12 Days of Delicious Holiday Cookie Recipes

From spiced oatmeal raisin cookies to salted chocolate caramel bars and the easiest sugar cookie dough you will ever make, we’ve got you covered this holiday (and the next one too!) Here are 12 holiday cookie recipes for the sweetest season ahead.

12 Days of Holiday Cookie Recipes

Day 1: Basic Sugar Cookie

This sugar cookie recipe is perfect for the holidays. The options are endless once you whip up a batch of this forgiving dough! It can even be made well in advance and frozen. | Recipe here

Day 2: Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Filled with spiced goodness, these oatmeal raisin cookies will be a hit with adults and kids alike this holiday! | Recipe here

Day 3: Ginger Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Spicy, chewy, chocolatey, these cookies are a grown-up version of your basic gingerbread cookie! | Recipe here

Day 4: Chocolate Espresso Shortbread Wedges

These delectable chocolatey shortbread wedges have a hit of espresso – perfect for any late-night festive soiree or cookie swap. | Recipe here

Day 5: Bittersweet Chocolate & Sea Salt Cookies

These bittersweet chocolate chip cookies spiked with sea salt may steal the show on your holiday cookie platter! | Recipe here

Day 6: White Chocolate Cherry Blondies

These blondies, studded with bittersweet chocolate chunks and dried cherries, are a festive alternative to traditional brownies. | Recipe here

Day 7: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Candy Cane Bark

Slightly addictive, this peppermint chocolate candy cane bark is the perfect holiday hostess gift. | Recipe here

Day 8: Raspberry Coconut Crumble Bars

Filled with a delectable raspberry jam, these festive bars are topped with a to-die-for coconut crumble! | Recipe here

Day 9: Iced Gingerbread Stars

We’ve used a recipe for classic, traditional gingerbread cookies but switched-it-up to make these adorable star-shaped cookies glazed with royal icing. | Recipe here

Day 10: Chocolate Shortbread Thumbprints

Delicious (and dare we say, adorable) these chocolate shortbread thumbprints are a cinch to make! | Recipe here

Day 11: Salted Chocolate Caramel Bars

These salted chocolate caramel bars are not only seriously decadent, but they are a cinch to make too. | Recipe here

Day 12: Chocolate Peppermint Crackle Cookies

More brownie than cookie, and spiked with peppermint extract, these chocolate peppermint crackles are the perfect holiday treat. | Recipe here

11 Spots for U-Cut and Pre-Cut Christmas Trees in Vancouver

Twinkling lights, sparkling decorations, and the smell of a fresh-cut Christmas tree – doesn’t get much more festive than that. While plenty of folks haul out the artificial tree from the attic, there’s just as many who love to go choose their own – from tall and thick, to the tiny Charlie Brown favourites. This year, many tree lots that were on hiatus due to covid last year have returned, and we’ve got a round-up of plenty of options for both u-cut and pre-cut Christmas trees in Vancouver and in every corner of the greater Vancouver region.

Make sure to check ahead for availability – some u-cut farms have already sold out.

Where to Find Real Christmas Trees in Vancouver:

Aunt Leah’s Tree Lots

Where: Burnaby, Coquitlam, and Kerrisdale
Web: https://www.auntleahs.org/social-enterprises/christmas-tree-lots/

Aunt Leah’s has been a Vancouver-area tradition for nearly three decades. This year, the popular tree lots will be in three communities – Burnaby, Coquitlam, and the Kerrisdale area of Vancouver. The program is a fundraiser that helps support programs for children in foster care as well as young mothers. Last year, they raised more than $600,000. There will be no online sales this year. Trees are all pre-cut with a variety of types available.

Allouette Tree Farm

Where: Maple Ridge
Web: www.facebook.com/Alouette-Tree-Farm-321032441728

Both u-cut and pre-cut trees available at this Maple Ridge farm, with expected openings in early December. Mixed varieties and limited supplies, so check it out quickly. Saws available on site – just bring yourself and your mittens.

Red Truck Trees

Where: South Surrey
Web: http://redtrucktrees.com/

Enjoy a bonfire and a hot chocolate after you’ve picked and cut down your perfect tree at Red Truck Trees in the South Surrey area. With so many tree lots located north of the Fraser or in the Valley, this is an ideal spot for Christmas trees in Vancouver for those coming from Delta, Surrey, or White Rock.

