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Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Calgary - SavvyMom

Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Calgary

Escape rooms have become a popular way to practice team building and collaboration for kids and grownups alike. Not only is it a great way to get your brain in problem-solving mode, but it’s also a ton of fun! Most escape rooms in Calgary have a variety of rooms filled with puzzles and clues around rotating themes like holidays, TV shows and movies, and escape-based scenarios like deserted island and prison cells. Whether your family wants to try your luck at escaping together, or your kids want to take a crack at it with friends, Calgary has lots of opportunities to break free (usually in 60 minutes or less!) We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite escape rooms in Calgary to check out – visit their websites to learn more about their current room offerings.

Before you get started, here are a few tips for trying out escape rooms for kids (especially younger ones!)

  • Consider their interests and personality: If your kiddo has a hard time focusing on one task or wouldn’t do well in one room for an extended amount of time, escape rooms may not be for them (yet!)
  • Find a room they’ll love: Check out the website of the location you plan to visit and see what escape rooms are currently being offered. Is there a theme that jibes with your child’s current interests? Ask them to help you pick one out! Many companies rate the difficulty level, age recommendation, time limit, and provide a short synopsis of your escape theme to give you a better idea of what the room will be like.
  • Get them involved in the hunt for clues: Escape rooms involve finding hidden objects and using them to solve clues. Get your kid on the case of finding those hidden clues inside, under, behind, and on top of furniture and objects in the room!

Escape Rooms in Calgary for Kids & Families


Escape60 | escape60.ca

1638 10 Ave.
Cost: Premium Escape Rooms $36; Standard Escape Rooms $34; Virtual Escape Adventures $33; Catering Packages + Standard Room Games start at $49 for groups of 8 or more. Play for free on your birthday and many other special occasions – just ask! See website for additional packages and pricing.

Escape60 offers an escape room experience you won’t soon forget! Folks who have visited their live escape rooms can’t stop raving about the attention to detail in the custom-built rooms, and love the themed (adult and non-alcoholic) drinks you can try out before and after your escape experience. Escape60 currently has 11 live escape rooms that guests can book including four wizardry-themed rooms, as well as The Office, Friends, and Jurassic Park themes and more! Looking to try the experience at home? No problem! They also offer at home/virtual/mobile escape themes and packages. There is no age limit but the games are designed for adults. Ages 9 – 13 must have one participating paying adult per 4 children.

The Locked Room | thelockedroom.ca

3 Locations: Bay #15 2015 32 Ave NE,  9937 Fairmount Dr SE and 5330 72 Ave SE #191
Cost: $36.75 per person for a 2 player game; $33.25  pp for a 3 player game; $29.75 pp for 4+ players

The Locked Room is one of the original escape rooms in Calgary, and they now have three locations to visit across the city with 12 escape rooms to choose from. Work together in teams of 2-10 to solve clues and make your grand escape in rooms with themes like Game Over, The Great Train Heist, and Mythical Creatures. Children ages 6 to 11 require at least one adult or guardian (18+) in the group to participate. Children under the age of 6 are not permitted in the escape rooms.

Trapped | trapped.ca

1139 Kensington Rd NW
Cost: $28 per person. Receive 1 free admission within 3 days of your birthday. Save $3 on back to back games. Sign up for a Trapped Membership for additional discounts.

At Trapped, each of their six themed rooms are suitable for first time escapers. Take a peek at their themes page to find the best fit for your team! Most of their current running themes are designed to be appropriate for all ages, but some of their themes are considered 14A, so any participant under the age of 14 needs to be accompanied by an adult. There are currently three PG-Rated themes for younger escapees to try out: The Carnival, Ancient Pyramid, and Medieval Prison. Any participant 12 or under will need to be accompanied by an adult regardless of which theme they’re trapped in.


Confined | confined.ca

Bay L – 2020, 32 Ave NE
Cost: $27.95 for all rooms except Frankenstein: A Steampunk Adventure ($35). Play for free on your birthday with promo code: Birthday

Confined escape rooms in Calgary offer different one-hour themed rooms for up to 8 players, aged 6 and up. Certain rooms may have a specific age restriction, and all rooms are designed for adults. Players aged 6 – 14 should be accompanied by an adult as game-play can become too confusing and/or difficult, and some elements may be unreachable. Those under the age of 14 must have an adult over the age of 18. There are no restrictions for players over the age of 14. The Alice In Wonderland 3-D room comes highly recommended by escape-room connoisseurs for its immersive, other-worldly design, but all rooms have been applauded for their attention to detail, craftsmanship, and unique puzzles.


Escape Hour | escapehour.ca

3016 19 St NE #200

Escape Hour has four immersive themes for you to plan your escape from, with The Lost Jewel of Zanzibar recommended for kids 9 and up. If you’re looking to host a birthday party for your teen, Escape Hour is great for kids 15 and over, but does require that an adult attend inside the game room (the adult is free of charge) There is nothing in the current Escape Hour rooms that is scary for young people, however new room themes are always being developed and there may be one in future that will be more frightening. If so, it will be clearly identified. For something a little different, check out their VR escape experiences!

Exit Calgary | e-exit.ca

Mount Royal Village, Unit 60, 880 16 Ave SW
Cost: Adults $27.99, Kids 6-12 $22.39

Exit Calgary has 5 themed rooms to choose from for participants 6 years and over. Current themes that escape artists have loved include Tokyo Rush and Ancient Egypt. For youths 6 – 12 years old, at least one adult (18+) must be amongst the participants. If you’ve got a baby in tow, great news – you can still play! Infants are allowed  into most of their game rooms if accompanied by an adult. There must be at least one adult in the room per child under the age of 6. If you’ve got kids between 13 and 17 who’d like to try the puzzles out on their own, at least one adult (18+) must be present in the building to sign the waiver on their behalf, and this stay in the building during their game.

Has your family ever tried an escape room together? Which escape rooms in Calgary are must-tries? Let us know in the comments!

Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Ottawa & the Capital Region - SavvyMom

Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Ottawa & the Capital Region

There is a variety of kid-friendly escape rooms in Ottawa and the Capital Region waiting for you to explore for a family outing, PD day fun, birthday party, or to just get out of the house! Escape rooms create a fun environment to work on your problem solving, teamwork, and leadership skills as you solve various puzzles and mysteries to “escape” the room. Have fun as a family or a special outing for your tween or teen with their friends with these great escape rooms available to experience throughout the Ottawa area.

Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Ottawa & the Capital Region

Unlocked Ottawa

While Unlocked Ottawa is an all ages escape room experience it was designed with families in mind. Choose from rooms such as Twisted Tales, Victorian Vampire Mystery, Superheist, Reindeer Games, or Shipwrecked and three different levels of difficulty (Kids, Family, Expert).  This escape room is located in the west end of Ottawa in Kanata.

 

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Escape Manor Junior

With several escape room options under one roof your kids will want to visit this location a few times! Located in Nepean these rooms are designed for children ages 6-12 but all ages are always welcomed! Each group of children must have at least one adult in attendance in the escape room with them. Whether it’s for an upcoming birthday celebration, PD day fun or family day out Escape Manor Junior is great for the entire family. We recommend booking a time for your escape room prior to your arrival as these kid friendly escape rooms are in demand.

 

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Funhaven Ottawa

Yes, Funhaven also offers escape room options! You can use your Funhaven game credits to experience their escape rooms in Ottawa with themes ranging from Rainforest Renegades, Deep Descent, Curse of the Forgotten and Ripple Creek. When you are done enjoy the rest of the great play options that Funhaven offers for families.

Lockdown Ottawa

Over in the east end of the city by St. Laurent Mall your hockey lover will want to try out the “Hockey Fans Unite” escape room. With 6 different escape room options there are a few rooms that your 8+ crowd may enjoy and a few others for the 14+ crowd. Upon booking let them know you are bringing kids and they can help you find the best room options for you and your family.

Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Vancouver & the Lower Mainland - SavvyMom

Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

It’s February, which means that the rainy weather will be a mainstay for at least another four to five months. And right about now you’re probably wracking your brain with creative ways to entertain your kids to avoid the dreaded “what are we doing today?” groan. Just like a superhero, that’s where escape rooms come in to save the day. There are several kid-friendly escape rooms in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, all with a range of themes – some of which are designed to be family-friendly. And if you’re struggling with birthday party ideas, escape rooms make for a super fun adventure with friends.

Check out this roundup of some of Vancouver’s best escape rooms for families…

Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Vancouver & the Lower Mainland

Evolve Virtual Reality

Looking to take your escape room experience up a notch? Evolve Virtual Reality is a virtual reality (VR) arcade with 11 VR escape rooms. This super immersive experience is designed to provide an accessible and family-friendly VR experience – with the added thrill of an escape room. Themes range from Chernobyl to Christmas to Jungle Quest, and more. Up to 6 players can take part, and while there is no age requirement, Evolve Virtual Reality advises that children under the age of 5 can have difficulty understanding VR.

EXIT

Touted as the ‘Ultimate Room Escape Experience’, EXIT offers a range of innovative escape rooms in varying levels of difficulty. Each location features its own themes – at Vancouver West Broadway, you’ll find Avalanche, Horcrux: Haunted Mansion, Arcade Frenzy, and CSI: The Chopping Block. Depending on age and comfort level, look for the degree of difficulty listed in each theme description. An adult must accompany children between the ages of 6-12. Multiple locations across the Lower Mainland.

Find and Seek

Find and Seek promises to deliver a memorable adventure! The immersive puzzle adventure escape room experience is located in downtown Vancouver, and features two escape room themes: The Mystery at the Majestic Theatre and The Curse of Madame Zita’s Curiosities. Children between the ages of 8-15 should be accompanied by an adult.

I-EXIT

I-EXIT takes a European-style approach to escape games, with a unique design and high- quality props. There are four themes with 10 rooms in total: Pirates on the Rocks, Doomed to Win in Vegas, Party at the Studio, and The Matrix. I-EXIT is designed to be non-scary with varying levels of difficulty, and an emphasis on fun and creativity. Players are given 60 minutes to escape – longer than most places. All players 16 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Located in downtown Vancouver.

Time Escape Vancouver

At Time Escape, you’ll find several fun-filled real life escape games to mentally and logically immerse yourselves. Themes include Sacred Treasure (the highest success rate), The Prophecy (popular with kids), The Sorcerer’s Quest, and 2055 / Bonus game. Adult supervision with young children is recommended. Head to Richmond to check out the Lower Mainland’s only location.

Toronto Escape Rooms for Kids & Families - SavvyMom

Toronto Escape Rooms for Kids & Families

Looking to do something different with the kids? How about an activity that requires problem-solving, creativity and cooperation? And of course, something that’s filled with fun? Then consider looking at Toronto escape rooms! Wait, you’re not sure what exactly an escape room is? They are on-site, interactive experiences that feature a series of puzzles that need to be resolved in order to solve some big overarching mystery and “escape” from the space that participants have been locked into (don’t worry, you’re not actually locked in). Escape rooms always feature a storyline and some of them can get impressively elaborate!

Below we roundup 10 GTA and Toronto escape rooms that will challenge your family to (usually) solve a mystery in 60 minutes or less. While all these spots offer family-friendly experiences, keep in mind that escape rooms aren’t really meant for little kids. Unless we state otherwise, we recommend not bringing kids under seven. Also note that all the places listed below require that kids be accompanied by at least one adult per room.

Toronto Escape Rooms for Kids & Families

Captive Kids

3413 Wolfedale Rd., Unit #2, Mississauga

As the name suggests, this escape room is designed specifically for kids and their families. It features three different storylines—one built around ghosts, another focused on pirates and a third about a village struggling with a witch—all of which will appeal to participants of nearly all ages (it’s still best to leave non-school age kids at home). But while the puzzles are family-friendly, don’t expect them to be easy! Each storyline is designed for four to 12 players and can easily accommodate a birthday party full of kids. Currently Captive Kids is only open in Mississauga but it’s working on new locations in Toronto and Vaughan. Each non-birthday party slot costs $30 each.

Daydream Toronto

1803 Danforth Ave., Toronto

Calling itself, “Toronto’s only art installation escape room,” Daydream Adventures offers an experience that is both aesthetically and mentally challenging, but still kid-friendly. Choose from two different rooms, each with a unique storyline and set design. The Dream Portal, which accommodates three to seven people and needs to be solved within an hour, is set in an enchanted forest and has more of a fantasy feel. Meanwhile the Ice Cave, which accommodates three to eight people and is a little more challenging (you get an extra 30 minutes to solve this one), takes place in, “…a seemingly abandoned temple where powerful artifacts remain frozen.”

Access to the Dream Portal is $33 per person while the Ice Cave costs a little more, at $43 per person.

