Archives

Streaming in January for Kids & Families - SavvyMom

What’s Streaming in January for Kids and Families

A new year is finally here, but let’s be real: with the cold weather and long days (plus that extended school break at the beginning of the month), it’s always nice to chill with the fam and a good movie or TV show. Unfortunately, finding good content for the whole family or that’s age appropriate for your crew can sometimes prove challenging. We’re here to help. We’ve had an early look at what’s streaming in January and we’ve got 10 suggestions of specials, movies, and TV shows the family can enjoy this month.

What’s Streaming in January for Kids & Families:

Beauty & the Beast: A 30th Celebration - SavvyMom

Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration
Friday, January 6 on Disney+

If you missed this magical special when it debuted on networks in December, now is your chance to catch it online. The spectacle features H.E.R. as Belle, Josh Groban as The Beast, Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts, and Martin Short as Lumière, among others. Watch as they recreate some of the most iconic moments from the animated film and debut new sets and costumes to keep the magic going for a whole new generation.

Streaming in January: The Ghost & Molly McGee - SavvyMom

The Ghost and Molly McGee
Wednesday, January 11 on Disney+

If you’ve got older kids or tweens looking for a new show, you may want to introduce them to this supernatural cartoon about a 13-year-old optimist named Molly McGee. The series traces her move to Brighton, where she discovers a grumpy ghost named Scratch who accidentally becomes her new bestie. The entire first season drops this month, all at once.

Streaming in January: Spidey & His Amazing Friends - SavvyMom

Spidey and His Amazing Friends
Wednesday, January 11 on Disney+

Young Spider-Man fans will get a kick out of this web-slinging cartoon, in which Spidey joins up with Ghost-Spider, Miles Morales, and his Spider-bot TRACE-E to save the day. If this sounds a little familiar that’s because the computer-animated series already aired on Disney Junior, but now the first season is dropping in full for your family to stream this month.

Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight - SavvyMom

Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight (s2)
Thursday, January 12 on Netflix

Families with younger kids can gear up for a second season of this animated adventure featuring the legendary warrior Po. Here, he teams up with an elite English knight and embarks on a global quest to rescue magical weapons (and to restore his reputation). Both seasons are available to stream in full come mid-January.

Dog Gone - SavvyMom

Dog Gone
Friday, January 13 on Netflix

Looking for a feel-good family flick to watch with older kids? Well this one has a dog and Rob Lowe. The movie is based on the true story of a father and son who embark on a hike of the Appalachian trail to find their lost pup. Along the way they’ll discover things about each other and hopefully begin to mend their broken relationship.

Idina Mezel: Which Way To the Stage - SavvyMom

Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage
Friday, January 20 on Disney+

Whether you’ve got kids who love Frozen or a family that’s big on the power of dreams, Idina Menzel’s special will impress. Follow along as the voice of Elsa embarks on a U.S. tour while juggling family life, all in hopes of realizing her lifelong dream: performing in front of a crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Streaming in January: Daniel Spellbound - SavvyMom

Daniel Spellbound (s2)
Thursday, January 26 on Netflix

Magic is real, and Daniel Spellbound knows it. Unfortunately, it’s also hidden to the public. That’s the entry point to this animated action-adventure series, which debuts its second season this month. Follow along as Daniel seeks magic and earns the attention of dangerous alchemists along the way, putting the magical world in jeopardy.

Wolf Pack
Thursday, January 26 on Paramount+

Older teens looking for some relatable content may find it in this angsty werewolf series from the writer of Teen Wolf. (In related news, the Teen Wolf movie also hits Paramount+ on the same day). Wolf Pack is a dark series about a teen boy and girl whose lives are forever changed when a California wildfire awakens a supernatural creature.

Streaming in January: Lockwood & Co - SavvyMom

Lockwood & Co.
Friday, January 27 on Netflix

This eight-part teen series is based on the popular books. But while those books are recommended for kids aged eight to 12, this series looks like it skews a bit older thanks to some pretty terrifying special effects. If this still sounds like something your family might enjoy, the show revolves around a trio of kids who operate a psychic detection agency and fight ghosts in
London, England.

Streaming in January: Princess Power - SavvyMom

Princess Power
Tuesday, January 31 on Netflix

Princess-loving younger viewers will get a kick out of this new female power animated series, in which four princesses from the four major fruit kingdoms work together to make the world a better place. The only question is, which princess will your kid love more: Kira Kiwi, Beatrice Blueberry, Rita Raspberry, or Penelope Pineapple?

Toboggan Hills in Calgary - SavvyMom

The Savvy Guide to January

The party is officially over. It’s back to our regular(ish) routines now (and a New Year’s resolution or two). Our Savvy Guide to January is a little list of ideas to help you get the most out of this wintry month.

The Savvy Guide to January

GET

Organized with a simple decluttering schedule.

Why? Attacking one room for just 30 minutes a week for the next few months will let you welcome spring without having to do a massive spring clean (a clutter-free house takes 40% less time to clean anyway).

GO

Tobogganing.

Why? Because its fun for all ages and it suits all budgets. Just remember to wear a helmet. Here are the best tobogganing hills in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver.

PLAY

Pie Tag in the snow.

