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Family-Friendly Local Vancouver Beaches - SavvyMom

Best Family-Friendly Local Vancouver Beaches

It’s summertime in Vancouver – bring on the beach! We are fortunate to have an amazing selection of public Vancouver beaches in and around the city, complete with sand, spectacular views, and activities aplenty. Check out our list below of six of the best. And before you pile everything but the kitchen sink into your car, don’t forget the essentials, like sunscreen and baby powder (for sand removal).

Best Family-Friendly Vancouver Beaches

Ambleside Park

Dreaming of sandy beaches but wanting to keep the car ride to a minimum? Check out Ambleside Park in West Vancouver. It’s the ultimate beach day family destination with long stretches of beach, a nearby playground, skatepark, tennis, and basketball courts, and even a par 3 golf course. Plus, Ambleside has free parking! Grab a bite to eat at The Boatshed Restaurant or venture further along to Earls and several other eateries – and post-meal, access the Centennial Seawalk and continue walking along the path towards Dundarave Park.

Bonus: Ambleside has a designated swim area that is monitored by lifeguards in the summer.

Centennial Beach

Centennial Beach is located within Boundary Bay Regional Park in Tsawwassen. You can’t beat its expansive sandy beach that makes for a beachcombing paradise when the tide is out. There’s also a large playground, picnic tables, bathrooms and a concession stand nearby. And, if you’re looking to take a break from the beach, check out the Dyke Trail – perfect for walking or biking, the trail is also a fave spot for bird-watching (and ideal for a game of I Spy!). As with many popular beaches, parking is limited during summer months.

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach in South Surrey is a great spot for families to enjoy an idyllic day at the beach. With sandy beaches for endless beachcombing, walking trails, spectacular views from the pier, and grassy areas perfect for a picnic, Crescent Beach promises to deliver a relaxing day at the beach – well, as relaxing as it gets when spending the day at the beach with your family! Be sure to check out the nearby shops and cafes in the nearby beachfront community – and don’t be surprised if you catch yourself dreaming of becoming a local (also, be respectful of parking in residential areas). Crescent Beach has two designated swim areas with lifeguards on site from 11 a.m. to 8 :30 p.m. in the summer.

Kitsilano Beach

What would a list of the best Vancouver beaches be without Kitsilano Beach? Kits has it all – sandy beach, fully accessible playground, lawn areas, and Vancouver’s only saltwater swimming pool (it’s also heated). There’s also a concession stand and the Boathouse restaurant nearby, an idyllic spot for taking in the stunning views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore. Of course, Kits Beach is also steps away from tons of neighbourhood cafes and shops. Kits Beach promises to make for an entertaining day at the beach – there’s no shortage of people-watching – but it’s also one of the most popular. If you’re looking for a quieter spot to unwind with the family, Kits Beach may not be the best fit.

Second Beach, Stanley Park

A bonafide summer hot spot is Second Beach in Stanley Park. Not only is it relatively central, it’s also packed with activities – in addition to the beach, there’s also two playgrounds and a heated outdoor swimming pool. The pool is great for little ones with a sloped entry and separated lanes for lap swimmers (Note that it’s recommended to purchase tickets for the pool in advance). Washrooms and concessions are also located nearby. And if you really want to make a day of it, explore the magical forests of Stanley Park, bike around the Sewall, or plan a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium – sure to guarantee the coveted Parent-of-the-Year Award. Head there early to beat the crowds and keep in mind that paid parking is in effect.

Honourable Mention: Stanley Park also boasts Third Beach, which is another awesome option and is often less busy.

Spanish Banks Beach

Another central spot for beachgoers is Spanish Banks Beach in Vancouver, composed of three distinct areas: east, west, and extension. Spanish Banks features multiple concession stands, volleyball courts, bathrooms, off-leash zones for dogs, picnic tables, and more. With so much space, it’s a popular spot for families (yet is often less crowded than other Vancouver beaches). Spend the day exploring the low tide flats and then enjoy a picnic on the nearby grassy fields. FYI, the concession and washrooms at Spanish Banks West are currently closed and are expected to reopen by summer 2024 – plan to allow for a 7-minute walk to head to the facilities at Spanish Banks East.

I Relish Time Away from the Kids - SavvyMom

I Relish Time Away from the Kids & I’m Not Sorry About It

When the youngest child goes off to kindergarten, many moms cry. They lament their baby growing up. They miss having a little one at home, and long for the company of their Mini-Me.

I was not one of these moms. I relish time away from the kids.

When my youngest started kindergarten, I held a parade. I uncorked champagne. I wore a sash reading “Queen of Freedom” and yelled “Bye Felicia!” from the highest mountain top I could find. I could not wait to send my kid off to school.

It’s not that I don’t love my kids, or enjoy spending time with them, I do. It’s just that I need time to myself to function. I need more time than I was getting as a work-at-home mom. And now, I can honestly say that both of us are better for having this time away from each other.

Once upon a time I read an article describing one couple’s choice to spend every weekend for a year kid-free. It attracted a lot of ire. Who would want to spend that much time away from their children? You can’t see it, but I have my hand raised high in the air. Me. I would. Sign me up.