Dreamscape

570 Bloor St. W., Toronto

Looking to entertain preteens and teenagers? Then Dreamscape’s highly immersive storylines might be a good fit. Designed for players ages 11 and up, The Abduction revolves around waking up onboard an alien spaceship. The team behind Dreamscape is also working on a new storyline called The Cavern, which will have your group working together to escape a cave. Both storylines are designed for four to eight players and the Abduction can have its difficulty levels adjusted and additional challenges are available for those families who are escape room experts. Dreamscape also features a café and lounge that offers board and arcade games, to add in even more fun. Admission starts at $50 per player, for a minimum two players, and decreases in cost as you book in more people.

Enigma Escape Room

30 Dundas St. W., 3rd Fl., Toronto

While some of Engima’s seven storylines are a bit too intense for the under-10 or even under-12 set, others, like Magic School or Pirate are great for school-age kids who have a sharp eye for details. The number of participants varies depending on the story your family picks, but most allow up to seven or nine players. All games are private—no playing with strangers—and guarantee an immersive experience. All slots are also $35 per person.

E-Exit

70 Yorkville Ave., Lower Level, Toronto

Kids ages six and up are welcome to check out any of E-Exit’s five storylines. While some themes are a bit darker, and more challenging, than others, this place does offer up Harry Potter and Star Wars-inspired storylines. Both of those rooms take between two and six participants. Birthday packages are available, but even more fun is that you can play at this escape room for free on your birthday or get 50 per cent off for the two days before and after your birthday. Regular pricing is $36 per person but kids ages 10 and under get 40 per cent off Sunday through Thursday, excluding public holidays.

The Imaginarium

116 Tycos Dr., Unit #4, Toronto

This highly reviewed escape room is known for its immersive and challenging storylines. Unfortunately, this means that it’s intended for players ages 13 and up but if you need a bonding activity to do with teens, a trip to North York might be in order. Three different storylines are currently available, including the extra-hard Steampunk Express (you get 75 minutes to solve that one). The Imaginarium’s easier two storylines, one about a haunted house and the other about a cursed ancient temple, are meant for four to 10 players and cost $35 to play, while the trickier third storyline is for four to six players and costs $39.50 per player. Note that none of these rooms are private unless you group fills up all of the slots.

Looking Glass Adventures

2944 Danforth Ave., Toronto

Three different storylines are available at this top-rated escape room. The first two, which involve exploring the collection of a renowned archeologist or being secret agents on a “dangerous” mission, are best for kids who are eight and older. The third option, which will have your family subduing the evil forces that have taken over a wizard shop, is recommended for kids 10 and up. Each storyline can host two to ten people and the first two choices can have their difficulty level scaled up with bonus puzzles. Birthday party packages are also available but note you’ll need to plan for food and cake elsewhere. Pricing starts at $28 for kids under 13.

Proxima Command

253 Christie Ave., Toronto

This place isn’t your typical escape room. Its Starship room is described as, “a fusion of escape room and video game like no other (that we know of),” and will give your family the experience of operating a spaceship to complete a mission. There’s also a second room, called The Space Station, that is more like your traditional escape. Each room can accommodate up to eight players and note that you might be partnered with strangers, depending on demand. Access to either room is $35 per person or pair them together for the ultimate space-themed mission and pay $70 per player.

Roundabout

330 Yonge St., 2nd floor, Toronto

With four of its five themed rooms labeled as “family friendly” (shockingly the room called Butcher’s Basement is not for kids), this downtown escape room gives you multiple reasons to check it out again and again. And given the success rates for the rooms —the easiest room has only a 50 per cent solve rate—you may need to come back. Available storylines include one where you’re ninja, another where you’re tomb raiders and another where you’re wrongfully convicted and on death row (maybe that one’s a better fit for older kids). All rooms are private and depending on the storyline, can host up to nine players. It’s also $33 per player.

Secret City Adventures

Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto

How does solving an escape room inside of Toronto’s only castle sound? Like fun? Then you’ll want to book one of Secret City Adventure’s many storylines, all of which are delivered with the assistance of live actors. While some of those storylines, like the one about bootleggers, is restricted to kids ages 12 and up, others, like the mystery of the dragon’s song, can be played by kids as young as eight. All games can accommodate up to 12 players and you may find your family playing with strangers unless you fill up all 12 spots or opt for a private game (this option also lets younger kids participate). Pricing starts at $42 per person.

Disney World Vacation Tips - SavvyMom

10 Lessons for a Magical Disney World Vacation

Are you among the thousands of Canadians who will be headed for a Disney World vacation in Orlando, Florida, this spring? Then this list is for you! My family recently spent eight nights in the Disney World “bubble,” where we stayed at two gorgeous hotels and spent five days at Disney’s four parks. I spent hours researching and planning this trip (seriously, wars have likely occurred with less planning) but despite those efforts, there were still lessons to be learned once we arrived in Florida.

So, I’m passing my top 10 lessons onto you. I’m skipping information about selecting hotels, flights, how many park days to book, all things that you’ve already sorted out if you’re heading to Disney this spring. (You’ve booked your park reservations, right? If not, make sure that your desired dates are still available; Disney isn’t a drop-in kind of place anymore.)

Our trip had its challenges, especially since it involved a three-year-old (ed note: Disney with babies and toddlers is a whole topic on its own) but ultimately it was a fun, memorable trip that I know we’ll cherish for years to come. Hopefully yours will be even more successful!

Disney World Vacation Tips - SavvyMom
I swear she’s enjoying herself | L. Kneteman

10 Lessons for a Magical Disney World Vacation

Spend Some Quality Time with the My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience app will be your best friend while you’re at the parks so get familiar with it now. It lets you easily search for specific attractions or dining options and quickly see everything from ride height restrictions to menus to dining availability (and yes, you can reserve and even order food right from the app).

Be sure to familiar yourself with the map of the parks. While it defaults to ride wait times, it also shows you the location of everything from food to restrooms to Photo Pass photographers (more on them in a minute). Tap the menu icon (the three horizontal lines) to discover even more information including the very useful Future Plans section. There you’ll find your park, dining, and on-site hotel reservations as well as any attractions that you’ve decided to add to your day (note that doing this isn’t creating a reservation or guaranteeing you a spot, it’s just a tool to organize your day). Once you’re at the park, any photos taken on rides or by Photo Pass photographers will show up in the Photos section while the My Day tab, accessible from the home screen, will let you see your day at a glance.

