Kelowna, the British Columbia town found on the shores of Lake Okanagan, is known for its rustic beauty and scenery. Kelowna is a top destination for winter sports, but that’s not all this charming, pretty city has to offer. Here are some of our favorite things to do with kids in Kelowna…and no, Ogopogo sighting isn’t on the list!
Alberta’s capital city of Edmonton is known for its rugged and beautiful outdoors: more parkland per capita than any other city in North America. Besides outdoor activities, there is also plenty of other kinds of fun and culture in Edmonton. Here are some of our favorite things to do with kids in Edmonton.
Jurassic Forest and Learning Centre. (www.jurassicforest.com) This educational and fun facility teaches the whole family about the forest and paleontology, which is especially important to Alberta, one of the biggest dinosaur fossil “hot spots” in the world. Situated on a forty acre plot of old-growth, natural forest, the Centre has kilometers of trails, featuring life-size, animatronic dinosaurs at every turn! In the facility’s center you will find displays, concessions, and a gift shop.
Telus World of Science Edmonton. (www.telusworldofscience/edmonton) Similar to its sister facility in Calgary, the Telus World of Science in Edmonton aims to make science as fun and interesting as possible for all ages. This facility has five huge, interactive galleries, each with its own scientific focus. Younger kids will love Discoveryland, where they can play in the water, sand and dirt while building and constructing.
Valley Zoo. (www.valleyzoo.ca) This facility is home to over a hundred endangered species, both native and exotic. You can see tigers, zebras, red pandas, elephants, and much more, plus tons of interactive activities for kids. The little guys will love the train, carousel, and paddleboats.
Devonian Botanic Garden. These beautiful gardens and indoor displays of local and exotic plants, flowers, and butterflies are found in Devon, just thirty minutes outside of Edmonton. Enjoy the Japanese garden, browse the gift shop, and take an interactive tour or course.
John Janzen Nature Centre. Found next to the Fort Edmonton Park, this recently-renovated exhibition takes its visitors through interactive exhibits, programs, and special events designed to promote nature awareness in an urban setting. The Tegler Discovery Zone recreated local wildlife and habitats in the form of an indoor play area, where the kids can climb and crawl through play structures. You can also watch the wildlife and take a self-guided tour on the trails, which encompass four kilometers through the river valley.
Art Gallery of Alberta. (www.youraga.ca) Not so fast, this isn’t your grandmother’s art museum! The Art Gallery of Alberta does a great job of fostering interest in the arts in kids through fun and hands-on exhibits and activities, such as their BMO World of Creativity, which has periodic themes, such as “Play on Architecture.” There are also Tours for Tots every Wednesday morning.
West Edmonton Mall. (www.westedmontonmall.com) Surprise, surprise: the largest shopping center in North America is located in Edmonton! This megalithic complex of shops, restaurants, and attractions will keep you and the kids occupied for days. The ice rink, two miniature golf courses, bumper boats, bowling, billiards, underground aquarium, World Waterpark, and Galaxyland (the biggest indoor amusement park in the world) all call the West Edmonton Mall home. Besides that, you should check out Toddler Time, the ultimate play date experience! Kids five and under can exhaust themselves at the Galaxy Kids Playpark (a play area complete with slides, ball pits, and caves) or at the World Waterpark, all while the parents look on in bemusement.
Fort Edmonton Park. (www.fortedmontonpark.ca) Fort Edmonton is located just outside of Edmonton, and it is home to countless living historical exhibits that both educate and entertain. Fort Edmonton Park teaches visitors about four distinct historical periods in Alberta history between 1846 and 1929, complete with authentic period costumes and buildings. There is a working steam train, you can play frontier games and learn old ways to make bread and more. There is an antique Midway, even a beautiful old carousel. It’s fantastic fun for everyone, with unique events year-round.
Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tubaism/
Montreal is a beautiful, historic city with a heavy French influence. Besides the wonderful food and shop this wonderful city has to offer, there are also many fun things to do with kids in Montreal. Here is a selection of our favorites!
Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a lovely city perched on Halifax Harbour, with the HRM encompassing several mainland peninsulas and islands. One of Canada’s largest cities (the largest on the Atlantic), Halifax’s reputation is for seaside fun. However, not all of the things to do with kids in Halifax need you to get into the water—there’s plenty to do on dry land!
Oh, Calgary! When you think of Calgary, immediate images of the Winter Olympics and everything sporty and snowy spring to mind. Of course, Calgary is a top winter sports destination, but this beautiful Alberta city has much more to offer for the family than just skiing and snowboarding. Check out these great things to do with kids in Calgary.
- StoryBook Theatre. (www.storybooktheatre.org) This theatre has been entertaining kids for over thirty years, and is also one of the largest community theatre groups in Calgary. You can see original and classic plays in a family-friendly atmosphere at its two locations (presentations for this year include Anne of Green Gables, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Little Women, Munsch Ado About Nothing, and Pinkalicious…and that’s just between February and March!). The Theatre also hosts drama workshops and theatre camps. Check out the theatre’s website for dates, prices, and locations.
- Fort Calgary. (www.fortcalgary.com) Before Calgary was a city, it was the MP’s outpost in Alberta, and a fort! Now, you and the kids can tour the fort, which is located just east of downtown Calgary on a 40-acre parcel of land. Browse the museum and exhibits, buy beautiful handcrafted items in the gift shop, eat at the on-site restaurant, and learn about Calgary’s history. Also, Fort Calgary hosts numerous events on holidays such as Canada Day, Mountie Day, and Heritage Day, besides Winter Carnival, Spring Fever, Artisan’s Fair, and Alberta Arts Day. Check the website for dates, hours of operation, and prices.
- The Calgary Zoo. (www.calgaryzoo.com) The Calgary Zoo is one of Canada’s oldest zoos, hearkening back to 1912! Now, it is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, with a special emphasis on raising environmental awareness and promoting conservation, especially in Canadian species. The Zoo has dozens of programs and special events every year, and has something for every age group. Check the zoo website for admission, event dates, and hours of operation.
- Kayben Farms and the Sunshine Adventure Park. (www.kayben.com) Just ten short minutes outside of Calgary proper, in the small town of Okotoks, lies Kayben Farms. This beautiful 12+ acre site boasts a wide array of fun things to do, see, and eat for the entire family. You can pick your own produce, buy locally-grown items, visit the working farm, and eat a great, locally-sourced farm-fresh meal. The Sunshine Adventure Park is great outdoor fun: tons of themed playground equipment, a Berry Bounce, a climbing wall, pedal-karts, acres of walking trails, and much more. Check the website for events, hours, pricing, and more information.
- Calaway Park. (www.calawaypark.com) Calaway Park is Western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park. Open year-round (check the website for prices, hours, and special events), it is fantastic fun for all ages, with rides, attractions, and choreographed entertainment, plus great stuff to eat and things to buy.
- Heritage Park. (www.heritagepark.ca) This is Canada’s largest living history museum; the historical village, museum, and exhibits are both entertaining and educational for the entire fam. See “how the West was once,” ride the steam train, browse the shops in Heritage Square, and play games in the midway. There’s lots of great food, special events and exhibits all year long, and plenty of culture and fun. Check the Heritage Park website for hours of operation, costs, and a schedule of events.
- Telus Science Centre. (www.sparkscience.ca) The new Telus Spark Science Centre is an amazing place that will fascinate the science geeks and novices alike. This brand-new, beautiful facility bills itself as a “place for people of all ages and abilities to let go and embrace the desire to explore and discover science, technology and art in new and amazing ways.” Exhibits and attractions ranging from the environment, earth science, technology, and astronomy; the Creative Kids Museum allows the young ones to interact and experiment and watch science in action, all in a fun setting. Call ahead or visit the Centre’s website for more information, including cost, hours of operations, and events.
I have a bit of a thing about castles. Princess complex? Perhaps… but there is nothing quite like skiing down Blackcomb mountain as the Fairmont Chateau Whistler comes into sight. All week before we departed for Whistler Blackcomb the kids announced to every person they saw that we were staying at a castle. And it was. And I felt like a princess in a resplendent building while the whole family – kids especially – were treated with boundless respect.
