On the last day of school, I breathe a sigh of relief. Although I mostly enjoy the routine of school days, I find that by then I need a break from it as much as our daughters do.
Other than taking a break from routine, what I look forward to the most is re connecting as a family. Last summer we were fortunate to have taken a trip to England and France. We rented a quaint artist’s studio in the centre of London, stayed close to the Eiffel tower in Paris, and despite the overwhelming heat, enjoyed seeing the sights as a family. Eating crepes on the street in Paris, sitting by the Eiffel tower and watching it light up after the sun had set are some of our fondest memories. However, beyond the sights and special finds in Europe, we all agree that what we treasure most is the time we spent together.
Last year’s trip was more extravagant than usual. This year we’re thinking of staying closer to home.
I’ve come to realize that even when we take time off our work schedules and promise to spend family time in the city, something usually interrupts our time together. Even with the best of intentions, there’s usually something to divert our attention away from one another. That’s why we always escape to Fern Resort, near Orillia, Ontario – if only for a few nights, every summer. Although we love seeking out new adventures, there’s something comforting about the familiarity of returning to Fern Resort at the same time every year. Something about returning to activities that we know and love - bingo and fishing are the girls’ faves! So when they insist that if nothing else, we must go back year after year, we’re thrilled because we want to too.
We’re considered “alumni” now since we’ve been guests at Fern for five years – usually capping off the summer by spending a wonderful Labour Day weekend enjoying their incredible programs and activities.
Here then are some things to consider and what to look for when choosing a family friendly vacation this summer:
1. Considering the age of your children, how far do you want to venture from home? Especially when they’re young, and especially if you’d prefer to drive, you may want to consider finding a family friendly spot closer to home.
2. Unless you’re going camping or renting a cottage and creating your own fun, make sure that there are activities at the resort or hotel that you can all enjoy. We especially love watching the evening entertainment shows as a family at Fern. During the day, there are programs and activities that cater to our individual needs if we choose.
3. Some of the best times when away are meal times. At home, how often do you get to just sit together, be served and then have someone else clean up after you?
4. Check that the resort or hotel has high chairs or booster seats if you need. Since you want to encourage eating together, make sure that they don’t insist on separate dining times for adults and children.
5. Share a room if you can. Some places insist on no more than two people per room. This defeats the purpose of being together. I’d rather have the four of us share 2 queen or double sized beds than to be in separate rooms. We do that at home.
6. Find a spot that you can make a tradition out of going to every summer. If your children grow up going to the same spot every year, they will learn their way around the facility really well. Now that our kids are older and have been to Fern so many times, its comforting knowing that we can soak up some rays by the swimming pool while our children navigate their own way around the property.
While away, we often talk about the school year that has passed and the one to come. Again, free of distractions, the kids communicate more openly and the effects of this connection spill over into our lives for months after we return home.
Happy travelling!
Sara Dimerman, C.Psych.Assoc., provides in office and over the phone counseling to individuals, couples and families. A parent herself, she is the author of two parenting books, ‘Am I A Normal Parent?’ and ‘Character Is the Key.’ Listen to advice from Sara and other experts by searching for “helpmesara” on iTunes. Find out more at www.helpmesara.com.
The summer is quickly approaching, and we are pleased to help you get ready for a memorable season. Browse camp essentials, summer camps and vacation ideas, to make sure your family is prepared for a summer full of fun.
Lovable Labels Sponsored Listing Durable, Canadian-made labels, perfect for children’s belongings going to camp, school, and daycare. Use our colorful and fun labels to ensure their items come home. Labels for clothes, shoes, bags, and everything else! Medical wristbands available for allergies/medical conditions. Shop online 24/7.
Summer Skin Care Au Naturale Sponsored Listing Looking for a safe, chemical-free sunscreen to pack for camp? A DEET-free insect repellent that works? Canada’s eco boutique Lavish & Lime has a great selection of the top natural brands. Use code KIDSCANADA and receive a FREE natural raspberry lip balm with your order. Only while supplies last!
Shamrock Lodge Family Resort Sponsored Listing: Are you looking for that unique charming spot where the personal touch of the Bryant family makes your family feel special? Look no further than Shamrock Lodge; this little gem of the Muskoka’s is the perfect lakeside setting for a unique, all-inclusive family vacation!
