It’s already October, and Halloween is quickly approaching. Shop for all your Halloween needs online, and plan fun Halloween outings, to create special and lasting holiday memories.
Have a crafty Halloween! Sponsored Listing:
Love Halloween but tired of how many sweets the kids collect? Craft Caravan has a crafty solution! Give away Wikki Stix Halloween treats - each package contains 8 Wikki Stix and a fun Halloween design. It’s a great Halloween treat for kids of all ages. Set of 50 Halloween Treats - $21.99.
Get ready to ‘trick or treat’ with a special Halloween party at Nepean Museum. There will be pumpkin painting, candy creations and more! Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume. For complete program details please visit: www.nepeanmuseum.ca.
Its back!!! - Halloween Carnival at Ireland House
12:00 noon to 4:00 pm Sponsored Listing: Costume parade and contest, prizes, live entertainment, pumpkin carving, children’s activities, haunted woodshed, spooky cabin, special museum tours… it will be a howl for the whole family! Goody bags for all children! Admission: $6.00 for Children, $ 2.00 for Adults
40% off all costumes from The Dress Up Club Sponsored Listing: Just in time for Halloween, The Dress Up Club is offering 40% off all costumes. Choose from 40 costumes including pirates, princesses and witches as well as licensed characters from Batman, Sponge Bob, and Star Wars. Enter coupon code HALLOWEEN upon checkout. Be sure to tell your friends and family.
For all the details and the check out our full line of costumes visit www.thedressupclub.com.
Too Sweet Sisters Sponsored Listing: Too Sweet Sisters - Specializing in custom made cake pops and chocolate covered sweet treats for all occasions! Some of our chocolate covered goodies include: marshmallows sticks & pops, lollipops, pretzel rods, liquorice, popcorn, sour keys and more! Perfect for your Halloween party or special treat that everyone will be talking about!
Steve’s Magic Sponsored Listing: Let “Steve” make your next Coporate event, Trade show, Holiday function or birthday party a magical one. With the use of slight of hand, close up or table to table magic, he provides the real mystery of illusion. Fully interactive shows for people of all ages.
Camp Spooky Sponsored Listing: Join Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang for Camp Spooky - a fun Halloween event for the whole family! With rides, mazes, a costume parade and fun live show, Camp Spooky at Canada’s Wonderland will make your kids scream for more! Campy Spooky is included with park admission.
Holiday time is approaching, and we have some fabulous gift ideas and savings to make your preparations easier. Avoid the lines and parking headaches … browse online and shop from the comfort of your computer for everyone on your list.
Eko Bear Sponsored Listing Shop for top eco-friendly toys of 2011 and more all made with your children and the environment in mind! We offer free local pick-up (Kanata, ON) and low flat rate shipping within Canada. Save 10% with discount code KidsCan until Dec 31/11.
Petite Posh Sponsored Listing Spoiling even the smallest member of your family couldn’t get easier when shopping at petiteposh.com. Shop for personalized gifts, big kid toys and everyday essentials Great gifts, warms smiles and big hug! Use coupon code kids at check out for 15% off your entire order (over $30 & valid until Dec 15/11) and don’t forget, free shipping on orders over $99.
Applause! Toy Store Sponsored Listing Applause! Toy Store is a magical place filled with toys, games, puzzles and crafts for kids of all ages. Find award winning toys like the Spooner Boards pictured here, Perplexus and Green Toys. You’ll also find a full range of Play & Hape Wooden Toys, the latest baby gear, and lots fun-filled stocking stuffers! Coupon Code KIDSCANADA for 15% off until Dec 31, 2011
Exceptional Coffee Sponsored Listing: Jump start your Christmas morning this year with better tasting coffee! Planetary Design French Presses leave in the tasty aromatic essential oils unlike your average filtered coffee machine. Pick from a variety of sizes, styles and colours of Planetary Design at the Polka Dot Pond Shop! Offer: Save 15% on all products with code KACHGG15. Expiry: December 31st, 2011
Citrus Silver Sponsored Listing: Citrus Silver designs meaningful jewellery that is stamped with names, words or dates. All of our stamped pieces are sterling silver and made in Canada. Affordable, personal, and beautiful. Order online and we will ship within 1 week.
Name Your Tune Personalized CDs Sponsored Listing Celebrate the special little ones in your life this holiday season with a music collection that celebrates them! Name Your Tune Personalized CDs feature your child’s name throughout their favourite songs including Old MacDonald, If You’re Happy and You Know It and 5 Little Monkeys. Available in 2 Volumes. Coupon Code: KidsAround for $5 off your order of Name Your Tune CDs.
