Places to Go with Mom in the Know

CHEO Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Saturday, June 23, 2012

The Governor General's Residence

Rideau Hall 

The Teddy Bears' Picnic has become a family tradition unlike any other as kids, parents, and grandparents alike Enjoy a full day of family activities including B*A*S*H (Bear Ambulatory Surgical Hospital) Tent and Build-A-Buddy. There will be a celebrity pancake breakfast running from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. pancakes, sausages, juice and coffee are $3 for adults and $2 for children. The B*A*S*H Tent officially opens at 9:00 a.m. Children are invited to bring their teddy bears and other stuffed animals for check ups, minor repairs and a visit to the dentist. CHEO Bear will lead the parade of mascots at 9:30 a.m. Admission and most of the activities are free.  Nominal fees are charged for some games, rides, food and refreshments

Dragon Boat Festival

June 22-24 , 2012

Mooney's Bay Park

North America’s largest dragon boat celebration, is taking place all weekend long. The event features live performances by artists The Acorn, David Usher, Said The Whale, and many more. Saturday’s events include a beer tent, the Tim Hortons Children’s Area, and a Tiki Beach Bar, all focused around the day’s non-stop race schedule.

International Chicken / Rib Cook Off

June 20 - 24, 2012

Sparks Street Mall

Teams from Canada and the United States will compete for the top rank of best rib choice, best rib sauce, best chicken choice and best chicken sauce. Come experience some of the best BBQ chicken and ribs you'll ever taste. This is truly an international Chicken and Rib Cook-off.

Treehouse Live presents Thomas and Friends

June 23 – 24, 2012

Centre Court, St Laurent Centre 1200 St Laurent Blvd

With special guest Angelina Ballerina

The Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival

June 21 – 24, 2012

Vincent Massey Park

FREE

This event provides families  a unique opportunity to experience and celebrate the diverse Aboriginal cultures of the National Capital Region.  Entertainment and programming will keep your family entertained throughout the day -- Big Sky Ranch, pony rides, animal display, bouncy castles, Elephant thoughts, a giant glow in the dark planetarium, polar bear and human hamster balls).  The aboriginal artisan village features interactive arts workshops, demonstrations and vendors.  There will also be live performances and music on the Main Stage featuring  Amanda Rheaume, Donny Parenteau, Crystal Shawanda, Leanne Goose,Vince Fontaine’s Indian city,  Sagkeengs  Finest (Canada’s Got Talent Winners), plus Aboriginal Canada We’ve Got Talent! and ongoing cultural showcases throughout the day.

Season Dubut -  Changing of the Guard

June 26 to August 23, 2012

10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

It's Canadian tradition at its most colourful.  The Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Forces bring stirring military drill and music to Parliament Hill. Come early (9:45 a.m.) to learn more about the ceremony. Interpretive presentation on the ceremony at 9:45am on Parliament Hill.

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Summer Camp

Some of my favourite childhood memories are those of fun-filled summer days at camp. I went to sports camp, arts camp, dance camp and finally, at the age of eight, sleep away camp. Crafts, swimming, sailing, sun, campfires and s’mores are vivid memories that I share with my own kids today.  

With a few short weeks left until the last day of school, the kids are getting excited for their camp adventures. The offerings are immense in the Ottawa area, so a bit of research is all you need to be sure your children have an amazing experience.

Decisions, decisions. Day camp or sleep away? Type of camp? Budget? Transportation? Are the kids ready?

One thing is for sure: I want my kids to have a blast this summer! However, I also need to be certain that I get the best experience and value for the money I will spend.

To stay or not to stay? Deciding between a day camp and a sleep away camp will largely depend on the readiness of the child. A mature and self-sufficient child will usually thrive away from home. Sleep away camp provides a fantastic opportunity for him to grow personally as well as to establish a sense of independence and to make lasting friendships. Sleep away camps are usually in natural settings far away from the day-to-day routine a home, a welcome get away for city kids.

I think that day camps are an easier alternative in terms of expense, packing and overall preparation. Although some day camps do offer a one night sleepover option at the end of the session for those who want to give it a go. Day camps allow kids to enroll in a few different types of programs at various places over the summer months depending on their needs and interests.

From dance to sports, swimming to leadership and everything in between, the possibilities are as vast and varied as any child’s interests. I plan to send my younger kids to a multi-activity camp with a variety of games, sports and crafts. As they get older and develop specific interests I will enroll them in camps geared to those interests.

Camp is a great place for kids to learn new skills in a laid back environment. When kids are removed from their everyday lives at school with friends and teachers, the pressure to conform and succeed is taken away and kids often undertake new experiences in whole different way!

Where to start?

I found many great resources online. I really liked this one sponsored by the Ottawa Citizen www.mykidscamps.ca. It is a one-stop site that allows users to narrow down camps by location, activities or type. It also has a lot of photos and videos to give me a clear understanding of what each camp has to offer.