Okay, maybe not every weekend, and not now that both kids are in school. But, when I was home all day every day with one child, and most of the day with the other, hell yes, I would love to have weekends off.

In fact, I did get many weekends away from my kids. For several years, my parents took our oldest child, and our youngest when he was old enough, nearly every other weekend. It was blissful. They got quality time with their grandparents, my husband and I got some alone time together, and I got some time just to myself. Oh, and sleep. Glorious sleep! My kids were never, and are still not, good sleepers. To get a full night’s sleep once a week was life-affirming.

These days, I get six solid hours a day away from my children. I am able to get up with them in the morning and see them off for school or camp and then spend six hours working from home, napping, puttering around the house, and re-energizing myself to handle the chaos when they come home.

Before you judge me too harshly for relishing this time away from my children, let me explain. I am an extreme introvert. Spending time with people in any capacity is quite literally exhausting for me. My children, despite their animal-like tendencies, are people, and they absolutely count in the introvert conundrum. As much as I enjoy spending time with them, if I do not get a break from them – and everyone else – regularly, I burn out quickly and I’m no good to them or myself.

I also suffer from anxiety and depression, both of which manifest in me as exhaustion. I’m not generally nervous or sad, I am just worn out all the time. Having those hours to myself to be exhausted means that I can save all of my energy to be present when my kids are home. I spend less time with them, but the quality of that time is better. I am genuinely excited to see them and spend time when them when they walk through the door at the end of the day.

I also benefit from spending time away from my husband. And my friends. And everyone else in the world, for exactly the same reasons. I love to spend time with them, so I need to ensure that time is spent well, not with me stretched past my limits.

Spending time away from my kids inarguably makes me a better parent. There is no doubt in my mind that it is the best thing for all of us. They are my heart and soul, and I love them more than anything, including time to myself, and for that reason, I do everything I can to make sure I am there for them in my full capacity whenever they need me. Even if that means spending hours a day away from them when they don’t.

Eating Mindfully Tips - SavvyMom

Forget Willpower. Eating Mindfully Is Better

Are you eating mindfully? We may think we are in complete control of our senses, but studies prove just how unperceptive we can be about what we eat and when. Now we are learning that even the colour of cutlery influences our perception of how food tastes.

One study finds that size, shape, and weight of the spoon affects how people assess flavour. Some assessments went so far as tasting ‘expensive’ because the spoon was heavier. What it tells me, as a nutritionist, is that the brain makes judgements even before food goes into your mouth, indicating that we are less aware and more influenced by our surroundings than we think.

Previous studies have shown how we are inspired to eat more jelly beans if there are more colours, and that the placement of a candy dish (and whether it’s clear or opaque) influences how many we pop into our mouths.

This backs up my often repeated phrase that ‘willpower does not exist; only systems work.’ The best and most effective way to eato ting mindfully and consciously enjoy what is going in your mouth is to have an unwavering process through which you chew each day.

Another study suggested that employers should feed their staff or at least insist on a lunch break. The study found that lunch skippers were more likely to make poor or risky decisions since the flight or fight triggers fired when hunger was at play. (In my world, we call it ‘hangry.’) This state caused less clear thinking and more aggressive behaviour. Blame your employer if your cubicle mate is ticking you off by 3 pm.

Tips for Eating Mindfully

The more systematic you can make your life, the fewer decisions you will have to make on the fly…

  • Breakfast is always the same on weekdays; try this Magic Muesli recipe.
  • Exercise is put first daily; even a 10 minute round of jumping jacks will set you up for success.
  • Pack a lunch; soups and stews or leftover salads are right in the fridge begging to come along.
  • Take a break and eat lunch; duh.
  • Have a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts at 3 pm.
  • Do what you want for dinner as long as you have two vegetables and avoid deep fried foods whenever possible.

See? Simple. Eating mindfully is a small step that can reap large benefits. You’ll enjoy your food and how it fuels your body.

Top Spots for Ice Cream in Vancouver - SavvyMom

Top Spots for Ice Cream in Vancouver this Summer

It’s hard to imagine summer without ice cream: from the fairgrounds to the backyard, ice cream is the perennial favourite summertime treat for all ages. These days, ice cream comes in countless flavours (so many, in fact, that one Vancouver ice cream shop holds the Guinness World Record for most flavours) and styles, from soft serve to old-fashioned scoops. Here’s a few of our favourite spots for ice cream in Vancouver and the surrounding region… Head out to enjoy one (or make a field trip of it and spend the day on an ice cream tour!)

The Best Spots for Ice Cream in Vancouver

Glenburn Soda Fountain

Where: Burnaby
Web: https://www.glenburnsoda.com/
For nearly ten years, Glenburn has been a favourite in the Heights neighbourhood of North Burnaby. This old-school fountain shop offers a step back in time and features not just ice cream but sundaes, milkshakes and malts as well as other homemade desserts.

Soft Peaks

Where: Gastown, Burnaby & Richmond
Web: Instagram.com/softpeaksicecream/
Known for their unique soft-serve recipe featuring local Avalon organic milk, this creamy, all-natural ice cream is a fan favourite. With a variety of toppings (like fruit from the Okanagan and honeycomb from the Fraser Valley), these ice cream cones also help support local children – the company donates partial proceeds from sales to BC Children’s Hospital.