The Clay Room Sponsored Listing Paint a handmade gift while spending quality time with family or friends. Put children’s prints on a piece for a treasured keepsake. WALK-IN CUSTOMERS are welcome. Gift certificates available. Private parties for both adults and kids to celebrate any occasion. Over 300+ items to paint. 279 Danforth Avenue, Toronto.
“Adopt” an Animal from Toronto Zoo Sponsored Listing “Adopt” an animal from Toronto Zoo and give a unique gift. How about a bear for Baby or a penguin for Papa? “Adoption” packages begin at just $25. Our Holiday Special packages feature “Waddles” the plush penguin and a DVD that takes you behind-the-scenes where you’ll meet zoo keepers and amazing animals. Each purchase helps with conservation efforts at Toronto Zoo.
The Second City ’s Miracle on Mercer St. Sponsored Listing The Second City’s Miracle on Mercer St.. Adorable puppets and their funny human friends tell a delightful musical tale that The Toronto Star calls “the best holiday present of all”. Matinee performances until Jan 1. Ages 4+. Tickets $12.
Second City Winter Camps & Intensives Sponsored Listing: Comedy comes in many different packages! Campers learn how to define their own voice and point of view through the exploration of improvisation. Full day camps for grades 5-8, half day intensives for grades 9-12! December 27 -30 and January 2-6.
It’s already October, and Halloween is quickly approaching. Shop for all your Halloween needs online, and plan fun Halloween outings, to create special and lasting holiday memories.
Craft Caravan Sponsored Listing Planning a Halloween party? You’ll need party crafts! Visit Craft Caravan for party crafts or subscribe to our Kids Craft Club. Use code ‘Halloween’ for a bonus Halloween craft package with your party crafts or with a 3 month or monthly craft club subscription.
Lollipop Art Sponsored Listing We turn your photos into works of art. In a Warhol inspired style, plus our own flare, we create modern day masterpieces. Each piece is custom crafted allowing complete control of colour and style. Choose people or pets and make the ordinary fun and funky!
Pumpkin Mania - Rounds Ranch Sponsored Listing It’s Pumpkin Mania season! Fun for the whole family! Enjoy loads of pumpkin fun playing pumpkin games. Have a blast in the western playground, visiting the farm animals, riding a pony, and GETTING LOST in the huge cornfield maze. Pumpkin Mania runs from Sept. 24th to Oct. 30th on Sat & Sun and holiday Monday 11am - 5pm. Only $9.95 + HST per person - includes a FREE pumpkin. (pony rides extra)
Minute Maid® Presents Boo at the Zoo
Tundra Trek 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Sponsored Listing: Follow the Zoo’s “Pumpkin Trail” to discover trick-or-treat activity stations throughout the Tundra Trek. Take part in our “Critters and Costumes Parade” at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm daily. Explore our Hay Maze. Best of all, up to two kids in costume (12 and under) get in free when accompanied by an adult. Events are subject to change without notice.
Minute Maid® Presents Boo at the Zoo
Tundra Trek 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Camp Spooky at Canada’s Wonderland
Saturdays & Sundays in October, 10am-5pm Sponsored Listing: Enjoy a boo-riffic Halloween event just for families this fall! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang for Camp Spooky - a fun Halloween event for the whole family! With children’s rides, spooky mazes, a treasure hunt, Charlie Brown’s Trick or Treat Show; Camp Spooky at Canada’s Wonderland will make your kids scream for more!
Too Sweet Sisters Sponsored Listing Too Sweet Sisters - Specializing in custom made cake pops and chocolate covered sweet treats for all occasions! Some of our chocolate covered goodies include: marshmallows sticks & pops, lollipops, pretzel rods, liquorice, popcorn, sour keys and more! Perfect for your Halloween party or special treat that everyone will be talking about!
Well, summer is certainly here and it is usually accompanied with a lot of smile inducing thoughts! I think of ice cream, swimming, long walks, camp and BBQs. My kids think predominantly about camp. As the school year comes to an end, it is really easy to become overwhelmed with buying camp supplies, labeling everything, the continuous washing of towels and swimsuits that follow a day at the pool and hosting BBQs with both friends and family. I try to have a relaxed but organized approach to all of the above. I divide up my time. I put aside certain time periods for cooking and freezing, cleaning and laundering. But more importantly, I always put time aside to spend quality time with my family. Below I have included some fun activities that, with a little time-management are definitely worth the effort!
