We are basking in full-on summer anticipation right now. We’ve definitely earned a great summer! But maybe we’re a little out of practice. Maybe we actually need a guide to July?
School is out, the pools and parks are open, and we’re grateful once again for those long days that stretch on forever. It’s going to be nothing but picnics, beaches, days in the park, and (hopefully) family vacations. (And maybe even a stress-inducing day camp pick-up schedule, but let’s not talk about that.)
But, it won’t last forever. Here’s our Savvy Guide to July to help you make the most of it.
The Savvy Guide to July
DO: Get Out & About
Why? It’s been another looonnngg pandemic Spring. Our cities are opening up. We know that Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver have an abundance of fun things to do and experience with kids (that’s why we live there!) and slowly, but surely, we can start to experience them again!
DO: PAAARRR—TAAAAYYYY
Why? It’s Canada Day. And when was the last time you threw a party anyway?
There’s still time to prep an easy, last-minute Canada Day gathering for family and friends. Here’s a great Canada Day Party menu and one more collections of recipes for Canada Day for good measure.
ALSO DO: Register for Fall Sports & Activities
Why? Summer will be over as swiftly as it began and you don’t want to be caught scrambling when the school year starts. Sports leagues and other activities are still hoping for a usual start are registering now. Sign up today so you can enjoy the rest of the summer with the knowledge that everything is in place for the coming year.
GET: Sunscreen You Can Feel Good About
Why? A great summer includes lots and lots of outdoor time, so it’s important to protect our kids’ delicate skin against today’s sunburns and tomorrow’s risk of skin cancer. But it’s also hard to feel good about slathering our children in creams and lotions that contain chemicals. We consulted with the Canadian Dermatology Association for our list of Best Sunscreen for Kids and the Whole Family. And while you’re at it, don’t forget the summer hats for kids, and more sun safety tips for kids.
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SPLASH: It’s Time to Play in the Water (Safely, Of Course!)
One of the best things about summer is swimming! It’s one of the best ways to beat the heat, too 🙂 Whether it’s the ocean or a lake or a pool or a splash pad, know your water safety tips and drowning prevention to keep cool and keep your cool.
- Best Pools & Splash Pads in Toronto
- Best Pools & Splash Pads in Ottawa
- Best Pools & Splash Pads in Calgary
- Best Pools & Splash Pads in Vancouver
PLAY: Classic Backyard Summer Games
Why? Has it been more apparent than in the last couple of years that our outdoor spaces are so valuable? Inflation is high and money is tight, so becoming well-versed or reacquainted with some classic backyard summer games means you can still have fun in the comfort and safety of your own backyard, with no inflated ticket prices to consider.
APPS: Best Educational (and Fun!) Apps for Kids
Why? MAAAYYYYBBBEEE you’re a little worried that your kids didn’t really grasp everything in their curriculum this year. And maybe you’d be into some supplementary learning that wouldn’t involve MORE online school. And it’s not as if your kid won’t touch a screen or the iPad for the next two months. So if your kids are going to be online, it might be nice if they learned something. Most teachers will tell you that some of our kids’ best learning happens when they don’t even know they’re doing it. So here’s a list (we checked it twice) of the best educational apps for kids.
WATCH
Why? We want to spend most of our time outside, of course. but we still look forward to family movie nights and new seasons of our (and their!) favourite shows. Here’s a round up of movies and series for families and kids streaming in July.
EAT: Unique Salad Recipes for Any Time of Year
Why? Our collection of unique salad recipes is growing, and growing, and there’s a reason for that! The second winter fades away and summer arrives, we are all about salads. People ask, ‘what do you cook for your family during the warmer months?’ and my answer is always the same: Salad. Salad with fish, salad with chicken, salad with steak, salad with shrimp. Basically, salad with everything. And it easy to serve disassembled versions for families with picky eaters. These unique salad recipes are handy way to keep your summer salad dinners delicious and interesting.
SHOP: Thank You Gifts for the Cottage
Why? Got friends? Got friends with cottages? Get an invite? Want to get another invite? During our ever so brief Canadian summers, having a cabin or cottage is a wonderful getaway. The only thing better is having friends and family with cottages who invite you along to share in the fun. A thoughtful thank you gift for the cottage just might snag you a return visit.
Tagged under: summer,July,the savvy guide to July,canada guide,national guide,July activities
Category: seasonal,family-life,monthly-guide