Find an area of unmarked snow and shuffle your feet through the snow to create a circle (the ‘pie’) about 20 feet in diameter (or smaller, depending on the age of the children). Divide the circle into fourths (the pie pieces). Choose someone to be ‘it’. ‘It’ chases the other players around the pie and on the dividing paths. The players must stay within the narrow paths. If someone falls outside the paths onto the unblemished snow or outside the pie, they become it. If someone gets pushed outside the pie, the pusher becomes ‘it’. The center of the pie can be established as ‘home.’

Why? Because it’s fresh air and seriously good exercise all wrapped up in fun.

DO

Be fair to yourself when you make resolutions

Why? Because you’re doing a pretty good job already and you don’t need to add a lot more to your plate right now. Get the family on board with resolutions for everyone to improve 2023.

READ

With your kids

Why? Because later this month (January 27) is Family Literacy Day and we’re celebrating it all month. Check out these books to encourage a love of reading.

WATCH

Streaming in January for Kids & Families

Why? Well, we all have those big ambitions for reading and playing outside… AND we always need a little downtime on the couch. Check out what’s streaming in January for kids and families for a little family time or a little TV-as-babysitter time.

Easy Winter Recipes for the Family - SavvyMom

8 Easy Winter Recipes for the Family

It’s still January, and while we’re not totally abandoning our resolutions, we’re making sure they are sustainable. So with our healthy eating and budget-watching resolutions in mind, we rounded up these easy winter recipes for the family to keep them warm and full — of love and of delicious food!

Easy Winter Recipes for the Family

Pumpkin Chili in a Bread Bowl

Pumpkin Chili

This unique chili is a classic winter warm up. For apres ski, apres the arena, or while watching the game, there’s always a reason to eat chili. Adding pumpkin to the recipe gives it a sweet, creamy flavour without taking out the kick. And pumpkin adds a boost of seasonal flavour to this classic dish we like to serve in a bread bowl. In this recipe the fruit (yes, pumpkin is a fruit!) is cubed and tossed into a pot with chicken, beans, chickpeas, and tomatoes for a fibre-rich meal you’ll want to serve all season.

Winter Citrus Quinoa Salad Recipe - SavvyMom

Winter Citrus Quinoa Salad

A splash of citrus and seasonal fruit turns this quinoa super salad into a refreshingly healthy meal. This the perfect healthy meal to keep you on the resolution track. Filled with all kinds of delicious goodness, you’ll feel good about eating when you scarf down a serving of this salad.

Meatball Minestrone Soup Recipe - SavvyMom

Meatball Minestrone Soup

We can’t say enough about soups during the winter months. So of course our easy winter recipes roundup includes soup!  You can’t go wrong with this healthy, delicious, and easy to make a meal. And this Minestrone just got meatier—this hearty winter soup is a great one to warm ‘em up after hockey practice. Served with some crusty bread and a salad, this soup makes for a full meal deal.

French Onion Soup Recipe - SavvyMom

French Onion Soup

Savvy up your soup—French Onion is fabulous for cheese lovers in your home. Look like a gourmet chef with this soup packed with wow factor and lots of great taste. It’s perfect for entertaining on a cold winter’s night.

Pork Tenderloin with Sauteed Apples Recipe - SavvyMom

Pork Tenderloin with Sauteed Apples

A traditional pork tenderloin becomes a fruity fave with the addition of sauteed apples. This recipe calls for pork tenderloin but you can also use chicken with these delicious sautéed Gala apples. The sweet and juicy apples make this meal so much more child friendly.

Beef Pot Pie

Impress your family (and guests) with this delicious and attractive beef pot pie. The crispy potato topping makes it almost like a cross between a traditional Shepherd’s Pie and a savoury pub pie.

Shortcut Beef Lasagne Recipe - SavvyMom

Shortcut Lasagne

A twist on the traditional lasagna, this ‘short-cut’ version uses rigatoni noodles. Skip the layering and five-step lasagna process and try this super simple beef lasagna recipe as a family meal. It’s got all the yummy ingredients of your classic lasagna without the fuss and mess that usually goes with the prep.

Easy Winter Recipes - recipe_perfect_lemon_amp_herb_roasted_chicken

Roasted Chicken

Roasted chicken is a traditional classic for a reason. It’s so easy-to-make that we always cook two at a time and use the leftovers for delicious soup or sandwiches the next day.

Winter Fun in Vancouver in January - SavvyMom

Winter Family Fun in Vancouver in January

The holiday fun may be over but that doesn’t meant there isn’t still plenty to do in the coming weeks to have fun with the whole family. In fact, January in Vancouver is an ideal time to make some plans to try something new. With spring a long ways off (not really, but it feels that way on those rainy grey days), now is a great time to go exploring and find some new activities, outings, and tasty treats to brighten up the winter.

What’s On for Family Fun in Vancouver in January

Robson Square Ice Skating

When: until February 28
Where: Downtown Vancouver
Website: https://www.robsonsquare.com/

This has been a long-time favourite winter activity for Vancouverites and it’s back, with free ice skating and low-cost skate rentals. Taking place at Robson Square in the heart of the downtown core, this is a great activity to kick off a fun day in the city – head to Stanley Park after, or check out some of the fabulous local restaurants (there are plenty of kid-friendly ones!)