Elephants, gorillas and penguins to explore, this is what a day at the zoo is for!
Just the mere mention of the word “zoo” gets my kids jumping up and down with excitement. The picnic is a big part of this and everybody gets to choose an item to include.
Here are some great items to help create a nutritious and delicious picnic lunch:
• cheese, tuna or turkey sandwiches
• sliced vegetables and fruit, don’t forget a dip!
• cheese and crackers
• cheese strings, yogurt drinks and/or tubs
• cookies, muffins and try your own trail mix…for dessert, of course
• water is a necessity!
Don’t forget the napkins, and some plastic dishes and cutlery.
For added fun, grab a sketchbook and some pencils and spend some time drawing some new and unique animals and plants that you see. When you get home, you can look-up these on the computer and learn a little more about them.
Chillin’ with a delicious strawberry chiller!Nothing makes sitting out in the sun (or shade) by a pool more decadent than a refreshing fruit chiller.
To make a delicious Strawberry Chiller, you will need the following:
• 1 frozen ripe banana
• 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
• 1 cup milk or orange juice
• 2-3 tbsp of strawberry or vanilla ice cream (you can also use any yogurt right out of the tub)
• Optional - a couple orange slices to decorate the edge of the glass.
Directions:
1. Peel and slice the banana
2. Place the strawberries, banana and milk into a blender.
3. Blend for another minute
4. Add the ice cream and blend for another minute.
5. Pour into 2 glasses and place the orange slices around the rim of the glass.
Serve and enjoy!
A nature walk is so much fun to do, especially in the summer…being outside in a forest, a place where it is cool. Take the time to go on a nature walk. Collect a variety of leaves along the walk and bring them home to be used in the following creatively energizing art project.
Leaf’in an impression
Take all of the leaves that you have collected on your nature walk and use them to create placemat that is uniquely yours!
Materials Needed:
• Bristol board
• A variety of leaves
• White school glue
• A paintbrush
• Sticky transparent book covering material
Instructions:
1. Cut the bristol board into the shape and size that is appropriate for a placemat.
2. Take your leaves and create a design on the bristol board.
3. Using the paintbrush, cover the leaves with the glue and place them in the design previously created.
4. Cover the leaf picture that you have created the clear book covering material.
5. Trim the edges so it is clean cut and ready for use.
There really is so much to do,
Walking in a forest or the zoo,
Either way the snacks are central,
Chillers with fruit and ice cream are essential.
Take all the time to go outside,
Enjoy all the nature that you can abide.
Remember to enjoy the weather and have fun,
Quality time with the sun has only just begun!
Enjoy your summer. Drink lots of water. Use sunscreen.
Enjoy family and friend time. Smile lots!
Shelley Sefton is a chef, recipe developer & creator of “Yummy in my Tummy” - classes for kids that offers them the opportunity to experience exciting adventures in the kitchen – combining education, art, food and most important of all FUN! Contact: (905) 597-0672 or sdsefton@rogers.com.
Spring is considered a time for rejoicing! We say goodbye to the cold, snowy winter. After being inside for so long, the arrival of spring brings the opportunity to go outside and witness all of the “re-growth”. The leaves appearing on the trees, the flowers that are budding and the many little creatures that are coming out of hiding. Children bring out their chalk and dust off their bicycles. A time to celebrate! A time to enjoy…. Summer is just around the corner!
In this article I have included some spring cleaning tips, a treat to enjoy afterwards and then an art project that will be fun for one of those rainy spring days.
Spring cleaning CAN be fun!!
In our house, as in many, spring cleaning is not generally welcomed with open arms. More likely with groaning and complaining. I have come up with a plan that will make spring cleaning much more efficient and fun.
Try to pick a day and let everyone know in advance that date is going to be THE DAY. Put up a list of what tasks you expect to be completed.Ensure everyone knows that there will be a pizza (or your own family’s choice of a favourite dinner) as a reward at the end of the day!
Divide the day into four areas…
1.Cleaning bedrooms:
§Send everyone to their respective bedrooms and start the timer! By making it a game to see who can finish first, you appeal to their competitive side.My son dislikes doing chores, but when I make it a competition, he is always game!
§Give them some large garbage bags or cardboard boxes, labelled “toys” and “books”. Let them bag any books they no longer read or toys with which they no longer play.
2.Clothing Zone:
§Get everybody to try on all of their Spring and Summer clothes from the previous year. Anything that does not fit should be placed in garbage bags labelled ‘clothes”.
