Canada Day Colouring Sheet

  Happy Canada Day from our Kids in the Capital family to yours!

Canada Day Celebrations Around the Capital

Canada Day is fast approaching and we will soon be celebrating our 146th birthday. In Ottawa, there are a ton of family friendly activities as well as some of the best fireworks in the country. When you have kids, though, going to Parliament Hill isn’t always a feasible option. So I’ve put together a list of some alternative family friendly, Canada Day Parties.

For those families in the West End of the city, Canada Day in Kanata is always a great spot for families. For one of the largest community events in Ottawa, head off to Walter Baker Park off Terry Fox Drive in Kanata to celebrate. Admission is free with tons of activities all day. Trooper is playing on stage at 8 and at 10 there is an awesome fireworks show that shouldn’t be missed.

For those in the East End, Petrie Island in Orleans will also have a great family bash. There’ a whole slew of kid-friendly activities planned. Little Ray’s Reptiles will be there and so will some little princesses parties, Radical Science and, of course, a fireworks display at night.

If you’re in Barrhaven, you can start celebrating Canada Day early. Mattamy Homes is hosting a weekend long party starting on the 29th. There will be a midway as well as family friendly fun-filled activities, battle of the bands, food and fireworks at night.

The Canada Day celebration in Riverside South will be at Claudette Cain Park and headlined by Junkyard Symphony and Brad the Balloon Guy. The Barnyard Zoo will offer a petting zoo and pony rides! In addition, there will be rides and games for all to enjoy, a Storytime Tent and a Miniature Train Ride for kids. No fireworks, though and the activities run from 11-2.

All of these sites (except for Riverside South) do have amazing Fireworks shows but they do start late, at 10 pm. If your kids can stay up that late - it really is worth waiting for.

No matter what you decide to do on Canada Day, please do take a moment to think of how lucky we are to live in this awesome nation. So get your red and white on and celebrate, Eh!

Thomas the Train Visits the Capital

By Kamerine

Last 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.

Easy Recipe for Watermelon Juice

  Now that summer is finally here and we’re in for a scorcher of a week, I thought a recipe for a nice cool and refreshing summer drink was in order.

Ever since they were little, my girls have been crazy over watermelon. It’s the perfect summer food. Full of sweetness and enough water to quench any thirst. My problem, however, is that I suck at choosing a good melon. Sometimes I hit the jackpot but when my choice sucks and the girls turn up their noses at the melon, I pull out the blender and make a great watermelon juice.

Here's What You Need:

Watermelon - 1 cup chopped roughly and chilled Sugar / Honey - 1 tbsp or to taste Lemon juice - 1 tbsp or to taste Salt - a pinch (seems weird but adds a nice kick)

1. Cut the watermelon and make sure you get all the seeds out. The best parts to use are the red, pulpy layer and cut away all the white. Chop the watermelon into pieces.
2. In a blender, magic bullet or mixer blend the watermelon. Depending on how thick you want your juice, you can adjust the length of blending.
3. Taste before adding sweetener, lemon juice and salt. The above amounts are just a ballpark but it depends on your preferences.
4. Refrigerate the juice for a little while to cool it but not too long as it will start to separate. Don’t add any water since the watermelon already has enough water content in it.

That’s all there is too it. It takes no time at all to make and is great on a hot summer’s day. And...after the kiddies go to sleep, you can always add a little “mommy juice!”

App review: Bunny Math Race

by Lara I don't know about your kids but mine love apps, so when I got the opportunity to review a new iPad (it also works on android) app for kids 3-8 I was really excited.

What they tell you (AKA Key features)

• Different math-learning tasks for 3-8 years old kids
• Child-friendly, easy to play interface: they only need to tap!
• Cute, colorful and cartoonish 3D game environment, with lots of fun tasks!
• 18 levels of fun! Play in Desert, Icy Road or in Mountain scenes!
• 6 free-to-play Race Tracks in Bunny Math Race for kids FREE
• 3 levels of difficulty – the challenge adjusts with addition and subtraction tasks

How I see it

The app is simple but a lot of fun.  While a little too easy for my 6.5 year old (he mastered all the levels in about half an hour), the 4 year old twins both like it and are definitely learning from it.

They like getting to choose the colour of their bunny.

They like racing their bunnies and winning carrots.

And when it gets too hard they just like to hit all the answers until something works :)

The app is free and definitely worth checking out.  Unless you value your own time with the iPad because in the week we've owned it I've woken up more than once to a little face looking at mine asking "can I play the bunny game?" ;)

*This is a sponsored post.  All opinions on the game belong to me and my bunny adoring children :)