Dine Out Vancouver

When: January 20 to February 8
Where: Various locations
Website: https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/

For more than two decades, Dine Out Vancouver has been letting local foodies check out heaps of local restaurants for less-then-regular pricing. Each restaurant in the event creates a three-course menu for a set price and diners can make reservations during the festival for that menu. The event also features wineries and hotel offers, so if you’re looking for a night-out celebration for the parents, this might fit the bill too.

Ultimate Predator at Science World

When: until January 31
Where: Downtown Vancouver
Website: https://www.scienceworld.ca/exhibition/t-rex-the-ultimate-predator/

Explore the late Cretaceous Period and learn all about the 66-million-year-old dinosaur that is everyone’s favourite. T. rex: The Ultimate Predator, presented by RBC and White Spot Restaurants, lets visitors walk through the world the T. Rex lived in and learn all about its unique life. Admission to Science World includes all the regular exhibits that are on display throughout the year as well. 

Lights at Lafarge

When: until January 31
Where: Coquitlam
Website: https://www.coquitlam.ca/784/Lights-at-Lafarge

Didn’t make it over Christmas? Don’t worry, the lights are shining bright for the rest of the month at Lake Lafarge. This light display, which goes up in late November, circles Lafarge Lake at Town Centre Park; this year, two paths will be available to help ease congestion on busy nights.

VanDusen Festival of Lights

When: until January 2
Where: Vancouver
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/festival-of-lights.aspx

Just a couple more nights for this favourite spot in Vancouver in January. With more than one million lights over the 15 acres of landscaped gardens at VanDusen Botanical Garden, this is a winter wonderland not to be missed – but it ends on January 2. Light a candle at the Scottish Shelter as part of a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish. The display has various themed sections, holiday music and snacks for purchase.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

When: on now until January 22
Where: North Vancouver
Website: https://www.capbridge.com/events/canyon-lights/  

A popular destination with tourists and locals alike, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park will transform until late January for the festive Canyon Lights celebration. Cross the bridge, covered in multicoloured lights, then head into the forest via suspended bridges high among the treetops, the forest illuminated with glowing lights. There’s a light tunnel, too. Remember, this one is all outdoors, so dress for the weather.

Lights by the Lake

When: until January 8
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Website: https://tourismharrison.com/lights-by-the-lake/

Head out to the Fraser Valley and take in this unique holiday celebration with light displays along the waterfront in Harrison Hot Springs. The displays highlight local wildlife, including the elusive Sasquatch. Lights are on from dusk to 11 pm, along a two kilometre portion of the waterfront promenade. The Starlight Synthetic Rink runs from Thursday to Monday, 1 pm to 9 pm.

Beyond King Tut

When: until January 8
Where: Vancouver
Website: https://beyondkingtut.com/city/vancouver/

Need a break from the holiday music and twinkly lights? Check out Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience at the Convention Centre this month. The show and exhibition takes visitors on a journey through one of the great wonders of the world – the pyramids and temples of ancient Egypt. Learn more about King Tut, and the world as it existed 3,000 years ago.

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

When: until January 2
Where: Burnaby
Website: https://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/what-s-on/heritage-christmas.html

The holidays may be over but there’s a few more days yet to squeeze in a visit to Heritage Christmas, presented by Concord Pacific at the Burnaby Village Museum. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of an old fashioned Christmas celebration, with entertainment, demonstrations and more throughout the 10-acre village, which replicates a 1920s era community. Many of the village’s buildings and features are original, having been moved to the museum site for preservation. And if you miss the holiday fun, the museum is still open all year long – just without the Christmas lights and choir singers.

Winter Fun in Calgary in January - SavvyMom

Fun Things to Do in and Around Calgary in January

The excitement of December may be over for another year, but there is plenty of fun to be had in Calgary in January. From sports to outdoor festivals and eye-catching theatre shows, check out the events taking place for families in YYC in the first month of 2023!

Family Fun Things to Do in Calgary in January


Harlem Globetrotters World Tour | scotiabanksaddledome.com
Saturday, January 7 at 3 pm at Scotiabank Saddledome

If you’ve never had a chance to check out the Harlem Globetrotters, you won’t want to miss their show on Saturday January 7 at the Saddledome. Tickets are super affordable for this show that’s a mix of basketball handling skills and hilarious comedy. Slam dunks, trick shots, jokes galore, and on-court fan interaction is just the beginning of your Globetrotters experience. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your holidays before sending the kids back to school! Tickets start at $26.25.


Chinese New Year Festival | culturalcentre.ca
January 14, 15, 21, 22 from 11 am – 6 pm

West Side of the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre – 197 1 Street SW

The Year of the Tiger is giving way to the Year of the Rabbit and the  Chinese Cultural Centre wants you to join in the celebration of the Lunar New Year! The four-day celebration takes place in accordance with the Chinese Cultural Centre’s mission of enriching and educating a traditional holiday with the public. The event features dragon and lion dances, multicultural performances, an art exhibition, food stalls, games, and a marketplace.