§Remind them to make a note of what needs to be replaced.My nine year old daughter loves this part of the cleaning process.She knows that this will ultimately result in a mommy-daughter shopping day!
3.For the love of sports:
§Take out all of your Summer sports equipment, including bikes, rollerblades, soccer balls and nets, pool equipment and games.
§Put on some fun dancing music, fill a bucket with some soapy water and use a sponge or cloth to wipe them all down.
4.Charity begins at home:
§Take all of the bags and boxes that your family had filled with books, toys and clothes and load them in your car. Take them to a donation centre or donation box located at your local shopping centre or grocery store.Those in need who will be very grateful!
Upon returning home, make a batch of these adorable cupcakes, a well-deserved treat after a busy and productive day.
Butterfly Cupcakes
There is no creature which represents the brightness and happiness of spring more than a butterfly.
These colourful cupcakes are fun to make anytime, even for a springtime birthday party!
You will need:
·1 package cake mix, plus the ingredients to prepare the mix
·1-2 containers (store bought) vanilla icing
·Red food colouring
·12 brown chocolate button candies per cupcake for decorating
·Decorative icing tube (store-bought), in black.
·Two white mini marshmallows per cupcake
Method
1.Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly spray 2 standard size muffin pans with non-stick spray
2.Prepare cake mix according to the directions on the package. Spoon batter in the prepared muffin cups, filling all 24 cups
3.Bake the “cupcakes” for 20-22 minutes. Remove cupcakes from the muffin pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack
4.Place the white icing into a bowl, add a few drops of the red food colouring and mix well. You may wish to add a few more drops, one at a time, until you reach the desired shade of red. Stir the icing well.
5.Cover the top of each cupcake with the red icing. Using the black icing tube, draw a line down the centre of the cupcake to create two wings. Place two mini marshmallows at one end for eyes. Place a dot of black icing in the centre of each “eye”.
6.Decorate each cupcake with 6 brown chocolate button candies on each “wing” (12 per cupcake)
7.Eat and enjoy!
Makes 24 cupcakes. (Can be frozen for up to two months)
Spring Art:
Create your very own Spring-inspired outdoor scene using felt. You can cut the felt into many different Spring related shapes and then create scenes on yourboard.
You will need:
·A piece of cardboard cut down to your desired size
·A piece of felt just larger than the cardboard
·Glue
·Scissors
·Pencil or pen
·Felt pieces in a variety of colours
What to do:
1.Take your piece of cardboard and lay the large piece of felt over the board.
2.Fold the extra felt over; and glue it to the back. This will create a nice, smooth finish.
3.Using a pen or pencil, draw your designs on the different coloured felt and then simply cut them out . If you have trouble deciding what to draw, think about what kind of scenes you would like to create. (Here are some ideas for Spring: birds, butterflies, the sun, clouds, umbrellas, people, hats, trees, flowers, chairs, tables, cars and animals.)
An idea!! In the Spring, we see the weather change from snow, to rain, to thunder, to lightening to sunshine. You can create all of these items, place them on your felt board and play “weather reporter”.
Let’s all Spring forwards towards all of the joys Spring has to offer
and leave all the cold, wet, dull and depressing Winter behind us!
Shelley Sefton is a chef, recipe developer & creator of “Yummy in my Tummy” - classes for kids thatoffers them the opportunity toexperience exciting adventures in the kitchen – combining education, art,food and most important of all FUN! Contact: (905) 597-0672 or sdsefton@rogers.com.
March Break is quickly approaching, and we are pleased to bring you camp and event ideas, to help you plan a memorable holiday for your family.
PLAYDIUM THE ULTIMATE PLACE TO PLAY! Sponsored Listing Celebrate March Break at Playdium with over 200 of today’s newest Games, Rides & Simulators. Win prizes at our Redemption & Prize Zone. New! - Spin Zone Bumper Cars & MaxFlight Roller Coaster Simulator. Visit www.playdium.com for our Great Value March Break Specials. ULTIMATE FUN!
Be a Rock Star - March Break Madness at the Bata Shoe Museum Sponsored Listing ‘Rock on’ at the Bata Shoe Museum with your Backstage Pass for exclusive access to all the rockin’ good activities, including cardboard guitar-making, decorating cookies, tattoos, try-on costumes, funky footwear, treasure hunts and more! Special Musical Tribute to Justin Bieber on March 14. Daily iPod Shuffle draws !