11th Seymour Scouts

Where: North Vancouver
Web: https://northvancouverchristmastrees.ca/

Many Scouts Canada groups have been selling Christmas trees in Vancouver for decades and though covid may have put a brief hiatus to that, many are back this year including the 11th Seymour Scouts in North Vancouver. Selling a variety of fir trees this year, the lot is expected to be open Monday to Friday 4 to 8 pm, and weekends from 9 am to 7 pm. Pre-orders are available. And after Christmas, bring the tree back for a fundraiser tree chipping being held by the same troop.

Lynn Valley Lions Club

Where: North Vancouver
Web: https://lvlions.com/christmas-tree-sales/

There’s something new afoot in Lynn Valley: the local Lions Club will be hosting a new event called Christmas in the Canyon. Enjoy a holiday walk through the Lynn Canyon Park to select your tree. Event runs until trees run out. Check the website for updates on availability.

South Vancouver and Richmond Lions Club

Where: Vancouver
Web: Richmond Lions Club

Two local Lions Clubs – one from Richmond and one from neighbouring South Vancouver – tag team for this annual tree lot. The event will be held this year at the John Oliver School on East 41st Street. Open now and through the season, and proceeds go to help the many charitable efforts supported by the Lions.

Dogwood Christmas Tree Farm

Where: Fort Langley
Web: https://www.dogwoodchristmastreefarm.com/

Explore this 18-acre farm to find your perfect holiday tree. Both u-cut and freshly pre-cut trees are available, along with fresh holly, boughs, and hand-made wreaths. Located in historic Fort Langley, this is a great site to make a day’s outing with a stop in town for shopping or a meal.

North Shore Scouts

Where: West Vancouver
Web: http://www.scoutschristmastrees.com/

During the pandemic, this popular annual tree lot wasn’t able to be held but the North Shore Scouts are back again for 2022 with a lot at 699 Clyde Avenue. Expected to be open until December 23, from noon to 8 Monday to Friday, 9 am to 8 pm on Saturdays and 10 am to 8 pm on Sundays.

Woodsong Christmas Trees

Where: Lindell Beach
Web: http://www.woodsongchristmastrees.com/

With more than 10,000 Christmas trees – in a scenic winter wonderland environment – there’s no doubt you can find your perfect tree here. The farm grows five types of fir trees, and visitors can find and cut their own, or choose from a variety of fresh pre-cut trees. Cash only.

Ambleside Tiddlycove Lions Club

Where: West Vancouver
Web: https://www.facebook.com/welivetoserve.ca/

Another popular annual tree lot is hosted each year by the Ambleside Tiddlycove Lions Club, in the Ambleside parking lot at Argyle Avenue and 13th Street. Lot will run until trees are gone and all proceeds from the sales help support local charities.

Connie-Firs Tree Farm

Where: Mission
Web: https://www.facebook.com/ConnieFirs/

Open seven days a week (times vary depending on if you’re looking for u-cut or pre-cut) at the Connie-Firs Tree Farm out in Mission. Head out for a fun tromp through the woods to choose your own, or select from the variety of pre-cut available each day.

Anti-Bullying Tactics to Teach Your Kids

How brutal is it to discover just how bad bullying still is? It definitely feels like the issue is worse. It’s perfectly understandable to feel helpless and so important to learn more about how to make systemic changes to humanity that will create lasting change. I know that may leave you feeling a bit lost at what to do in the moment when your child arrives home with tear-stained eyes, so here are some immediate tips for anti-bullying tactics for those who must make a swift plan of action right now.

Anti-Bullying Tactics for When You Learn Your Child Is Being Bullied

Assure your child that they are NOT to blame. Kids often internalize things, believing they somehow provoked or deserved it.
Assure your child that you will work with them to make this situation stop and that it is not okay. Inform the other supervising adults of the situation.
Your parental involvement can be assessed on a case-by-case basis. I have recommended children switching schools immediately in some cases, but we don’t always have to go to the most extreme solutions first.
A child has the right to walk the halls safely and eat lunch in peace. It should not have to be the child who is being bullied that has to make strategic shifts, leaving the bully to continue with their behaviour. However, every child should know some anti-bullying strategies can actually nip things in the bud.

Anti-Bullying Tactics You Can Teach Your Child

Explain that countering bullying with retaliation is never effective; it only serves to amplify conflict. Many parents want to teach their kid to ‘stand up’ to a bully, but we know this doesn’t help. (Ed. note: I’m not so sure about that)
Tell your child to appear unruffled, even though they will feel it inside. The lesson here is to NOT let the bully engage you or get your goat. If you do, they win. Instead, practice peaceful, non-engagement tactics. Try looking at a school book, or root around for something in your locker, look busy — anything to act distracted and uninterested.
Explain that we all have power in numbers. Bullying tends to happen when the target child is isolated, so be strategic in taking friends with you when you go to the washroom, walk between classes and eat with a group.
Leave incentives at home. If the bully is stealing your money or taking your hat, don’t bring them to school until the situation improves.