Calgary Renovation Show | calgaryrenovationshow.com
January 13-15 at the BMO Centre

Have you been dreaming about renovations but aren’t quite sure how to get started? If it’s Calgary in January you can head to the Calgary Renovation Show! Check out home-related products and services, get inspired by stunning displays, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals. With 150+ booths to explore, you’ll have all the inspiration (and maybe even the contractors and tools!) to get going on whatever project you’ve got in the works. General Admission is $13 for anyone 13 and over, Seniors are $10, and admission after 4 pm is $6.50. Buy your tickets online to save $2 per admission. Donations to Habitat for Humanity International and Youth Central are also being collected.

Charlotte and the Music Maker | calgaryphil.com
January 15 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall

Symphony Sundays for Kids presents Charlotte and the Music Maker – the story of a girl who plays the trumpet on a cardboard tube, the xylophone with two knitting needles, and the drums on anything that bangs. Her musical talents are not appreciated at home, so she sets off into the wide world, where the Music Maker comes to her rescue. Families are encouraged to come early for the Instrument Discovery Zoo at 2PM. Tickets start at $30 for children, $36 for students and seniors and $41 for adults.

Chinook Blast | chinookblast.ca
January 27 – February 12

Who says we need to lock ourselves inside all winter while we wait for things to warm up? Chinook Blast is Calgary’s winter festival that brings together partners from the arts, nonprofit, neighbourhood, tourism, and sports communities to create an inclusive event that showcases the best of our city. This multi-day celebration includes tons of must-see events including light and art installations and family skating located at the Chinook Blast Hub every day, and the following events on specific dates:


High Performance Rodeo | hprodeo.ca
January 16–February 5

High Performance Rodeo is a 37-year performing arts festival in Calgary in January that runs through to February. This year’s festival will present artists from here at home and from around the world – as far as Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and further from the United Kingdom, Spain, and the USA. Performances range anywhere from massive orchestras riffing on Radiohead to immersive performances for audiences of five and everything in between! Some shows require tickets and others are free. See the High Performance Rodeo and Chinook Blast websites for show locations and ticket information.


BIG Winter Classic | bigwinterclassic.com
January 25–29

This 4-day music and arts festival may be a bit more suitable for older members of your family, but check out the lineup to see if there are performers you’ve been dying to check out! Day passes and pricing will be available early January 2023, when the schedule is released. A day pass gives you the freedom to check out all of the venues on the selected day, but entry is subject to venue capacity. Full weekend passes ($111+tax) will get you access to all shows for the entire festival period (subject to venue capacity). Tickets for single venues guarantee you entry to specific venues on specific nights.


Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer | theatrecalgary.com
January 31-February 19

For some thought-provoking satire that will leave you with plenty to talk about after the lights come up, check out Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer – a story by Governor General’s Award-winning playwright Kevin Loring. This play follows Little Red, who is the last remaining member of the Little Red Warrior Nation. When Red discovers that a land development firm has violated his traditional territory, he attacks one of the engineers, gets arrested, and is assigned a court–appointed lawyer, who he ends up moving in with. Theatre Calgary is proud to present this show as a joint presentation with Making Treaty 7. Tickets start at $67.

Do you plan to take part in any of the events from our list? Is there something else you’re looking forward to doing with your family in and around Calgary in January? Let us know in the comments!

Fun Winter Activities in Ottawa - SavvyMom

Fun Family Winter Activities in Ottawa this January

With the holidays behind us that doesn’t mean the fun and adventures have to stop! You may be taking this downtime to declutter from the holidays but you won’t want to miss out on some fun family time with these special activities and events this January in Ottawa! Whether you are seeking an outdoor adventure, something for the sports fans or would like to explore Ottawa like a tourist you will have plenty of options for family fun!

Slide into Fun!

There is no shortage of fun tobogganing hills in the Ottawa area. Create a family list and check them off as you travel around the City visiting each one this January! Here are some of our favourites across the City of Ottawa.

  • Carlington Park
  • Walter Baker Park
  • Greens Creek
  • Apollo Crater Park
  • Craig Henry Park
  • Westboro Kiwanis Park
  • Loyola Park

Looking for a slightly different tubing adventure? Check out Domaine de l’Ange Garden, Les Sommets Edelweiss, and Centre de Plein Air Du Lac-Beauchamp for some faster and larger slides. Tubes are provided at these locations and the hills are groomed specifically for this type of adventure!

Ottawa Senators 

Head to the Canadian Tire Centre on January 8th and watch the Ottawa Senators in their skills event. This fun event is extremely cost effective and a great way to experience the Ottawa Senators on their home ice and in person! Tickets range from $12-$20 each and proceeds from the event will be donated to help support various educational initiatives in the National Capital Region, the Senators Community Foundation and the NHLPA Goals and Dreams Fund. Your Ottawa Senators will be split into 2 groups and will compete in various skills as well as a 3 on 3 competition.

Ottawa Public Library

Life sized Candy Land?! Yes, please! Head to the Nepean Centrepointe Library from January 3rd to 7th and enjoy a life sized Candy Land Game. Become a game piece as you follow the rainbow path all the way to King Kandy’s Castle.  Drop in anytime the library is open and this special event is open to all ages (young and not so young!). The Ottawa Library has several other events all across the City for all ages from board game drop ins, lego exploration, storytimes and special events.  If you have a Frozen fan you won’t want to miss out on the Frozen event at the Beaverbrook location with crafts, games and singing on January 5th at 11a.m. See all that the Ottawa Library has to offer HERE!

