The upcoming long weekend doesn’t have to be all about Easter (and for many who don’t celebrate it, or welcome the Bunny, it already isn’t!). There are other ways to spend the long weekend as a family and still get out of the house for a bit. Below I’m sharing a few suggestions for you to consider if you want to fill the time this weekend but don’t want to see another pastel anything for a while.
1- Go to the Movies
Right now, there are many family friendly movies playing.
2- Find a sugar bush
This won’t help if you are trying to avoid the crowds this weekend, but it’s still maple syrup season and I’m not sure there is anything better than fresh syrup (or maple candy. Drool).
3- Go for a nature walk
Pull on the rubber boots (and splash pants) and head for a nature walk on a local path. If the snow has started melting in your area, it may mean a messy, muddy walk, but it also means you can chat with the kids about the emerging plant life, the animals coming out of hibernation and more.
4- Go for a drive
We like to hit the road in one direction or another for short drives on weekends like this. We often end up somewhere to eat (or at a bakery) and explore some of our favourite neighbourhoods and town we haven’t been to in the winter because of timing or weather.
Tip: Black Walnut Bakery in Cumberland has plenty of outdoor seating so if we get a nice-ish day, it’s a treat to be able to enjoy a hot beverage outside! Just be mindful of which days they are open!
But food doesn’t have to be involved! Going somewhere new and different can be fun.
5- Indulge in a treat
Sure, snow may be on the ground, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have ice cream. Easter weekend often kicks off our upcoming ‘warm weather’ ice cream addiction. If you have a favourite haunt, why not indulge in a special long weekend treat together.
Pro tip: Cafe Latte Cino in Orleans has a waffle on their menu that is topped with gelato. A perfect combination (at least, my kids seem to think so!)
6- Try a new game
Long weekends are a great time for families to reconnect, certainly in our house with everyone being so busy with work, school and extracurriculars, the slower paced long weekends give us a chance to try a new board game or video game. Any excuse to spend some extra time together!
It’s almost that time again! Advent Calendar season – a countdown to Christmas. But in addition to our chocolate countdowns, our family continues to have an activity calendar countdown, something we have had since the kids were babies and it’s a tradition we continue even as they grow (and both are now teens).
If you have younger kids, search ‘advent calendar’ on my blog search bar for previous years, especially 2009-2012ish when the kids were little. We did different activities that were more age appropriate then. This calendar grows with our kids!
The history of the activity advent calendar
It began in 2009 (when I read about it from a fellow blogger here in Ottawa – thanks Andrea!) and since then, it’s become a beloved tradition. I repeat favourite activities each year, add some new ones, and update them based on the age of the kids and our plans.
As with other years, here are some tips I’m sharing about creating your own activity calendar:
a) Don’t put dates on the activities. You may need to switch them up once and a while if something changes, illness hits etc. I copy the activities from this post, paste them into Word, remove the dates and print them. Then I cut them and add them in our calendar holder.
I bought this from a local Ottawa shop years ago
b) Stock up on the stuff you need for each activities like hot chocolate or craft supplies.
c) Check your family calendar and add in activities to the 25 Days countdown list that you already know you’ll be doing – like Santa letters, Christmas tree decorating or family cookie decorating.This list is also created in close consultation with my calendar based on days of the week– some activities can’t be done easily on a weekday so I made sure they were on the weekend.
d) You’ll notice only certain movies make the list. This doesn’t mean we don’t watch others, it just means we don’t have a schedule for them.
—-> What’s most important about this calendar isn’t that you put too much effort into crafting the perfect activity, it’s that as a family you come together and take a few moments each day to celebrate and spend time doing something together that is festive, fun and family oriented.
Some days, if we get too busy, we skip.
That’s probably why I love it so much.
This calendar doesn’t work if you stress about it!
Remember, search ’25 days of Christmas’ or advent activities on my blog search bar you’ll find all our other years so if you have toddlers and preschoolers, you can use some of the ideas we had back then.
