Summer Day Camps for Kids in Ottawa

As the school year winds down, the countdown to summer camps in Ottawa begins. Students eagerly await the final bell, signaling the start of a well-deserved break but as parents sometimes we are scrambling to secure those last minute camp spots. Excitement fills the air (and stress?!) as families make preparations, exploring camp options, and securing registrations. Ottawa’s diverse range of camps promises thrilling adventures and new friendships. With just a few weeks to go, the anticipation for an enriching summer experience grows stronger. Don’t worry! There are still high quality camps with spaces remaining in the Ottawa area.

Summer Day Camps in Ottawa

Dovercourt

Dovercourt, nestled in the heart of Westboro, offers an array of diverse camps. From sports and arts to science, nature, and circus, there’s something for everyone. With a wide range of themes, campers can explore their interests and discover new passions. At Dovercourt, quality camp counselors ensure a fun and enriching experience for all. With an indoor pool onsite as well as a wading pool your camper will be able to cool off quickly in a safe environment with qualified lifeguards.

Ottawa School of Art

The Ottawa School of Art offers a variety of art-focused camps in both downtown Ottawa and Orleans. With a range of programs available, your little artist can explore different artistic mediums and techniques while nurturing their creativity. Whether it’s photography, sculpture, or mixed media, these camps provide a vibrant and inspiring environment for artistic exploration.

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Centre Meredith

Located in Old Chelsea, Quebec, just a short 10-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, this camp offers a unique experience as it’s surrounded by forest. In addition to specialized sports camps like baseball, soccer, and tennis, they also provide creative options such as pottery and jewelry making. With ample time spent outdoors, campers have the opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings in and around the Chelsea area, creating unforgettable summer memories.

National Kids Camp

Campers in Ottawa can conveniently access Camp Fortune from various pick-up locations. Each day, they are transported to Camp Fortune to enjoy a range of exciting specialties with National Kids Camp. From mountain biking and survival skills to a decathlon and tennis, campers can immerse themselves in thrilling activities. The “Amazing Race” adds an extra element of adventure, making it a summer camp experience filled with fun challenges and unforgettable moments.

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Glebe Neighbourhood Activity Group

Get ready for a Summer of Fun at GNAG! With a wide range of camp options to cater to every interest, there’s something for everyone here. Highly trained camp counselors ensure a safe and engaging experience, leaving your child eager to return week after week. Explore specialty camps in science, robotics, tennis, art, and much more, offering endless opportunities for learning and enjoyment.

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Ottawa Humane Society

Experience the joy of animals at the Ottawa Humane Society day camp! Campers can look forward to exciting activities like animal visits, animal-themed crafts, water games, guest speakers, and a fascinating tour of the OHS facilities. Animal-themed games add an extra dose of fun to the camp experience. However, beware, as you may find yourself falling in love with a furry friend and considering bringing a new pet home to your family!

Soccermidable

Soccermidable provides specialized soccer camps in Westboro and Chelsea. Each day is filled with a specific theme that promotes the pillars of a healthy lifestyle. Campers can look forward to skill-building drills, technique training, fun games, and enthusiastic guidance from professional and amateur soccer players who are passionate about the sport. It’s a perfect opportunity for young soccer enthusiasts to improve their skills while having a great time.

It’s not too late to snag a spot in these amazing camps and guarantee an epic summer adventure. Get ready for non-stop fun, laughter, and new experiences that will make this summer one to remember. Whether your little one is into arts and crafts, sports galore, or making furry friends, these camps have got it all. Have an epic summer with fun filled summer camps in the Ottawa area!

Summer Day Camps in Toronto with Available Spots

The countdown is on! The school year is done in mere weeks. Do you have your kids’ summer camp plans figured out yet? If not, don’t worry! While some popular day camps in Toronto, such as Green Acres and Zoo Camp have already nearly or totally booked up, there are still lots of high-quality summer camp options out there.

Below we round up Toronto summer camps that are sure to entertain your kids this July and August. While all these options had availability as of late May, there is no guarantee that those spots will last. If your child sees somewhere they love, act fast! Just be sure to read all the fine print before you pull out your credit card. Camps have continued to tweak everything from cancellation policies to pick-up and drop-off procedures, and even that camp your kids have been attending for years might have changed things up.

Summer Day Camps in Toronto with Availability

4Cats

From $529; 5% discount for siblings
Multiple locations

If a day packed with painting, crafting and all kinds of creating sounds perfect to your child, take a look at 4Cats’ arts-focused offerings. Campers will have access to professional grade art supplies and gentle, but practical, guidance that they will use to create masterpieces that they will get to take home. Camps are for children ages six through 12 and are located at 4Cats’ five Toronto studios.

Bomb Fitness Kids

From $329
1502 Danforth Ave., Toronto

Bomb Fitness’ summer camp program features nine weeks of unique themes such as Kid Detectives, Villains and Superheroes and Animal Kingdom. Since this camp is put on by a gym, your kids will get plenty of high-energy activities including fitness lessons, as well as arts and crafts, local walks, and other activities. Note that this year camp is only being run out of the Danforth location however, extended care is again available.

Brickworks Academy

From $385
Multiple locations

Kids who love LEGO, Minecraft and just plain building things will be in paradise at one of Brickworks Academy’s camps. Wait, your kid prefers Pokémon? Or wants to be a YouTube star? Brickworks Academy has those themes covered as well and regardless of subject matter, there is a minimum one-hour outdoor time every day. Age varies by theme but overall, camps at Brickworks Academy cover kids ages five to 13. While Brickworks Academy has locations across Ontario, in Toronto, you can find it downtown, in North York, in Etobicoke and in Summerhill. Note that this camp keeps its classes small so be sure to book ASAP.