Bayview Wildwood Resort Sponsored Listing Parents and Kids love this lakeside resort in all seasons! Supervised children’s programs, entertainment, indoor and outdoor pools, water sports, recreation centre, nature trails, lakeside accommodation and superb dining. City Parent Readers’ Selection Award Winner!
Enjoy Endless Summer Savings at The Breakers Palm Beach Sponsored Listing: Now more than ever, you deserve the most value from your vacation. June 1 through September 30, 2010, enjoy FREE amenities that vary by day of the week. Stay Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday nights and receive up to $400 daily in extra value.
Visitthebreakers.com or call 1-888-BREAKERS (273-2537) US & Canada.
Magical Castle Adventure at The Fairmont Banff Springs, July 16-18, 2010 (2 nights) Sponsored Listing: A family fun weekend not to miss that will leave your little ones feeling like castle royalty as they take part in a majestic medieval workshop followed by a castle scavenger hunt, horse drawn carriage parade and royal feast dinner with court musicians and entertainers. *Recommended for children aged 6-12 years *Parents are welcome to join in all activities
Gibson House Museum Summer Day Camp Sponsored Listing At Gibson House Museum kids imagine the past, discover their creativity and most of all - have FUN! They explore 19th-century farm life, learn theatre games, make art projects, share in storytelling, cook in the historic kitchen, play old-fashioned games, and more! For ages 6 to 12.
Adventure Valley Day Camp Sport’s Camp Sponsored Listing Our Sports Camp is a challenging program with an emphasis on athletic skill and technique development, confidence building, sportsmanship and fun. Our Challengers will spend each day playing sports - badminton, ball hockey, baseball, basketball, climbing wall, frisbee, karate, soccer, swimming instruction, tennis, tetherball, volleyball, and more!
Evolution Dance Studio Summer Camp Sponsored Listing: Evolution Dance Studio is offering half-day and full-day Summer Camp programs for July and August 2010. The children will dance, play, have fun listening to music, participate in art classes and enjoy movie timeouts. Ask about our Advanced Acro Dance Camp and Dance Intensive Camp as well.
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People Drama School Sponsored Listing: Summer classes for ages 4 to 18 help develop self-confidence and creativity while young people have fun and make friends by exploring drama, improv, film-making and more! Downtown Toronto. Fall/Winter/Spring classes available at three locations: North York, Etobicoke and Downtown Toronto. Celebrating 45 years of young people’s theatre!
Making The Most Of An All-Inclusive Vacation With Young Children…
Maybe staying at All-Inclusive resort is the only way you travel. Maybe a stay at an AI is your idea of Hell. However, if you’ve got young kids, staying at an All-Inclusive resort is definitely an easy way to get away. So if it’s the only way you roll or if you snagged an amazing deal you just couldn’t pass up, here are a few tips to make the most of your All-Inclusive vacation with little ones.
Eat And Be Merry…
Once you’ve checked in and found your bearings, make note of all the restaurants and snack bars and their hours. Hungry kids aren’t happy kids, so as long as you always know a way to get them fed you’ve got that battle won. Pack a few plastic bags or containers to keep snacks handy as well. Fruit from the breakfast buffet is a great mid-morning snack and an extra roll snagged from lunch can keep the wolves at bay if dinner’s going to be a little late. Pack a few favourite snacks from home as well, as munchies can be somewhat lacking at times.
Get Tip-sy
Although most resorts claim that tipping is included, a few extra dollars here or there makes a big difference to the people working there, so we always budget an extra $100.00 to give away as tips. There’s no need to be overt about it, but a buck or two at meals, at the bar and for housekeeping will keep you in good karma and good service. We’ve never felt as though tipping was expected, but we tip at home, so why not on the road?
Be Creatures Of Habit
Traveling with babies, toddlers and small children often means that spontaneity is out the window, so those late, lingering dinners are history for now. Chances are you’ll turn up at the dining room for supper at the same time every night, so try to find “your table“ for the week and stick to it. More than likely, you’ll have the same server (resort staff usually work 6 days a week) who’ll be very happy to see you again if you followed the previous advice regarding tipping. It was nice to enter the restaurant every morning for breakfast and then again in the evening to find “our table” with drinks and highchair at the ready. With larger resorts that offer many options for dining this may not work, but if your kids are picky and you find a place that suits, I’m willing to bet that’s where you’ll be eating for the week!