Rain or Shine

Where: Kitsilano, UBC, Cambie
Web: http://rainorshineicecream.com/
This local shop has grown to three great locations for ice cream in Vancouver, each of them popular all year long. They also offer a food truck location at English Bay (check here for schedules). With unique flavours and a friendly community feel, Rain or Shine has become one of the city’s favourite ice cream destinations.

Earnest Ice Cream

Where: Vancouver and North Vancouver
Web: https://earnesticecream.com/
With a focus on ethical practices, such as a zero waste approach to business, Earnest Ice Cream is a locally sourced and owned business with four locations for ice cream in Vancouver and one in North Vancouver. Keep your eye open at farmer’s markets for their wares, as well, and be sure to return the glass jars – they’re re-used like glass milk jars.

La Glace

Where: Vancouver
Web: https://www.laglace.ca/
Want something a little bit fancy? Check out La Glace, a premier line of French ice cream. Made from scratch with a final product that is rich and decadent, this ice cream first appeared at select pop up events around town and has a storefront on West 16th. All of their products are made locally on site.

Casa Gelato

Where: Vancouver
Web: https://lacasagelato.com/
The iconic Vancouver ice cream shop is housed in a pink building in East Vancouver: Casa Gelato has been serving up all the choices (238 in all, actually) for decades now. This store actually holds the World Record for “Most Commercially Available Flavours.” It may take you a bit of time to decide which flavour you want. (Note: according to the website, the shop takes Canadian or US cash or debit cards, but no credit cards.)

J Squared Ice Cream

Where: Richmond
Web: https://jsquaredicecream.com/
Check out the unique offerings at J Squared, which include the traditional favourites alongside unique combinations like matcha green tea, roasted oolong milk tea, Japanese black sesame, Vietnamese coffee and more.

Anny’s Dairy Bar

Where: New Westminster
Web: www.facebook.com/pages/Annys-Dairy-Bar/
Here’s one of the region’s best kept secrets – the maple flavoured soft serve at Anny’s Dairy Bar in uptown New Westminster. A favourite of locals in the neighbourhood, people often make the trip out to Anny’s if they move away, just to get a taste of this unique ice cream. The shop also sells poutine, hot dogs, and more, so there’s plenty to round out your summer treats.

Rocky Point Ice Cream

Where: Port Moody, New Westminster, Coquitlam
Web: https://rockypointicecream.com/
This local favourite started off with one shop 25 years ago in a small kiosk in Rocky Point Park. They have three locations and make their own small batch flavours with classics like chocolate chip mint and unique flavour combinations that change from season to season.

Milkcow Café

Where: Richmond
Web: https://milkcowcafe.ca/

Famous in Korea, where it was first launched, the Milkcow Café has come to Canada with two locations – one in Toronto and one right here in Richmond. Known for their unique soft serve and topping choices, this is one of the fastest growing ice cream chains in Asia, known as a favourite of many K-pop celebrities.

How Much Should Your Kids Be Reading This Summer?

As a parent in the summer, I’m all about forgetting the rules and schedules. I’m perfectly okay with letting my kids live on cereal and popsicles all day and saying yes when they want to stay up late.

But there’s also a part of me that feels this slight responsibility for their well-being, which includes their learning. I don’t really want to worry about reading and doing math and preparing them for the next school year right now. But I also know it’s important for kids of all ages to keep up with reading over the summer months.

So that’s why I chatted with an expert to get his take on just how important it is for kids to be reading over the summer and how many books should be on their list.

Dr. Steve Truch is a Canadian educational psychologist who specializes in literacy and learning disabilities. He’s also a Grandpa to an 11-year-old kid named North. But more on how North comes into this later.

The phenomenon of summer learning loss

Summer learning loss refers to the loss of skills or knowledge in kids over the holidays – and it truly is a phenomenon according to Dr. Truch.

Researchers started looking into it in 1978 in the U.S. and in 2010, a study was conducted in Ontario. Out of the 2000 students studied, 46% had some form of learning loss during the summer. Basically, what researchers are finding is that over the summer, kids are losing approximately two months of skills and knowledge. And when they get back to school, it can take up to two months for them to get back to where they started. (It’s an even higher loss in math).

The studies showed that some of these results were connected to things like parent education and income level, so there are some socio-economic factors at play. But overall, as parents, we should take reading and math, and learning over the summer in general, seriously.

What Parents Can Do & How Much Reading is Necessary

Setting aside time each day to do some math and to read with your kids is the key. Here’s how much:

  • Try to get in 10 minutes of math skills a day.
  • Aim for a mix of reading to your child and having them read out loud to you (or silently) for 30 minutes a day.
  • However, if your child is already a good reader and they like it, they can easily do more than that because they won’t be resistant.

If you’ve got a kid who may not be super strong in math or reading, some structured activities may help.

One online resource to help you get started is ixl.com. They’ve got activities by grade level in math, science, language, and reading skills. There are some fees associated with accessing all of the activities, but it’s definitely a good place to start to look for resources. You can also try out your local library to see what kind of programs they offer.

A Word of Caution About Apps

Dr. Truch did recommend against putting a lot of focus on apps (although, I know how much we all love iPads and apps. As a mom of three little kids, I really, truly do.) He said that apps are generally fine if your kid isn’t having any issues with learning – but if they are – you may want to take a different approach.