Princesses at Disney World - SavvyMom
Dining with the princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall | L. Kneteman

Don’t Give Up Hope If You Didn’t Initially Score That Dream Dining Reservation

Dining reservations open 60 days in advance, and guests staying at a Disney property can book on day 60 for the length of their stay (up to 10 days). Competition for certain hot spots—including Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom, Topolino Terrace at the Riviera Resort, and ‘Ohana at the Polynesian Resort— is fierce and available slots often book up almost immediately. But don’t worry if you weren’t able to secure your dream dining spot. Some people essentially hoard reservations and ultimately end up canceling some or even most of them. Because you now only need to cancel two hours prior to when your reservation is set to occur to avoid a $10 per person no-show fee, day-of availability isn’t unusual. To save yourself the effort of having to continuously check the My Disney app for availability, consider using one of the many free or paid services that will alert you when your selected dining experience has availability.

I used the Stakeout app’s free option to land a dinner at the previously sold out Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, where we got to dine with five princesses and enjoy some delicious Norwegian food (I’m still thinking about the cinnamon butter).

Germany Epcot - SavvyMom
Sometimes you have to put your plans on hold and watch the trains at the Germany pavilion | L. Kneteman

Rent/Bring a Stroller

If you have kids under six, this decision is probably a no-brainer. But you have an older child, you might be tempted to ditch the stroller. Don’t do this; you will regret it. Disney is exhausting, even for the most energetic child. Everyone’s life will be significantly easier if you just have a stroller there for your six/seven/eight maybe even nine-year-old. Plus, a stroller means a place to store all your stuff (you do not want to be wearing a giant backpack in 30-plus degree weather). If you don’t want to lug a stroller down to Florida, there are many rental options. We rented a City Mini Double from ScooterBug, as it’s the only company that’s authorized to drop off and pick up strollers from the resorts without meeting you. Despite its size, the stroller was easy to maneuver, folded quickly, and was used more by my seven-year-old than by my three-year-old.

Photo Pass Walt Disney Vacation - SavvyMom
Thanks to PhotoPass, all of the members of your family can be in your snapshot | L. Kneteman

And Get Memory Maker

Disney’s PhotoPass service features over 100 locations where your family can pose for a shot of you all at the Happiest Place on Earth. These locations include everything from rides to character meets to just scenic spots around the park. To find a find a PhotoPass photographer, just check the map in the My Disney app (the photographer also all wear a uniform though the exact design varies from land to land). While you can buy photos individually, or buy them all once you’re back home, it’s cheaper to buy Memory Maker, what Disney calls your collection of photos, in advance. For $169 USD, you’ll get access to all your photos, plus some standard shots of key landmarks (great for photo books) and even a few cool little videos. The quality of the photos can vary (and the Florida heat and humidity doesn’t help) but overall, it’s worth it to have access to dozens of photos of your entire family.

Visiting Epcot - SavvyMom
We lucked out with some amazing weather | L. Kneteman

Genie+ Isn’t as Complicated as It Seems

Genie+ is a paid service that lets you access rides through a shorter line. You buy it each day, starting as early at midnight, and pricing varies depending on the crowd level. The cheapest it gets is $15 a day, and yes, everyone in your party who wants to use Genie+ needs to buy it, so the cost adds up. But trust me, it’s worth it. While it doesn’t mean you’re going to walk right onto each ride, we found that it noticeably lowered our wait times and let us pack in more attractions. While we opted not to get it for Animal Kingdom, which has fewer busy attractions, we wouldn’t want to do the other three parks without it.

Genie+ is handled through the My Disney app and you can book your first ride starting at 7am. There is a bit of a learning curve but it’s not as complicated as some Facebook groups make it out to be. For more details this service, watch this video. Just note that not all rides are covered by Genie+. The most popular ride at each park can only be accessed by standing in line or by purchasing what’s called an Individual Lightning Lane (ILL). These rides open for purchasing each day via the app at 7am for people who are staying at a Disney resort, while everyone else can buy an ILL starting at when the parks open (and note that different parks open at different times). These rides can and do sell out, so always try for your ILL selection first. You can read all about ILLs here.

Then there are the virtual queues which, as of time of publication, exist for Guardians of the Galaxy in Epcot—personally my favourite ride—and will be in place for the set-to-open-in-April Tron: Lightcycle in Magic Kingdom. Virtual queues are free but have a limited number of slots. They open at 7am through the app and you’ll want to prioritize a securing a virtual queue space over a Lighting Lane space. If you don’t get a queue spot, you can try buying an ILL for these rides, if that option hasn’t sold out. I can sense your confusion; try watching this video for clarification to learn more about ILLs and virtual queues.

Slinky Dog Dash - SavvyMom
This is why you want to tie long hair back | L. Kneteman

Dress & Pack Appropriately

Oh, your family is outfitted in coordinated T-shirts? That’s great but those shirts aren’t going to help you when you’ve been on your feet for nine hours and it’s over 30 degrees. You need to treat your day at Disney like an outdoor adventure: Wear socks and comfortable shoes, coat yourself in sunscreen and bring extra, have easy access to Band-Aids, wipes, ponchos, and
essential painkillers and other OTC medicine. If you’re sensitive to the heat, consider adding portable fans and cooling towels to your arsenal.

Disney lets you bring in all the (non-alcoholic) drinks and food you want so be sure to pack reusable water bottles (you can get free ice water at any quick service restaurants) and plenty of snacks. While Disney is known for its plethora of delicious snacks, their cost adds up quickly, as does the resentment when you find yourself buying a $7 pack of gummies that maybe would cost $4 in the outside world.

Also, if you have long hair, consider tying it back. This isn’t just a heat and humidity thing (though it helps with those problems). I left my hair down and as a result, my face is partially or mostly obscured in some ride photos. Even worse, it totally blocked out my son’s face in our Slinky Dog photo. Sorry buddy!

Magic Teacup Ride - SavvyMom

The Buses Are Fine

Our first resort, the Polynesian, is one of three that lets you take the Monorail to either Magic Kingdom or Epcot. But to get to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs (Disney’s shopping area), we had to take a bus. I was initially dreading this based on certain comments I’d read online but it turned out to be fine. Honestly, if you’ve ever taken a TTC bus during rush hour, you’ll find Disney transportation to be a breeze. Because we finished our trip at Animal Kingdom Lodge, which only uses buses, we ended up taking this form of Disney transportation multiple times. It was never full nor did we even wait more than five minutes for a bus. Just note that strollers do need to be folded, which means you’re going to need to empty the bottom basket of most of its stuff. To make this task a little easier, we brought along a big tote bag that served as a catch-all for whatever was in the stroller basket.