Hopefully, this will nip the attacks in the bud. It’s not the only solution, and if things continue, or worsen quickly, there are more levels of intervention to try. Bullying is so prevalent that every child should at least know these protective tactics so they feel armed to deal with problems should they arise.

Now parents, join your Parent Council and bring your own commitment to making all schools a loving, safe, inclusive environment. It’s a child’s right (both the bully and the bullied) to feel safe at school.

Escape the Kids With a Romantic Algonquin Getaway

The cooler temps are here and your family’s back-to-school and back-to-activity routines have been established, so you and your partner could probably use a breather. You know, some time to yourselves in which you can actually sit down and enjoy a meal, sleep in without early-morning demands, or take a relaxing stroll without the wagon in tow. Luckily, parents in Ontario have such a destination in their own backyards. If you’re able to schedule a few days away without the kids or you’re looking to shake things up with a romantic weekend, one resort at the edge of Algonquin Provincial Park is here to deliver the perfect Algonquin getaway—no camping equipment required.

A New Spot for an Algonquin Getaway for Couples or Families

In the Haliburton Highlands, down Elephant Lake Road, sits Nomi Resort Club, Canada’s newest wellness community. The 40,000-square-foot property features an impressive 1,800 feet of waterfront, breathtaking nature, and 850 acres of jaw-dropping views. Chief Operating Officer and Developer Elise Blouin has big visions for the property, including transforming the space into a luxurious destination for wellness and digital health. In the near future that will include condos, a yoga and fitness centre, an infinity pool, and upscale treatment rooms.

Presently, Nomi is already offering those wellness vibes for those who want to be among the first to take advantage of the resort’s swanky services.

Rooms With a View

No matter where you stay on the resort, the entire space is designed to make you feel as though you’re in a sun-soaked forest. The rooms and suites feature earthy details like wood panelling and trim, coupled with luxe toiletries, soft sheets, and oversized chairs. Eventually, when the condos are built and there’s more space for families, it could be the ideal retreat for a larger crowd. For now though, the space feels warm, cozy, and quaint—the perfect recipe for those who want a little romance in their lives.

All rooms include a mini-fridge and in-room Nespresso coffee.

A Swoon-Worthy Menu

Nomi’s main floor is spacious and sprawling, but head downstairs and you’ll find Lands 8fifty restaurant tucked in beside the elevator, complete with mood lighting and large windows that highlight the natural scenery. Each dish from the locally-sourced menu is served on pretty plates and crafted like a piece of art, with unique items like White Truffle Beet Tartare and Chourico & Shrimp Casarecce, which comes with a delightful lemon truffle beurre monter. Even breakfast is a gourmet affair, with items like Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict and Banana and Blueberry French Toast gracing the menu served with fresh French Pressed coffee and a selection of gourmet teas.

Take Time to Play

If you want to reconnect with nature, there’s no shortage of things to do at Nomi. During the warmer months, take a guided hike and learn how to forage your own tea, head down to the waters of Benoir Lake for some paddling or canoeing, or explore any of the nearby hiking trails hand-in-hand with your partner. If kayaking is something you love to do, Deep Roots Adventure is only a quick car ride away. There, you can experience even more of the picturesque waters at your own pace.

If a winter getaway is more likely, Nomi Resort is on Snowmobile Trail 620, with easy access to Bancroft, Haliburton, and Kinmount. Snowmobiles are available to rent in nearby Haliburton. Nomi also has access to two snowshoeing and cross country ski trails. One is more entry-level with gentle hills, and one is more advanced , but both offer beautiful, winter wonderland views.

And Finally, Relax

Nomi has big expansion plans in place for its spa (including a salt float and a larger tranquility centre for small groups), but currently there is still an impressive array of treatments to enjoy. (Think rubs and lifts, massages and facials.) A quick Peppermint Scalp Massage is a lovely way to pick yourself up after a long week of work, while the Hot Poultice Thai Herbal Massage is a unique experience you don’t always get at traditional spas. In fact, the treatment list is so expansive it seems likely you and your partner can each snag one you’ll enjoy. Then you can head back to your room and watch the sunset as you get ready for your romantic dinner away from it all, feeling rested, relaxed, and taken care of.