And again, I explain the singing that you will see on this list:
You’ll notice my list has a few spots where the activity for the day is to simply sing a Christmas song. My kids have requested these be removed but nope – they stay. I keep joking that I will add more. They find the activity boring and not necessary. But I keep them in there. Why? Because honestly, some days are busy, or tiring, or our plans change, or I’m just overwhelmed so having a few ‘freebie’ days means that we still get to do an activity, but it’s extremely simple. It works! And now it’s a running family joke.
As much as I love the holidays, I’m also a big fan of slowing things down, so when it gets to be too much, give yourself permission to skip a day (or just sing a song!) There are no real rules here. Focus on the fun, and time together.
I’m updating last year’s calendar because it will be fairly similar! But again, everything is decided based on existing plans, where the weekends fall, school events etc. I may still update this as we get into December and new activities and ideas appear!
2023 Activity Advent List #25daysofChristmas Countdown
Write letters to Santa (even with no believers in the house, this tradition stays alive!)
2. Decorate the Christmas Tree (hoping to get it on December 1 as it’s a real one)
3. Watch a Muppet Christmas Carol, the Holiday Movie Kick Off
4. Holiday Scavenger hunt around the house
5. Write a special Christmas greeting to your sibling and mail it to them (it will be a nice read when they receive it! And yes, these go in the mail with stamps!)
6. Hot Chocolate Bar
7. Christmas Craft
8. Sing Jingle Bells
9. Visit Cumberland Vintage Village of Lights
10. Gingerbread House Decorating
11. Play Holiday Who Am I?
12. Make a list of ten things you are thankful for this year.
13. Sing Frosty
14. Visit Taffy Lane!
15. Dessert for Supper, Supper for Dessert
16. Visit the Lansdowne Christmas Market
17. Decorate Christmas Cookies
18. Sing Rudolph
19. Make a donation to the local food bank
20. Hot Chocolate Bar
21. Play Family Christmas Charades
22. Bring in snow and make maple taffy!
23. Sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
24. Unwrap one present from under the tree (mom and dad pick!) [reader note: This is always pjs lol]
25. It’s Christmas Day. Remember you have a family who loves you. And that’s the most important gift of all.
Grab your tickets with EARLY ACCESS to the September show dates at the Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe and enjoy this duo in person. I remember watching them when my kids were so little on TV!
Here are the details:
There’s a presale code that is required if you want to get your tickets before they sell out, and tickets are available to the general public starting May 5 but they’ve opened the ticket doors early with a presale.
Then, purchase your tickets and wait until September to enjoy your show.
More about the Wild Kratts coming to Ottawa
The show dates are September 15-16 with multiple shows per day.
There is an option for regular tickets OR VIP tickets.
This performance is fun for all ages, even better for 2 to 10 year old children, but best suited for 3 to 8 year olds.
VIP Meet & Greet description: VIP tickets include admission to a special meet and greet with Chris and Martin Kratt right after the show. Please note that each child attending the meet and greet must be accompanied by an adult, who must also have a VIP ticket.
The performance is 85 minutes total, which includes a 20 minute intermission.
This is a paid partnership with the City of Ottawa. All opinions are my own.
Save the date for these family friendly shows coming up at Meridian Theatres and Shenkman Arts Centre – and one of the events are FREE!
Live performances are amazing – it’s something we’ve always tried to do with the kids since they were little (in Ottawa, and outside of Ottawa!) There are many opportunities for your family to enjoy a show in the Ottawa area in 2023 too.
Make a date with the kids and plan for some family fun thanks to a few events and shows of note in Ottawa over the next few weeks.
Juno-nominated artist Jeremy Fisher brings his new animated CBC show to life with “Jeremy Fisher sings the songs of Jeremy and Jazzy.” Taking families through his catalogue of catchy children’s music with a message, Jeremy brings the characters and songs to life with his trademark earnest stager banter and sing along anthems.
Shenkman Website
When my kids were younger we loved going to shows and performances at Shenkman (it doesn’t hurt that I live in the East end too!) But there’s something uniquely different about watching a stage show compared to seeing it on TV or YouTube.
