Go Beyond the Amusement Park! 3 Must-Visit Orlando Areas for Families

June 22, 2016 by Kathryn 29 Comments

If there’s one city that’s really perfected the art of family fun, it’s Orlando, Florida. From its many amusement parks to its top-notch attractions and entertainment, there’s no shortage of things to do when you’re visiting this sunny Florida metropolis.

But because its amusement parks are such a big part of its appeal, some of Orlando’s other areas tend to get overlooked. And that’s a shame, because there are so many places in the city worthy of a visit! Wondering what areas you should check out? These three locations are my top picks for must-visit Orlando hotspots!

ICON Orlando 360

This brand new complex on International Drive is home to a ton of fun-filled attractions, including the hugely popular ICON Orlando, a 400 ft. observation wheel that opened just last year. In addition to ICON Orlando, the indoor complex also holds Madam Tussauds Wax Museum and the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. A ticket for any one of the attractions is $25, while tickets for all three are $49, making this a great bargain choice.

I have to admit that I was impressed by just how much fun the wax museum was. In large part, Madam Tussauds is a place for photos, and I loved the fact that it included props and costumes so that visitors could pose in style as they snapped their pictures. But many of the displays also included fun facts about the famous figures and entertaining mini games to keep even the youngest visitors entertained.

Whether I was shooting hoops with Shaquille O’Neal, busting a move with Michael Jackson or taking an intelligence quiz beside Einstein, I was constantly entertained during my experience. And of course, getting a few pictures with my favourite wax celebrities was tons of fun too! [Read more…]

Kids Can Watch, Learn and Play this Spring Break with These 3 New Must-See Netflix Series #StreamTeam

March 15, 2016 by Kathryn 2 Comments

Unlike kids in Ontario, my boys don’t have their spring break until the Easter holidays arrive next week. But even though I still have time before Zackary and Benjamin are home for ten days of fun, that doesn’t mean I’m not already planning ways to keep them entertained! Luckily, Netflix Canada helped to prepare me with a Spring Break surprise pack filled with crafts, toys, treats and more…along with some fun Netflix streaming suggestions, of course! Looking for ways to keep your little ones entertained over Spring Break? These three shows, with some related additional activities, are sure to be a hit!

The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show

Season Two of this fun-filled cartoon is available on March 18, 2016, and one of the things that I love most about it is the fact that it combines education with entertainment. Learning about famous historical figures isn’t something that’s usually so enjoyable, but the lovable genius dog and his adopted son are experts at combining learning and laughter! After watching an episode, take some time to let kids research the real historical figure in an equally entertaining way. Whether you decide to play one of Mozart’s most famous pieces or let kids build their own flying machine like the Wright Brothers, there’s all kinds of ways to explore historical heroes even more! [Read more…]

Don’t Miss These 3 Must-Experience Family Attractions in Toronto, Ontario

March 4, 2016 by Kathryn 30 Comments

Canada has many popular cities when it comes to family vacations, but Toronto is easily one of the top choices for travel…and with good reason! From museums and art galleries to theatres and shopping malls, the city has something to please everyone.

But there are some Toronto experiences that absolutely cannot be missed, especially for families visiting the city for the first time. If you have a trip to Toronto in your future, these are three attractions that you’ll want to make sure you fit into your schedule!

The CN Tower

The tower that helped make the Toronto skyline (and the city itself) stand out among other world capitals is a place that everyone should visit when in the city. While it may seem like the CN Tower doesn’t have a whole lot to impress children, the speedy ride in the elevator is something kids of all ages will love, and the glass floor that lets visitors look down and see just how high above the ground they are is sure to thrill…and maybe even terrify a little! [Read more…]

Take Advantage of February 29th for the First Time in Four Years!

February 10, 2016 by Kathryn 23 Comments

If there’s a common theme for our modern lives, it’s being busy. Rushing to and from work, to different activities with kids and to various social commitments can leave so many of us feeling like we don’t have a spare minute in the day. But this year we’re all gaining the gift of not just a minute, but of a full 24 hours! That’s right; with the leap year here, it’s a great time to claim the extra day as your own and use it any way you want.

Looking for ideas on ways to spend February 29th? Why not try something you’ve never done before as a family and enjoy your time together by embracing the great Canadian winter! These three ideas are a great place to start:

Go Snowshoeing

Chances are, you’re not too far from a national park or scenic trail that is optimal for snowshoeing. Snowshoes have come a long way from the tennis racket-esque versions you’re probably expecting and are often available to rent from national parks or adventure stores. It’s a unique way to take in the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful scenery – not to mention it’s great exercise and your kids will love the novelty of floating on top of the snow! [Read more…]

Join the Nature Valley #RediscoverNature Day on September 20 and You Could Win a Trip to Banff National Park-Giveaway

September 10, 2015 by Kathryn 139 Comments

Growing up in the lush Qu’Appelle Valley on the Saskatchewan prairies has meant that nature has always been very important to me. The unique flora and fauna of the area is fascinating to me, whether I’m throwing seeds from ash trees into the air and watching them spin like helicopters to the ground or picking tiny, tart buffalo berries for a snack while hiking.

I’ve tried to share as much of my love of nature with my boys as possible, but there’s no question that doing so is harder with today’s generation. Zackary and Benjamin are more interested in watching cartoons and video games than squirrels and birds. And between school, work and extra-curricular activities, none of us have as much free time to spend outdoors as I’d like either.

That’s why I’m so excited about the upcoming Rediscover Nature Day created by Nature Valley and the non-profit organization Take Me Outside, on September 20, 2015. Nature Valley is a company that understands the importance of exploring nature, and created an informative and emotional 3 Generations video showing just how much we’re losing touch with nature as the generations pass. Rediscover Nature Day is a chance to get outside with the family and see how many fabulous activities and learning opportunities the great outdoors has to offer! [Read more…]