Hit the Ice!

With many skating trails in the Ottawa & Gatineau regions you can choose a new path each weekend and enjoy a new adventure! Some of our favourites are “The Little Penguin Trail” in Gatineau that allows you to explore 5km through nature on a lovely golf course icy trail, skating through the forest (Patinage en forêt)  in Lac des Loups, or skating at River Oak. The City of Ottawa also offers various locations for public skating or enjoy one of the local outdoor rinks.

Winter Lights Across Canada

You have until January 8th to head downtown with the kids for the “Winter Lights Across Canada” at Parliament Hill. Enjoy this multimedia experience as Parliament Hill comes to life with an illuminating projection. There are lots of parking options in the downtown business area but we love the option of parking in the Byward Market enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (Zaks has free kids dining with the purchase of an adult meal!), walk to Parliament to enjoy the light show and back to the byward market for a Beavertail treat and hot chocolate. A fun local evening that will be magical and enjoyed by all!

Staycation and Quick Weekend Getaways

With the holidays behind us why not take this downtime to explore the Ottawa area pretending to be a tourist or book a quick weekend getaway. 

Ottawa has many great things to offer including several museums, great shopping, libraries, sledding hills, skating rinks, and movie theatres. Enjoy a night at the Andaz in the Byward Market or enjoy the views from the Quebec side at the Hilton Lac Leamy. Want to escape for the weekend? Take a quick trip to one of our favourite cities that are only a few hour drive away!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Parc Omega (@parcomega)

Visit the Animals!

Head to Parc Omega this January and enjoy the day getting up close to some of Canada’s favourite animals. Bring lots of carrots as you feed the deer and make sure you dress warm so you can take the walk out to the wolves observation platform and see them in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy the Canadian Food & Agricultural Museum as a fun family activity with animals and  try your hand at winter card printmaking, enjoy some homemade mint hot chocolate in the demonstration kitchen and watch the movie presentations (Encanto and Frozen!) in the learning centre.

Embrace the winter weather and enjoy January with your family with these fun events! There are many great places to explore and play in the Ottawa region that will accommodate your entire family and a variety of ages. Don’t let the snow and cold keep you at home when there are so many great activities happening in the area!

Winter Fun in Toronto January - SavvyMom

Family Winter Fun in and Around Toronto in January

Happy 2023! We hope that you and your family had a great winter break that involved at least some time to relax and recharge. Toronto in January is traditionally quieter when it comes to local events and attractions, which we completely understand. After the busy-ness of the holiday season, both our bodies and our bank accounts could do with a little chilling at home. But there is still plenty to do, including experiences that will let you make the most of the coldest month of the year. Below we round up 10 ways to keep your kids entertained this month.

And don’t forget that multiple events (some holiday-themed) are extending their run into January, thanks to the kids not heading back to school until the second week of the month. These events include theatrical productions of Snow White, on until January 7, and Peter’s Final Flight, on until January 7; the immersive outdoors Northern Lights experience, on until January 8; the indoor Winter Wonderland carnival, on until January 8, and the recently opened Disney Animation Immersive Experience, on until March 19 (we recently checked this one out and it’s pretty cool).

Family Fun Things to Do in Toronto in January

Bentway Skate Trail

250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto
Trail now open

January is the perfect time of year to check out the city’s many outdoor skating rinks and trails and at the top of that list should be the Bentway Skate Trail. Featuring 220 metres of ice shaped into a figure-eight, this trail features all kinds of fun extras. Enjoy free hot chocolate on Mondays, free skate rentals on Fridays and, with advance registration, free skating lessons on Tuesdays. The Bentway is continuing to host special events throughout the winter including a Lunar New Year celebration on January 22 that will feature lion dancers among other performers and vendors! Access to the trail is free and rentals are available for a fee.

City of Toronto Skating Pads & Trails

Across Toronto
Now open

Want to lace up your skates but a trip to the Bentway doesn’t quite work for your family? That’s fine because the city of Toronto operates over two-dozen outdoor rinks across the city that offer drop-in hours, along with washrooms, benches, and heated change space. While most are accessible any day of the week, be sure to check your chosen rink’s online schedules as some have dedicated time for shinny and other events. For a deeper look at where to skate outdoors in Toronto, check out our roundup. Access to City-run rinks is free.

Terra Lumina

Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Rd., Toronto
On Now

Bundle up the kids and head out to the Toronto Zoo where you can take in one of the area’s prettiest attractions. Designed as an immersive show, this unique experience will have your family walking along a 1.5km path that features custom sound, video, and light creations that bring to life a special story set in 2099. Since this show can only take place once it’s dark out, January is the perfect time to take younger kids who can’t stay up late. Tickets start at $24.99, with free admission for kids under three. Toronto Zoo members also get a $5 discount.