It’s on January 28th at 1:30 pm. It’s an all ages show presented in English.
NOTE: POSTPONED (I’ll update when there’s a new date) Save the date to see Paddington!
Yes, THE Paddington Bear will be live on stage at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe in February.
This all ages, English show will be at 7 pm on Friday, February 10th and at 1:30 pm on Saturday, February 11th.
In this original slapstick comedy, Paddington goes next door to borrow a cup of sugar from his neighbor Mr. Curry, who is in a panic because he’s expecting a visit from his Great Aunt Matilda. And so, Paddington volunteers to help Mr. Curry with his to-do list before her imminent arrival.
Throughout the afternoon Paddington attempts items on the list – repair the pipes in the bathroom, vacuum the floors, install new wallpaper, bake a cake…. But in typical Paddington fashion, nothing goes to plan. The pipes burst and flood the bathroom. The vacuum cleaner misbehaves and leaves dust everywhere. Paddington adds too much self-rising flour to the cake, and his efforts at wallpapering turn into catastrophic (and sticky) chaos!
Will Paddington be able to fix everything before Great Aunt Matilda arrives?
FREE: Fete Frissons at Shenkman Arts Centre on February 11th
Finally, I wanted to make sure you knew about Fete Frissons, a FREE family friendly event on February 11th at Shenkman Arts Centre.
This event is an official Winterlude Partner event and the day (from 10 am until 4 pm) is filled with activities to try, music to enjoy and food to savour.
While the event itself (and activities and performances) are free, the food vendors will have food for sale so come prepared! I saw on the list there will be donuts. DONUTS!
This post is a paid ad thanks to the National Arts Centre. All opinions are my own.
Read on to find out how to save when buying tickets at the NAC and give the perfect gift this holiday season!
Don’t worry if you are stressing out about to what to get that certain somebody on your gift list or if you are not wanting to add more stuff to your own family’s list. I know how hard it can be to find the perfect gift for some people, but there is a solution.
Experiences have become a wonderful way to provide amazing gifts that everyone will love without adding to a pile of ‘stuff’ that isn’t needed. Memories last so much longer than any item that comes in a box or bag (the Grinch has taught us a little bit about that!)
Give the gift of experience from the NAC
Attending live musical or theatrical performances is truly wonderful. Our family has always loved going to the theatre. We love the arts and there is something so amazing about watching, listening and feeling a show come to life.
If you are looking for the perfect holiday gift, the National Arts Centre has just the ticket – AND a discount offer.
Save 15% at the NAC
Choose to gift tickets to a show that you think or know your recipient will love. AND if you buy tickets for 3 or more shows, you’ll receive 15% off. These ‘Create Your Own’ packages have so many options available. Browse the website to find all of the shows that can be included.
BONUS OFFERS: If you buy a subscription membership, you also get other perks like free ticket exchange, presale invites and more.
Gifts for Lovers of the Arts (or those who just appreciate a great show!)
Whether you are shopping for your in-laws, your siblings, or your BFF who would love a night out, you’ll find a performance that is just right.
In 2023, the line up for the NAC’s English and French theatres, Dance theatre, Indigenous theatre and more are filled with stunning shows.
For example:
The National Ballet of Canada presents Romeo and Juliet from February 2-4 (this is an all ages show, so the kids can go too!)
The NAC Orchestra Pop Series has a ‘Bond and Beyond’ performance (yes, that Bond. James Bond) on January 12-14.
Or check out the Reggae Roots on February 23-25 (this is another all ages show!)
Gifts for Families
If you are shopping for experiences for your own family or another family you hold in your heart, you won’t want to miss the 2023 family friendly shows that are coming up. Thanks to the KinderConcert and the NACO Family Adventures series, kids from ages 3 and up and experience the joys of these performances. There are MANY different shows (including ones I mentioned above that are all ages) that families can enjoy.
Also, on February 18 and 19 is an English performance of Alice Factory (a rhyming musical tea party with Alice in Wonderland!) This is a part of the Big Bang Festival that the NAC hosts so save the date because there are always many events and activities that weekend.