Camp Boulevard

From $270 for half days
1491 Lake Shore Blvd. W, Toronto

You don’t have to be a member of the Boulevard Club to send your kids to its summer camp program (though members do get a discount on fees). Camp Boulevard uses its lakeside location to its advantage and offers several different sailing/padding camps, as well as badminton options at its onsite courts. A wide variety of other themes are also available
including performing arts, robotics, and even culinary, and some themes are offered as half-day camps (and yes, you can pair two differently themed half-day camps together). Full-day camps are open to kids as young as four and as old as 17. This is another spot where you’ll want to book ASAP as some of the more popular themes, such as swimming and tennis, have already booked up. Note that they also have an optional lunch program to help make your life a little easier.

Camp Monarch

From $420
1461 Gerrard St. E, Toronto

Organized by the Leslieville School of Dance & Music, and hosted at their Gerrard Street East studio, Camp Monarch is an ideal choice for kids ages four to 10 who want to dance, sing, paint, and more. Choose between a camp that offers a variety of artistic activities, all tied to a theme such as Going Green and Fun & Games, or opt for Camp Monarch’s new musical theatre stream, which will cumulate in your child putting on a mini-musical performance. Either choice will let your child explore their curiosity.

CampTO

From $150
Multiple locations

The City of Toronto offers camps for almost every interest, in nearly every corner of the city. Most camps are for kids ages four to 12 years old, but the City’s Adapted CampTO offers programming for, “youth with a special need or a disability” that extends up to age 29. Several different streams are available, including the classic CampTO, in which participants will, “…enjoy games, arts and crafts, sports and more” and CampTO Plus, which specializes in such areas of interest as arts and nature, computers, and various sports.

There’s also CampTO Toronto History Museums, which “…is a creative camp experience that offers indoor and outdoor activities, active and quiet games, arts and crafts, and nature-based activities in a museum setting.” Some camps have already filled up but there are still over two dozen locations with open slots. To see what camps are available, click on the “Spaces Available” tab found here

Camp Tournesol

From $335
Multiple locations

Worried about your French school-enrolled kids losing their français over the summer? Or maybe you want to introduce French to your kids? Then sign them up for Camp Tournesol, which offers “full French” camps and “learn to speak French” camps. Both streams will see you kids kept busy with arts and crafts, team building games, sports and water activities and more, all while perfecting their French skills. Also, new this year are multi-sport camps that are held only in English. These English camps are just for kids headed into grade two through four while the French camps are open to kids in senior kindergarten through grade six.

Centennial College Story Arts Centre & Performing Arts Centre

From $395
951 Carlaw Ave. & 2200 Eglington Ave. E., Toronto

As the name suggests, this summer camp program is all about the arts of storytelling and performing. At the Carlaw location, enroll in camps focused on animation, video, and audio production and more that are perfect for budding podcasters, photographers, and journalists. Over at the Scarborough location, your future superstar can enroll in a hip-hop/jazz camp or a musical theatre one. Depending on the theme, camps are open to kids as young as eight and as old as 14. All camps let kids use Centennial’s state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and will leave your kids informed and inspired.

Jardin Infantil

From $265 for kids 5 and up; from $325 for kids who are 4
1691 Bloor St. W., Toronto

Jardin Infantil has expanded its themes from three to four and now offers camps for kids ages four to 10 that explore nature, art, cooking and theatre (note this that last one is a two-week camp that includes an outdoor performance). All camps are kept on the small side in part to allow for more, “…personalized attention in a friendly, non-competitive environment.” All camps also take advantage of Jardin Infantil’s Bloor Street West location and make visits to the nearby and always wonderful High Park. Before and after care is also available.

Miles Nadal JCC

From $385
750 Spadina Ave., Toronto

While JSeeds, the stream for kids ages two-and-a-half to three, is full, Miles Nadal’s other three streams still have spots for kids ages four through 10. Programming includes looks of classic activities like arts and crafts, trips to local playgrounds (and further afield for the older kids) and multiple swim days, thanks to the on-site pool. And here’s a feature parents are going to love: All camps also include lunch and afternoon snacks in the registration fee.

Pawsitively Pets

From $425
Multiple locations

Kids ages four through 14 who love all creatures great and small will adore one of Pawsitively Pets’ various animal-focused camps. Themes vary by age and include dog training (kids can even bring their own dog), animal care and a “mini-vet” option. There’s also a horseback riding camp (complete with bussing to its out-of-the-city location) and a forest and nature program where campers spend most of their days outdoors. Pawsitively Pets offers camps based in the Swansea and Leaside neighbourhoods and depending on the theme, gives you the choice of a full or half-day program. There are also before and after care options.

The Second City

From $600
1 York St., Toronto

Have a budding young actor, future YouTube star or class clown in your home? Then you’ll want to take a closer look at The Second City’s comedy-focused summer camp. Designed for kids ages seven to 11, this camp will explore the fundamentals of improv, basic scene structure, storytelling and more, all while working to build kids’ confidence and their creativity and social skills. Important note: The Second City is now back downtown in their shiny, new home at 1 York Street.

Sprouts

From $439; sibling discounts available
183 Carlaw Ave., Toronto

All kinds of fun is lined up at this east-end camp, which offers such theme weeks as the Messy Olympics and Creative Kids Cooking. In addition to crafts, games and sports, most days include a trip to a city park and splash pad. Kids must be ages four through seven to attend Sprouts’ summer camps. Those ages eight and up have the option to attend Sprouts’ Maker Space and Tech Lab Camp, which is held just up the street, and explores such themes as fashion design and Minecraft.

