Jump Around: Toddler Time at Sky Zone

By Yumi

I’ve had my eye on Sky Zone, Ottawa’s indoor trampoline park, since it opened its doors this spring. It’s on the way to Moe’s day care provider, so the signs have been taunting us daily. I did a parent-and-tot gymnastics class with Moe this year, and his favourite part was definitely the trampoline. When I saw that Sky Zone had “Toddler Time,” I was determined to try it.

Toddler Time is offered Tuesday through Thursday, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. A Thursday off to spend quality time with my sister, who was visiting from Nova Scotia, seemed like a good time to pull Moe out of daycare for the day and give this a shot.

What is Toddler Time?

Admission to Toddler Time is $13.00 for the child ($6.00 for a sibling add-on), and no cost for the adult(s). Parking is ample and free. One parent is expected to be with the child at all times. Parents are obviously welcome to jump, too, but I was told upon entry that “extreme jumping” was not permitted by adults during Toddler Time. (I hadn’t planned on doing any flips or tricks because I have no idea how, so I was fine with that.)

At Toddler Time, you have access to the big jump floor (The entire floor is made up of trampolines, and the walls are trampolines, too! It’s the rubber room with which you have always threatened your kids!), the Foam Zone (jump into a foam pit), and the basketball area (practice your jump shot... literally). The 3D dodgeball courts are closed, which is probably for the best.

What should you know?

The first time you go to Sky Zone, you need to fill out a waiver for every person in your party. The waivers can be filled out online - this saves time, and is recommended. The waiver is good for a year.

Adults can borrow “jump shoes” free of charge, but you need to bring socks. I didn’t, so I jumped in my bare feet. My sister used the jump shoes, and she was able to get higher and farther than I was (this may have been the jump shoes, or it may be that she’s 19 and I’m 35). I’m also willing to bet her feet hurt less than mine did the next day. Moe jumped in sock feet.

Sky Zone asks that you don’t bring in outside food. However, as the snack counter did not appear to be open while we were there, I boldly gave my son a juice box and a fruit bar (in the eating area, not on the jump courts). As I was struggling with the decision, another mom assured me that she does it all the time with her daughter. I also kept a bottle of water nearby for Moe to drink from while we were jumping. Because the snack counter was closed, I wasn’t able to get a sense of whether there were many healthy choices there, but I saw ice cream and pop, and they offer pizza for birthday parties. There are drinking fountains. The women’s bathroom has a diaper change table. (I can’t speak for the men’s.)

What was it like?

It was ridiculously fun. We got there right when it opened, so the place was pretty empty for most of our stay, which allowed Moe to get his bearings without being overwhelmed. It didn’t take him too long to find his stride. I took some video, and it is awesome to watch his confidence grow over the course of the videos.

It was fantastic exercise. I thought I might have been pushing it, wearing actual work-out gear, but I wasn’t. All three of us got good and sweaty. Moe wore himself out to the point of angry-drunk-tired, which made leaving an adventure. Because of this, I might not stay as long next time (we were there at least 90 minutes) but we were all having so much fun that I didn’t want to leave.

It felt very safe, the facilities are clean, and there is ample space to relax and take a break from jumping. Leather couches provide a comfortable spot to chill out and there are tables for snacktime. During Open Jump (all ages), a room called “Parents’ Lounge” is open for parents who want to escape the insanity. I also loved that there are clocks everywhere.

Moe has already asked to go back. I’m already trying to find another reason to take a Thursday off work.

Yumi Webster (@yumikid) works full time at a Crown corporation, and is mom to 3.5 year old Moe. You can read about Moe’s adventures at Finding Moe. Yumi has lived in Ottawa all her life. She loves museums, her family, and peanut M&Ms. 

Thomas the Train Visits the Capital

By Kamerine
Thomas the TrainLast weekend was a special weekend in Ottawa. Thomas the train made a  visit to the St. Laurent Mall. He was there for two free shows both Saturday and Sunday. We took in the 11am show on Sunday.

We arrived a few minutes before 11 to a packed house. Kids and babies and parents and strollers everywhere. The show was in an open area on the main floor and there was an area near the stage for stroller parking.

We actually went up to the second floor to look down at the show. There were less people and we knew that would be better for our kids. They were buzzing with excitement waiting for Thomas.

The show started with an emcee who got the kids excited, cheering and clapping, and then it was time for Driver Sam, a bubbly girl who sang songs and danced. Sir Topham Hatt came next, building the excitement with more songs and a dance. Eventually it was time for Thomas. The second the theme song started up the kids were all smiles.

The show was a little long and dragged at times, but overall was really fun. The kids were so excited and only a little disappointed that none of Thomas' friends were there. For a free event it was great, an amazing memory for the kids, and a fun time as a parent seeing them so excited.

Did you make it out to see Thomas? He's making his way across most of Canada on his live tour.