Buy the Popcorn Bucket

You can buy a reusable popcorn bucket for $13 USD and then refill it for $2.25 USD a pop, as many times as you want, or you can be like us and buy boxes of the same popcorn for $5.50 over and over and over again. I initially shunned the popcorn bucket because there are so many other treats, why would we want mediocre popcorn? But on day three, the only food my toddler wanted was popcorn, so we grabbed a box but not a bucket because surely this was a one-time snack, right? No, no it wasn’t because my son loved the popcorn. Learn from our mistake; buy the bucket. (ed note: Also buy the coffee cup)

With Elsa at Walt Disney World - SavvyMom
90 minutes in line for this moment | L. Kneteman

Everything Will Take Longer Than You Planned

I understand the urge to pack everything into a carefully choreographed schedule for your Disney World vacation but save your sanity now and don’t do that. Yes, create a loose schedule where you highlight your absolute must-dos, but realize that pretty much everything at Disney takes longer than expected. Allow extra time around ordering food and transportation (which, to be fair, can sometimes be quick); character meet and greets (we waited 90 minutes to see Elsa and Anna, that lineup snakes into Norway’s mountain so don’t be fooled by its initial “short” appearance), and rider swap. This is when one adult skips a ride to stay with a child who is too small/doesn’t want to go on a ride while another adult and any interested kids go on it. Then the adult who skipped, along with one other person, can go on the ride via the Lightning Lane. Rider swap requires the assistance of a ride attendee and we found that getting this assistance can take a while.

Lower Your Expectations

Finally, arrive at the parks with a pragmatic mindset. Understand that it will be expensive, loud, and busy; that there will be frustrations and possibly (likely?) meltdowns and even tears. And realize that while a successful Disney World vacation requires planning, you also need to be prepared to rework those plans on the fly. This doesn’t mean that your family and yourself can’t have fun and make amazing moments, but those goals are much easiest to achieve if you approach each day with an open, flexible attitude that’s realistic about the adventure you’re about to undertake. Disney World might call itself “the happiest place on Earth” but this likely won’t be your happiest day ever. However, with the right outlook, just the right amount of planning and some luck, your Disney World trip can be an incredible experience that your family will remember forever.

Beat Winter Blahs as a Family - SavvyMom

Family-Friendly Ways to Beat the Winter Blahs

We’re in it now, aren’t we? Peak winter blahs season. And while moving to Australia is a nice thought, it apparently isn’t an option. And a Disney World vacation isn’t possible for everyone. That’s okay. We have some fun, low-cost ideas to help you get the family’s groove back during these grey weeks. Bye bye, blahs. We’re manufacturing our own sunshine. Here are some family-friendly ways to beat the winter blahs…

Beat the Winter Blahs as a Family

Vinyl Dance Party:

Trust us when we say that there is simply something better about holding a vinyl record, carefully putting it on a turntable, and cranking the tunes for a blahs-busting dance party. Whether it’s the Wiggles, Beach Boys, or Harry Styles, find something the whole family can groove to (or at least take turns playing favourites). Big, exuberant movements win here!

Neon Fashion Show:

Find the brightest clothes in everyone’s closets and start designing outfits for a colourful fashion show! Vibrant is in and we want to see the most epic colour combinations, complete with a strut down the catwalk.

Polaroid Session:

We’re all about the analogue, baby. Dust off or borrow a Polaroid or Instax camera, load some film, and have a creativity sustaining instant photography session! Grab some dollar store props and craft a cardboard frame to make your own photo booth. Divvy up the photos, put some up on the walls, and tuck a few special ones into an album for immediate memory keeping.

Greenhouse and Plant Shops:

We just missing seeing growing things, so when we need a boost we head for the greenhouse or plant shop. These locales are usually warm and full of leafy green things that make us feel alive again. If budget allows, buy the kids a wee plant to bring that lush life back home. Bonus – jot down some of the coolest plant names and look them up in a botanical encyclopaedia with lots of great vintage illustrations.

Postcards for Everyone:

Why save the postcards for when you go away? It’s great fun to shop for postcards – pick the weirdest ones of your hometown you can find, or go for the neat artistic offerings. Take the time to write a fun message and update to family and friends, and then go have a blast choosing the stamps (there are a variety on offer commemorating neat achievements). Enjoy plopping them in the mailbox – we’ll guarantee you’ll hear back from the lucky recipients.

Photo walk:

Take your phone or cameras and go for a walk in an interesting area – it could be a park, downtown, or a nature area. Snap pics of whatever catches your eye, from an empty playground slide to a spinning dryer at the Laundromat. Avoid taking photos of people and let the inanimate objects shine.

Have a campfire:

Use your woodstove, fireplace, or outdoor fire pit to host a campfire! Dress appropriately, enjoy the smell of wood smoke, and, of course, savour some hot chocolate and s’mores. Take turns telling stories or singing songs for the full campfire
experience.

Go for ice cream:

It may be winter, but we can still enjoy ice cream! Opt for the biggest creation you can find on the menu, from banana splits to enormous hot fudge sundaes with all of the topping. Grab a bunch of spoons and dive in!

Start planting flowers:

We can’t wait for spring flowers, and we can start the joy by ordering seeds to start indoors or planting bulbs in pots. Choose the colours and varieties that speak to you and get ready to reap the benefits when those gorgeous blooms emerge.

Are Your Family Bank Accounts Safe - SavvyMom

Are Your Family Bank Accounts Safe?

Parenting involves so many firsts—the first time your baby (finally) sleeps through the night, their first bites of solid food, their first steps, the first day of school, and so many other milestones. For many families, setting up your child’s RESP or first bank account is an exciting time, too. Some families introduce their kids to banking early on, while others start by offering an allowance (or at least funding that Pokemon card habit for a few more years). In any case, our kids begin to learn financial literacy from us, their parents. But as well-practiced as we may be at budgeting, saving, and paying our bills on time, we may not know whether or not the money in our family bank accounts is protected in the event of a bank failure.

Here’s the thing: the Canadian banking system is pretty strong, but it’s not foolproof. Your money is probably safe—but probably isn’t necessarily good enough when you’re talking about the security of your home and loved ones. Knowing this, many financial institutions are protected by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (better known as the CDIC). It’s basically insurance for your bank accounts that is paid for by the financial institutions themselves rather than by individual account holders. It’s incredibly important, but not all financial institutions have this protection in place—so, it’s your job to make sure you’re in good hands.

Since the CDIC was established in 1967, they’ve handled the failure of 43 financial institutions in Canada. This translates to about two million people’s bank accounts, guess what? Not one of those two million people lost money under CIDC protection when their bank failed.