Next it is important to spend some time finding out what the kids want and need. There are many camps that offer great opportunities for special needs kids. I already know what my kids are interested in for the most part, but they may want to try a new skill at some point. Find out where their friends are going too!

Once you have a short list, call or visit the camps to get brochures and more information. Ultimately, let the kids pick from this list and it would be great to have photos and things they can look at by themselves to help make the decision.

The fun will start when we begin to shop for supplies at places like Trailhead/Paddle Shack and plan our packing lists. I will be sure to label EVERYTHING with Mabels Labels and to get new containers for lunches and snacks. I use Thermos hydration bottles, lunch packs and food jars.

Start the camp countdown. As school activities wind down, mark camp dates on the calendar to ease the transition from school days to summer fun.

Happy camping.

MITK

Berry Blitz

Pick Your Own Strawberries! Invite your friends and share strawberry treats recipes and tips

We wait all year for the juicy berry goodness full of the best nutrients and  picking strawberries is fun for the entire family.

Strawberry Picking Tips:

• Go early, especially on the weekend; a large turnout can pick the field clean.
• Most growers offer containers, at a small cost, to collect your berries. If you use your own containers, be sure that they are not too deep; you do not want to bruise your berries
• Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen.
• To pick, gently hold the stem between thumb and forefinger. Carefully pinch and break the stem to release the berry without squeezing the berry itself.

Storing and Preparing

• Remove any damaged berries as soon as possible. Trim damaged areas and use in sauces, ice creams or in baking where appearance doesn't matter.
• Store berries in the refrigerator with hulls intact, unwashed, and lightly covered in a single layer. Use within three to six days.
• Just before serving, gently rinse under cold running water (avoid soaking because the strawberries will absorb water and lose flavour), gently pat dry with paper towels, and hull.
• Hull and freeze your Ontario Strawberries for a divine treat after the season!

Three easy strawberry recipes

• Freeze your strawberries and use instead of ice cubes!
• Fill a glass vase full of local berries. Place a bowl of freshly whipped cream or melted chocolate beside you and you will be the star of the party!
• Blend fresh strawberries into your lemonade
• Grill your Ontario strawberries 
• More great recipes such as Strawberry Eton Mess parfait can be found at Foodland Ontario
• IF you can’t make it to the fields, the berries will be available at your local roadside fruit stands and if you don’t have time to organize a Strawberry Social, look for one in your community!

We wait all year for the juicy berry goodness full of the best nutrients and  picking strawberries is fun for the entire family.

• Go early, especially on the weekend; a large turnout can pick the field clean.
• Most growers offer containers, at a small cost, to collect your berries. If you use your own containers, be sure that they are not too deep; you do not want to bruise your berries
• Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen.
• To pick, gently hold the stem between thumb and forefinger. Carefully pinch and break the stem to release the berry without squeezing the berry itself.

• Remove any damaged berries as soon as possible. Trim damaged areas and use in sauces, ice creams or in baking where appearance doesn't matter.
• Store berries in the refrigerator with hulls intact, unwashed, and lightly covered in a single layer. Use within three to six days.
• Just before serving, gently rinse under cold running water (avoid soaking because the strawberries will absorb water and lose flavour), gently pat dry with paper towels, and hull.
• Hull and freeze your Ontario Strawberries for a divine treat after the season!

• Freeze your strawberries and use instead of ice cubes!
• Fill a glass vase full of local berries. Place a bowl of freshly whipped cream or melted chocolate beside you and you will be the star of the party!
• Blend fresh strawberries into your lemonade
• Grill your Ontario strawberries 
• More great recipes such as Strawberry Eton Mess parfait can be found at Foodland Ontario
• IF you can’t make it to the fields, the berries will be available at your local roadside fruit stands and if you don’t have time to organize a Strawberry Social, look for one in your community!

Places to Go with Mom in the Know

Mosaika

Parliament Hill

July 8, 2012 - September 3, 2012

10:00 p.m.

 Mosaika is the story of Canada. A powerful narrative set against the spectacular backdrop of Parliament Hill, Mosaika takes the audience on an unforgettable journey of sound and light, as we explore Canada’s physical, historical and cultural landscapes.

Don’t miss this free, bilingual show. Presented nightly in Canada’s Capital Region from

www.mosaika-sl.ca

Westfest

 June 8, 9, 10, 2012

Richmond Road and Kirkwood

Westboro, Ottawa

Over 100,000 people come together over three days the second weekend of June every year in Ottawa to enjoy multi-discipline arts and an army of artists from across Canada at this all inclusive, accessible and 100% Canadian outdoor festival! Most importantly, it's entirely FREE!

http://www.westfest.ca

 
CHEO BBQ

June 9, 2012

Shefford Park, Ottawa

CHEO BBQ continues to grow as Ottawa's biggest backyard BBQ, volleyball & ultimate tournament (plus new in 2012 a 5km family walk) benefiting the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. With activities for all ages, communities are engaged in this charitable event and connected to their passions. The CHEO BBQ makes people smile.

www.cheobbq.com

Touch-A-Truck

Lincoln Fields

2525 Carling, Ottawa

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

$6 per person

Big Trucks, Horns, Sirens and Smiling Faces!