How to Do a Family Activity Advent Calendar

I’ve been doing a December advent calendar for my kids since they were very, very little. It started off as something I thought we would do for a year, or maybe two, but easily morphed into the thing we love most about the holidays. As proof of my kids’ adoration for this tradition, my 15-year-old son sent me the following text from his grade 10 business class last week: “Can you please do a Christmas Advent Calendar again this year?” I think he thought that I was going to phase it out now that he and his closest-in-age brother are teenagers, but the truth is there’s no chance I’m ready to give it up either, so this week I’ve been compiling my list of fun for the month to come.

Our Advent Calendar is really nothing more than intentionally scheduled seasonal activities, and I began it as a way of making sure we didn’t miss out on doing some of the things we enjoy the most about December. Baking cookies? Check. Driving around to look at the Christmas lights? Check. Donating non-perishable foods to the food bank? Check. We also have a few activities that are specific to our family like a holiday dinner party, our family snowflake competition, and the gift opening on Christmas Eve morning.

I’ve noticed in the past few years that some of the advent calendars have become Pinterest-perfect, but I can assure you that mine is no such thing. It’s meant to be fun, and simple, and if it had to look like the Queen of Crafting made it, it would never get done. Here are some other ideas for keeping advent season sane:

Because I’d like to think I’m a somewhat savvy mom, (Editor’s Note: Jan is the savviest of us all) I schedule things into the calendar that will keep the kids busy on the days I know I’m going need them totally occupied (read: out of my hair). This is usually done by suggesting via the Advent Calendar that they can watch a holiday movie on a random Wednesday night, or offering up an extra hour of computer/TV/video game time (great for those nights when you need to wrap gifts).
Some years I’ve been busier than others, and I’ve kept the activities limited to the weekends, and filled the weekday advents with small chocolates or Calvin and Hobbes comic strips printed from the Internet. Other years, I’ve included jokes instead of activities.
Before I plan the activities, I consult the calendar and work around social and work events, hockey schedules, and anything else that might pose a conflict. Then I put each day’s activity in the calendar on my phone so I know which activity is scheduled for what day (you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget what you’ve planned).
If you plan on making an Advent Calendar don’t forget to do it early — as in, before December 1st (this week is the perfect week to put it together).
Advent Calendars can hang in the form of garland (mine does), but others can be placed on a shelf, on the fridge, etc. Consult Google for ideas on how to construct yours based on the amount of space you have.
Don’t stress over making it perfect. Your kids will love it, regardless of how it looks.

Lastly, if you’re looking for ideas for your own family Advent Calendar, here are 35 of the ones I’ve used over the past eight years:

Find and decorate a Christmas tree.
Spend the morning in our PJs watching Christmas movies.
Enjoy an extra 1/2 hour of video game time after homework today.
Make hot chocolate after school.
Bake cookies!
Have a paper snowflake competition.
Walk to Starbucks or Tims for a hot drink.
Surprise! Stay up an extra ½ hour tonight.
Mail a greeting card to a family member or friend who lives far away.
Hang some mistletoe and give out kisses.
Make a paper garland to hang on the tree.
Enjoy 1 extra hour of computer, TV, or video game time today.
Family movie night! Pick a classic Christmas movie to watch.
Surprise! No chores today! Leave your bed messy and skip out on table-setting duty.
Go shopping and donate canned foods today.
Go find the wackiest Christmas light displays and drink hot chocolate and eat cookies in the car while you do it!
It’s time for some outdoor fun! Go sledding, skating, or for a walk in the snow.
Have a family story night and read all your Christmas storybooks while enjoying a plate of cookies and milk.
Snuggle up in mom and dad’s bed and read The Night Before Christmas.
Take a family photo.
Have a bubble bath by candlelight with Christmas songs playing on the stereo.
‘Help’ Dad put up the outdoor Christmas lights and decorations.
Have a living room dance party to a fun Christmas album.
Everyone in the family chooses a country and then Googles to see how they celebrate Christmas there.
Unwrap and read a new Christmas book.
Invite another family to come over in their jammies to watch a favourite Christmas movie.
Write Christmas cards.
Decorate a Christmas card for your teacher or favourite babysitter.
Color a Christmas picture or make a Christmas craft.
Make paper snowflakes to hang from the kids’ bedroom ceiling.
Write letters to Santa.
Make a red and green-themed meal.
Make gingerbread cookies.
Decorate a gingerbread house.
Invite a few friends over for a cookie decorating party.