Knowing where to save and invest your money can be complicated, and there are a lot of different options. There’s no one-size-fits-all banking solution because every family has different needs and goals—but at the end of the day, we all need to know that our money is safe. Having CDIC coverage is like wearing a life jacket on a boat. You probably won’t end up in the water but if you do, you’re going to be really grateful that you thought ahead and put on that floatation device—even more so when the sea is feeling a bit choppy.

How your family bank accounts are protected

Like other insurance, the CDIC protects you from unexpected financial hardship in the event of an emergency. Unlike most insurance, which you research and pay for directly, member institutions pay premiums to CDIC to provide coverage to their depositors. There’s no cost to you, and if your bank is covered, you’ll be covered no matter who you are, how you earn or how you deposit your money. Here’s what’s covered:

  • Savings and chequing accounts
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) and other term deposits
  • Money orders and bank drafts
  • Certified cheques
  • Foreign currency (for example, a U.S. bank account)

Here’s what isn’t covered: mutual funds, stocks and bonds, ETFs, and cryptocurrency. It’s pretty straightforward, and if your bank is covered, so are your deposits—no special action is needed on your part. (On behalf of all busy parents: phew.)

Ask your financial institution if you’re covered

The CDIC works with a lot of Canadian financial institutions, but you should definitely check to make sure yours is on the list. Here’s an easy search feature—if you’re still not sure if your accounts are protected, reach out to your financial institution directly. You may want to ask about your savings, your kids’ bank accounts and their RESPs (which are protected separately from your savings – yay!). It won’t take long and it will feel good knowing you’re covered. Better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your family’s financial security and peace of mind.

 

Thanks to the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation for partnering with us on this post. For more information visit www.cdic.ca.

Surprise Pick-Me-Up Gift and Care Package Ideas - SavvyMom

Pick-Me-Up Gift and Care Package Ideas

How much fun is receiving an unexpected care package? There’s no need to save surprise gift and care package deliveries for overnight campers. Make it a weekend activity with the kids, sourcing and sending a wee parcel of silly delights to a friend or family member. We’ve got a great roundup of items that fit the bill, because you never know who might need a little lift (lots of us suffer from the winter blues).

Surprise Gift and Care Package Ideas

Gift and Care Package Ideas: Markers - SavvyMom

Magic Markers

Fun, brightly coloured markers make anyone’s day. Even professionals could use a cool highlighter to make their post-it notes pop. And for the even slightly artistic, there is quite the range of brush and paint pens.

Candle Gift Ideas - SavvyMom

Pretty Candle

There’s just something about a beautiful candle in a subtle scent to add ambience. We’re suckers for pretty packaging, so go for the wow factor on the design.

Cute Matchbooks - SavvyMom

Unique Matches

Matchbooks tell a story, don’t they? From pictures to place names, they’re microcosms of a different time or place. Plus, they’re a great pairing with that candle you’ve included.

Retro Candy Care & Gift Ideas - SavvyMom

Retro Candy

Wow, are we ever obsessed with retro candy. It brings back all the feels and is fun for the young ones, too – literally kid in a candy shop vibes.

Pastel Pencil - SavvyMom

Pastel Pencil

Who would have thought the basic pencil could get such a makeover? Suddenly those scribbled to-do lists will seem rather elegant when created with these beauties.

Little Notebooks - SavvyMom

Tiny Notebook

Yes, we know – there’s an app for that. But some of us still like the tactile nature of pen to paper, and a sweet little notebook will keep all those musings in one place.

Macrame Gift and Care Package Idea - SavvyMom

Macramé Charm

A sweet little boho charm in neutrals or brights will put a smile on anyone’s face. It might find its way to a backpack, purse or hanging from a curtain rod, adding a little something something.

Stickers

Stickers Forever

You can never, ever go wrong with stickers. Pick a favourite vibe, from TV show to passion (gaming, anyone?) and trust us – the options abound.

Enamel Pins - SavvyMom

Intriguing Enamel

A cool enamel pin adds personality to a jean jacket or bag, and could be the start of an amazing collection. Bonus – their small size makes them easy to mail.

Tea Leaves Gift Ideas - SavvyMom

Tea Time

Tea leaves have become as beautiful as a country garden these days and their visual appeal brings as much joy as those soothing sips. Caffeine-free dessert blends might be particularly popular with the younger crowd.

Hanky - SavvyMom

Happy Hanky

Tissues or hankies are one of life’s necessities, especially in cold or allergy season. Why not get giddy with the motif? Yes, we just accessorized with our tissues – and had fun with it, too.

Spring Break Camps in Vancouver - SavvyMom

Spring Break Camps in Vancouver

This is a friendly PSA reminder to all parents: spring break is less than one month away. And thanks to February being all fancy with only 28 days, March is coming in real hot. If looking at the calendar makes you shudder as you see those two weeks of spring break looking pretty empty, now is the time to register for a spring break camp. Check out the list below for a variety of engaging and entertaining spring break camps in Vancouver– currently all with space available.

Spring Break Camps in Vancouver

4Cats Arts Studio

Discover your inner Van Gogh at 4Cats Art Studio. Kids ages 6-12 can create their very own masterpieces with professional art supplies – learning everything from painting to drawing to sculpting, and more. Just make sure you have lots of room on your shelves because your new original art collection will be impressive. There are half-day and full-day options, and you can also book camps by the day or for the full week. And, siblings can take advantage of a 5% discount on registration. Multiple locations throughout the Lower Mainland.

Absolute Gym

North Vancouver’s Absolute Gym offers campers a chance to learn the fundamentals of cheer, tumbling and trampolining. The full-day Recreational Cheer Camp is perfect for kids ages 7-14 who may be new to the sport and are looking to learn the core principles of cheerleading, including jumping, stunting, tumbling and dance. Plus, there’s also time for arts and crafts! Half- day camps are also offered.

Arts Umbrella

There’s no shortage of stellar spring break camps at Vancouver’s beloved Arts Umbrella. From drama to sketch comedy to stop motion animation – and so much more – there’s sure to be something to please every kid in the family. All camps are half-day, with the choice of morning or afternoon sessions and there’s a variety of options for different ages. In addition to Granville Island, there’s also a location at Morgan Crossing in South Surrey.