Also, if you are buying for someone under 30 years old, tickets are only $15!
Discover more about what the NAC has to offer for families, including free toddler events, on the Arts Alive website.
Gift Cards are Available
Not sure about availability? I get it. It’s hard with family commitments and life events to know if a certain performance date can fit into everyone’s calendar. Not a problem! Get them a gift card so they can find exactly the event they want.
Grab your tickets before shows sell out and plan the perfect gift for the holidays!
Thank you for the National Arts Centre for being an advertiser on this blog.
This post is a paid partnership with the City of Ottawa
Oh hi. It’s almsot late June. And suddenly, like many other parents, I’m looking at the calendar and realizing that school is really truly almost done for another year and the summer is quickly approaching. This also means many parents are thinking about summer camps.
Every family has different needs in the summer and experiences planned. I know that summer break is not always an amazing time for some kids and can be quite stressful for parents. It can also be a much needed break from the school year.
Parents, we are all trying to do the best we can and make plans depending on our family (and work) schedules. This even changes with older kids as many of my friends are also balancing their own work schedules with their teen children’s!
Camps are a great way to keep the kids busy, while having fun, during the summer break.
Summer Camps in Ottawa
If you are still looking for summer camps for your kids, check out some of the offers from the City of Ottawa.
Virtual Camps in Ottawa
The City has continued to offer a limited number of virtual camps for families who are in need of this option or find it fits better into their plans and schedules. While there aren’t as many available as in-person camps, and the times are usually shorter when offered (think more like a class that runs daily during the camp week rather than a full day camp) the selection is varied.
Choose a dance class, guitar class, coding and game development, LEGO, drawing and painting.
In-Person Camps in Ottawa
In-person camps have always been popular throughout the City. Kids love the different opportunities to try something new, focus on an activity they really love, and meet new friends. Parents will appreciate the support throughout the summer which can include before and after care. And, the added bonus, I think the kids will be tired at the end of the day!
Reminder: There are camp options for children ages 4 – 17.
Take a look at all of the offerings on the City website, and browse to see which ones are still available. But as I write this, I checked on a few that I thought looked really great, confirmed there was space and included them below as a starting point!
Fun and Friends Energy Arts and crafts, games, sports, special events, and outdoor activities.
Ages: 4-5
Various weeks and locations across Ottawa. Some locations are already booked up, but others aren’t.
Camp Ottawa Adventure Sports, games, crafts, special events and an out-trip (may include swimming). May include a weekly theme.
Various Locations, children ages 6-12.
Dance Camp Experiment with different dance styles. Create dance combinations set to music and develop basic technical steps. Performance on the last day. Camp activities each day.
Ages 8-12 at Francois Dupuis.
Scratch Game Mania Explore game programming using the increasingly popular Scratch software. Make three awesome games using block-based programming and learn crucial programming logic including if-else statements, variables, loops and more. Design and create your own game.
(note: My eldest used to love Scratch!)
For kids ages 7-10, Berrigan School and Glen Cairn
Outdoor Adventures Grab your binoculars and magnifying glasses to discover the wonders of nature in your neighbourhood. Hiking, orienteering, gardening and nature crafts.
Ages 9-12 years old, at the Nepean Sportsplex.
Leonardo Camp Science and nature meet the visual arts – DaVinci style. Explore combinations of natural elements, science, and arts activities. Creative inventions led by experienced fine arts professional.
Ages 8-11, at the Nepean Visual Asts Centre.
Chef Adventure Get ready for a sweet and savory week filled with slicing and dicing. Includes daily camp activities and one out-trip throughout the week
Ages 9-12, North Gower location.
Badminton Adventure Learn all there is to know about badminton including grip, smash, serve, net play, drop shots, rules and game play for singles and doubles. Camp activities and swimming each day with an out-trip during the week!
Ages 8-12, Goulbourn.
There are so many more. You can browse the entire selection for a favourite (and to find availability) on the City of Ottawa website.