24 Sanity-Saving Elf on the Shelf Ideas

It’s the end of November which can only mean one thing in the parenting world. Come December we’ll see the return of our festive friend (foe?), Elf on the Shelf. With the little guy in red’s arrival comes almost a full month of planning fun and original ways to pose him around the house to the delight of our children. Can you even remember your old Elf on the Shelf ideas?

Kids may love him, but parents have a very divided view of EOTS. He’s been a source of great pressure and stress ever since he hit the shelves in 2005. But, love him or hate him, your kids will be expecting him—and we wouldn’t want to start the Christmas period with sad little faces, now would we?

Because you have enough to think about in December, we’ve made it super easy by compiling 24—one for each day of the month—easy to create Elf on the Shelf ideas.

So no need to come up with something clever when it’s bedtime and you’re tired and totally forgot. Again. Simply bookmark this page and return to it each night for a quick and simple way to surprise your kids.

You can thank us later.

24 Elf on the Shelf Ideas

December 1

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December 23

December 24

Reminder: you will be stuck with the holiday traditions you start for a long, long time. Between Advent Calendars and everything else, you may regret adding Elf on the Shelf to your December To-Do List!

Images via Pinterest.

Pick of the Week: Koolorez BIPOC & Black Dolls

Representation matters. It may feel like we’ve come a long way in introducing BIPOC and black dolls and toys for kids of all backgrounds, but the reality is those toy aisles are far from multicultural. Since necessity and mothers are the mother of invention, we’re not surprised it took a mom of colour to start affecting change.

Michele Ballestin was a full-time working mom of two young kids when she realized the lack of diversity in the Canadian doll market. Despite not having the time to start a business, she felt passionate about representation, diversity, and sharing her culture from Cameroon. She wanted her children and others to explore and celebrate black culture and beauty through imagination and inclusivity in play.

Koolorez Dolls: Black Dolls Celebrating Black Culture & Beauty

Just this year Ballestin launched Koolorez dolls, in February 2022. As a mom and as a black woman, Ballestin had a dream of all black children seeing themselves represented in mainstream media, films, stories, and toys, and made that dream a reality with Koolorez. The black dolls share the beauty of Caribbean and African culture and fashion with characters like Camilla and Jada, who exemplify success, creativity, and happiness in traditional African and Western fashion, kinky hair styles, and head scarves. Koolorez black dolls offer all children the opportunity to learn, play, and embrace the beauty of black skin.

Koolorez dolls come in two doll styles for children aged 2-10. And collections like On-the-Go, Party Queens, and Mini-Me offer a variety of outfits, hair styles, and clothing designs. See the dolls here: www.koolorez.com/collections

If You Want Dad’s Help, Get Out of the Way

Maybe it started during pregnancy—when I was trying to control every variable and outcome for a healthy baby. Not much of dad’s help necessary there. Or maybe it was during those toddler years—as I tried to keep my little one from choking or falling.

But somewhere along the way, I became a total control freak. I got so good, in fact, that accepting anybody’s help (let alone dad’s help) only got in the way. Including my partner in life, my husband.

Sure, I let him cut the lawn the way he likes and decorate the living room with his album covers. But everything else is on me. And usually, that’s the way I like it. Except when I don’t.

See, by being a control freak, I’ve let my guy back off. And the less he does, the more I resent him for it.

I Wanted Dad’s Help, But I Wanted It My Way

It all came to a head one Father’s Day weekend. I had spent the Saturday afternoon doing a million errands, as us moms do, and I returned home, exhausted, only to find my husband, sons, and daughter in the exact same positions that I left them—on the couch, in the basement and in her crib napping, respectively. The desire to scream was almost uncontrollable. You did nothing!

Before I even uttered a word, my husband could see I was going to blow.

“We just came in!” he swore, in a panic. “The kids have been outside all day!”

I stalked off—it was Father’s Day after all. I wanted to give the guy a break, but first I needed to cool down. And that’s when I realized: He wasn’t the problem. I was.

I know I’m not alone. Even this morning, I overheard a couple of moms at the park complaining about their husbands. When one woman asked the other why she didn’t get her husband to help out more, the other woman answered, “Because I don’t like the way he does it; I like it my way.”

And that’s the crux of the problem.

See, if we want our guys to step up—and I know many of us do—we need to get out of the way. And that means letting go of the outcome.

Whether it’s putting away the dishes, making the bed, or keeping the kids busy on a Saturday afternoon, we have to let dads help do it, and let them do it their way. It’s not going to be perfect. It’s not going to be the way you would’ve done it, but at least it saves you the trouble of doing it yourself.

