat and enjoy! We’ve actually ordered this for New Year’s Eve in the past, and love it. This splurge from the sea will have you talking all night long.
Cooking together, or with the kids, is a wonderful way to spend Valentine’s Day. Check out Nonna’s Famous Pizza Box. Order DIY Bouquet and Food kits and support local businesses. The kits include ingredients to make pizza, caesar salad and cookies as well as your choice of a gorgeous local floral bouqet. These combos are available for pick up for delivery.
Why do I write these articles? I just end up hungry and wanting everything. This next menu sounds amazing: Red Apron is serving up a menu option on both Thursday the 13th, and Friday the 14th. Mouthwater courses lobster and shrimp spread with a baguette leading into a braised beef main, or Burrata (drool) and tomatoes to start before a chicken surpreme and shelled pasta. Place your order by calling or via email for pick up or delivery. Add on the special menu for the kids too!
Your dessert and gift needs can be taken care of at Fruit Couture, but they have a delux cheese board that will be perfect with a glass of your favourite sparkling water or wine. Enjoy a tasting board (served on a reusable slate board) with multiple cheese, dried fruits, olivers, nuts and more. There’s also a cured meat option.
If you know charcuterie is what you want, you can also check out The Piggy Market’s Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Boards. This is a dinner sized portion with 4 meats, 3 cheeses, crostini and other bites. The Piggy Market always has amazing food so while you are there, check out their other offerings like their delicious brownies for dessert. Delivery is also available (spoiler – Tuesdays are free delivery but you can order for any day on Tuesday to get the offer!)
Maybe you prefer to tuck the kids in bed before digging into a delicious meal. I’ve been there, done that. If you are looking for an at-home experience that is unique, check out the Valentine’s Day at-home menu from Next. Each all-in-one meal box for 2 (for pick up or delivery) has a 7 course meal (that is not a typo – seven), extra little bites, wine and cocktails. There are instructions and a video from Chef Michael Blackie so you can prep, plate and say cheers! Delivery is free and extends West to Carleton Place and East to Orleans. Plus, you can order for the 14th or the 15th.
While there 2025 meals are sold out, bookmark their site for future special events! We have ordered from there MANY times over the past couple of years and can confidentally say everything is delicious. You’ll get a restaurant meal that requires very little preparation and heating up at home. We love these boxes.
I hope whatever you decide to do (if you decide to order in) you enjoy the evening. Or at the very least, get yourself from chocolate and enjoy that 😉 And no, I haven’t made our decision yet but I need to order soon!
I am trying to take an organized, but calm start to January. I kicked off the year with a rotten cold and so I couldn’t make plans to do much of anything even if I wanted to. With work, I’ve been crossing off much of my to-do list at least, although the lack of voice prevented me from doing as much as I wanted.
But the calm approach ties nicely into my word of the year and plans in general. I want to be more hands on again – not only with my own health and wellness, but with hobbies and connection. I want less doom scrolling, more learning and fun.
Here’s what I shared about my word of the year on Instagram.
My word of the year may not be the most traditional when it comes to personal or business planning.
But it seemed to fit.
My success won’t be defined by my hustle, how much I show up on apps, or my output.
I will find a way to grow, gently, both personally and professionally in a way that’s sustainable, fulfilling and meaningful.
I would love to hear if you chose a word!!!
Gentleness:
noun: the quality of being calm, kind, or soft:
After a few years of ups and downs, personal health concerns, family changes, grief and gratitude, this year’s word is a reflection of my personal and business goals.
I want a gentleness in how I approach the next 12 months. Kindness to myself and those around me. I want my business to grow and carry on with sustainability, for myself and my clients. Success doesn’t have to come in exchange for gentleness.
Gentleness doesn’t mean lacking ambition, weakness, stepping aside, or being ‘less than’. Gentleness is a different kind of strength and guiding principle.
Perfect for the work potluck, cookie exchange or family gathering. Or just to enjoy at home.
Are you ready to bake for the holidays? I’ve rounded up 8 of my favourite holiday recipes from this blog to share with you. Most of these recipes and ideas will be happening in our family and I hope the tasty treats bring your family much joy this holiday season as well.
Tasty and easy to make, these cookies are a hit with the kids because they can decorate them with sprinkles and coloured icing. They freeze well and make a large batch. Just ensure you have your favourite cookie cutter shapes on hand!
I think these cookies are my favourite. The spice is subtle but festive and the cookies are perfect with an evening tea or morning coffee. They won’t last long, so always double the batch.
Straight out of my childhood are the mudpie/unbaked cookies. I think these were one of the first recipes I learned to make. They are great this time of year because for sharing and don’t require the oven if you have other cookies baking away.
The most requested recipe from my extended family each year are the Skor Bar cookies. I’ve been making them since university and there’s no skipping this dish. They are beyond sweet and beyond delicious. Make them and you’ll be the holiday baking hero.
While not technically a dessert, the hot chocolate bar is pure childhood indulgence. It’s easy to set up and the kids will love it. It’s also a fun thing to do when you have company.
Inspired by a treat I had from a store years ago, this homemade version is easy to make, but may set you back a few extra pennies because of the cost of pistachios. It’s still worth making because it’s an easy food gift to make that will impress (or keep it for yourself and just enjoy!)
This melt-in-your-mouth shortbread is my grandmother’s recipe and it tastes like childhood to me. I like to make green trees out of mine, but you can vary the colour or leave them as is. It won’t matter, they taste great either way.
A couple of years ago, I made and gifted chocolate to people. I have peanut butter cup molds because of this and even bought pretty foil food wrapper. They are delicious and as I write this I realize it’s been a while since I’ve made them. I think they need to make a reappearance.
Pick your favourite recipe and make it your own! Happy baking!
My kids are now teens, and while only one may still be enjoying some trick-or-treating this year, I am resharing this post because this is almost always how I helped make Halloween night less scary (in that, my little monsters weren’t fully…monsterific…or something). Just trust me, these tips work!
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With Halloween upon us, I wanted to share a few of my tips that I have learned over the years – I have always loved Halloween, and after kids that love continued. But I have learned a few things over the years that make Halloween go a little smoother for all of us.
Happy Halloween!
Halloween Tips for Parents:
Feed the kids healthy snacks when they get home from school – they likely have been eating a lot of junk in the classroom, and after trick-or-treating, they’ll be eating more! Now is a good time for water too! “But they’ll just eat supper” you may say. Will they? They will be excited!
If you have company coming over, consider feeding the kids supper first (before company arrives). Sometimes, when we wait for guests to arrive, they are too busy playing and wanting to get their costumes on to focus on anything else!
While little pumpkin holders are super cute, they get heavy very quickly. Bring a bag to dump full containers into so you can keep on going if the kids insist on using them. Remember how we always used pillow cases? These are great, but there are no handles. Remind the kids you don’t want to carry their bags 😉 Handles are handy!
The first thing to get cold on my kids is their hands! Bring gloves, even if they insist they will be fine.
Review the candy when it comes home and ditch anything you don’t want them to have or if they can’t eat it because of braces etc. Some stuff may have to be tossed for safety, but other treats can go back in your own bin to hand out if you know they won’t get eaten! They’ll be happy with all the other stuff, and if it’s gone, they won’t eat it later!
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