TAC Sports

From $439; sibling and multi-week discounts available
Multiple locations

One of Toronto’s most popular sports-oriented camps returns for another season at seven different Toronto locations (and a few more outside of Toronto). Camp is available for kids as young as three-and-a-half and goes up to age 12, with leadership training camps available for teens. One reason families love TAC is that it offers the option to customize your kid’s camp experience so that they can, for example, have half-a-day of soccer camp and half-a-day of swim camp. A few non-sport themes are also available, including computer coding, finance and something called Strong Earth: Biology – Sustainability. Other reasons why parents love TAC? It includes lunch and two snacks, has low camper-to-coach ratio and offers before and after care for an additional fee.

Toronto Met Day Camps

350 Victoria St, Toronto
From $350

If you work (or live) downtown and want a nearby summer camp for your kid, Toronto Met Day Camps might be the perfect match for you. Hosted at the university formerly known as Ryerson (and now officially called Toronto Metropolitan University), this camp program has spaces for kids ages six to late teens. Themes include hockey (inside the old Maple Leaf Gardens building!), architecture, film, and more. A lunch program is available for an additional fee, as is before and after care.

Toronto Multisport

From $400/week
Upper Beach & Scarborough

Campers ages 4-13 will have the opportunity to participate in four different sports throughout the week as they build towards Olympic Challenge Day at the end of the week. The children play a variety of sports and activities with a goal of long-term physical development plus it is FUN to do something new. All coaches are highly regarded in their sport and have found success teaching the fundamentals to young athletes.

YMCA Camps

From $315
Multiple locations

As one of Toronto’s biggest day camp programs, YMCA Camps offer something for every kid aged four through 16. In addition to the usual multi- and single-sport focused camps, there are such options as eco-adventure, music, creative arts and so much more. And even better, over 50 locations are operating across the Greater Toronto Area, meaning there is likely a location near your home.

3 Things to Do with a Pomegranate

The pomegranate was native to the area spanning from Iran to the Himalayas. However as far back as 6000 years it was cultivated across the Mediterranean region. Knowing its origins it makes more sense it was a pomegranate and not an apple that Eve used to tempt Adam. The beautifully glossy fruit exposes a ruby mine of delicate seductive “arils” with their brilliant red juice hidden beneath a thin layer of butter yellow membrane. However it is the very nature of the mysterious pomegranate that can make it seem a little intimidating to eat. And it’s incredibly nutritious–a true superfood. Don’t let the complexity of this fruit throw you. Instead try these three things to do with a pomegranate to enjoy its bitter, juicy goodness.

3 Things to Do with a Pomegranate:

Arils

The tiny red seeds inside the pomegranate are actually called arils. You can eat the entire aril seed and all. Some people prefer to spit them out, but frankly this makes it terribly tedious to eat a pomegranate. The arils are actually now sold in convenient cups ready to eat. But truly part of the fun is opening a pomegranate is discovering the lovely, glistening juicy morsels as you peel and quarter it. Arils can be eaten as is and have many uses in preparing various dishes. They are a lovely colourful addition to salads and salad dressings. They can also be added to sauces and gravies just before serving. Arils are an excellent decorative touch to just about any food you are serving from platters of succulent meat to sweet treats and desserts.

The Juice

Pomegranate juice is tart and lovely very similar to cranberry juice. You can purchase pomegranate juice at your local grocers and many juice stands will squeeze it fresh for you to enjoy. Pomegranate juice is an excellent source of vitamins and is also a powerful antioxidant. You can drink it as is, add it to smoothies, or blend it with other juices. It is also an ideal addition to cocktails and can be added to sparkling wines to add a tart flavour in hand with a splash of colour. In fact, authentic grenadine, the sweet red syrup used in many old school cocktails such as Singapore Slings, is actually made from pomegranate juice.

Molasses and Syrup

Pomegranate molasses is a trendy ingredient chefs have discovered in the last decade. However, it has been used in traditional Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It can be hard to come by and the easiest thing to do is to make it yourself. Molasses is a thicker, richer version of the syrup, but both contain the same basic ingredients. Some people simply reduce pomegranate juice on its own for about 50 minutes for syrup and 70 minutes for molasses. However, most pomegranate syrup and molasses recipes include sugar and a touch of lemon juice. You can prepare it and keep it in a well sealed jar for as long as six months in the fridge.

Of course, due to the reduction, you need quite a bit of juice to get a small amount of syrup: Four cups of juice with a half cup of sugar and squirt of lemon juice will yield 1.5 cups of syrup and 1 cup of molasses. Once you make it you can then use it on its own as a glaze for meat and poultry, drizzle it over grilled vegetables and add it to sauces as you see fit. Many people use the syrup in drinks such as iced tea, to add colour and flavour to ice water and of course in cocktails.

Pomegranates are in season from early fall until January. However the prepared arils and juice are available all year round.

Tip: An easy way to open a pomegranate without a juicy mess is to make a V cut at the blossom end or crown of the fruit and remove the blossom. Just inside you will see a little circle that can then be loosened and removed with your knife. Make four scores into the skin without penetrating the fruit within. Use your hands to pull the fruit into two pieces. If it won’t give, just score a bit.

New Family Series & Movies for Kids Streaming in June

We’re weeks away from the end of school and the official start of summer, with plenty of school events to attend, spring activities to wrap, and summer camps to plan. The weather is also warming up, making it an ideal time to play at the park, break out the bikes, or finally partake in those post-dinner family strolls. Still, there’s something to be said for downtime and good old-fashioned family movie night. That’s where we come in, with new suggestions on new series and movies for kids to watch in June.