The alternative is doing everything yourself, and that’s not really sustainable, is it?

If you were the boss of your own company, would you hire everyone the same? Or would you hire people with different skill sets and experiences to fill the gaps in yours? And wouldn’t that mean having to be more flexible in style?

It’s not that different at home. No one likes to be micro-managed. And if you want to engage your team, you need to give them ownership, over tasks as well as decisions.

At home, that means letting dads steer for a change. That way, us moms, too, can enjoy the view.

Best Bets for Birthday Parties in Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Region

Planning birthday parties in Vancouver is not easy. With our unique West Coast weather, it’s always tough to predict the weather in advance. When it comes to birthdays, this means extra planning. Even in summer, it’s hard to know if it’ll be dry enough to enjoy an outdoor gathering, picnic, beach day, or bbq – and from autumn to spring you’ll certainly need to find somewhere warm, dry, and big enough to host a gaggle of kids if you don’t have the space at home – or simply don’t want to do it there.

So there’s a lot to be said for booking a birthday at a place that’s designed for that very purpose – less clean-up, activities to keep the kids busy, and food you didn’t have to cook yourself (depending on where you go, of course.) With events largely on hiatus the last few years, some of the old standbys are no longer open but plenty are back, better than ever – along with some newcomers to the birthday-party circuit. Here’s a round-up of some of our favourite places for birthday parties in Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver region:

Best Bets for Birthday Parties in Vancouver:

On the Big Screen

Head out to the local movie theatre to catch the latest animated flick or kid-friendly show (or, for pre-teens and teens, maybe something PG!) Many theatres have a birthday room and offer combo packages that include popcorn and drinks or other snacks, along with the movie ticket. Landmark Cinemas and Cineplex Odeon have locations around the region. For a discount theatre, check out Hollywood 3 in the Newton neighbourhood of Surrey.

Lessons in Fun

Why not make your child’s birthday party a learning opportunity? There’s plenty of options in Vancouver with a host of galleries, museums and science centres throughout the region, many of which have birthday party packages to help welcome kids in for some learning and fun. Check out the party information pages at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the Beaty Musuem of Biodiversity at UBC, or the McMillan Bloedel Space Centre. Though currently on hold, keep an eye out for a return of the very popular birthday parties at both Science World and Vancouver Aquarium any time soon.

Spares and Strikes

Get out for some good old-fashioned five or ten pin bowling at one of the many bowling alleys in Greater Vancouver. Though there’s fewer alleys than there once was, those that remain are popular and busy – book early to make sure you get a lane on a busy weekend slot! In North Surrey, check out Dell Lanes, in Burnaby head over to Revs, and in Vancouver there’s Grandview Bowling.

Tasty Celebrations

Don’t feel like cooking food for the birthday party? Maybe the kids can cook their own this time – or at least, some of it. Holding a cooking class birthday party is a great alternative that offers kids a unique chance to learn a few things in the kitchen and have fun with friends. Many cooking schools offer birthday party or group classes specifically for kids. In Vancouver, check out Dickies Cooking School and Posh Pantry.

All the Art

Splatter paintings, pottery projects, lessons in cartoon drawing – the opportunities are endless when it comes to art parties. These are great for all ages, with options for different projects depending on age (and bonus, they’re fun for adults, too.) Check out 4 Cats (which has locations around the Lower Mainland), Hippo Art Studio, and Luminous Elephant.

Run, Play, Climb

Have some energetic kids to keep busy? There’s a reason that indoor play places are such popular party locations. Kids can run, play and climb to their hearts’ content. Some have unique imanative play zones, laser tag, bumpers cars or more. A few of our favourites include Kidtropolis in Richmond, Go Bananas (which has four locations around the region in Chilliwack, North Vancouver, Richmond and Langley), Jungle Jac’s in Coquitlam, and Central City Fun Park in Surrey.

Our Favourite Birthday Party Places in Calgary

Planning a birthday party for your kiddo is a ton of fun, but with so many options out there, it can also be tough to know what to choose. We’ve narrowed down a few of our favourite ideas for great kids’ birthday party places in Calgary.

Awesome Kids Birthday Party Places in Calgary

Parties for your Picasso-in-training:

Clay for Kids | clayforkids.com

Cost: Prices start at $17 per artist
Ages: Kids to adults!
Length of time: 75-90 minutes, depending on the party theme
Number of guests: Parties have a minimum charge (depending on project) starting at $170

As a teacher, Clay for Kids in-school field trips are always a huge hit with my class. I was so excited to learn that they also host 4 different birthday party options (with 150 different projects to choose from) at different price points. There are Clay Building parties, a Pottery Wheel Boot Camp, a Glass Fusion project and a Paint & Go option. A pottery instructor will bring all of the supplies to your home, demonstrate how to create the project and let the guest of honour try throwing a bowl as well. After the clay projects are finished, they need to be taken to fire in the kiln and will be returned within 21 days. Other projects are ready to take home at the end of the party.