Unless you’ll be out exploring every day (again, unlikely if you’re with little ones), you’ll also find “your spot” at the beach and at the pool, and you’ll probably find that staff working in those areas look out for you too. Hit the beach early and you’ll probably avoid the dreaded towel game – loungers or palapas “reserved” by towels by guests who never materialize. If you’re by the pool you’ll probably be wanting the unpopular shaded areas, so your chances of getting a sunbed are better.
As with any kind of vacation, All-Inclusive resorts have their pros and cons. If you’re traveling with kids, they’re definitely an easy option, and can offer great value if you’re on a budget.
As we reflect on 2009 to date, we would like to thank the local businesses, who help support KidsAroundCanada.com through their presence in our local directories, and across our website. Their participation helps us connect you with useful resources all year long.
Please check back regularly as our list is always growing.
Also visit our Events Calendar to find the wide variety of organizations and attractions who submit their child-friendly events to bring you quality programming every day of the year.
Local Sponsors
National - Canadian Families
A Perfect Party By Cody
Alli’s Originals
baby magoo
Bayview Wildwood Resort
Bears ‘n’ Buddies Canada
Birth is a Sacred Rite Passage
Bloomin’ Belly Soaps
Borden Communications + Design
Colorful Collection - Adorable Children’s Clothing & Accessories
Danna Bananas
Diamond Personnel Inc.
Discovery Toys
Canada - Mexico Exchange: Free Childcare in Exchange for Room and Board
ECO ME 100% NATURAL KITS FOR HOME, BODY, BABY & PETS
Elephant Shoe - Canadian Online Children’s Boutique
Feld Entertainment
Gingerbread Monkeys
Hatch Maternity
International Nannies & Homecare Ltd
Jonesy
Kai Kids: Organic, eco-friendly gear for your family
Kathy Buckworth
Kidproof Canada
Klean Kanteen, The Stainless Steel Alternative to Plastic
Ladybugs Creative Stationery
Laptop Lunches - The Waste Free Lunch Solution
Marvelous Creations
Mastermind Toys
My Bump Maternity
Name Your Tune
NanniesCanada.ca – For All Your Caregiver Solutions
Nellie’s Laundry + Dryer Balls
No Nuts Please T-Shirts
Peekababy.ca - For Posh Babies and Modern Families
PerryWinkles Kids - Smocked dresses for every occasion
Personalized Children’s Books
PetitePosh.com - Mommy and Baby Essentials with Style
Planetary Design - BREW…PRESS…SIP…ENJOY!
Playhouse Bouncers - Bounce Houses for Sale
RuMe Bags
Shure Consulting Services
Simply Colors - Personalized Clothing for Babies & Kids
Sportball
Stuck on You
Sugar and Spice Bows & Accessories
The Breakers Resort Palm Beach
The Children’s Emergency Foundation
The Futura Rewards Program
The Menu Companion
The Mompreneur
The Organic Pleasure Pillow LUXURIOUS COMFORT. NATURALLY
They Sing 2 Me - Personalized Music 4 Kids
TrendyBabyProducts.com
West Village Kids.com
Youth Coach Canada
Yummy Mummy Club
30 Elephants
Toronto Kids, Babies and Families
A Dress-Up Party by Simply Delightful
A Fitting Image Family Photography
A New Hope Nanny Agency
A to Z FUN RENTALS
AaaPlayland Ltd - Kids Play & Party Place
Active Kids Zone
Adventure Valley
African Lion Safari
Air Combat Zone, FUTURE ACES!
All About Kids
All Fired Up Paintable Ceramics
Alpha’s Discovery Club
Art Explore Studio
Avenue Road Arts School
Babytime Shows
Bathurst Bowlerama
Bayhill Education Inc.