Why? Well, you want to be careful with some of them because research has shown that tapping on a screen is very different than working with paper and pencil. When we teach kids anything, we’re wiring their brains to work a certain way – and when you’re tapping on a screen, you’re not producing the motor input that your brain needs in order to remember letters (for example), because it’s being produced for you.

So, they have a place – but we shouldn’t put all of our focus on them. I personally went out and bought a few workbooks at our local bookstore because, for some strange reason, my kids think they’re a treat and they enjoy working through them every once in a while.

At What Age Should You Start?

All kids experience some kind of learning loss, so it helps to work on this no matter how old your child is. However, kindergarten-aged kids are just getting prepared for school, so it’s more about learning everything from social skills to new schedules.

The real key is the quality time you spend with your child. I loved what Dr. Truch had to say about this. He suggests that quality time together is the most beneficial way for them to learn. There’s no specific number of books they need to be reading – and while reading challenges are fun and great – it’s not about checking off 100 books. Fluent readers will get through a lot no problem. But if your child needs an extra push, they’ll get the most benefit from the time you spend together going over the story together, talking about the words, asking questions about what’s going to happen next and talking about the pictures.

To help you find some books to tackle over the summer, Dr. Truch’s grandson, North, developed a reading list by age. We think it’s pretty cute – and spot on.

Book Recommendations by North (an avid reader)

Hoot by Carl Hiassen (ages 12 to young adult)

Dance, Dance, Underpants by Bob Shea. Ages 4 and up can listen to this one. Young readers to about grade 3 will enjoy it.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. Ages 8 to 12.

Tree Mail by Brian Smith and Mike Reicht. Ages 8 to 10.

The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel. Ages 9 to 14.

Dog Man by Dave Pilkey. Ages 7 to 9. This book is by the author of the Captain Underpants series.

The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dave Pilkey. Ages 7 to 9. Hilarious series with lots of phonetic spelling throughout.

Timmy Failure (Mistakes Were Made) by Stephan Pastis. Ages 7 to 10.

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Ages 10 through adult and Through the Looking Glass by the same author.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. Ages 10 through adult. Told mainly in illustrations.

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney. Very appropriate to read to a 5-year-old starting Kindergarten or a 6-year-old starting the first day of school.

Zen Ties by John J. Muth. Ages 7 to 10. A story of compassion and friendship.

Dr. Truch works with children, adolescents and adults of all ages to diagnose and treat difficulties with reading, spelling, math, written language and comprehension. His clinic, The Reading Foundation, has offices in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Before opening his own clinics, Dr. Truch was a school psychologist for 14 years and also served as a classroom teacher and assistant superintendent for special education.

The Invisible Workload of Motherhood - SavvyMom

The Invisible Workload of Motherhood Is Killing Me

Ask any mom about the invisible workload of motherhood and she knows exactly what you’re talking about.

It’s the things we do for our families that are necessary but go completely unnoticed. The endless list of small tasks that would only ever draw attention if they didn’t happen. The mental weight of doing it all, remembering it all, feeling every emotion in your family and worrying, constantly.

It’s not just making dinner every night—it’s knowing what everyone likes, deciding what to make, having a mental inventory of what’s already in the fridge and cupboards, picking up the groceries, and knowing which night we won’t be home for dinner because of soccer. It’s packing the leftovers into a Tupperware and making a mental note of when it will go bad. It’s noticing that maple syrup has spilled in the back of the fridge and silently cleaning it up, tossing out an old salad dressing and some uneaten pasta as you go.

The invisible workload carries over to the pile of school forms and birthday party invitations on the counter, the lunch bag that needs replacing and the school shoes that are getting too small. It’s how summer clothes are removed from dresser drawers and replaced with pants that you bought in anticipation of the cold. It’s how those old summer clothes end up being sold, donated, or passed on to a friend. It’s why your kids have neatly clipped fingernails and get regular haircuts.

The list looks somewhat different to everyone, but it never ends. Sometimes, it’s about stocking the cupboards with toilet paper, dish soap, paper towels, shampoo, and toothpaste. Other times, it’s why a new kettle appears when the old one breaks, or a babysitter shows up on date night. It’s buying and wrapping the presents for those birthday parties, knowing the names of the kids and parents at the party, and understanding which kid your child is avoiding and why. Oh, and it’s how EVERY holiday happens.

And, you’re still doing the visible things.

But when? Oh my god, seriously, when?

Whether your day is spent working outside the house or at home with a young family, it’s likely that you’re busy as hell and being pulled in five different directions at any given moment. Your mornings are chaos and your 9-5 is either spent in an office or with your lovable yet incredibly demanding offspring. Then there’s dinner, maybe homework, bedtime routine, and finally, free time . . . which you’ll use mostly to care for others.

When I wake up from a half-sleep in one of my kids’ beds at 8:15 pm, having passed out next to them with a copy of The Gruffalo discarded on the floor below, I want to call it a day. I want to kiss my beautiful child on the head, slip out of their room and dive into my own bed for a long, deep, uninterrupted sleep.

This never happens.