Picture it. A gentle snowfall and sparkly white lights on the trees. We pull up the majestic circular driveway and the valets are waiting. They were so friendly that we couldn’t get the kids out of the car – there were very serious discussions happening around Star Wars Lego. The kids are ecstatic. They have a thing about riding on the luggage carts and giggling as I remind them that they are not suitcases. Maybe when they grow up.
Checking in we were given reusable bags that say ‘I’m a Fairmont Kid!’ . The treats inside not only occupied the boys, but the colouring book was all about bears and provided a fabulous learning opportunity as well. (Thankfully I didn’t run into a bear as I hiked Spanky’s Ladder.)
There is something old-world and artistic about Fairmont properties. I have stayed at at least 8, and in my view, they are cutting-edge in terms of being kid-friendly. Normally the term means tacky plastic stuff and flashing lights. Looking around, there is art everywhere – stone valise sculptures, intricate and modern floral arrangements, architectural flourishes and iron crows on the banisters. The kids were chirping at them. Yes, every time we walked by.
If this were a book, I’d do a whole chapter on the concierges. If their smiles and jaunty ski sweaters weren’t enough I have decided that they are the demi-Gods of helpfulness. Ian especially. My hero. He charges my Blackberry (often) and when my colleague lost his corporate visa card (it wasn’t me honest), Ian called every place this man had been the night before. He then phoned Visa to cancel it. Demi Gods. I told you.
One of my favourite things about the rooms were the preppy cableknit blankets on the beds. The fridge in the room is kept empty – a great help to parents who bring along snacks. Kid-friendly extends to rooms as well. I had no idea that if parents want a connecting room for the kids, the second room is half price. The tiny bathrobes were certainly a highlight for the boys. They breezed through the lobby en route to the hottub and were excited to find a little warming hut to hang them in order to ensure they remain dry. Oh – and while you’re in the spa, ask for Wilma. She offers private swimming lessons for adults and little ones. So they’ll soon be able to ski AND swim circles around you. Great. (If you opt for free-floating the Fairmont supplies lifejackets too).
Whistler has cache. But there is only one bar in the entire place that exudes the alpine mystique. The Mallard Lounge. A semi-circle bar, sledding for kids on the hill in back (they provide sleds), live music, domed ceilings, classic cocktails… And kids are allowed (even at the bar) until 9pm. Bartender extraordinaire Adam loves to serve kids Egyptian Lemonade – muddled with mint and raspberries. A sparkling apple drink is served in a martini glass. See? Kids are sophisticated too. And the Chateau knows it.
They’re pretty cool with pets as well. Dogs are part of the family, after all. Jennifer Tice, the Public Relations Manager, showed me a picture of 2 puppies that she snapped with her iPhone. She explained that these ‘hotel guests’ make so many people smile as they trot throughout the lobby, and the dogs assist in bringing people together and creating a social atmosphere throughout the hotel. They have that down. Sitting areas, tables, and sofas. The lobby was always buzzing with activity and a great vibe.
I had the honour to visit the Wildflower Restaurant on 2 occasions. Chef Vincent Stufano not only creates incredible dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, but also features a ‘lifestyle cuisine plus’ menu with options in the following categories: heart healthy, diabetes, vegan, raw, macrobiotic, and gluten free. Double wow. The restaurant also has a ‘sea to sky menu to go’. For the road. Just don’t get pulled over like we did on the way up. (Hopefully your lox and bagel doesn’t give energy to your accelerator foot..)
Dinner was amazing. It was just adults (thank you Nannies on Call). Before we dined I ordered room service for the kids their meals come with drink and dessert. Not only is there a kids’ menu, but when I asked for milk, They questioned: “plain, chocolate or strawberry?” Seriously? Then I learned that in December Fairmont created a new healthy eating menu just for the kids!