From the streaming release of blockbuster films like Fantastic Beasts and Avatar to new seasons of kids’ favourites, read on to see everything we’re watching on Canadian streaming services this month.

Streaming in June: New Family Series & Movies for Kids

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Thursday June 1, Crave

Harry Potter enthusiasts can continue the magical adventures with the release of these prequel movies for kids and grown-ups alike starring Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore. Both films hit the streaming service this month, joining Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore and expanding the Harry Potter collection.

Lego Ninjago: Dragons Rising
Thursday June 1 on Netflix

In this animated series for youth, a new generation of heroes use their ninja powers to defend Elemental Dragons from those who want to harvest their life forces and destroy the world.

Gary’s Magic Fort (s3)
Monday June 5 on CBC Gem

What’s better than kicking off summer with a brand new fort-building session? Getting inspired by Gary and his enchanted fort friends, of course. A third season of this emotion-exploring preschool series drops this month with a trips to space, a dinosaur mountain and a hot air balloon in store.

My Little Pony: Bridlewoodstock
Tuesday June 6 on Netflix

If you’ve got young My Little Pony fans, they’ll be happy to see a new special is on the way this month. Bridlewoodstock sees the Mane 5 staging a music festival during Bridlewood’s Lumi-Bloom, a bioluminescent event that only happens once a year.

The Villains of Valley View
Wednesday June 7 on Disney+

The internal battle of good versus evil is front and centre in this new teen series. When a teen supervillain stands up to the leader of all villains, he threatens her and her family. So the clan heads to Texas to hide out with new identities. But can they ditch their villainous ways? We’ll have to watch to find out.

Avatar: The Way of Water
Wednesday June 7 on Disney+

If your family couldn’t catch James Cameron’s ,much-anticipated Avatar sequel in theatres, now’s the time to plan a movie night at home. The film comes to the Disney Star portion of Disney+ this month, so now there’s no excuse to avoid seeing what all the fuss is about.

The Snoopy Show S3
Friday June 9 on Apple TV+

The world’s most famous beagle, his loyal bird Woodstock, and his human friends are back for another round of animated adventures. Twelve new episodes drop at once this month, giving the whole family something fun and familiar to kick back with.

Nimona
Wednesday June 14 on Netflix

Anticipation is high for this animated movie targeted at families with older kids. The flick follows a knight who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. The only person who can prove his innocence is a shape-shifting teen who is also a monster the knight is sworn to kill.

Fantastic Mr. Fox
Friday June 16 on Crave

This month, the 2009 comedy adventure based on Roald Dahl’s novel comes to the streaming service. Whether you’ve got Dahl fans in the house or are just looking for a fun new movies for kids to watch together, this could be your ticket. The stop-motion film features the voice talents of George Clooney, Bill Murray, and Meryl Streep, among others.

Not Quite Narwhal
Monday June 19 on Netflix

If your family loved The New York Times bestselling book, they’ll be happy to know it’s now a TV series they can watch this month. The animated offering follows the curious Kelp, who always believed he was a narwhal like the rest of his family… until he discovered he’s actually a unicorn.

Moesha (complete series)
Tuesday June 20 on Paramount+

If you loved Brandy’s coming-of-age TV series when it aired from 1996 to 2001, the good news is that you now can share it with your own older kids. All six seasons (that’s 127 episodes) are available to stream now, so get ready to get your nostalgia on.

Hello Kitty: Super Style!
Tuesday June 20 on Prime Video

The recognizable feline makes her 3D debut in this new original aimed at viewers 5-8. Follow Hello Kitty and other members of the Cherry Town community as they use her magical bow to transform into many different versions of herself. Think of an explorer, a chef and a pop star, to start.

Swagger S2
Friday June 23 on Apple TV+

The series inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s experiences growing up is back for a second season this month. Follow the world of elite basketball clubs and their players in this touching and unique coming-of-age series.

World’s Best
Friday June 23 on Disney+

If your family loves movies, music, and coming-of-age stories, mark the calendars for this release. The film follows a 12-year-old math genius who learns his recently deceased father was a famous rapper. Naturally, he immediately sets out to pursue his own career in the music industry. This one is produced by Thomas Kail, who directed Hamilton.

Is It Cake, Too? - SavvyMom — Is It Cake. Mikey Day in episode 204 of Is It Cake. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

Is It Cake, Too?
Friday June 30 on Netflix

If your family couldn’t get enough of this absurd but addictive baking show in its first season, it’s back for a second course. Once again, celebrity judges must determine whether a group of talented bakers present them with a cake or an everyday object. On the line? A cash prize. We speak from experience when we say this is a guessing game the whole family can get into.

The Savvy Guide to June

It’s June, it’s getting hot, and we’re happy about it! We made it to the end of the most normal school year we’ve had in a long time. We’ve earned some sunshine, some ice cream, and definitely a summer cocktail or two. Here are some with our guide to June we share some savvy ways to make the most out of this lovely month.

Welcome to the Savvy Guide to June

GO

Head out and about!
Why? School is almost out. It’s time to make some plans and head out to explore. Here’s what’s happening locally for Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver families. You know you’re tired of the same old playground (even if you’re grateful for it!)

BOOK

If you haven’t already, book those summer day camps!
Why? It’s technically our third pandemic summer, but most summer day camps in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver are back up and running.

DO

Get brownie points this year by mailing a Father’s Day card to your dad and father-in-law early
Why? Because you want to share the love on Father’s Day. Take some of that artwork lying around the house and fold it up into a card. Include the word ‘love’ and you’re sure to get some babysitting this summer.