Instead, I stumble out of their warm bed and look frantically for my phone to check the time. I sprint to the mall before it closes because one of my kids has outgrown his jacket and the other has destroyed all of her socks. While I’m there, I pick up new work pants for my husband and grab a copy of that novel I need for book club. I leave the mall and grab a coffee before Starbucks closes, then head over to the 24-hour grocery store to pick up food for the week. On the way home, I might have to fill up the gas tank or pop into the drug store (also open 24 hours, thank God) because I forgot to grab a birthday card for that party on the weekend or a gift card for that awesome teacher who’s leaving the school and also, we’re low on Children’s Tylenol and Band-Aids. There’s always something. There are usually many things.

Sure, there are evenings that I stay in and watch a show with my husband or play Words with Friends on my phone until the screen is a tired blur. But many other nights, I meet a friend for coffee or (less often) join them for a workout class, attend a school council meeting or run some random errand that couldn’t be fit into my day. Sometimes I take my laptop to a coffee shop and catch up on work. Other nights, I head to the bookstore and slowly browse the aisles, soaking in the quiet.

I’ve taken my car to the gas station to vacuum it out at 10 pm because there was no other time to do it. I’ve done laundry at midnight and made school lunches at one in the morning before finally collapsing into bed. There is no chore I haven’t completed at an ungodly hour and no store that I haven’t cursed for closing at 9 pm. And my house is still a mess.

When it’s all said and done, I know I should go straight to bed—but I don’t. Because I haven’t had a single moment to myself to just EXIST, alone, in my own thoughts. So I turn on a late-night television show, pick up a book or scroll Instagram until I’ve sufficiently chilled out. It’s only then that sleep feels appropriate, and I can rest before doing it all again the next day.

While there are others just like me, there are our morning counterparts as well. This isn’t about staying up all night to do things—it’s about squeezing your entire adult life into a few hours when your kids are in bed. We all do it to an extent. For some, this means getting up at 5 or 6 am to work out, enjoy a cup of tea in silence or get organized for the day. For me, it means staying up at all hours because I hate mornings more than a three-year-old hates mittens.

Whatever time of day you’re hammering through your visible and invisible workload, you’re not alone—somewhere, there is a mom just like you, combing through a bin of rain boots at 8:55 pm on a Tuesday. There’s a mom buying glue sticks and felt for a school project and another one sorting through old toys so they can be slipped out of the house before the kids wake up again. These moms are everywhere, all the time. They love their kids more than words but my god, they are exhausted. If you see one, make sure you offer a supportive smile—she may not notice, because she’s so damn tired, but the solidarity is there and that’s enough.

Outdoor Activities for kids - SavvyMom

Back-to-Basics Outdoor Activities for Kids

If you’re looking for something old-but-new to do with the kids, look no further. You likely already have all the supplies you need at home to enjoy some of these back-to-basics outdoor activities for kids.

Think of the summer memories you’ll make getting cozy in a tent or watching a movie under the stars.

Back-to-Basics Outdoor Activities for Kids

Backyard Camping

What’s childhood—or adulthood for that matter—without some backyard time? If you’re not certain that actual camping with kids is your jam, having a test run in your own backyard will let you know if you’re ready to brave the great outdoors or if proximity to your own bed is still a must.

Weekday Hopscotch

Whether it’s the start of summer or the precious days are closer to the end, there is still a variety of outdoor games kids will be excited to play. But with this new take on an old-school game, the whole neighbourhood will be over at your driveway tossing, hopping, and learning the days of the week.

Backyard Safari

What better way to enjoy summer’s hot and sunny days than with a homemade backyard safari adventure? With simple craft supplies and stickers, your explorers-in-training will love dreaming up a backyard jungle. Who knows what they’ll find…

Summer Snipe Hunt

What happens when you combine the ultimate campfire legend with a crazy scavenger hunt? The super imaginative Snipe Hunt. This not-so-true story will have every age group roaming around the cottage looking for the sneaky snipe bird—that is until the truth comes out.

DIY Backyard Water Park

Make a splash in your kids’ day and get them into the fresh air with these great water activities. From spray bottles to sponges to a cool down treat, with these DIY backyard water park ideas your little soakers won’t be heading back inside any time soon.

Scavenger Hunt in the Woods

Have your kids been leaving clues for you to set up a homemade scavenger hunt, but you just aren’t sure where to start? Well look no further than this easy how-to guide from a mom who finally took the plunge. It’s the perfect birthday activity for kids on a cupcake-high.

Water Squirter Math Game

It’s no secret that kids love a break from homework and pop quizzes, but it’s no excuse to cut off learning altogether. With this backyard math game, you’ll keep their minds from melting away in the summer heat.

Family Outdoor Movie Night

Popcorn, check. Kids’ flick, check. Backyard ‘drive-in’ theatre, check. With in-theatre movie nights at a premium these days, why not create your very own backyard movie night for the kids? It’s a great way to end a summer get-together—while the kids are snuggled up in front of the screen, parents can finish up a glass of wine under the stars.

Apple Bag Toss

It’s true what they say, an apple-a-day does keep the doctor away—and in this case, the apple comes in the form of a fun craft and outdoor game. Creating your own apple bag toss game is a great way to get the kids geared up for apple season.