“Fairmont Chefs ensure these pint-sized offerings reflect the same basic principals as Lifestyle Cuisine and address the nutritional guidelines established for children by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Proactive steps include swapping out refined flour for whole wheat, incorporating fruits and vegetables into recipes to help meet the recommended daily fiber allowance, and employing alternative cooking methods to help ensure healthier choices are made available to young diners. “
On our final morning I took the boys to the Wildflower for breakfast. Kids eat free. Wow. And when they entered? They were each given an etch-a-sketch. Our waiter told them it was an old-fashioned iPad. I laughed hard. (The boys looked at me with puzzlement as they touched the screen). As we left each child was given a cookie as big as my head. ‘for the road’.
In all? I have a new go-to place when I ski. After my weekend, the family is closer, the kids feel special, we made a ton of memories, and Ian the concierge is my new best friend.
Family Fun in Whistler
Disclosure: UrbanMommies was provided accomodation at the Chateau in order to write this piece, and as always all opinions are our own.
If you are one of the very lucky to be headed anywhere on a family vacation, we have a few tips for you. Planning ahead is definitely the cornerstone of traveling with kids. That old Girl Guide/Boy Scout adage of ‘Being Prepared‘ can eliminate lots of stress… and there’s nothing quite like a good excuse to purchase mini makeup and a wrinkle-free dress for yourself..
So I’m in Chicago and am desperate to try a traditional deep dish pizza. (Proceeded by a major diet). Walking into Pizano’s I get an immediate sense of nostalgia and wonder. And the owner chats freely while the pizza bakes (deep dish takes a while). Apparently, Oprah calls (herself) to order in. Wow can I pick ‘em. It was delicious and when in Chicago, I’m not sure I could venture any farther than Pizano’s. (shopping aside).
So I was invited on this amazing trip that was sponsored by General Motors and included my whole family. We flew to Orlando, stayed in a stunning home, saw various Orlando attractions and drove a Chevrolet Orlando from Florida to Toronto in the span of 3 days. The only part I was worried about was the long drive with the kids. My husband is injured and unable to drive, so I was on the hook for it all. I was shocked at how enjoyable it was. It was the quintessential Modern Road Trip.
Not only did we love the car, but the technology that was placed in the vehicle enhanced the trip to an incredible degree. The gadgets helped endlessly with ‘Are we there yet?’, fighting in the backseat and getting lost. The only issue was that it was a bit too easy. Too comfy. Compared to old-school road trips, where part of the fun is getting lost and having a good old-fashioned family feud about whose fault it was, we were all blissful. Next time we’d research a few fun things to do off the beaten track and incorporate tech-free hours. It never really occurred to us that the point of a road trip is that you see things along the way – not just your end destination. Channeling the movie ‘Cars‘: “All you see on the interstate is the interstate”. That being said… for the hours you have to put in getting from point A to point B… here’s what got us through.
Components of the Modern Roadtrip:
1. iPads. Each child in the back of the car was given an iPad and a credit for iTunes. And here I was thinking that my next vehicle had to have AV installed. For the cost of a couple of first-generation iPads and back-of-the-seat attachments, the kids can look at movies as well as find the golden eggs in Angry Birds. That’s modern. (Maybe not great parenting but modern all the same).
2. OnStar – Oh WOW – where have I been? I feel so secure and I loved talking to a real person. OnStar got us to Disney and home, though I am so bad at paying attention, my hubby still had to remind me to change lanes. After a few days I realized that you could also dial friends and family. I think that’s when my driving deteriorated.
3. MiFi: Rogers MiFi created a hotspot in the car so that laptops and iPads could be connected to the internet. If I hadn’t been driving I would have been seriously geeking out…
4. Sirius XM radio – we made a pact. If I drive I got to listen to Broadway the whole time.. And Martha Stewart, and favourites from Y2K. (I was actually nice and changed the channel once in a while). But I still sang at the top of my lungs as the Appalacian Mountains whisked by.
5. The backup sensor. As a tech innovation I have to mention it. Great tool – especially when someone walks unexpectedly behind the car. I’ve driven a few cars with video backup and I like the simple beep better. Less visual distraction.
6. The USB hookup. iPods can be connected directly to the car, and you are able to see your whole playlist on the stereo controls. The best? There’s a hidden compartment for the music player so you don’t even have to worry about it being stolen when you leave the car. (Or look at cords all the time).