Free to Be You and Me, The Lower Ossington Theatre Sponsored Listing A unique combination of hilarious skits and great music, Free to Be… features many charming messages of growth, change and self-esteem that are as relevant today as they were when this cherished musical was first released in the 1970s. A bona fide children’s classic!
Make a March Break Masterpiece Sponsored Listing Come paint a treasured ceramic keepsake while spending quality time with family or friends. WALK IN WELCOME. March Break Camp (14th-18th; week long/ 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.
March Break Toy Design Camp Sponsored Listing In partnership with Spin Master Toys, this hands-on design based camp for young designers aged 7 to 10 will explore the world of toy design from concept to prototype. Projects include Toys with Wheels, Stuffed Creatures and Things that Fly.
Bring Your Kids for A Meal Assembly Session During March Break (ages 8 and up) Sponsored Listing Just Add Heat is a busy family’s best friend. Come to our professional style kitchen and assemble freezer friendly meals in record time. Choose from 16 delicious new meals each month, select a session time, then fill your freezer with nutritious homemade dinners! Or try our Done Like Dinner® service where we assemble your meals for pick up - at no extra charge.
March Break “GAME SHOW MANIA” Adventure Camp Sponsored Listing Adventure Camp March 14-18th. Activities based on popular shows like Minute to Win It & Fear Factor. Kids Age 4-12 can do Soccer, Basketball, Fitness, Karate, Dance, Art, Computers, Science Experiments, Music & More. 20% Bring a Friend Event. If you bring a friend, you both get 20% off your fees! (*see website or call for details)
Real People. Real Stories. Real March Break Adventure! Sponsored Listing Discover unique learning adventures for the whole family at the quality cultural sites owned and operated by the City of Hamilton! Experience hands-on activities, crafts, games, dress-up, digital photography and videography, art and science, and much more.
March Break Camp at Kids Time Sponsored Listing Kidstime March Break Camp ages 4-10 years. Book early and save $20/full week 9am -5pm. Camp includes arts/crafts, mini golf, arcade and play ground fun. Weekly, full-day, half-day, early drop-off and late pick options available. Visit our website www.kidstime.ca or call 905-820-2525 to book.
March Break Dance Camp Sponsored Listing Tandem Studios is excited to host another year of Dance Camp. Campers will experience a wide variety of styles; jazz, hip hop, musical theatre and more! 9-4pm March 14th-18th and a weekly showcase. Contact us to register as spaces are limited!
Sleeping Beauty & Robin Hood, Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts Sponsored Listing Join us this March Break for Sleepy Beauty and Robin Hood! Just when the audience becomes enthralled by the story - a twist is created! Before your very eyes, members of the audience are asked to come up on stage and join in the action. Tickets only $15, Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre. 5040 Yonge Street.
Steeles West Gymnastics March Break Camp Sponsored Listing: Come to Steeles West Gymnastics for a fun gymnastics and fitness experience over the March Break. Active games, trampoline, bars, beam, vault, floor and tumbling all taught by certified, friendly and experienced coaches. For ages 4 and up.
Bringing lots of smiles and treats, that is essential.
February 14th is Valentine’s Day, a day that brings meaning to different people in different ways. My children see it as a day to send cards to their friends, thanking them for all they have done. They also give my husband and I cards to remind us that they love us and feel fortunate to have us for parents. Friends, siblings, parents and the many romantics struck by cupid’s arrow use this opportunity to remind their significant others how much they mean to them. Here are some great ways to remind someone you care about how much they mean to you!
Positively pleasurable poetry
Write a poem for a friend. Write the letters of their name down the side of the page, add descriptive words to match the letters that best describe the unique attributes that make them special.
Here is my example:
I used my 8 year old daughter’s name - Sabrina. She is a wonderful, warm and caring person with so many beautiful qualities.
S is for sister, a job she does really well
A is for athletic, be it soccer, swimming or skating
B eautiful she is, inside and out
R eally good at drawing, she is quite the artist
I nterested in learning and a really good student N o is a word she does not accept, she knows she can do…
A nything she puts her mind to!
Chocolate Covered Spoons
Take a mug, add some delicious Hershey’s kisses and hugs and then top it off with a delectable chocolate covered spoon!. What a super way to show someone special how much they mean to you.
You will need:
6 ounces of chocolate chips. (semi-sweet, milk or white chocolate).