Birtch Farms and Estate Winery
Bisque It! Pottery Painting
BoNa Party Place
Book Clubs by Janna
Cakes by Lisa / Baked With Joy
Camp Curiosity … try everything
Camp Kirk - Residential Summer Camp
Camp Trillium - Childhood Cancer Support Centre
Canada’s National Ballet School
Canada’s Wonderland
Canlan Ice Sports Hockey & Skating Camps
Carol’s Cakes
Centre for Urban Ecology, Humber Arboretum Nature Programs
City of Vaughan
City of Toronto
craftyCOUTURE FASHION, ART + DESIGN
Creature Quest
Creepy Crawlers Express
Critter World - Home of Travelling Critters
Dance Kids Canada
Dentistry by Dr. Nathan Haas
Discovery School of Sport & Art
Downey’s Farm Market & Winery
Earthstones Ceramics
Elman W. Campbell Museum
Enchanted
Enjoy Not Cooking - Gourmet Catering & Meal Delivery Service
ERT - Baby/Child in-home CPR & First Aid Training
Evolution Dance & Fitness Studio Inc.
Ezee Kids Parties
Fairytale Land
Fairytale Parties
Families Makin’ Music
Famous PEOPLE Players Dine & Dream Theatre
Fantasy Castle
Fiesta 4 Kids
Fireflow Yoga Studio
Fun With Music Together
Get S.M.A.R.T. - S.M.A.R.T. Camp
Georgie Porgie Loot Bags & Gifts
GiGi Photography
Girls Health and Esteem Building Programs
Greg Salazar’s Golf Academy Junior Camps (Pickering/Ajax)
Gymalaya Gymnastics Club
Gymboree - Growing Young Minds
Hello Pink Lawn Cards
Helping Hands Caregiver Services
In a Pinch - Your Temporary Care Solution
Jellybeenz Indoor Play, Activity and Party Centre
Just Ducky Yonge Kids Ltd.
Karate4KIDZ: Team Canada KickSMART
Keynotes School of Music
Kidnasium
Kidnetix Edu-Play Centre Inc. (Brampton)
KidsWorks
KinderBounce Gymnastics
Kin-R-Gee Family Centre Ltd.
Lello Art School and Gallery
Loots Of Fun Lootbags
Magical Entertainer Vincent
Messy Hands
My Gym Children’s Fitness Center
My Perfect Princess Party
Northern Karate Schools
Nuf House
Occasions4kids
Oh So Sweet
Ontario Early Years Centres
Ontario Place
Playdium The Ultimate Place To Play
Princess Parties Plus
Rob Stringer - Parenting with Intention
Royal Kids Palace
Royal Ontario Museum
Salsa Babies & Salsa Tots
Sandylion Sticker Designs Warehouse Outlet
Shakespeare in Action - Shakespeare For Kidz
Spa Birthday Parties for Kids
Sportball
TenTen Tennis
The Arty Studio
The Clay Room - Paint Your Own Ceramics
The Cook’s Companion - Lifestyle Cooking & Entertaining Classes
The Dutchess of Dough
The Kitchen Companion - Personalized Kitchen and Meal Coaching
The Lollipop Club
The Pottery Painting Place - Unforgettable Parties
The Royal Conservatory
The Spanish Schoolhouse
Thornhill School of Ballet
Torrance Compounding Pharmacy
Toronto Children’s Chorus
Toronto Dance Vibe
Toronto Fun Places
Tumbles ‘N’ Toys Indoor Playground
Wee Care Placement Agency - Dedicated to caring since 1996
Wee Hands
Where’s My Nanny - Caregiver Services
Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum
Wonderful World of Circus
Your Childs Party.com
Hamilton Kids, Babies & Families
A Fantasy Fables Princess Party
Battlefield House Museum & Park
Dundurn National Historic Site
Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum
Hamilton Children’s Museum
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology
Ontario Early Years Centres
Whitehern Historic House & Garden
Ottawa Kids, Babies & Families
Canadian Museum of Nature
Ontario Early Years Centres
Sportball
Calgary Kids, Babies & Families
Fort Calgary
Sportball
StoryBook Theatre - Live theatre for children.
Vancouver Kids, Babies & Families
A Fantasy Fables Princess Party
Pacific Museum of the Earth
Sportball
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Vancouver Maritime Museum
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Are you looking for that unique charming spot where the personal touch of the Bryant family makes your family feel special? Look no further than 
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