Catching Bugs

Snails, butterflies and worms—oh my! As your little explorers dig through the backyard and neighbourhood, why not equip them with some safe and friendly bug catchers so they can do some further investigation into these creepy-crawlies?

Outdoor Target Practice

Are you that parent who always said your child would never, ever play with toy guns or participate in any kind of shooting play? And then did you remember how fun squirtguns and water pistols are? These ideas for backyard target practice for water blasters will keep your kids busy before the water guns come out.

What's Streaming in July for Kids & Families - SavvyMom

What’s Streaming in July for Kids and Families

Summer is in full swing, and the kids are done school for eight weeks, so now’s the time to start planning everything you’ll keep them busy with. Of course, it can’t all be library trips, scientific outings, and outdoor activities: families need some air-conditioned downtime, too. What better way to do that than with a new movie or series? From the latest preschool drops to coming-of-age flicks the whole family will enjoy, these TV shows and movies streaming in July on Canadian streaming services are bound to help cool things down this summer.

What’s Streaming in July for Kids & Families

Mittens and Pants - SavvyMom

Mittens & Pants (s2)
Monday July 3, CBC Gem

This cute preschool series returns for a second season of learning antics on Kibble Corners. These real-life animals are beyond adorable, but parents can rest assured this isn’t just empty-calorie viewing: kids will also learn to embrace their differences thanks to the metaphoric cast.

Kizazi Moto on Disney Plus - SavvyMom

Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire
Wednesday July 5, Disney+

This animated sci-fi offering from Oscar-winning director Peter Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) is inspired by African histories and cultures but presented in an action-packed, futuristic form. A new generation of animation directors makes each of the 10 short films, all of which offer unique African perspectives that embrace new worlds of technology, aliens, spirits, and monsters.

Wake Up, Carlo! Streamng in July - SavvyMom

Wake Up, Carlo!
Thursday July 6, Netflix

This animated Portuguese series stars a seven-year-old boy named Carlo who goes to sleep for 22 years. When he wakes up, his best friends have become serious adults—adults who could use a dose of Carlo and his positive, free spirit.

Streaming in July Hey Duggee - SavvyMom

Hey Duggee
Friday July 7, CBC Gem

This short-form preschool series reminds us that a child’s physical health is as important as their mental health. Each episode features Duggee the dog, who leads the afternoon club, the Squirrels, in various exercise and learning activities.

Streaming in July: Pride from Above - SavvyMom

Pride from Above
Friday July 7, National Geographic on Disney+

Introduce your kids to the spirit of Pride with this aerial journey across the globe. Flying cameras captured recent celebrations from New York to Reykjavik, while drones filmed the rainbow glow-up at Niagara Falls. It’s a look at some of the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations and cultures, exploring the activism, creativity, and logistics required to make them happen.

Big Nate Season 2 - SavvyMom

Big Nate (s2)
Friday July 7, Paramount+

The animated series based on the best-selling children’s books and comic by Lincoln Peirce is back for a second season this month. All 10 episodes drop at once, following Nate Wright and his misfit group of friends as they tackle new adventures and challenges using the power of their imaginations.

Duck & Goose Season 2 Streaming in July - SavvyMom

Duck & Goose (s2)
Friday July 7, Apple TV+

The feathered friends come together for a second season of this animated preschool series, learning to bring out the best in each other with every passing episode. Based on the books by Tad Hills.

StoryBots: Answer Time - SavvyMom

StoryBots: Answer Time (s2)
Monday July 10, Netflix

Curious kids can prepare themselves for several answers when the StoryBots return for another round this month. Not only are they ready to answer all the tough questions out there, but they do so with plenty of laughs.

The Summer I Turned Pretty S2 - SavvyMom

The Summer I Turned Pretty (s2)
Friday July 14, Prime Video

Families with older kids may welcome the second-season return of this young adult series, based on the books of the same name by Jenny Han. In Season 2, Belly returns to Cousins Beach, but after the summer she experienced last year, plenty of things feel different.

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie - SavvyMom

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
Friday July 14, Starz on Crave

Whether your family is just getting into the Dav Pilkey books or you’re a bona fide fan, this 2017 movie will satiate your fandom. It follows George and Harold as they hypnotize their principal into thinking he’s the dimwitted title superhero, and it features the voice talents of Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Nick Kroll, Jordan Peele, and Thomas Middleditch, among others.

Race Against the Tide S3 - SavvyMom

Race Against the Tide (s3)
Sunday July 16, CBC Gem

Kids love sandcastles, so it’s a good bet that your kids will probably also enjoy watching the pros give it their best shot for a $10,000 prize. The third season of the sand-sculpting competition returns this month with a head-to-head tournament on the shores of New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy.

Degrassi: The Complete Collection - SavvyMom

Degrassi: The Complete Collection
Tuesday July 18, Prime Video

If you loved Degrassi growing up, July is the perfect time to get your own kids into this iconic Canadian franchise. All 14 seasons of Degrassi: The Next Generation, along with Degrassi High, Degrassi Junior High, Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Talks, Degrassi Unscripted, and Degrassi High: School’s Out hit the streaming service this month.

The Dog Academy Streaming in July - SavvyMom

The Dog Academy
Friday July 21, CBC Gem

Dog-loving families might get a kick out of this pooch-centric series from the UK, in which some of the world’s top specialist trainers put their dog management skills and psychology to the test by helping uncontrollable canines and their frazzled owners.