GET

Protected with our best sunscreen for kids and families.
Why? Because we love the sun but we need to protect our skin from it!

PLAY

A sprinkler game with the kids (that means you too)
Why? Because sprinkler freeze dance is so much fun. You need one person to be in charge of randomly turning the water on and off (usually the one who is ‘it’). After running around and dancing through the sprinkler, players freeze when the water goes off. Whoever moves is out.

READ

Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement by Dr. Alex Russell and Tim Falconer
Why? Having helped many families with challenging kids and kid challenges through his counselling practice, Toronto-based psychologist and hockey dad Dr. Alex Russell has now captured the essence of his wise advice in print. If you want to retire from being the manager of your child’s life and become a true source of support instead, this book shares how.

GREEN

Join the Meatless Monday Movement — it doesn’t cost anything
Why? Because it’s about healthy, sustainable eating and reducing greenhouse gasses. Not to mention that summer is a great time to replace your meat once a week with locally grown veggies in a super summer salad with one of our unique salad recipes.

SURF

ImaginationLibrary.ca
Why? Did you know Queen Dolly’s literacy initiative has been in Canada since 2006? Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Canada is a free book gifting program devoted to inspiring a love of reading in the hearts of children everywhere. Each month, enrolled children receive a high quality, age appropriate book in the mail, free of charge. Children receive books from birth to age five.

LOVE

June is Pride Month
Why? Because Love is Love and we want our children to grow up empowered to be themselves and to accept and acknowledge diversity in every form. We share some lovely kids books for Pride month as well as Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Pride with Kids.

THANK

Start thinking about those teacher gifts and thank you cards.
Why? Because yet another bizarre and brutal school year is almost behind us and our kids’ teachers have done their best to teach our kids and keep them safe AND keep their own families running as well. You can’t beat a gift that gives back or a gift you can eat and there are wonderful local gift options as well.

WATCH

While we’re itching to get outside, of course 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 June.

Water Safety and Drowning Prevention

Since there’s no such thing as ‘too safe’ when it comes to water, we’re swimming in tips about water safety. Drownings are the third leading cause of preventable death for children under 10. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death for Canadian children under the age of 14. Drowning can happen in less than a minute, with complete silence, and in just centimetres of water—really.

Here are our life preserving tips for water safety and drowning prevention:

Duty calls. Always appoint an adult (or someone with Red Cross certification) to be on duty when kids are in or near the water—under no circumstances should children be left unsupervised.
Dress up. Insist that non-swimming children wear a life jacket (they are much safer than water wings) at all times when near the pool, at the beach, or outside at the cottage, and that everyone (adult and child) wear one when boating.
Up in arms. Stay within arms reach at all times (and yes, that means you have to get in the pool) and if you are in the water with children, don’t turn your back on them.
Down the drain. Completely empty the wading pool after every use, and position the pool on its side for storage so it can’t collect rain.

Most Canadian parents believe swimming lessons are the best way to protect a child from drowning. Our friends at Parachute know that this is NOT enough—their robust drowning prevention guide is full of useful facts and recommendations for parents to keep kids safe from drowning this (and every) summer.

And we’re here to tell you what they are because we want you to have fun in the sun this (and every) summer…

Actively Supervise

Always stay within sight and reach of children when in, on or around water. Even children who can swim need adult supervision. Children can drown quickly and silently in inches of water and in just a few seconds.

Get Trained

Learn first aid, CPR, and how to swim before assuming the role of supervisor. Always have an experienced adult swimmer supervise children in, on or around water.

Coming to Terms with My Baby’s Food Allergies

Please note that this information is based on personal experience with baby’s food allergies and should not take the place of the advice of a medical professional. If you suspect your child is having an allergic reaction please seek immediate medical attention.

Our First Experience with Baby’s Food Allergies

I wasn’t exactly sure why, but when my daughter Elise hit six months-old and it was time for her to start eating solids, I was extremely nervous to introduce allergens. I put it off month after month until my doctor reminded me that introducing allergens before your child’s first birthday reduces their chances of developing lifelong allergies. I discussed my concerns and she told me that we wouldn’t know unless we tried. Our families didn’t have a history of food allergies, so there was no reason to continue putting it off.

The next day I decided to take our doctor’s advice to start introducing allergens to Elise’s diet. I knew that peanut butter when served on its own was a choking hazard, so I mixed a teaspoon of peanut butter with two teaspoons of her favourite fruit and veggie puree to thin it out. I plopped her in her highchair and decided to go for it. I placed a spoonful of the mixture into her mouth. She made a happy sound and opened her mouth for more. I gave her another spoonful and waited a few minutes. She seemed fine. I was starting to feel like we were out of the woods. She asked for more and as I was filling another spoon with food something in her eyes changed. I examined her face and saw that her cheeks and underneath her chin were more red than usual. Seconds later, hives began forming and spread across her face.

We had just moved into a new home a few months prior, and proximity to a hospital hadn’t been at the top of my “must haves” list. Whether the home was move in ready, had the correct number of bedrooms and more than one bathroom had been my main concerns. At the time, being twenty minutes away from the closest hospital did not seem unreasonable. Sitting there watching the hives and redness spread like a wave over her face I fell deep into mom guilt. Why the hell hadn’t being around the corner from a hospital been at the top of my list? I have children and emergencies can happen at any time. Shouldn’t a hospital have been more important than an extra bathroom?

And why did I decide to give her a top allergen at home? If I had been smarter I would have driven to a hospital and given her the peanut butter there, that way if she reacted I could’ve just run inside and she would have received immediate attention. Stupid! You stupid, horrible mother!