DRIVE Basketball

DRIVE Basketball camps are a great opportunity for kids to learn the fundamentals of basketball, including shooting, dribbling, 1-on-1, and more. In addition to developing key skills, kids will also get plenty of game time – all in a fun and friendly environment. Full-day camps are offered for kids ages 6-16, and players are assigned a division based on age and skill level. Multiple locations throughout the Lower Mainland.

Dance Co

Your littles can dance their hearts away at Dance Co’s spring break camps in Vancouver. Kids will get a chance to explore an array of disciplines – from ballet to tap to hip hop, and more! It’s a great opportunity for those who are new to dance and also for those looking to improve their technique. Full-day and half-day camps are offered for those who are ages 5-14 (there is a morning camp for pre-school age, as well). Spring break camps are at Dance Co Arbutus in Vancouver.

Lights Up Musical Theatre School

Dance. Sing. Act. Repeat. At Lights Up Musical Theatre camps, students explore the magical world of musical theatre as they build confidence and meet new friends. Lights Up offers both half-day (4-6 years) and full-day (6-12 years) camps, with fun themes like Mini Pops, Broadway & Beyond, Lights Up goes POP!, and more. Multiple locations throughout the Lower Mainland.

Little Kitchen Academy

Chef’s kiss. Little Kitchen Academy is the place to be for the littlest chefs in your family. The Montessori-inspired cooking academy is the first-of-its-kind, offering kids a supportive and fun learning environment to develop practical life skills, independence, and more. Using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, students learn the importance of eating food inspired by the seasons and nature. Classes are three-hours long and are available on weekends as well as during the weeks of Spring Break (there’s even a late-night class for ages 13+). Multiple locations throughout the Lower Mainland.

Pedalheads

If your kids have never participated in a Pedalheads camp, chances are that at least one of their friends has. The uber popular learn-to-ride bike camp is well-known for helping kids go from training wheels to two wheels to road riding in a fun and supportive environment. Camps are available as morning or afternoon sessions. And for parents who find themselves with a spring break daycare closure, programs are offered for kids as young as 2 years old. Multiple locations throughout the Lower Mainland.

Saplings Outdoor Program

Get ready for a week of adventure and creative play in the Great Outdoors with a Saplings spring break camp. Each day promises to be different but campers can expect fun-filled days of fort and shelter making competitions, fairy house building, nature art, games, and more. Plus, there’s also lots of free-time for socialization and exploration. Camp locations are in Vancouver and on the North Shore, with half-day and full-day options. Ages of campers range from 3-12 years old. These camps are almost full so book soon!

The Hive

The Hive believes that you’re never too young to try climbing – so why not enroll in a spring break camp? Under the guidance of trained leaders, campers will have fun with climbing and movement while playing games and making connections with new friends. Camps are available for Juniors (ages 6-8) and Inters (ages 9-12) at various Lower Mainland locations, and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vancouver United FC

Future footie superstars can work on their footwork during a Vancouver United FC spring break camp. Week-long camps are offered as half-day sessions, either in the morning or afternoon. Kids are placed in groups based on age and ability, where they will be coached by experienced soccer players and coaches. During the week, they’ll develop their skills in shooting and
finishing, dribbling and turning, passing, positional play, and more – and most importantly, they’ll have a great time! All fields are located in Vancouver.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Spring break camps at VanDusen Botanical Garden are a great way to spend the day in nature – rain or shine! The camps are offered as single-day sessions which is perfect for parents who only need to book a day or two. Themes range from Bustling Birds to Crafty Critters to Dirt to Dinner, and more. Registration is open for kids ages 5-10 but act quickly as several dates are already full.

Zen Maker Lab

Explore science, technology, engineering, arts, math and more at Zen Maker Lab. Their innovative spring break camps allow kids to learn quality STEAM education in a fun and engaging program that follows their philosophy of Design, Make, and Play. Kids ages 7-9 can take part in a book-making and storytelling camp or one focused on junior coding and robotics. For kids ages 10-12 years, there are several camps, including one dedicated to learning about Women in STEM. The majority of programs are offered in North and West Vancouver, though a few are also offered at Zen Maker Lab’s Vancouver location.

March Break Camps in Calgary - SavvyMom

March Break Camps in Calgary

Spring Break is quickly approaching for students in Calgary! For kids in CBE schools, Spring Break runs from March 27 – 31, 2023, (Monday – Friday), and for students in Calgary Separate School Division, Spring Break is April 10 – 14 (Monday – Friday). Whether your kids will be looking for fun ways to stay busy, or you need childcare options during the work week, there are plenty of March Break camps in Calgary available across the city for kids with a variety of interests. Be sure to keep track of registration openings, as camps can fill up quickly!

March Break Camps in Calgary

Camps for Kids on the Move


City of Calgary | calgary.ca

Dates/Times: March 27-31 and April 10-14 from 9 am to 4 pm
Ages: 5-12
Cost: $220
Registration: Opens March 14 at 6 a.m. (online waiting room opens at 5:30)

If your kiddo wants an opportunity to try a variety of activities, the City of Calgary’s “Rec Adventures” will be a perfect fit. Games, physical activities, sports, arts, crafts, and outdoor adventures are the focus of these Spring and March Break camps in Calgary. Trips to local parks, special guest visits, swimming and water activities may also take place.


University of Calgary | ucalgary.ca

Dates/Times: April 11-14 (March 27-31 is full, but waitlist is available) from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Ages: Grades 3-5
Cost: $325 (April 11-14)
Registration: Currently open

The University of Calgary is no stranger to putting on action-packed camps for kids through their Mini University. Your third to fifth grader will get to try out a variety of fun activities such as indoor games and sports, arts & crafts, active gaming, Lego building, yoga, racquet sports, gymnastics and more!


YMCA | ymcacalgary.org

Dates/Time: March 27-31; drop off and pickup times vary by location
Ages: 4-11
Cost: $250
Registration: Currently open

YMCA School Break Camps are offered at locations in Calgary. Register your child for the Tenderfoot (4-5 years), Discoverers (6-7 years), Explorers (8-9 years), or Adventurers (10-11 years) option, where they’ll participate in a variety of games and activities appropriate for their developmental age, each of which fosters and encourages physical literacy development, artistic exploration, and lots of opportunities to make new friends.


Higher Level Sports Academy | higherlevelsportsacademy.com

Dates/Time: March 27-31, April 3-7, April 10-14 from 8 am – 5 pm
Ages: 5-15
Cost: $175
Registration: Currently open

For kids who are ready to learn the rules and strategies of a variety of sports while meeting new friends and having a blast, check out Higher Level Sports Academy. Their camps are divided into two parts which are skills and drills with a small sided game in the morning, and an afternoon Fun Tourney where kids can show off what they have learned in a structured and safe environment. Players will participate in various sports such as Soccer, Floor Hockey, Handball, Dodge Ball, Ultimate Frisbee, Football, Baseball, Lacrosse, and Kickball.