7. The fold-down seats. Popping carseats in and out was super-easy, and all seats in the back folded down flat with tremendous ease. You don’t even have to jimmy the headrests off – they duck down when you pull the lever. Because of our fun accommodations as we drove through Savannah and West Virginia, we didn’t actually sleep in the car, but with this feature, you could create a campout in the back. Think of all of the fun you could have as a family hangin’ in the trunk.
Part of the success of the trip was the vehicle itself. I haven’t been asked to write anything about it, but I was so impressed that I feel like gushing. For the past few years we have been test driving BMWs, Land Rovers, Porsches and lots of family vehicles. (Well, expensive family vehicles.) We’re starting to develop a pretty clear idea of essentials for busy moms and families. In terms of the Chevrolet Orlando, we gave it a high score. Here’s why:
1. Carseats clipped in easily.
2. Good visibility and windows that were large.
3. The backup sensor (we’re usually pretty tired).
4. Not only can the stroller get into the trunk with ease, but there was a ton of room for our shopping after a trip to Target. (Much room needed, believe me).
5. You can you see the kids in the back seat (the Orlando has a childview mirror)
6. 7 seats with the option of putting 6 up so that there is still storage in the trunk.
7. Don’t laugh. It’s important. I didn’t break a nail or two when opening the driver door quickly. The handle is long-nail-friendly.
8. The technology was amazing – electrical ports front and back, and USB.
9. Drink holders in the armrest in the back for the kids.
10. Automatically locks when you put the car in drive.
11. Windshield wipers covered a big surface area.
12. OnStar handsfree calling and Navigation – knowing where you’re going reduces stress.
13. Low back windows in order to increase kids’ visibility – it keeps them entertained.
14. Don’t laugh again. I liked the look of the car. I want a friendly-looking beast of a vehicle.
15. I loved the driver’s armrest.
16. Ease of cruise control rocked – right on the steering wheel.
17. All seatbelt clips had fabric around them which prevented mini lego pieces (and Cheerios, and smarties… ) falling into Neverland (excuse the Disney reference).
18. The material of the seats seems totally durable and dried really well when we soaked it. With rainwater. Stop snickering.
19. The seats go very high up for short/vertically challenged people.
20. Directional compass right on console is so helpful for those of us who are navigationally impaired.
21. Easily cleanable cockpit without many places for dust and schmutz to collect.
22. You can put a drink in each of the doors.
23. You can open the trunk hatch with one hand when you’re carrying a baby as well as groceries.
24. The driver’s seat goes really far back in case you need to use the car as a nursing/feeding place.
25. Especially with seats 6 and 7 down, the back makes a great diaper change area.
Mom stuff that’s crucial – wouldn’t you agree? In all, we loved the car and also the idea of a family roadtrip. We became closer as a family and saw areas of North America that we have only ever heard about. Now, if only we could find the rest of those Golden Eggs.
Disclosure: UrbanMommies was provided air and car travel, accommodation, meals and one day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. For more insights, we Tweeted under the hashtag #chevyorlando.
After an incredible trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, I feel super-connected to my family and am flooded with memories and images that I will cherish for a very long time. The kids gave up the bunks for their own king bed together. They held hands as they slept. The grins and shyness at meeting the ‘real’ Woody and Jessie are etched into my consciousness. We enjoyed every minute. We felt like great parents, and all of the bits of good behaviour and thankfulness made us feel as if we’ve done a bang-up job for the past few years. (Especially when we left a store at the end of each ride empty-handed and no meltdown occurred).
Both of our boys (3 and 5) were transfixed with the rides, the performances that popped up out of nowhere, the Jedi training Academy, and the plentitude of characters that were wandering around. I was very impressed with how many opportunities there were for photos with Disney stars.