I grabbed my phone with shaking hands and called 911. I had never had to dial for an ambulance or the police before, I had never been in an emergency. The small red hives were now down her neck and continuing underneath her clothes. Elise was screeching and clawing at the itchy bumps all over her body. Her ears were red and swollen now. What was happening? Were the hives in her throat? Was her throat going to close? Was my baby going to die? I could feel the tears running down my face, but I had to keep it together. She was the one dealing with a medical emergency. I needed to do everything I could to get her through it. She was still screaming, but screaming was good. Screaming meant she could still breathe.

The emergency operator picked up the phone, “Hello 911. What’s your emergency?”

“Hi, I gave my daughter peanuts for the first time and she is having a major allergic reaction. I need paramedics.”

The operator told me the fire department and ambulance was on its way. She asked me to describe what was happening and provide our personal information. I held my baby and began packing up in case we were going to the hospital. She told me to remain calm and asked for updates. She stayed on the line until they arrived. The fire department arrived first, with the ambulance five minutes behind them. The paramedics looked my daughter over and hooked her up to a machine to check her oxygen levels. While they were helping her the allergic reaction began to go down. After an hour had passed since her initial reaction they thought that she was stable and went to head out to their next emergency. Before they left they gave Elise a moose stuffed animal that was wearing a paramedics t-shirt and told me that I did the right thing by calling.

I took Elise upstairs, nursed her, and held her close. I closed my eyes and took some deep breaths. I would call the doctor in the morning and find out if she needed an EpiPen and also ask for a referral to an allergist. While I was just beginning to relax, Elise started squirming aggressively in my arms and making unhappy sounds. I looked down and a fresh batch of hives were making their way around the back of her neck. They were moving fast and soon were on her cheeks and even on one of her eyelids. The angry hives stopped looking like small bumps and started to look more like water blisters. The blister-like hives were getting bigger and bigger and began to merge into super-hives.

My daughter didn’t even look like herself anymore. A blister expanded and took over her eye, it was now swollen shut. She unlatched her swollen lips and began screeching again. NO, NO, NO! Please, not again! I was so confused. Could there have been left over peanut residue in her mouth that was rinsed down while she was nursing? Why was a new reaction happening?

I called 911 again. The paramedics were on their way back. When the same paramedics walked through the door they looked surprised at how much bigger Elise’s second reaction was. They examined her again and told me to grab our bags and put her in her car seat, we were going to the hospital. They strapped the car seat to the stretcher and off we went. Elise was
mesmerized by all of the lights and beeping equipment in the ambulance. She pointed at different items and looked over to make sure I was paying close attention to everything that she was showing me. I nodded and gave her the words for as many items as I could. I told her that she was brave and that I loved her. I told her the hospital was going to make her all better and we’d be able to go back home soon. She seemed very uncomfortable, still itching and unable to see out of one eye.

We got to the hospital and checked in. We were given a room in the ER and then it was a revolving door of nurses and the doctor coming in and out to look at Elise and monitor her. They administered an EpiPen and it worked like magic. Immediately the hives began to disappear, the swelling went down and Elise looked at me in wonder.

I could tell she was starting to feel better too because she started to babble more and was no longer scratching at her skin. They gave her oral steroids and other medication. They told us we would have to stay until it had been six hours from her initial reaction because multiple waves of allergic reactions were possible.

I learned that because Eli had eczema, she was more likely to have food allergies. Apparently food allergies, eczema, and asthma often go hand-in-hand. The first allergic reaction tends to be the most mild, and Elise would require an EpiPen to be with her at all times moving forward. The doctor prescribed one EpiPen for daycare and two for home. The doctor sent the referral to an allergist and advised me to keep her away from products containing peanuts.

We would now have to be diligent about checking food labels moving forward. My head swam with all of this information and all I kept thinking was, “food could kill my baby.” I felt helpless. I may be able to protect her at home, but what about all of the places she could be exposed to peanuts outside of the house: restaurants, school, camp, planes, friend’s and family’s homes. I opened my phone and sent a quick email to the daycare letting them know of her diagnosis.

It’s now been six months since Elise’s first allergic reaction. Our allergist works with us to navigate Elise’s allergy and I’ve had time to come to terms with her diagnosis. We’ve had to feed her other allergens to rule them out. She’s also had allergy appointments, blood tests, skin prick tests, as well as her first oral food challenge. We are currently considering oral immunotherapy, a treatment where the patient is given increasing amounts of the food they are allergic to in order to build up tolerance to it. We are hopeful that this treatment could help keep her safer in life moving forward.

I still feel that her allergy is out of our control, but we are careful to avoid peanuts and I am thankful that modern day medicine and treatments exist. Elise and her peanut allergy are a package deal. We love her the way she is and so we will manage her food allergy and continue to protect her.

How to Open a Pomegranate

Pomegranates are delicious and nutritious — a true superfood. Pomegranates are in season in the late fall and winter however they are usually available in stores and markets year ’round. I pick up one whenever I see them on sale. I love to open a pomegranate and add the arils (the proper names for the ‘seeds’) to everything from salads to seasonal cocktails. (They’re a pretty garnish when floating in a glass of prosecco or champagne.)

Unfortunately, getting to those ruby red seeds can be a messy challenge. More often than not, I’ve been left looking like a blood splatter analyst rather than a cook. But after trying a few different methods for opening pomegranates, I’m happy to say I have a foolproof method that won’t even require you to wear an apron…

How to Open a Pomegranate:

Gather a small cutting board, a mixing bowl filled halfway with water, a paring knife, and a pomegranate.
Slice ½ inch each off the top and bottom of the pomegranate.
Score the peel at even intervals around the entire fruit.
Tear the fruit into wedges where you’ve scored it.
Immerse the wedges into the bowl of water and separate the seeds from the pith.
Remove the pieces of pith from the bowl.
Pour the seeds and water into a fine mesh sieve to drain. Remove any remaining pieces of pith or peel, if necessary.