This post is in partnership with blog advertiser City of Ottawa
I know, I know. Online classes, courses, and virtual programs may feel overwhelming now, especially when we all felt like things would start to open up a bit more and feel a bit more ‘normal’ for spring. I have hopes that the summer will include a lot of great in person fun for the kids and families, but fortunately, we are being provided with creative ways for kids and adults to connect and explore new activities and ideas.
Online activities aren’t perfect, but they can be a welcome diversion in many homes.
My kids miss in person school, events and activities of course. But they have been able to connect with friends and family online. My daughter and her friend Zoom each other and share screens to play games or create digital cartoons and edit songs they write. My son connects with friends over Discord and shares gaming adventures. Even Andy and I have participated in a virtual wine tasting before, and really enjoyed it!
There are upcoming virtual workshops for kids and adults thanks to the City of Ottawa recreation programs. I wanted to share with you some events happening so you can register or learn more.
For kids (ages 2-5 and 6-8), there is aMuck and Mess workshopthat explores art and creativity. What I really love about this is there is a supply box that is included in your registration that will be sent ahead of the workshop date. this means you won’t have to hunt for supplies, they’ll be provided! You do need internet and video to connect. There are various dates beginning May 15th, and the cost per child is $4.75.
For older children, ages 7-12, check out the LEGO programs happening in May and June (some spots are already filling up!) These are offered in partnership with Ian Dudley of Orange Stem Education. If your child is interested in LEGO building, Minecraft, engineering and space design, these classes may be perfect!
What about online workshops in Ottawa for adults?
There are a couple of upcoming workshops for adults that I think many people will enjoy. These are perfect opportunities to gather friends and family online and register together for a memorable experience!
The first is a Taste of the World cookingclass on Saturday, May 29. The class is two hours long. Here’s what to expect:
Make delicious dishes from the comfort of your own kitchen. Receive a shopping list, step-by-step recipe instructions, and enjoy a fun online cooking class. Requires a personal electronic device with internet connection.
There are also two upcoming wine tasting events. The first features wines from around the world (there are two dates available, May 30 and June 6) and the second will highlight local wines on June 12. Here’s what the website says about that one:
Discover the pleasures of wine tasting with local viticulturists. Sample and discuss wines created at local vineyards. Participants must be legal drinking age to register. Requires a personal electronic device with internet connection.
Even though we are all anxious to have some in person routines and activities, I know first hand that participating in some online events can be a lot of fun, especially when you get ‘together’ with others!
If you are interested in any of these, sign up before they sell out!
Visit the website links for more details about each program.
I saw this outdoor activity on social media and knew I wanted my daughter and I to try it. The DIY ice ornaments are so pretty!
My birthday flowers from a friend were starting to brown, so the timing was perfect (if you don’t have fresh cut flowers, winter greenery would work too!)
Here’s how to create your own ice ornaments!
Using a muffin container or other container, add your pieces of flower or greenery into it.
knot a piece of string into a loop(we used twine – I wanted something that wasn’t plastic) and place the knot in the container with the flowers.
Carefully pour boiling/hot water (I head read this would help keep the ornaments clear) to cover or mostly cover all the greenery (we left some leaves sticking out for effect).
Let freeze.
They should easily pop out of the container. Then use them to decorate your yard!
10 fun outdoor things to do when the temperatures drop and the snow falls in Ottawa
I have openly admitted that we are not a traditional winter family. We don’t ski, we are only ‘okay’ skaters, and we don’t relish the snow. While we are full of festive holiday spirit in December, the months of January – March can feel long, drawn out and not fun. It’s one reason we are happy when we can escape to warmer climates.
But when we stop to plan out some winter fun, we are always amazing at how much we enjoy it. As though by some miracle, the snow wasn’t the worst, and our rosy cheeks at the end of a cold winter day are accentuated by our smiles.
If you live in Ottawa, you know what winter can really feel like. I’m writing this post when it’s about minus a billion out and the snow is up to my roof top (fine, there may be some exaggeration there but you get my drift. HAHAHA get it? Sigh. I’ve already been shut in for too long)
Here are 10 winter activities you can do as a family around the Ottawa area! Have fun!