March Break Camps in Calgary for Kids Who Love a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Theme


Telus Spark | sparkscience.ca

Dates/Time: March 27-31 and April 10-14 from (9 am to 4 pm (complimentary before and after care is available from 8-9 am and 4-5 pm)
Ages: 5-12, depending on camp availability
Cost: Regular camps $340. Premium camps $390. Daily lunch can be added for $14.50 per day. Spark members receive 10% off camp prices.
Registration: Currently open

Budding scientists will love the camp options offered this spring at Telus Spark. Themes include Funky Physics (7-8 years), Bonding with Buddies (7-8 years), Mars Masters (8-10 years) and Fishing for Science (5-6 years). These hands-on camps involve plenty of building and experimenting, as well as a chance to meet Flint the robo dog, check out Infinity Dome theatre demonstrations, watch live science shows, enjoy outdoor play in the Brainasium and more.


Code Ninjas | codeninjas.com

Dates/Time: March 27-31 and April 10-14
Ages: 5-11+
Cost: $279
Registration: Currently open

Is your kid a coding whiz (or has aspirations of becoming one?) Code Ninjas has a variety of camp offerings for kids who just can’t get enough of the world of tech. Whether your child wants to become a YouTuber, is passionate about 3D Design and animation, is obsessed with Lego, Minecraft or Roblox, or wants to make an arcade game of their own, the perfect camp awaits at Code Ninjas! Visit their website to find out more about which camp would be the best fit for your child – the hardest part will be getting them to choose!


Calgary Zoo | calgaryzoo.com

Dates/Time: March 27-31 from 9 am to 4 pm
Ages: 5-12
Cost: $290. Before care is available from 8 – 9 am for an additional $55, and after care is available from 4 – 5 pm for an additional $55. Children with an active Calgary Zoo Engage or Inspire membership on the first day of camp will receive a 10% discount.
Registration: Opens February 8 and closes March 23 at 12 pm

Animal lovers from 5 to 12 will love the camp options being offered by the Calgary Zoo as they discover the natural world through activities, games, crafts, stories, interpretive programs and animal visits. Campers can enroll in one of three groups, dependent on their age: Bongo (Ages 5-6), Sage Grouse (Ages 7-9) or Marmot (Ages 10-12)


YouthLink | youthlinkcalgary.com

Dates/Time: Drop off 8:45 – 9:00am / Pick up 3:30 – 4:00pm
Ages: 6-9 and 9-12
Cost: $299
Registration: Currently open

Do your kids love a good whodunnit? Are they fascinated by the worlds of forensic science and law enforcement? YouthLink’s Spring Break camps are jam-packed with hands-on activities like real forensic science experiments, team challenges, policing scenarios that build confidence, communication skills and a positive connection with police, and VIP, behind-the-scenes access to the Police Museum and its exhibits.

Camps For Kids Who Love To Get Creative


Quest Theatre | questtheatre.org

Dates/Time: March 27-31 and April 10 -14 from 9 am to 4 pm (Drop-off between 8:30 and 9 am; Pick-up between 4 and 4:30 pm, with after care available until 5 pm)
Ages: 8-11
Cost: $350. Aftercare is available for $35
Registration: Currently open

The stage is calling! Quest Theatre’s Spring Break camps give kids aged 8-11 the opportunity to explore the world of live performance with experienced artists who love to share their passion for theatre. Through the experience, campers gain self-esteem, confidence, communication tools, and friends. Kids will also get a chance to get outside and play each day, and the week concludes with the sharing of campers’ theatrical creations.


Green Fools | greenfools.com

Dates/Time: 9:00am to 4:00 pm
Ages: 8-14
Cost: $350+GST
Registration: Closes March 20th at 11:59pm

If you’ve ever felt like you were living in a circus, you won’t want to miss a chance to sign your kids up for Green Fools Spring Break Camp, where they’ll have the chance to experience a variety of circus skills including juggling, diabolo, plate spinning, flower stick, poi, rola-bola, unicycle, tight wire, slack line, stilt walking, simple acrobatics, walking barrels and aerial skills. In addition to circus skills, participants will learn how to make their own juggling balls and other fun crafts related to circus. The camp will wrap up with a circus demo for families on Friday afternoon from 3 to 4pm.


Pinnovate | deliverydiy.com

Dates/Time: March 27-31 and April 10-14 Half Days (9 am to 12 pm or 1 pm to 4 pm) or Full Days from 9 am to 4 pm
Ages: 5+
Cost: $260 (Half Day) or $420 (Full Day)
Registration: Currently open

For the kid who loves to get crafty, Pinnovate DIY Studio is offering half day and full day options for spring break. Campers will get to create projects including a large wooden Family Birthday calendar, 4-set painting where they will learn 4 different abstract painting techniques, a sketching project, resin crafts, and more.


Lambert Academy | lambertacademy.ca

Dates/Time: March 27-31 and April 10-14 from 10 am to 3 pm
Ages: 9-14
Cost: $495
Registration: Currently open

It’s time to unleash your kids’ inner baker with Lambert Academy! Over the course of the week, campers will practice dessert-making techniques including hands on baking from scratch, torting, sculpting, icing and more. As they bake and decorate cakes and cookies, they’ll learn important skills in the kitchen such as food safety, kitchen etiquette, collaboration and cleaning up after themselves.


Nini’s Cooking Class | niniscookingclass.ca

Dates/Time: March 27-31 from 9 am to 4 pm
Ages: 5-15
Cost: $552.50 +GST. Weekly before care available from 8 – 9 am for $75, daily for $15; after care available from 4 – 5 pm for $75, daily for $20. Chef’s uniform (apron, hat and gloves) must also be purchased for $35 unless already owned.
Registration: Currently open

Campers at Nini’s Cooking Class will get to hone in their culinary skills as they learn foundational cooking and baking skills as well as the utilization of kitchen equipment under the supervision of the lead chef instructor. Mini chefs will make global meals with recipes from North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia. Through each recipe, campers will strengthen their skills and understanding as they learn proper knife skills, kitchen hygiene and safety, food presentation and table setting, cooking and baking techniques and more. This program is suitable for beginners and intermediate cooks.

Will your kids be attending spring or March Break camps in Calgary this year? Which one are they excited to try?