Do you like snacking on pomegranate seeds? What are your favourite ways to eat them?

Family-Friendly Suggestions for Celebrating Pride Month

Every year in June millions of people around the world celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in what’s known as Pride Month. Pride Month has also come to symbolize the need for love and acceptance of all people, regardless of sexual or gender orientation. Celebrating Pride Month means celebrating a human being’s right to love whomever they want.

As with any awareness campaign, you don’t have to have a direct connection to the cause to participate or show your support. In fact, demonstrating allyship is an important part of making the world a more tolerant and accepting place. Equally important is the message of acceptance sent to children who might be questioning their own sexuality and wondering how people will treat them after they come out.

In short, Pride Month is a great opportunity to model love, respect, and acceptance – three things we all want our children to show and be shown. If you’re looking for family-friendly ways to support or participate in Pride Month this year, here are some ideas.

Design-Your-Own Pride Flag

The iconic rainbow Pride flag was designed by Glibert Blake for the 1978 Pride parade in San Francisco. But what if it wasn’t? Have some fun and let your kids express their true colours by inviting them to design their own flag.

Attend the Pride Parade

Many major cities around the world recognize Pride Month with an annual parade. Here’s what’s planned for Canada this summer, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa. And no matter where you’re located, the best way to find out what’s happening near you is to search “Pride events near me”.

Fly the Flag

Show your support by flying any one of the LGBTQ+ community’s designated flags, or plant one in your garden. Pride Palace is currently giving away free flags if you pay for shipping. You can also find a good selection and a variety of sizes online.

Read a Book

Learn the history of Pride Month by reading one of the 15 books recommended by weareteachers.com. Or choose one from this list compiled by Parents magazine.

Teach Your Kids About an LGBTQ+ Hero

Follow theeverymom.com’s example and teach your kids about one or more of the LGBTQ+ community’s heroes and trailblazers, such as Barbara Gittings. Thanks to her efforts, the American Psychiatric Association stopped classifying homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973.

Eat the Rainbow

Anyone in the mood for rainbow cake? How about rainbow fudge, rainbow waffles, or rainbow spaghetti? Check out these recipes or visit delish.com’s list of 30 rainbow-inspired foods that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Because every great celebration should include food!

Learn What it Means to be an Ally

Download and discuss The Trevor Project’s 11-page Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and non-Binary Youth.

Support Companies that Support Pride

Companies like Disney, the Gap, and even Petsmart are leading the way when it comes to publicly showing their support for Pride Month. But true allyship is making sure the company you’re buying from is really walking the walk when it comes to promoting diversity and inclusion. So whether you’re buying locally or from a big brand, make sure your dollars are supporting a company that does more than profit from selling rainbow-themed merchandise.

Make a Donation

If your kids are looking for a place to donate birthday, allowance, or garage sale money, encourage them to look up local or national organizations that are dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. In Canada, PFLAG is the only national organization that serves all Canadians with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, but there are many smaller city- or province-wide organizations as well. A quick online search will help you find the right one.

Happy Pride Month!

Family Friendly Activities to Check Out in Calgary in June

Food, festivals, sports, and sunshine are upon us in Calgary in June! There’s plenty of fun ways to keep your family entertained as we kick off the summer months in YYC – check out this roundup of a handful to get excited about!

Fun Events & Attractions for Families in Calgary in June

Optimist Family Day in the Park | optimistyyc.org

Saturday June 3 from 10 am – 3 pm
Optimist Athletic Park, 5020 26 Avenue
Price: Free

The 2023 Optimist Family Day in the Park will be held in the Southwest community of Glenbrook in Calgary in June and includes tons of fun for the whole family. Join in fun games and activities like mini golf, curling, and bean bag tossing, try your luck in the silent auction, and grab a delicious burger or hot dog with a side of cotton candy, popcorn, and a drink! There will even be a marching band!

Calgary Ukrainian Festival | calgaryukrainianfestival.com

Saturday June 3 (10 am – 12 am) & Sunday June 4 (10 am – 6 pm)
Acadia Recreation Complex, 240 90 Ave. SE
Price: General Admission (13-64) $10; Senior (65+) and Youth (6-12) $5 Children 5 and under and Newcomers with CUAET Free!

Bring your family to the Acadia Recreation Complex for an informative, educational and entertaining festival that celebrates all aspects of Ukrainian Heritage. Take a bite of delicious Ukrainian food and drinks, take in beautiful Ukrainian Arts and Crafts, and enjoy live demonstrations, shows and performances, as well as plenty of activities for kids!

4th Street Lilac Festival | lilacfestival.net

Sunday June 4 from 10 am – 6 pm
4th Street SW Between 13 Ave. and Elbow Drive

It wouldn’t be Calgary in June without the iconic Lilac Festival that’s back and better than ever! This all-ages event is a great way to celebrate the coming of summer as event goers take in the sights, sounds and smells of the vendors, musicians and entertainers along 4th street.

Heart Beats 14th Annual Family Run and Walk | heartbeats.ca

Saturday June 10 at 10 am
Rosemont Community Association
Price: General Admission (13+) $40; Kids (4-12) $15; Children (3 and under) Free!