20 heavy-duty plastic spoons
½ tsp canola oil
Deep glass measuring jug
Waxed paper
Cellophane or Saran Wrap
Thin ribbon
What you need to do:
1.Place chocolate chips in a deep glass measuring jug
2.Microwave the chips for one minute. Stir and repeat in 30 second bursts until chocolate is smooth and fully melted.Be careful NOT to overcook.
3.Add canola oil to the melted chocolate and stir until blended.
4.Dip plastic spoons into the chocolate to coat the bowl of the spoon and about one inch of the handle. If the chocolate starts to harden, microwave for 30 seconds at half power.
5.Lay chocolate covered spoons on wax paper to set. When the chocolate has set, you can either melt more chocolate and do a second layer or just put them straight in the freezer for 15 minutes.
6.Take squares of coloured cellophane and wrap the coated spoons. Tie with a pretty ribbon.
Love Bug book mark!
Make this adorable caterpillar worm bookmark for your friends, parents or teachers for Valentine’s Day. This is a quick and fun craft to make!
You will need:
·Rectangular strip of paper or cardboard (appropriate for a bookmark – 8” by 3”)
·1 large craft foam heart
·6 medium craft foam hearts
·2 tiny craft foam hearts
·heart sticker
·chenille stem
·2 small wiggly eyes
·red pen
·glue
What to do:
1.The body: Starting at the bottom of the strip of paper, stick the 6 medium foam hearts in a row. Have the top of one heart overlapping the point of the heart above.
2.The head: Stick the large foam heart on top.
3.The antennae: Cut two short pieces of chenille stem. Stick these to the back of the head. Stick a tiny heart to the end of each piece of chenille stem.
4.The face: Glue the wiggly eyes to the head, add a heart sticker for the nose (or use a marker to make a dot). Finally use the marker to draw a mouth.
Enjoy the day and take some time to remind
those that are important to you, how much they are appreciated!
“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.”
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Shelley Sefton is a chef, recipe developer & creator of “Yummy in my Tummy” - classes for kids that offers them the opportunity to experience exciting adventures in the kitchen – combining education, art, food and most important of all FUN! Contact: (905) 597-0672 or sdsefton@rogers.com.
Winter is the perfect season to create projects to keep you and your family busy while it is freezing cold and snowing outside. Even though playing video games and watching TV are always good ways to keep ourselves occupied, it is also good to find some activities that require using our imagination and creativity.
The benefits of working together on at home projects is that you see your hard work come to fruition, while being wonderfully creative and enjoying quality family time…something we could all have a little more of! There are no limits to using your imagination and there are no rules to limit your fun, except to be safe!
Below you will find some fabulously fun crafts and delicious recipes for the whole family from the age of 2 to 102. In our house, these are considered activities for everyone.
Snow family puppets: This adorable snow family will provide your family with hours of puppet show entertainment!
You will need (many of the supplies below can be found at your local dollar, art supply or craft store):
Plastic wrap
1 white knit glove
Hot glue gun (adult supervision required)
5 tiny orange pom-poms for noses
10-12 Small pom-poms for ear muffs and hats
Chenille stems cut in 2 inch pieces (also known as pipe cleaners)
Scrap pieces of felt for scarves
Black acrylic paint
Paint brush
White felt
Scissors
How to make it:
1. Fill fingers of glove with plastic wrap. This will keep the glove from sticking to itself from the glue and will act as a “filled finger” which allows for a good fit when done.
2. Glue chenille pieces over the top of each glove finger and the pom-poms at the end of each chenille piece for ear muffs.
3. Use a triangle shaped scrap of felt to form a simple hat. Wrap the wide end of triangle across the head of the finger puppet (at the tip of one of the fingers) and glue the point of the triangle down the back. Glue a pom-pom on top.
4. Make scarves from felt strips, fringing the ends with scissors. Glue in place.
5. The orange pom-poms can be used for noses.
6. Dip the handle end of a small paint brush into black acrylic paint. Carefully dot on eyes and mouths. (If you have tiny black pom-poms they can be used instead of paint for the eyes or you can also practice with a black marker)
7. Allow everything to dry and remove the plastic wrap from the fingers.
8. Put the family of finger puppets on your hand and create a puppet show!
Caution:
Always use caution when using hot glue guns. An adult should supervise or handle the gun themselves while children position the materials. White craft glue can be used instead, but takes longer to dry.