Mark the date on your calendars for family fun. Come to Touch-A-Truck to see big trucks, and hear horns and sirens that will put smiles on your faces. $6 per person, with children under one free. All proceeds support programs by Mothercraft Ottawa.

http://mothercraft.com/news/index.php#2012 touch

Medeival Festival

Upper Canada Village

Morrisburg, Ontario  

June 9 - 10, 2012
9:30 a.m. -  5:00 p.m.

A colourful cast of medieval re-enactors, musicians, buskers, artisans, falconers, archers, merchants and jousting Knights in shining armour on horseback will converge on grounds adjacent to Upper Canada Village. This festive encampment of tents, mini-stages, natural arenas and livestock quarters will also feature trebuchet and catapult demonstrations, children’s activities and a medieval marketplace.

http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/index.cfm/en/activities/special-events/medieval-festival/

Italian Week

Preston Street.

Ottawa

June  7-17, 2012

The Corso Italia (Preston Street) is the place to be for great Italian music, food, pageantry, art and opera at the piazza (a traditional festival square). Be a part of this cultural celebration while enjoying great food and entertainment in an affable atmosphere. Don’t miss the bicycle race and the Italian Car parade with Ferrari demonstrations driving through an oval track on Carling Avenue, from Preston Street to Booth Street.

www.italianweekottawa.org

Carnival of Cultures Festival

June 8- 10, 2012
Marion Dewar Plaza

Ottawa City Hall
Corner of Elgin and Laurier

Get your tickets online at https://ottawafestivalstickets.ca/event/carnival-of-cultures/

Carnival of Cultures Festival is Ottawa’s unique international folkloric festival that brings to life music, song and dance of countries around the world. 

This festival not only celebrates cultures from around the world. Carnival of Cultures exists for the purpose of promoting the creativity and artistic expression of artists whose works give new meaning to the folk arts.

Places to Go – with Mom in the Know

 A weekly round up of what's happening around town

Orleans Festival

 
June 1-3, 2012
Shenkman Arts Centre and Centrum Boulevard

www.orleansfestival.ca

There is something for kids of all ages this weekend at the third annual Orleans Festival in the city’s west end.  Expect all of the usual festival finds, arts, music and culinary treats then jump for joy with the kids in one of five huge inflatable structures in the kids’s zone.  Don’t miss the Princess Meet and Greet, Face painting, Air rides, Sand Play Area or the fantastic Kids Art Tent filled with demonstrations and hands on activities. 

Ottawa International children’s Festival

May 30 – June 3, 2012
LeBreton Flats Park and in the Canadian War Museum

http://ottawachildrensfestival.ca

 

The Ottawa International Children’s Festival goes this weekend for five magical days of  local, national and international artists in an extraordinary cultural community for children.  There will be arts presentations, hands on demonstrations and live theatrical productions and music for all to enjoy.  

Pioneer Day at Watson’s Mill

June 2, 2012
Watson’s Mill, Manotick Ontario

http://www.watsonsmill.com

Take a trip back in time at Watson’s Mill! Come on out and see exciting pioneer demonstrations, watch the mill come to life as they grind flour, join in some fun crafts and games and more!

Cineplex Family Favourites

June 2, 20122
Cineplex Odeon South Keys Cinemas
SilverCity Gloucester

 www.cineplex.com

Here’s aIt's a fun and affordable way to enjoy a movie with your family!

Come out on Saturday mornings at 11:00 am for Cineplex Family Favourites. Watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.50. This week’s feature is the Bee Movie.

A portion of proceeds go towards supporting Starlight Children's Foundation.

Victoire Pop up Shop Launch Party

June 2,
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Victoire , 1282 Wellington St. W.

www.victoireboutique.com

Victoire is now carrying a line of children’s clothing for your posh tot and they’re kicking it off with a kid-friendly launch party on June 2, featuring music by Catriona Sturton and Kristy Nease. Between sets, the musicians will hunker down for some crafty time with the little ones.  And there will be doughnut holes by Suzy Q. 

Drop into the Shop this month to have a look at the new kids section featuring vintage clothes, art prints and toys by Canadian designers Dace, Supayana and Tyson Bodnarchuk and some surprises that may have your little one more styling than you!

Stay In!

Stay in snuggle up in front on the T.V. and enjoy The Secret World of Arrietty new out on DVD this month.

Arrietty is part of a little-known race of tiny people called ‘Borrowers’, about two hairpins tall each, who live under human dwellings and “borrow” the necessities they need under cover of night, living in fear that they'll be discovered and have to move. A sick boy named Shawn moves in to the rambling country house Arrietty and her family live under, and naturally he's curious about the diminutive girl, who he spots fleeting through the grass one day. As the two form an unlikely bond, Arrietty's existence is threatened by Hara, the caretaker of the house who's convinced the Borrowers are just a bunch of thieving little pests