4 Cats Art Studio | 4cats.com

Cost: Parties start at $165 and vary by theme, number of guests and length of time.
Ages: 5 and up
Length of time: Party lengths can be determined by you and start at 60 minutes.
Number of guests: Up to 20 (extra teacher fee is applied for groups over 16). Any person staying in the studio (excluding 2 adults for the birthday kid) are counted as guests.

For the budding artist, 4 Cats Art Studio has a variety of different party themes to explore. Create an incredible splatter painting, make an adorable oven-bake clay creation, design a “mini-me” mixed media sculpture, or sculpt a sweet earthenware clay cup! Choose to host your guests just for the art project, or stay for cake and snacks (provided by you).

Parties for the animal lover:

Calgary Humane Society | calgaryhumane.ca

Cost: From $225
Ages: 6+
Length of time: 2-3 hours (depending on package)
Number of guests: Up to 15

What could be better than spending your birthday with a bunch of adorable animals? Even if the answer to this question is “nothing”, a birthday at the Calgary Humane Society is so much more than just that! There are two birthday party packages available (Standard and Deluxe), both of which include a private party room, a tour of the facility, a craft, an interactive presentation, and a visit from a furry friend. Parties can be booked on Saturday and Sunday afternoons between 1 pm and 4pm for the standard party package and 10 am – 1 pm for the deluxe package.

Butterfield Acres | butterfieldacres.com

Cost: $289 + GST (an additional $39.99 for the unicorn package)
Ages: All ages!
Length of time: 1 hour
Number of guests: 10-12

Butterfield Acres offers different party packages depending on the kind of cozy critter you’d like to spend your day snuggling with. Whether your guest of honour loves goats, lambs, bunnies, ponies or even unicorns, Butterfield Acres has you covered. Parties can be booked year-round and set up anywhere from a garage to a deck or backyard – this is the perfect option if you want to bring the cuteness to you.

Calgary Zoo | calgaryzoo.com

Cost: $30 per person (children and adults)
Ages: All ages!
Length of time: 1.5 hours
Number of guests: For parties for kiddos between 3-5, one adult chaperone is required for every 3 children. For parties for kids 6+, one chaperone is required for every 4 children.

A birthday party at the Calgary Zoo is guaranteed to be a roaring good time! Each guest receives a full day admission, a choice of one of three indoor or outdoor party locations, and a birthday meal for each guest (includes meal, side, juice box, cookie and a small toy). For an additional fee, add ons such as loot bags, a face painter, carousel rides and special sweets, treats and drinks are available. Parties start at 11 am, 1:30 pm or 3:30 pm.

Parties for the kid on the move:

Southland Leisure Centre, Village Square Leisure Centre, or Inglewood Aquatic Centre | calgary.ca

Cost: $145 and up, depending on party theme and location
Ages: Range depending on party
Length of time: 2 hours
Number of guests: varies depending on party and location

All three of these popular city facilities have a birthday party options available, including an Indoor Play Structure party (at Southland Leisure Centre and Village Square Leisure Centre) and Surf’s Up Swim parties (at all 3). Food and utensils must be provided by you.

Dance with France | dancewithfrance.ca

Cost: $195
Ages: 4 to adult
Length of time: Typically 2 hours
Number of guests: Up to 12 ($10 per additional guest)

If your kiddo likes to boogie, Dance with France has the perfect party option. For one hour, guests will take a dance class in the style of the birthday guest’s choice. Afterwards, take a break and eat some cake, open presents and play some great dance games! Suggested birthday themes include (but aren’t limited to) a Hip-Hop party, Ballerina party, Zumba/Salsa party, Disco fever party, or anything you and your birthday kid can dream up.

Calaway Park | calawaypark.com

Cost: Starting at $245 or $409 + GST (depending on package)
Ages: All ages
Length of time: All day!
Number of guests: Minimum 8 for “Come As You Are” package, 10 guests for “Calaway’s Birthday Club House package

Who doesn’t love Calaway Park? With two different party packages to choose from, Calaway Park makes it easy to plan the perfect warm-weather party. The Come As You Are Package covers admission for 8 guests over 3 years of age (kids under 3 are free), a birthday button for the guest of honour and a birthday prize for all guests. In this package, guests are invited to enjoy their party at one of the first-come, first-served pic-nic areas at the park. For the Birthday Club House Package, admission for 10 guests is included, as well as two large pizzas and 10 cans of pop to enjoy at the Birthday Clubhouse for one hour (in addition to everything listed in the Come As You Are Package). Add-ons including extra admission, food and drinks can be purchased at an extra charge.