Treetop Trekking

3291 Stouffville Rd., Whitchurch-Stouffville & 5050 Harrison Rd., Binbrook
Open Fridays-Sundays during the winter

Looking for somewhere where your little ones can burn off energy and take in fresh air? Then either of the Treetop Trekking locations, located inside Stouffville’s Bruce’s Mill Creek Conservation Area and Hamilton’s Bunbrook Conservation Area. While the larger aerial park (the thing with the zip lines) is closed until April, the Treetop Village is open for wintertime fun. With an elaborate combination of ramps, bridges, treehouses, and more, this place is perfect for kids ages three through seven (but is open to all ages). While the weather more than anything will likely decide how long you spend at the park, prepare to play for at least two hours. Pricing starts at $32 for one child and one adult.

The Giant Maze

Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. S., Hamilton
December 26 – January 8

This attraction’s name is just the start of its fun. Yes, the Giant Maze is indeed a lengthy, twisting, turning pathway featuring seven-foot walls so even the tallest members of your group can’t peek over. But this event also features food trucks and a hot chocolate bar, DJs, and fire pits where your family can roast marshmallows and warm up (this is an outdoor experience). There are also games such as a scavenger hunt and even a train ride. The maze is located out in Ancaster, which is just over an hour drive from Toronto, but with another whole week of Christmas break ahead of us, we suspect you’ll be okay with driving for some entertainment. Tickets, which are timed and must be purchased in advance online, start at $9.99, and kids two and under are free.

The Little PINKO Hen: Or How The Cat Got RadiCATized

RED Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St. E., Toronto
December 29 – January 7

Described as a “twisted version of The Little Red Hen,” this silly take features a pink cat from Leslieville that is destined to save the day; he just needs to have a few musical adventures first. Done up as a pantomime, The Little Pink-O Hen features an eclectic selection of musical choices including The Beatles, Katy Perry, and various TikTok hits. This show is suitable for kids as young as two and does have an intermission. Performances take place at 7pm, with additional 2pm shows on December 31 and January 7, and start at $15 a seat. There’s also a family fun pack, featuring four tickets, available for $60.

The Little Circus That Could

Wynchwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto
December 30 – January 8

Do your kids love clowns? Then this circus-themed show is perfect for them! Inspired by The Little Engine That Could, this literal clown show features silliness, acrobatics, and even a mystery: Where did the circus go? While this is an all-ages show, it’s best for kids ages five and up as total run time is 50 minutes, with no intermission. Two performances take place daily, one at 10am and one at noon. All seating is general admission and costs $25 per ticket.

City of Toronto Fireworks

Lake Ontario Waterfront
December 31

Okay, technically this is a December event but since it takes place during the final minutes of 2022, we think we’re fine to include it on our list. Celebrate the New Year with what the City of Toronto describes as, “two synchronized 15-minute, high-altitude fireworks displays.” This brilliant extravaganza of colour will explode into the sky at midnight and will be viewable along the waterfront from Etobicoke to Scarborough. In addition to watching the show down at the water, you can also watch it online, where it will be preceded by a variety of live musical performances. This event is free to attend.

Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!”

Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto
January 21-February 12, Saturdays & Sundays

Two of Mo Williams’ cutest characters, Elephant and Piggie, take to the stage in this live theatrical event that will see them, “…sing and dance through the joys and trials of everlasting friendship.” This show, which runs for 55 minutes, is best suited for kids who are four or older. Two performances are held each show day, one at noon and one at 3:30pm. Tickets start at $40 per person, with a four-seat family pack available that runs $35 per person.

The LEGO Movie

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., Toronto
January 28

To celebrate International LEGO Day (yes, that’s a real thing), Hot Docs is hosting a big screen showing of The LEGO Movie. This colourful film featuring voice work by Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, and Morgan Freeman, is fun for most ages (we recommend it for kids ages five and up) and is sure to get even the most serious adult laughing. It’s also the reason why we have one of the catchiest songs of the last decade, Tegan and Sara’s “Everything Is Awesome.” The show starts at 1pm and tickets start at $7.50.

Family New Year's Resolutions - SavvyMom

10 Family New Year’s Resolutions

Nobody would argue that the past couple of years haven’t been rough. Dealing with the ups and downs of Covid have been physically and emotionally draining on everyone, to say the least. As we say goodbye to 2022, many of us have hopes for another new year filled with togetherness and a slow progression towards something that looks a bit closer to normal. If you’re trying to think of some family New Year’s resolutions to help everyone under your roof live their best lives, we’ve come up with ten suggestions!

10 Family New Year’s Resolutions

1. Make Family Meals More Intentional

I’m sure that anyone with school-aged kids will agree that weeknights are pretty darn hectic, and sometimes just getting everybody fed before they rush out the door to sports, lessons, or clubs counts as a win. Knowing that, looking for ways to make mealtimes together a little more intentional when you can sit down together is a great way to slow down and reconnect. Some families have set conversation starters for mealtimes so that everyone comes to the table (literally) with something to share. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy setting aside this time to sit down together as one of the family New Year’s Resolutions worth attempting.

2. Limit Screen Time

I know, I know. This is a tough one, and this won’t be the first (or the last) resolution list you find it on. Most of us can admit that glancing at our phones, computers, or TV screens is a habit we’d like to cut down on, at least a little bit. According to a 2021 survey conducted by Statistics Canada, over 60% of Canadian parents reported concerns about their children’s screen time due to the pandemic. A 2019 survey conducted by Alcon Canada found Canadian adults reporting that they were spending nearly 11 hours per day in front of a screen, between work and free time. As you’re probably aware, increased screen time can have negative impacts on physical and mental health, so finding ways to scale back is always beneficial.