There’s nothing better than enjoying the outdoors for a great cause. Whether you’re signing up for a 5k walk or a 3k run, this non-competitive event will help to raise funds for Heart Beats, an organization that supports children with heart disease. There will also be a free kids fun event held by the Community Centre at 11:00 (but be sure to register for a special gift!) In addition to an award for fundraising, all registrants will be entered into a draw for some incredible door prizes.

The Great Benjamins Circus | greatbenjaminscircus.com

Friday June 16 – Sunday June 18
Markin MacPhill Centre
Price: Tickets start at $20.50. Visit their website to download your free kids ticket coupon!

If your family loves the thrill of watching high-flying aerial acts, gravity-defying jugglers, daredevil motorcyclists, stunning acrobatics and hilarious clowns, you won’t want to miss the Great Benjamins Circus. Non-stop entertainment and surprises will be sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Okotoks Parade and Children’s Festival | okotoks.ca
June 17 from 11 am – 3pm
Ethel Tucker Park at the Arts & Learning Plaza and Park, 7 Riverside Drive, Okotoks
Price: Free

It may be a bit of a drive, but The Okotoks Parade and Children’s Festival is definitely worth the trip! The parade features bands, floats, dancers, horses and fire trucks and the festival is filled with live entertainment and activities.

CRESCENDO Presented By Safeway | childrenshospitalab.ca

Saturday June 17 at 7 pm
Arts Commons Jack Singer Concert Hall
Price: Tickets start at $113.90

(In Support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation)

What better way to spend an evening in Calgary in June than singing and dancing along with your favourite pop and rock hits from acts like Neil Diamond, Prince, Eagles, P!NK, The Beatles, and more? Some of Alberta’s most talented musicians are bringing an evening of music and storytelling to audiences in support of The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, specifically in the areas of youth mental health resources and research. Join a group of 6 or more for special ticket rates! If you can’t get enough of a good time, head to the mezzanine level of the lobby for the Building Community After Party, where you can enjoy a glass of prosecco, light refreshments meet and greets with some of the CRESCENDO performers and more music!

All Sport One Day | sportcalgary.ca

Sport and Rec Facilities Across Calgary
Saturday June 17 – Monday June 19
Price: Free

If your kiddo has started begging to join a local sport or club but isn’t sure just what they want to commit to, All Sport One Day gives them the chance to see exactly what’s out there. Over 100 sessions featuring more than 30 activities will be offered across the city free of charge – this year for two weekends! Public registration for the June 17-19 sessions opens on Thursday June 8 for sports like aikido, basketball, baton, cricket, fencing, lacrosse, parkour, water polo, and more!

10th Annual Wings and Wheels | thehangarmuseum.ca

Saturday June 17 – Sunday June 18
The Hangar Flight Museum
Price: Adults (18-64) $15; Seniors (65+) $11; Students (12 – 17 or with valid ID) $10; Children (0-2) and Dads Free; Family Pass (2 adults and up to 4 children under 18) $40

For fans of planes and automobiles, the 10th Annual Wings and Wheels event at the Hangar Flight Museum is must! Each year on Father’s Day weekend, the museum partner with local car clubs to add special “wheels” to their collection of wings. In addition to checking out the fantastic displays, there will be activities and attractions like flying crafts, vehicle show and shine, and helicopter city tours (for an additional fee, from LR Helicopters).

Raffi in Concert | ticketmaster.ca

Sunday June 18 at 2 pm
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Price: Tickets start at $35

Raffi, North America’s preeminent family entertainer, returns to the stage in 2023 with a series of #belugagrads concerts and has a stop in Calgary in June.

Parents and kids alike will love singing along to classic Raffi hits like “Baby Beluga” and “Banana Phone” at the Jubilee Auditorium on Sunday June 18th. In addition to being a renowned children’s singer, Raffi is also a producer, author, lecturer, and advocate for children, as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada and the United Nations’ Earth Achievement Award.

Aboriginal Awareness Week Family Day Festival and Powwow | aawc.ca

Sunday June 18 – Saturday June 24
Calgary Stampede Grounds
Price: Free

Aboriginal Awareness Week and their partners have put together a week-long celebration of events that promote pride, understanding, and awareness of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, traditions, contributions, and achievements to Canadian society. The event is open to any and everyone who’d like to enjoy fabulous free food, a traditional Pow Wow, a Hand Games tournament, an Indigenous Arts and Crafts Market, a talent showcase, and more!

Spring at Calgary Farmyard | calgaryfarmyard.com

Until Friday June 30
Calgary Farmyard, 284022 Township Road 224, Rocky View County
Price: $21.95 + taxes and fees online or $26.50 at the gate. Ages 2 and under are free.

It’s the cutest season of all at Calgary Farmyard! There are so many great reasons to visit, but the adorable baby animals waiting to greet you will be close to the top of the list. In addition to sweet little piglets, goats, bunnies and chicks, families will love all of the attractions to climb, run, jump, slide and play on. Jumbo jumpers, mini golf, zip lines, giant slides, wagon and pony rides are just a few of the fun ways you can spend an afternoon!

YYC Summer Scoop Fest | yycscoopfest.com

Friday June 30 – Friday July 7
Across Calgary
Price: Varies by order

In case you needed an excuse to get a scoop of ice cream, let this be it! YYC Summer Scoop Fest is a 9 day ice cream event supporting Calgary Meals on Wheels. Participating vendors across the city will be putting forth their tastiest flavours in hopes of coming out on top in competitions for YYC’s Best Scoop, Best Non-Dairy Scoop, and the Golden Scoop award. $1-2 from every sale will go towards Calgary Meals on Wheels, which helps provide food to Calgarians in need.

What activities are your family most excited to check out this June? Did we miss any great ones? Let us know in the comments!