Take a staycation and head out to see activities
There are so many places in and around Ottawa that are perfect for a little getaway, but that also will facilitate some winter fun just by being close to other activities, especially if you time it for Winterlude. Last year, we stayed at the Courtyard Marriott downtown and were able to take in outdoor fun while being in the heart of downtown. There’s also Brookstreet which offers a mini getaway and a skating rink! I like being able to enjoy some outdoor time, but then let the kids swim in the hotel pool or warm up together over a nice meal.
Attend Winterlude
Winterlude will begin on January 31 until February 17. There are events all over the City, including Snowflake Kingdom, Sparks Street and Shenkman Arts Centre. It’s an annual winterfest in Ottawa that brings many locals and tourists out to enjoy the snow!
Go skate on the Rideau Canal (or one of the many outdoor rinks!)
When weather conditions are right, skating on the Canal is a traditional Ottawa winter bucket list item, but there are other skating rinks around the City to enjoy (you likely have one right in your neighbourhood!)
Go sledding
From small little hills to thrilling ones across the City, sledding is always a favourite activity for our family.
Yes, Parc Omega is open in the winter, and a wonderful time to go is in March when their sugar bush is available. We loved it. You can read more about our visit in this post.
Visit a maple sugar bush
Speaking of sugar bushes, I love them, and when you have the chance to have a true pancake breakfast at a sugar bush, I always recommend it. We have many in and around the Ottawa area. I’ve shared a few on the blog before, including one we like going to that’s a little bit of a drive out of town but the food is amazing.
This is how your winter in luxury. We take a trip in December every year and don’t always have true winter weather when we go, but we have gone in February before and love it. With two outdoor skating rinks, curling, tubing nearby and a fireplace to cozy up to after a long winter day, this is a trip that’s always a pleasure.
Skate through a forest
Did you know the Ottawa area has places to go skating along a long pathway? The forest skating options just outside of the City sound like so much fun! Here’s a list of where you can skate through a forest, and other outdoor rinks that I wrote for SavvyMom.
Eat a Beavertail
My ‘must do’ lists when I travel or stay local and explore our neighbourhoods often include a foodie item, and grabbing a Beavertail on the canal or in the Byward market while you are standing in the cold feels amazing. They are warm, sweet and the perfect way to end or begin some outdoor fun.
Go snowshoeing
There are many trails to go snowshoeing in and around Ottawa with the kids. I feel like this is an underrated activity. I don’t own them, but I want to think that if we did, we would head outside for a walk more often. Here’s information about snowshoeing in Gatineau Park.
What are some outdoor activities you like to do in the Ottawa area as a family?
There are two Trim Your Tree family craft workshops happening at the Nepean Visual Arts Centre this year – on December 1 and 8th. Currently, the December 1st time is full, but there is a waitlist and spots are limited for the December 8th class. Book yours today!
Enter to win your way into the sold out Trim your Tree Workshop on December 1!
Just like little holiday elves, your family will love the DIY craft time hosted at the Nepean Visual Arts Centre in Nepean. You may remember a few years ago my family went and we loved it. The kids were surprised with hot chocolates and all of us created the cutest reindeer that still remain a significant part of our Christmas decorating! We loved the bonding time and I think you and your family will too (or maybe you and your friend want to take your kids, or maybe you and your sisters, or grandparents – there are endless combinations of who you can bring!) But registration is for four people (and one needs to be an adult)
During the workshop you’ll make some holiday crafts together that you can keep and cherish for years to come.
Think your kids will love this event (like mine did!)
To enter, comment below and tell me your favourite holiday tradition!
You and your family have the chance to win 4 seats at the upcoming Trim Your Tree Workshop on December 1st! More details are on their website.
Giveaway is open to Ottawa area residents and is non-transferable with no cash value. This is for one family admission to the workshop (four people) on December 1st, between 1 pm and 3 pm. Giveaway ends on November 19th, 9 pm EST. (update – I’ve extended the time to 9 pm because I’m not around most of the day Monday!)
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