Re-sealable plastic bags
White tempera paint
A variety of pasta shapes
Waxed paper
White school glue
White cardboard cut in different shapes (circles, hexagons, squares)
White ribbon or string
What you need to do:
1. Place a variety of pasta shapes in a re-sealable plastic bag
2. Add enough paint to coat, close the bag and shake until the pasta is well coated.
3. Pour the pasta onto sheets of waxed paper and allow to dry
4. Glue the white pasta onto the cardboard shapes, making different designs
5. When it is dry, use a hole punch to make a hole and thread the ribbon through
6. Now you can hang you snowflakes anywhere you desire.
Note: These snowflakes are a great way to decorate your Christmas tree.
Soup it up! - create and customize your very own soup!
This recipe is easy to follow and gives family members the opportunity to add their own personal touch!
You will need:
1 onion, diced
1 TBSP olive or canola oil
8 cups broth (chicken, beef, vegetable or water will do)
4 cups vegetables (diced, sliced or shredded)
salt and pepper
How to make:
1. Prepare vegetables so that they are ready when needed.
2. Take a medium sized saucepan and drizzle olive oil on the bottom.
3. Put the heat on medium heat and sauté onions for 3-5 minutes.
4. Add vegetables and sauté for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Pour in stock and cover, bringing to the boil.
6. When the soup starts to boil, reduce the temperature to low heat.
7. Cook for 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender (soft when cut into).
8. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes and then use a hand blender to puree, or if you prefer, leave the soup in a chunky consistency.
Delicious additions include: croutons, noodles, shredded cheese or crushed crackers
Caution:
Always use caution when using an oven or stove. An adult should supervise.
Simply sweet snow people
You will need:
1 toothpick
black food coloring
3 marshmallows
2 pretzel sticks
3 chocolate covered buttons
¼ cup white frosting
What to do:
1. Use the white frosting as glue to assemble the 3 marshmallows to make the head and body.
2. Using a toothpick and the black food colouring, dot on eyes, a nose and mouth on the top marshmallow. 3. Using frosting and “glue” three chocolate covered buttons on the shirt (middle marshmallow).
4. Stick the pretzel sticks into the middle marshmallow, on the sides for arms.
5. Mmmm! Enjoy!
Snow Ball
I made myself a snow ball as perfect as could be
I thought I’d keep it as a pet and let it sleep with me
I made it some pajamas and a pillow for it’s head
Then, last night it ran away
But first — it wet the bed.This is one of my favourite poems written by Shel Silverstein, a well-known cartoonist, poet and songwriter.
Shelley Sefton is a chef, recipe developer & creator of “Yummy in my Tummy” - classes for kids that offers them the opportunity to experience exciting adventures in the kitchen – combining education, art, food and most important of all FUN! Contact: (905) 597-0672 or sdsefton@rogers.com.
For years, I’ve been a subscriber to the American magazine Family Fun. It’s been my reliable partner in crime throughout my kids’ childhood and it might become yours too during the coming Family Day, the Valentine’s Day fuss or the March Break.
In Family Fun, I’ve found a mom’s advice on how to visit an art museum with my young son (turning the visit into a fun “I spy” game to look for specific items on the paintings). I’ve learned how to create a super card game that caught a slice of our daily life (teaching my kids about the different things one needs to know to run a house).
I’ve had a blast at the expense of my kids by using fabulous tips for April’s Fool pranks (I normally buy milk bags but for the occasion, I put a milk pint on the table, in which I surreptitiously added blue food coloring. The look on my then 8-years-old son when he poured the milk into his bowl was totally worth the trouble!).
When I was involved with the School Council, we would often choose the theme for the school parties according to the best craft activities I found while browsing through my Family Fun copies.
Years ago, prior to the internet, the magazine’s main appeal already lied in the fact that they’d been able to get hundreds of creative parents to submit their great ideas to them. Now we can all access this amazing resource online for free.
Their crafts section is the best. You can search by age, type or even by material but the Holiday & Seasonal category is such a time saver. You won’t find a Family Day section in there since it’s an American website but Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, April Fool’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day will all come handy in the coming months.
Just to get an idea of the spread of crafts they offer, check the bottle-cap tambourines in the Recyclable Crafts category under Crafts by Material, or the newspaper fashion show (if I still were a member of the School Council, I’d use that idea to complement a Literacy day event for the students!). As soon as we get some snow, even just a little, I think we should try their Beach Bum Snowman. It would definitely cheer up the whole neighbourhood.
Most pages are followed by a Show & Tell section where you get to see pictures of craft ideas submitted by families just like us. Very often, parents also submit photos of one of the Family Fun crafts they tried for themselves. I should send them my daughter’s picture of the bubble bather costume suggestion we used during our school’s Crazy Bubbles end-of-the-year party.