Laser City | lasercity.ca

Cost: Starting at $169.99 for laser tag and $299.99 for paintball
Ages: 6+ for laser tag and 8 to 12 for paintball
Length of time: 2 hours for laser tag and 2.5 hours for paintball
Number of guests: 10-36 players for laser tag and 10-20 players for paintball

If your kid has a passion for paintball or lives for laser tag, Laser City is your must-book party venue. Laser tag is available at their north and south locations and includes 2 games of laser tag and an hour for cake, pizza and gifts in the party room. You are welcome to bring your own food, and pizza can be ordered from Panago by using their order form. Paintball parties are available to book at the north location only and includes a safety briefing, a variety of games and all the equipment you’ll need to play mini paintball for an hour on their indoor paintball field. The last hour is yours to spend in the party room!

Sprog and Sprocket | sprogandsprocket.ca

Cost: Soft Play Parties start at $279; Portable Playground rentals start at $449; Ball pits start at $159
Ages: All ages
Length of time: From 4 hours to all weekend
Number of guests: Up to you!

If you’d like to bring the fun of an indoor play place to your home, Sprog and Sprocket has just what you’re looking for! Whether you’re looking for a 4 hour event, or a weekend or weeklong rental, they’ve got flexible options to keep the play going as long as you’d like! Soft Play Party rentals include setup and teardown and have 4 different options for equipment (and prices vary based on the option you choose). Add ons such as ball pools and extra obstacles are available for an additional fee. The portable playground is perfect for driveway or garage parties and includes full installation and teardown; ball pit rentals require you to pick up and return.

Indoor Play Places

Calgary has no shortage of awesome indoor play places that are perfect for the birthday kid who loves to run, climb and slide. Check out our roundup of spots in the city to learn more about their birthday packages.

Parties for the kid who wants to chill:

Canyon Meadows Cinemas | canyonmeadowscinemas.ca

Cost: $13.50 per child + $30 to book the party room for 1 hour
Ages: Movie lovers of all ages
Length of time: Approximately 3 hours
Number of guests: 6-12

Nothing beats an afternoon at the movies! Enjoy the best seats and treats in the house as your guests take in the silver screen from their reserved seats with a snack of popcorn, drink and a candy treat. After the show (or before, if you’d prefer), guests are invited to continue the celebration in a birthday party room, which has space for up to 12 guests and, of course, birthday cake. Each birthday party package includes free admission for two adults. Add-ons like extra snacks or movie passes for loot bags can be purchased for an extra fee.

A Little Campout | alittlecampout.ca

Cost: Starting at $40 per tent, depending on how many are rented (minimum 2).
Ages: Any age!
Length of time: All night long!
Number of guests: Up to 8 (Minimum 2)

Is the birthday girl or guy begging for a sleepover party? Make it extra special with these super cute sleepover tents provided by A Little Campout! Prices vary depending on the number of tents you order ($50 per tent for 2-5 tents, $45 per tent for 6-9 tents, and $40 per tent for 10+ tents). Each package includes the tent itself, a matching quilt, fitted sheet, air mattress, breakfast tray, lantern and battery-powered tea light, fairy lights, matching bunting and a wooden chalkboard name sign. For an extra charge, add star projectors, sleep masks and other fun decor items . Every party rental also receives a 15% discount at A Little Confetti (the company’s party boutique).

Feel Fabulous Mobile Spa | feelfabulous.ca

Cost: Packages start at $22 per girl. Add-ons such as crafts, decor and additional services are available. Minimum charge of $165 of Monday-Thursday bookings and $200 for weekend party bookings
Ages: Anyone who needs to relax and be pampered!
Length of time: Approximately 3 hours
Number of guests: Up to you!

The only thing better than a day at the spa is when the spa comes to you! Book a mobile spa party to come right to your home (a minimum $25 travel fee applies) and let the pampering begin. Party packages can be as basic as a manicure and can include everything up to hairstyles, facials and lessons on how to walk the runway. Services are available for girls and boys!

Would your kid love one of the birthday party places in Calgary listed above? Are there some great ones we missed? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!