Planning for Westfest: Westboro's Giant Street Party

FunzoneWestfest is one of Ottawa's most happening arts and music festivals, featuring a whole slew of great Canadian talent. It’s basically a giant, free, four-day party in Westboro and after a year of waiting for the excitement, Westfest is back and it starts tonight!

 If you’ve been to Westfest before, you understand what all the excitement is about and if you’ve never been, do yourself (and the kiddies) a favor and get out there and enjoy. Some rules of thumb to remember when attending Westfest with the kids:

Walk if you Can

If you live close enough to Westfest you really should consider walking since parking is extremely limited. If you live too far away to walk, prepare to park away from the action.

Wear your best walking shoes and don’t forget your stroller because Westfest covers nearly 15 blocks, about a one kilometre chunk of Richmond Road, which can feel very long if your feet hurt or if you have short little legs. Biking is also a great way to get around.

Check the Weather

Check the weather before you leave the house, and if you’re planning on spending some time there, prepare for any weather-related eventuality. If it’s hot, bring water, lots of sunscreen and hats. For chilly weather, bring sweaters and blankets for strollers. Westfest happens rain or shine so always have an umbrella is you’re willing to brave the rain.

Have a Food Plan

If it’s a nice day it’s pretty much guaranteed that all the restaurants will be jam-packed. Some restaurants will have a special Westfest menu and have seating out on the street. If you have little ones, figuring out how and when to feed them beforehand is a pretty important piece of the puzzle if you want your day to run smoothly.

Plan Your Day

There is so much for kids to see and do on the street. There are always some really cool street performers, a bunch of inflatable bouncy things, awesome face-painting artists. This year, for the kids, there is a Dovercourt Funzone, ScotiaBank Kidzone and some pretty awesome balloonists from The World’s Greatest Balloons. There will be so much to do that you’re kids won’t be bored. But it is easy for them to get overwhelmed so having a plan of what you want to do is critical.

Plan Some Adult Time

One of the best parts of Westfest, however, and a part that shouldn’t be missed is the music. This year, Jane Siberry, The Skydiggers and Fiftymen are some of the big name draws. You can check out the lineup here. The music during the day is fun for the kids but don’t forget to book a sitter if you want some adult time to walk, eat and enjoy as well.

Are you heading out to Westfest this weekend? What is your favorite part?

Ottawa's Farmer's Markets

0-1One of the best parts of Ottawa in the summer is the availability of fresh produce grown locally. Last weekend, my girls and I had the opportunity to visit the Westboro Farmer’s Market to get some veggies and breads for dinner. Since the arrival of summer, the Farmer’s Markets are popping up all over Ottawa, in every part of the city. Not only are they a great resource for those who want to support our local infrastructure, but they are a fun way to get your kids involved in making (and actually eating) dinner.

0-2If I’m honest with myself, I have to admit I have the world's pickiest eaters. Both are self-proclaimed vegetable haters. So, in order to help the situation, I told them that they could each pick and prepare a dish with their (ahem) favorite veggies. My eldest grabbed some asparagus (all the while laughing because it would make our pee smell). My youngest latched onto the zucchini. At first, she wanted to make fried zucchini but later settled on “baked” fried zucchini. A good compromise I thought.

We had a blast inspecting, choosing and then buying our dinner. Not only did they have fresh vegetables, baked goods and fruits but they also had crafts, treats and pottery, flowers and more. It was a great way to spend an afternoon.

The Ottawa Farmer’s Market in Westboro is located along the walking path of the Byron Linear Park, between Golden, Richmond and Byron Avenues and there are more than 65 vendors. It runs on Saturdays from 9:30-3:00. you can also find more Farmer’s Markets around the city on their website.

Do you shop at an Ottawa Farmer's Market? Which one is your favorite?

The Start of Garage Sale Season

If you’re anything like me you’ve got a whole bunch of junk you don’t use anymore. I know I’ve got a whole store-room full of old toys, baby furniture, books and games. That’s why I love the start of summer. Or as I call it “Garage Sale Season!”

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This weekend is the Great Glebe Garage Sale. While I’m not in the Glebe, my parents are so for as long as I remember, we’ve gotten up early on Garage Sale Day to unload all the gently used things we just don’t want anymore. My brother and I used to spend hours tagging and pricing all the stuff and when my own girls were old enough, I got them involved in doing the same. Since they were small, my girls have always loved to sell lemonade and cookies to everyone who walked by.

images This year is no different. We’ve already got all our stuff organized and we’re crossing our fingers that the weather cooperates. We’re ready to head out to sell our used treasures and perhaps find a few new ones of our own.

If you can’t make it out to the Great Glebe Garage Sale tomorrow, here’s  a list of some other ones around Ottawa in the next few months.

Are you hitting the garage sale scene this summer? Here’s to happy treasure hunting!