The crafts are just the tip of the iceberg. Their Playtime section offers hundreds of games suggestions for all occasions and contexts. Their Parties menu allows to search by theme or age and includes Themed Cupcakes and Party Printables categories. They even have a how-to video section for cakes and cupcakes for the bakery-challenged among us.
Tips • Crafts offered online are not there forever. You can subscribe to their magazine online (or through the magazine sales of your school if they have one of those fundraisers). Check their website at www.familyfun.com.
In her personal yet practical 480-page guidebook, author Nathalie Prezeau describes hundreds of outings in and around the GTA she tested with her family and friends over the past twelve years. The 4th edition is out! It includes a new chapter on things to do with the kids around the 69 subway stations in Toronto, as well as exciting city walks to play the tourist in Toronto. Available in the Travel Section of GTA bookstores as well as Mastermind Educational Toys stores and currently at Costco. Visit www.torontofunplaces.com to learn more.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 Dora™ , SpongeBob™, Battle Strikers, and more. Contact: 416-868-6937 or www.cntower.ca.
Love Halloween but tired of how many sweets the kids collect? Craft Caravan has a crafty solution! Give away Wikki Stix Halloween treats - each package contains 8 Wikki Stix and a fun Halloween design. It’s a great Halloween treat for kids of all ages. Set of 50 Halloween Treats - $21.99.
Get ready to ‘trick or treat’ with a special Halloween party at Nepean Museum. There will be pumpkin painting, candy creations and more! Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume. For complete program details please visit: www.nepeanmuseum.ca.
Costume parade and contest, prizes, live entertainment, pumpkin carving, children’s activities, haunted woodshed, spooky cabin, special museum tours… it will be a howl for the whole family! Goody bags for all children! Admission: $6.00 for Children, $ 2.00 for Adults
Just in time for Halloween, The Dress Up Club is offering 40% off all costumes. Choose from 40 costumes including pirates, princesses and witches as well as licensed characters from Batman, Sponge Bob, and Star Wars. Enter coupon code HALLOWEEN upon checkout. Be sure to tell your friends and family.
Specializing in custom made cake pops and chocolate covered sweet treats for all occasions! Some of our chocolate covered goodies include: marshmallows sticks & pops, lollipops, pretzel rods, liquorice, popcorn, sour keys and more! Perfect for your Halloween party or special treat that everyone will be talking about!
Let “Steve” make your next Coporate event, Trade show, Holiday function or birthday party a magical one. With the use of slight of hand, close up or table to table magic, he provides the real mystery of illusion. Fully interactive shows for people of all ages.
Join Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang for Camp Spooky - a fun Halloween event for the whole family! With rides, mazes, a costume parade and fun live show, Camp Spooky at Canada’s Wonderland will make your kids scream for more! Campy Spooky is included with park admission.
Citrus Silver
The Second City’s Miracle on Mercer St.
Planning a Halloween party? You’ll need party crafts! Visit 
We turn your photos into works of art. In a Warhol inspired style, plus our own flare, we create 
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Follow the Zoo’s “Pumpkin Trail” to discover trick-or-treat activity stations throughout the Tundra Trek. Take part in our “Critters and Costumes Parade” at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm daily. Explore our Hay Maze. Best of all, up to two kids in costume (12 and under) get in free when accompanied by an adult. Events are subject to change without notice.
Enjoy a boo-riffic Halloween event just for families this fall! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang for 
Celebrate March Break at Playdium with over 200 of today’s newest Games, Rides & Simulators. Win prizes at our Redemption & Prize Zone. New! - Spin Zone Bumper Cars & MaxFlight Roller Coaster Simulator. Visit 
‘Rock on’ at the 
A unique combination of hilarious skits and great music, 
In partnership with Spin Master Toys, this 
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Kidstime March Break Camp ages 4-10 years. Book early and save $20/full week 9am -5pm. Camp includes arts/crafts, mini golf, arcade and play ground fun. Weekly, full-day, half-day, early drop-off and late pick options available. Visit our website 
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Most pages are followed by a Show & Tell section where you get to see pictures of craft ideas submitted by families just like us. Very often, parents also submit photos of one of the Family Fun crafts they tried for themselves. I should send them my daughter’s picture of the bubble bather costume suggestion we used during our school’s Crazy Bubbles end-of-the-year party.
It’s a Mixed Bag of 
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March Break Camp
Come paint a treasured ceramic keepsake while spending 
Toronto’s favorite family 