3. Schedule Family Time

With everyone in the family having busy schedules of their own, sometimes the best way to ensure that you have a chance to spend time together is to mark it on the calendar, so everyone can join in. (This means “couple time” too). Whether your time is spent sharing a meal, watching a movie, or playing a game, you’ll be glad you set aside a few hours to catch up. To mix things up, put a different person in charge of planning your activity each week!

4. Start a New Hobby

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby for yourself, or want to gather up everyone in the fam to try something different, a new year is a perfect time to add a new skill to your repertoire. The sky’s the limit when it comes to options. Do you want to buff up your cooking skills? Sharpen your pencils and brush up on your artistic abilities? Start building up endurance for your first 5k? If you want to start something new together as a family, sit down and dream of ideas that everyone can enjoy and participate in at a level they’re comfortable with. Starting a new hobby together is a fantastic way to make memories, build opportunities to communicate, and strengthen your bonds as a family.

5. Volunteer Together

There are so many reasons why volunteering provides huge benefits to your community, but have you thought about the positive effects on yourself and your family? Volunteering with your kids helps to build empathy and understanding that can enable them to stand up against stereotypes, and also provides opportunities to learn new skills. Showing your kids that you value a spirit of generosity is something that they will (hopefully!) hang onto and want to replicate as they get older.

6. Read Together

Spending time together to read isn’t just an important part of your kids’ bedtime routine. Reading together helps your children to build their comprehension skills by growing their vocabulary and expanding their background knowledge. When reading out loud, you also model fluency and expression and help young children build their understanding of print concepts like holding a book the right way up and knowing how the words work on the page. All of these ideas may seem simple, but they are essential pillars in building your child’s reading skills! As kids get older, whether you’re reading the same book together, or reading your own books at the same time, you’re helping to build a love of literacy that will last a lifetime.


7.  Cook Together

This is one of those family New Year’s resolutions that could end up benefitting everyone in the family, not just because it will help to bond over your shared love of a great meal, but because it can also build everyone’s skills in the kitchen. Maybe someday, your kids will take the lead and prepare your dinner for a change! Whether you’re sitting together to plan your next healthy meal, or practicing chopping, grilling, and plating skills, there’s room for everyone in the family to get involved. Even little kids love to help measure and stir, so prepare for mouth-watering results!

See: Age-Appropriate Cooking Tasks for Kids

8. Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude may start by teaching kids to say their “please” and “thank you”s, but it can grow so much from that simple practice, and its benefits to your mind and body are numerous. Although it may seem like a no-brainer, practicing gratitude can lead to increased optimism, an improvement in forming and strengthening relationships, a positive impact on mental health, and even a boost for your immune system, thanks to a decrease in stress.

What are ways you can work on practicing gratitude? There are many! Sharing things you’re grateful for as a family, through conversations, gratitude jars, or gratitude mapping (think: adding notes of gratitude to a board in a central place in your home) are all great places to start. Many people enjoy journaling, praying, or meditating as another way to practice gratitude.

9. Exercise Together

What’s an activity that everyone in your family enjoys? Is it bike riding? Swimming? Playing basketball? If everyone in the family has something in common they enjoy doing, make a point of trying to do some of those things together to build your skills and bond at the same time. If everyone in the family has a different active hobby, why not take turns trying out each other’s interests and taking the opportunity to learn that skill from your family’s resident expert? There are many physical and mental benefits of being active together, and you’re modelling healthy habits for your kiddos as they get older, while building healthy habits of your own! You may want to start by planning an activity a few times per week, and increasing as you go.

10. Make a Photo Album

Chances are, you’re already in the habit of capturing special family moments on your phone. But what do you do with those photos once you’ve taken them? Sure, looking back on treasured memories while scrolling through your device is nice, but printing out those photos to store in a good old-fashioned photo album is extra special. There are many ways to create photo albums, from printing off 4×6 photos and slotting them into a traditional album, to uploading photos online and printing them into photo books, using sites like Costco, Chatbooks, or any of the ones we’ve rounded up here! Sitting down to look through these albums is guaranteed to be a favourite family activity for years to come.

Are you planning to make some Family New Year’s Resolutions? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

9 Fun Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve as a Family

When you think about celebrating New Year’s Eve, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the clinking of champagne glasses as the clock strikes midnight. However, when you have kids, celebrating New Year’s Eve as a family is more of a home-based affair. Thankfully it can be just as fun, with no costly babysitting or cold weather to contend with. If, like us, you’re staying home for the holiday, here are wonderful ways to usher in the New Year as a family.

9 Fun Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve As a Family

Dress Up

Kids love to play dress up, so why not have the whole family slip into swanky party clothes for dinner? To make the outfits a little extra special, consider accessorizing with gold and silver beads, top hats, bowties, tiaras, and funny glasses, all of which can be purchased from dollar or party stores. For bonus points with the kids, set up a photo booth using a piece of solid coloured fabric or roll of paper and costume pieces or props, and take pictures of the whole family.

