If you are looking for a quick craft for kids, consider making bookmarks. They are useful, fun and make nice gifts. The bookmarks can be as simple or complex as your imaginations and/or art supplies permit.
Cut a rectangle out of cardboard, cardstock, felt, foam or other material. Then decorate the bookmark with writing utensils, materials and/or glitter glue.Â
This morning started off sunny, but cooler, and the kids and I decided to go shell searching along the beach by the Boca Beach Club (where we are staying in Boca Raton, Florida).
The Outcome: Success!
1. Each child collected almost two-thirds of a pail of shells to bring home to their friends as souveniers (shhh, it’s a surprise). They were thrilled with their collections.
2. The sand is wonderfully soft to walk on, and we had lots of fun strolling along, digging in our toes, and picking up shells along the way. We passed smiling shell collectors of all ages.
3. We talked about the sandcastles we would like to build (using some of our shells as decorations).
4. Since the resort is ocean-side, access to the beachfront is ‘easy-peesy-lemony-squeezey’ (direct quote from my DD).
The Boca Beach Club is definitely a place for shell searching (and maybe some soul searching too). Learn more at www.bocabeachclub.com.
March Break is quickly approaching, and we are pleased to bring you exciting camps and events in Toronto and the GTA, to help you plan a memorable holiday for your child(ren).
Fun-Filled Gymnastics Camp at Gymalaya Sponsored Listing Gymalaya camp is designed to build physical, mental and social skills in a fun and non-competitive environment. Activities include: gymnastics, games, dance, crafts, story time and much more fun. State-of-the-art clean and bright facilities. Register early to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited for each camp day! Contact: Gymalaya Vaughan: (905)760-5655, Gymalaya Newmarket: (905)868-8200, www.gymalaya.com.
 Creation Recreation Sponsored Listing It’s a Mixed Bag of March Break Creations! Register for our half day or full day workshops that include clay, ceramic and glass. Don’t want to commit to a workshop, no problem just drop in anytime between 10am - 6pm and create something unique. Contact: 1-888-909-TIJA or www.tijaceramicstudio.com.
 March Break Camp at Steeles-West Gymnastics Sponsored Listing The March Break program runs March 15-19 half- days or full days, for 7 -14 year olds. You may register for any single day(s) or for the full week. The program includes gymnastics activities, active games, crafts, and snack time(s). 601 Magnetic Dr., Unit 21, North York. Contact: 416-736-8759, swgymnastics@on.aibn.com or www.steeleswestgymnastics.com.
 PLAYDIUM THE ULTIMATE PLACE TO PLAY! Sponsored Listing Playdium is the ultimate interactive, virtual and physical Family Entertainment Centre. Our 40,000 Sq. Ft Game floor features over 200 of today’s most exciting attractions, rides and simulators. Play to win in our exciting Redemption & Prize Zones! Your ultimate choice for interactive fun! Contact: 905-273-9000, info@playdium.com or www.playdium.com.
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Real People. Real Stories. Real March Break Adventure! Sponsored Listing MARCH BREAK MADNESS at the Children’s Museum IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR at Dundurn Castle SQUEAKY CLEAN at the Steam Museum A MONUMENTAL MARCH BREAK at Battlefield House WONDERLAND at Whitehern VIDEO CAMP at Fieldcote Contact: www.hamilton.ca/museums
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 Active Kids Zone March Break Camp Sponsored Listing March Break Camp will be action packed each day with tons of sports and games, crafts and ceramics, cooking and karaoke, time in our amazing Fun Zone and even a few half day field trips! A lunch option, extended hours and daily or weekly registration is available. Contact: 416-650-5060 or register online at www.activekidszone.com. Â
 The Clay Room: March Break Masterpieces Sponsored Listing Come paint a treasured ceramic keepsake while spending quality time with family or friends.  WALK INS WELCOME.   March Break Camp (15th-19th; week long, full or half day) great for crafty kids: ceramics, creative clay, beading, papier mache, multi-media, fabric fun +more - registration required. Birthday Parties too! 279 Danforth Avenue, Toronto. Contact: 416-466-8474, contact@theclayroom.ca or www.theclayroom.ca.Â
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Wizard World Sponsored Listing Toronto’s favorite family March Break destination. Thrilling stage shows, petting zoo, crafts, rides and inflatable bounce zone will keep kids 2 - 12 running, bouncing, laughing and playing for hours! Admission only $8.50+gst. Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, March 14 - 21 10am - 5pm. Free lootbags. Contact: 416.585.WAND (9263), info@wizardworld.ca, www.wizardworld.ca.
 March Break at Toronto’s Historic Sites Sponsored Listing Toronto’s Historic Sites present several great pre-registered day camps as well as family drop-ins for young people to enjoy during March Break. Have a blast exploring life in the city over a hundred years ago! Hands-on fun, cooking, dress up, crafts, making toys, and more! Contact: www.toronto.ca/camps or call 311.
 March Break at the CN Tower Sponsored Listing Special Admission - March 13-21, 2010 Total Tower Ticket for only $25 (including taxes) - save 30%.
Explore the CN Tower: world’s #1 elevator ride, three observation levels, famous Glass Floor, Himalamazon ride, movie, March Break week activities - Nickelodeon character visits with Doraâ„¢ , SpongeBobâ„¢, Battle Strikers, and more. Contact: 416-868-6937 or www.cntower.ca.Â
New Year’s Eve can be an exciting night for families!
Find lots of events featuring activities and entertainment especially for families in our Calendar at www.kidsaroundcanada.com/events! Please feel free to share celebrations happening in your community.
As the December break approaches, find lots of holiday events for families at www.KidsAroundCanada.com/events. New events are added regularly, so check back often.
Also check the holiday schedule at your local library for special children’s programming.
Our friend Debbie just bought an Easy Bake Oven for her daughter’s birthday (shhhh!). She told us that she remembers her own oven from childhood came with a recipe book, and that there are still lots of recipes available online as alternatives to mixes.
All this week we will be suggesting ways for children to learn more about their strengths and interests.
Yesterday we suggested an activity to help build pride in a name, and today we are building upon that same theme.
Let your child know how much care went into selecting their name. Describe why you chose it, including any relevant anecdotes or history. S/he will likely revisit this conversation again in the future, as it will important to their unique identity.
If you would like to choose a book about appreciating names to read together, consider Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. Read Dr. Janna Nadler’s review at http://www.kidsaroundcanada.com/blog/2008/11/chrysanthemum to learn more about this beloved story.Â
Canada Day provides a wonderful opportunity to build an appreciation for our country with your
child(ren), as well as create lasting memories. In fact, many organized events include kid-friendly activities and entertainment, making planning a fun day easy.
Visit www.kidsaroundcanada.com/events to find a Canada Day celebration near you. New listings are added regularly, so please check back often.
We also invite event organizers and parents to submit your favourite Canada Day celebrations for 2009 through the submit events link at www.kidsaroundcanada.com/events.
Lunchbox ideas for children can often be a challenge. So we were so excited to stumble across a site filled with suggestions and recipes to share with you (and for ourselves as well).
It’s a Mixed Bag of 
The 
Playdium
MARCH BREAK MADNESS at the Children’s Museum
March Break Camp
Come paint a treasured ceramic keepsake while spending 
Toronto’s favorite family 