Miraculous Ladybug Movie - SavvyMom

Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie
Friday July 28, Netflix

If your kids are fans of this French superhero and her feline counterpart, mark the calendar for the debut of this origins film featuring the duo. It’s got all the characters they know and love from the series, with plenty of “evilized” butterflies to ward off and emotions to manage.

Raise Your Voice - SavvyMom

Raise Your Voice
Friday July 28, Crave

Looking for a coming-of-age flick that your older kids will appreciate but that will also give you that nostalgic movie night you crave? This 2004 film starring Hilary Duff might do it. It revolves around a young girl accepted into a prestigious music school. There, faced with imposter syndrome, she must learn to quiet her inner critic to succeed.

Mini Jon and Mini Maple - SavvyMom

Mini-Jon and Mini-Maple
Monday July 31, CBC Gem

This animated offering is based on cartoonist Alex A.’s books of the same name. It’s also a sibling series to Super Agent Jon Le Bon! as it stars a mini-clone of that character who lives in a secret spy agency and goes on adventures with his best friend.

Bestest Day Ever with My Best Friend - SavvyMom

Bestest Day Ever with My Best Friend
Monday July 31, CBC Gem

Pets give us so much love, so why not teach kids to do the same in return? This Canadian series is about pet owners who want to provide the perfect day for their pets. In each episode, they reveal why their favourite fur friend is the best and what makes them unique. Meanwhile, host Lisette is there for them all: furry, fuzzy, feathered, scaly, or slimy.

the best ice cream shops in Ottawa

Where to Get the Best Ice Cream in Ottawa

There are so many ice cream options for a family to enjoy when out and about in the summer, and with so many choices, why settle for boring? Here are our picks the best ice cream in Ottawa — unique flavours, fun dips and add-ins, variety and flavour. It’s the very best of the good stuff in the capital.

We all scream…

Top Spots for Ice Cream in Ottawa

Best Ice Cream Shops in Ottawa - La Cigale

La Cigale

Located in Chelsea, just across from downtown is the brightly coloured building of La Cigale (they’ve also just opened a new location in Farrellton). This is a local favourite, serving up homemade sorbets and ice cream (we recommend the raspberry and white chocolate). Choose from the type of cone you like best (regular, sugar or waffle), or take your ice cream in a cup. No matter your choice, lounge on one of their Muskoka chairs in their grassy yard to enjoy the treat. You can even order some of their products like cakes and pies in advance for pickup.

Best Ice Cream Shops in Ottawa - Chocolat Favoris

Chocolat Favoris

With locations in Orleans, Barrhaven, and Kanata, Chocolat Favoris adds a little adventure when selecting ice cream. Each cone is dipped in chocolate, but what we love is that there is a variety of chocolate dip to choose from, from milk chocolate to hazelnut, cookies and cream and more. We love this choose-your-own-adventure ice cream! Tip: You can order some of their treats for delivery!

Best Ice Cream Shops in Ottawa - The Merry Dairy

The Merry Dairy

This is not your regular ice cream truck. Merry Dairy serves frozen treats and drool-worthy ice cream in Ottawa and can be found in various places across the city in the summer—visit their website to keep up to date on where the next stop will be (you don’t want to miss it). Can’t wait? Visit their shop at 102 Fairmont Avenue. Ready to party with ice cream? The Merry Dairy Cart and Truck are available to rent for your next family reunion or summer event. Even better: Get your ice cream delivered right to your door with their free delivery option. Choose from their tasty pints, ice cream sandwiches, cakes or their ice cream float kit!

Pascale’s All Natural Ice Cream

Made with natural ingredients and sold only in select locations and shops across the city or online on their website, Pascale’s ice cream is a tasty treat no matter how hot it is outside. With special seasonal flavours like avocado honey and lime, and their signature selection that includes passion fruit and peanut butter salted caramel, it’s easy to see (and taste) why Pascale’s is so popular.

The Best Ice Cream Shops in Ottawa - Purdy's Chocolatier

Purdy’s Chocolatier

You may usually go to Purdy’s for their chocolate, but with three locations across Ottawa, it’s also a delicious spot to grab an ice cream cone or specialty dipped ice cream bar—which the kids love (who doesn’t love ice cream on a stick?)

Purdy’s is known for their mouth watering chocolate so it’s no surprise that their ice cream is just as enticing.

Moo Shu Ice Cream and Kitchen

Moo Shu Ice Cream and Kitchen is scooping up flavour at 477 Bank Street. Their menu rotates often and includes vegan options. Order in advance online for pick up. Choose a pint (like the Lime Leaf and Fresh Mint), or indulge in an ice cream sandwich or dipped ice cream bar. You can even order waffle cones.

Ice Cream Toronto

Top Spots for Ice Cream in Toronto

On a hot summer day, there’s nothing quite like a cold, delicious ice cream cone (or cup, especially if young children are involved). Or maybe gelato is more to your taste? Either way, both treats can be found in abundance in Toronto. We round up out top picks for the yummiest ice cream in Toronto and gelato shops that are also family-friendly. All these spots offer delicious frozen desserts that are sure to please both you and your kids, meaning chocolate is always on the menu and often so are sprinkles.