Start a New Tradition

We love the idea of interviewing kids—they often say the funniest things! New Year’s Eve is a great time to reflect on the year that was and look ahead at what’s to come, and giving the kids a questionnaire to fill out is a great way to document who they are and what their favourite memories were, while also getting them to think about what they might like to do in the next 365 days.

Print off the questionnaire, ask the questions (or have older kids fill it out themselves), and put it away until the following year, when you repeat the activity and read through the previous year’s answers. You will love them—we promise!

Toast with a Special Drink

Create a signature mocktail/cocktail for the whole family, and offer a tailor-made toast to the New Year! Feel free to garnish your drinks excessively (pieces of fruit and berries work well) and dress them up with miniature umbrellas and special straws. Don’t forget to serve your spirits in fancy stemware (you can use plastic champagne flutes for the littlest people in your family).

We recommend Pomegranate and Pear Party Punch for a kid-friendly option. (For the adults, just add Prosecco.) Here’s how plus more festive mocktail recipes.

Have a Dance Party

Who knew mom and dad could cut a rug? Probably not the kids, which is why a family dance party is the perfect time to show them your moves. Make a playlist of your favourite kid and grown-up songs (or use our New Year’s Eve playlist as a guide, and groove your way to a good time for all. When you get tired—and trust us, you will—sit back and watch your kids get-down. For extra fun on the dance floor, start a game of freeze dance. The rules are simple: start the music, get everyone to dance, and when the music stops everybody has to freeze until the song starts up again.

Family Board Game Bonanza

Family game night is always a hit, so why not try a New Year’s Eve board game bonanza? If you’re spending the night with other families, ask everyone to bring a few of their favourite games along with them.

Wondering what to play? We have some picks for the best board games around, for both big kids and little kids.

Feast on Fabulous Food

Cheese fondue is a fun, communal meal that works just as well for four people as it does fourteen, so this will work for when you can invite some friends or neighbours over for a New Year’s Eve feast everyone will enjoy. Start the evening off with simple munchies like veggies and dips or maple cinnamon almonds, and end with chocolate truffles—a decadent (but oh so simple!) finish to your celebration meal.

Celebrate a Mock Midnight

If your kids are small, it might be hard to keep them up for a full night of festivities. Instead, try celebrating midnight in another country or province, when it’s still early enough in your part of the world to let the kids participate in the fun. You can celebrate the New Year in Paris (6:00 pm EST) or keep it Canadian and celebrate midnight at Newfoundland Standard Time (10:30 pm EST), and then put the kids to bed before breaking out the bubbly for your own late-night bash.

Have a Family Slumber Party

Make a list of movies to watch, shop for snacks and snuggle up for a family slumber party in the living room. Spread out blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags on the floor and have fun camping out by candlelight (or the fireplace). For extra fun, play a game to see how many family members are still awake at midnight.

Balloon Pop Countdown

Write an activity on a piece of paper, roll it up, and stick it inside a balloon. Blow up the balloon, and write a time (i.e. 8:00 pm) on it with a permanent marker. Hang the balloons from the ceiling and when the clock chimes a new hour, pop the corresponding balloon and do the activity. Make a balloon for each hour until midnight or mock midnight, whichever works best for your family.

Handling Holiday Jealousy Between Siblings - SavvyMom

Handling Holiday Jealousy

In the movies, holidays are about love, giving, kindness and caring. In the world of real life parenting, that isn’t always the case. No matter what‘s in your child’s specially-wrapped package, her sister’s present will be better. Santa leaves way more presents at your neighbour’s house, of course, and while the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, the envy seems greener right in your own home. Holiday jealousy between siblings is totally a thing.

Many siblings spend their lives comparing themselves to each other, vying for Mom and Dad’s attention. When it comes to gifts, the comparisons continue. Rather than hoping that jealousy won’t happen, we can let our kids know that it just might show up during the holidays, when shopping at the mall or when a playmate gets the exact toy they were hoping for.

With young children, the old ‘distract and re-direct’ move may be your best bet. However, if your kids have graduated to the ‘You-can’t-fool-me-with-that’ stage, you need a new plan. Read stories about jealousy (such as When I Feel Jealous by Cornelia Spelman) so that your kids can tell you if and when they’re feeling jealous, and need some help. Acknowledge the feeling rather than telling them not to feel jealous.

How to Handle Holiday Jealousy

It may seem like buying each child a matching gift or distracting one child while the other is opening presents would be the best way to get kids past jealousy. The truth is, it’s protecting them from ever experiencing the emotion AND from the opportunity to learn how to deal with it. If jealousy appears the moments the gifts are opened, try these scripts:

    • I hear jealousy. I bet you wish you had a toy just like that. It’s ok to feel sad, so let’s move away so we can get your sadness out together.
    • Perhaps when your brother has had a chance to use his new toy, he’ll show you how it works.
    • You sound a bit sad. That’s ok. The feeling will pass. Let me know when you are ready to open your own presents and show me what you have.

Some families have a two-hour no-share policy with new gifts, allowing the recipient a chance to try it out without having to share it with the jealous sibling. Let your kids know what your policy is upfront so that when you refer to it, they take comfort from the family’s plan.