That being said, I had already booked a lunch with the Disney princesses (the last time I came, I was 8 and I remember that being the only way one could see characters). We jumped on a boat from Hollywood Studios to Epcot, and raced to lunch. I should mention that my husband is currently in a wheelchair (torn achilles tendon) and I pushed him (usually with the kids on his lap) around for hours. When we got to Akershus (Norway Pavillion) I was soaked with the 90 degree heat but the lunch (and the air conditioning) was out of this world. Apparently Johnny Depp’s fav restaurant at Disney (he donated his red throne from Pirates of the Carribean), we were whisked into a castle only to meet Belle (in the gold gown) at the front. Needless to say, my 5 year old son dove for cover. Not because he’s against girly things (pink is his favourite colour) but because he was so taken by her princess beauty that shyness overwhelmed him (after just having done a rollercoaster and conquered the dark side of the force). The little one, incidentally, was asleep in the wheelchair, and missed every princess. My husband and I proudly have an 8 x 10 of he, I, and Belle (me looking like the soaked-in-sweat third wheel). Lunch was exquisite, the service was even better, we (well not my shy son or the asleep one) met all 5 Disney princesses and the chef will be emailing me recipes of my favourite dishes – not because they even knew I was a writer, but because that’s what they do. Cool.
In all 4 Disney parks we experienced customer service like I’ve never seen. You know.. it’s super expensive for a family to come to Disney (and the Park didn’t sponsor me in any way, by the way). But throughout our day, I didn’t have one single criticism of the place. No chips in any paint. Perfect smiles from every server, security person and vendor. The ‘Magical’ experience for every family seems to be taken to heart by all Disney personnel (or ‘cast’ as they call them.) Many families save for a lifetime to allow their kids to experience Disney, and you know, I think Walt Disney World does such a good job that all of the saving is totally worth it. The key, though? Good parenting. After every ride, everywhere you turn, there is stuff to buy. Stuff that kids really want (Disney does their homework on desirable kitch). I overheard one mom screaming at her child in the ladies’ room for asking for more toys, and witnessed so many tantrums. Most people would say: ‘prepare the kids’. ‘Know what you’re getting into before you go and figure out how you will handle it.’ But really? How are you supposed to prepare? Disney is like no experience on earth. Just set some boundaries, stick to your guns, and know that this experience and the sensory overload is probably just as overwhelming and difficult to manage for your children as it is for you.
One piece of large crowded areas that always scares me is safety. The kids have business cards in their shoes and know their names and numbers, but I still wasn’t relaxed. I mentioned lost children to the lady at the will call booth, and she handed over shiny buttons sporting ‘My First time at Disney’, on which I wrote all info on the back with a sharpie marker. (Several employees throughout the day picked up on the buttons and talked to the kids about it being their first time). Still…. what if (gasp) some psycho-crazy nabbed them and easily disposed of the buttons and cards. (I also wrote on their arms with pen but it was so hot the sweat got rid of it within an hour). So I conjured up an idea. Henna Tattoos. Can I patent that? I think I might be brilliant.
A highlight of my day at Hollywood Studios was the Muppet 3D experience. It is so comforting to know that the stuff I watched every Sunday when I grew up still goes strong. And it has also evolved. The 3D experience transposed on Kermit and gang was so warm and current. And the kids liked it as much as the new stuff – Cars, the Little Mermaid, or anything else.
At both Epcot (for obvious reasons) and the Magic Kingdom, I was so impressed on the inclusion of different cultures and esthetics into the park. The catch? A parent must choose to go to these places over the roller coasters and help children understand (yes, I was the obnoxious one on ‘It’s a Small World’ teaching about continents) but the learning opportunities are certainly there, provided by Disney.
Magic Kingdom is all about tradition – an American tradition, a cultural icon that is Disney – and there is no alcohol at the Magic Kingdom. While it would be nice at times (ahem) to have a glass of wine after the “why can’t I get the 3 foot Buzz Lightyear temper tantrum”, it is also incredible. I’m sure more money could be made if they sold liquor, but the party atmosphere didn’t suffer a bit, and I am sure parents were more attentive and tuned in to their kids without the late afternoon beer skin. Good job, Disney, on being a role model. That’s one lesson I’m certainly taking home.
In all, we have come back with so many family memories. My goal for the year is to incorporate as much magic into our daily lives as possible – Magic a la Disney.