Just be sure to bring the wet wipes; we know how messy things can get with kids and ice cream.

TOP SPOTS FOR ICE CREAM IN TORONTO

Ed’s Real Scoop
Various locations around Toronto

Ed’s Real Scoop has been a favourite for ice cream in Toronto for over two decades. Ed’s crafts homemade ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, and more in house—and you can tell. The ice cream is rich and flavourful, and the gelato is some of the best around. Expect a lineup at peak hours on hot summer days—but don’t worry, it’ll move fast, and the results are so tasty. The flavours here are original without being too weird, think toasted marshmallow or cinnamon cheesecake for the ice cream and tiramisu gelato, and sangria sorbet.

Bang Bang
93 Ossington Ave.

The lineups at this west-end spot are legendary but trust us, the ice cream and other treats are worth the wait. Beloved options include London Fog, chocolate hazelnut, and one loved by kids of all ages: cinnamon toast. Those with a lactose intolerance will also adore Bang Bang’s milk-free options. And while you can get ice cream in a cup or cone, Bang Bang is best known for its ice cream cookie combos, which are perfect for sharing. Other selections include made-to-order Hong Kong-style bubble waffles and the ultra-indulgent option of a cinnamon bun sliced open with a ice cream scooped between the two halves (we highly recommend this).

Hollywood Gelato
1640 Bayview Ave., Toronto

For over a decade, this Leaside spot has been drawing a crowd that’s hungry for some of the best gelato in the city. Over a dozen flavours are available, including cake batter, Skor. and key lime pie. A small selection of sorbet, all made with 100% fresh fruit, is also available, as are a few other tasty items, including made-to-order gelato cakes. Need a tub, or even just a cup, of gelato delivered to your house? Hollywood Gelato can satisfy that need through its partnership with several leading food delivery services.

Summer’s Ice Cream
101 Yorkville Ave., Toronto

For nearly 40 years, this small shop has been serving up homemade ice cream to Yorkville residents and visitors. Up to 26 flavours are available, all made with the highest quality ingredients. The flavours here tend to be more “traditional,” so this is a great spot for fussy kids and ice cream purists.

La Paloma
(Corso Italia, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, and Piazza Del Sole)

Prefer gelato over ice cream? Then you need to head over to La Paloma. Since 1967, this gelato shop has been serving up the real, Italian stuff. With up to 75 flavours to choose from, making a decision can be tough so may we suggest the Limoncello; it’s tart but sweet and completely refreshing. All the classic flavours, including chocolate and strawberry, are also available, as are take-home containers of La Paloma’s authentic gelatos.

The Big Chill
566 College St., Toronto

Remember LBK (life before kids) when you would stay out late on College Street and enjoy the lovely patios and wine bars? Well, your bedtime may be earlier but you can still be cool—albeit with a homemade waffle cone filled with delicious Big Chill ice cream. Don’t let the big line ups deter you from visiting though; it caters to kids with its fun, interior cow-themed décor, colourful chairs, and fun kid cars to sit in outside.

Delight
3040 Dundas St. W, Toronto

Specializing in handmade, fair trade, organic chocolates, this French-based chocolatier makes all kinds of standout confections, including some of the yummiest ice cream in the city. The ingredient quality used here is exceptional, “Our fresh mint and lavender is harvested from our very own backyard,” as are the variety of flavours. In addition to such kid-friendly flavours as s’mores and peanut butter chocolate, this place also offers such unusual options as pumpkin pie and Quebec blue cheese. A nice selection of dairy-free ice cream is also available.

La Diperie
Various locations across Toronto

As the name suggests, this place is known for its dipped treats. Pick your soft serve ice cream (over a dozen flavours are often available), then your dip, then your coating, which includes such options as pretzels, gummies, and of course classic rainbow sprinkles. Other delicious choices include milkshakes and creations that feature doughnuts and Cheesecake Factory brand cake.

Booyah
16 Vaughan Rd., Toronto

You know what’s better than an ice cream cone? An ice cream taco. This fun take on an ice cream sandwich features a taco-shape waffle cone dipped in chocolate and sprinkles and filled with three scopes of creamy ice cream and toppings like cookie crumble and chocolate syrup. If that sounds like too much ice cream, other options are available, including just a classic scope in a cone. Up to 36 flavours are available, with new options popping up every Friday.

Lickadee Split Ice Cream Shoppe
980 Coxwell Ave., Toronto

Fans of classic ice parlours will love this cozy east-end spot (and your wallet will likely appreciate its not-too-high price tags). In addition to the usual cones or cup options, your family can also indulge in banana splits, sundaes, milkshakes, authentic Greek frappe (a type of ice coffee), and more.

Tom’s Dairy Freeze
630 The Queensway, Toronto

You can’t have a roundup of amazing Toronto ice cream shops with mentioning Tom’s Dairy Freeze. This beloved spot does get long lines on hot (and even just warm) days, but the wait is worth it. Tom’s is famed for its soft serve but it also offers hard ice cream alongside shakes, sundaes and banana splits that can be covered with all kinds of toppings. Can’t make it out to Tom’s? Don’t worry, certain items are available for delivery through a trio of leading food delivery services.