Visiting the National Gallery of Canada with Kids

I remember visiting the National Gallery of Canada when my daughter was just nine months old. I wandered the halls while she slept peacefully in her stroller, getting some much needed “me time” appreciating arts and culture. Once she reached toddlerhood I worried that the Gallery would be too difficult to manage with her, and I filed it away as an activity to do when my kids were older.

Little did I know how much programming has been introduced in the past ten years at the Gallery to make it a super FUN and engaging place for little ones. Plus, the bonus? Kids under 11 are always free!

This past weekend I got a chance to revisit the NGC with both my kids, who are now 7 and 10. We spent three hours there, and could have easily stayed longer. In fact, we had such a great time we’ve decided to buy a family membership (2 adults and up to 6 children) so that we can return many more times!

Artissimo Studio

This was THE highlight of the visit for both my kids. Artissimo studio is located on the ground floor, with easy access to the washrooms and a place where you can enjoy snacks/drinks (no food or beverages allowed in the studio!) Each month features a new project to create and take home, and the projects are thematically linked to artworks on view at the NGC.

It was basically a child’s dream come true - bins and bins full of art supplies, such as yarn, cardboard, buttons, tins, string, paper: you name it, they’ve got it! There are smocks provided and helpers are there in case kids need assistance with paints or glue guns. I got right into the activity along with my kids, and noticed most other parents creating beautifully elaborate works of art. This is where we spent most of our time, and my kids are already asking to go back. It’s inspired me to create my own “imagination station” at home, where kids can use different materials to create what they want!

Artissimo

Artissimo also spreads out around the Gallery, and you can find activities at the Artissimo Kiosk and the Fred and Elizabeth Fountain Garden Court on weekends and holidays. My girls had such a great time doing an art scavenger hunt, by feeling hidden objects in a box and trying to locate those objects on paintings (lots of hints are provided so your little ones will find the answers!)

There was also some dress-up time, and we went on a hunt to find this girl in a painting:

Family Sundays

Family Sundays are held at various times throughout the year, and you’re in luck, because the next one is THIS Sunday February 9th! The theme is The Future is Art! Begin with a tour of the contemporary art exhibition Àbadakone | Continuous Fire | Feu continuel, where you’ll see amazing works by Indigenous artists from around the world. There will be an art buffet, where you’ll choose materials to bend, twirl, twist, fold, cut, and shape into a hanging sculpture. Take part in a hoop-dance workshop with traditional hoop dancer Theland Kicknosway, then enjoy a live performance in glowing colour!

Check the website for a list of all the activities taking place - you don’t want to miss it!

Summer Day Camps

Registration for summer camps opens on February 24th - these are popular, so make sure to register early! There are art camps and photography camps, and members pay a lower fee.

The Food

I normally stay away from gallery or museum cafeterias because I find the food is usually gross and pricey. However, we were pleasantly surprised with the updated menu at the NGC - dishes are made to order and there’s a tasty salad bar. They use real dishes/cutlery, so they got lots of eco bonus points from me for that!! Plus, you can eat the glass rotunda or (in summer) on their patio, which offers a beautiful view of Nepean Point, the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.

If you’re looking for a nice date day/evening out with your sweetheart, there is also the 7 Tapas bar with wine and a small plates menu.

And for you sleep deprived parents? Second Cup opened up at the Gallery, so you can get yourself a cuppa before you head inside!

If you go

A few things to note:

• You can’t bring any food or drink into the Gallery, so you’ll have to eat your snacks (and drink that much needed coffee) on the ground floor before you head in.

• They require you to check any larger sized bag, so I would recommend bringing a small purse so that you can carry around essentials

• If you’re touring the galleries, you will need to remind your children not to touch the artwork (unless, of course, there is a display that specifically says you can touch) Although there is plenty to do for kids 3+, I do think you’d be better off with your tiny toddler in a stroller or carrier. You don’t even have to bring your own stroller, as they have some on site!

• While we spent most of our time doing Artissimo, my kids are at the age where they do have some appreciation for art and we had a wonderful time visiting the galleries together. It sparked a lot of great conversation!

When’s the last time you visited the Gallery with your kids?

Disclaimer: The National Gallery of Canada is a Kids in the Capital sponsor. An adult ticket was provided free of charge for this visit, but all opinions are our own.

Strike-day programming for kids in Ottawa

Next week’s strikes mean that Ottawa parents will need to arrange childcare in the event that you’re not home or can’t take time off work. That’s why we put together a list of some fantastic programming available to you - we’d suggest not to delay in signing up, as many of these camps will fill up fast!

Bigode Martial Arts & Fitness

What: bilingual strike camp

When: Thursday February 13, 8am- 5pm🥊

Where: 571 Lacolle Way Unit 201

Cost: $50
How to register: email bigodemartialarts@gmail.com

Wondering what to expect?

- Two martial arts classes (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Muay Thai)
- Outdoor play
- Organized games in the gym
- Arts & Crafts
- Bilingual environment
- Family discounts for more than 2 members
- Extended hours are available at an additional cost (7AM - 6PM)

Spots are filling up quick so reach out to reserve your spot!

City of Ottawa Recreation Facilities

Camp information

Camps will be available on an ongoing basis when school closures are in effect. Parents are advised to confirm which facilities are hosting camps on any given day as program offerings may vary.

Watch this page for updates to facility and registration information should more closures occur.  

• Ages: 4 to 12 years

• Hours: 8 am to 5 pm

• Cost: $40

Pre- and post-camp care will be available for an additional fee from 7:30 to 8 am and 5 to 5:30 pm at some facilities.

How to register

Sign-in or create an account. If you forgot your account information, you can have your account information e-mailed to you and search for “winter day camps.”

You can also register in person by visiting a recreation facility or client service centre.

Kanata Academy of Martial Arts

When: 7am to 5:30 pm

Cost: $25 +tax and fees

As elementary students face several strike days next week, we encourage and welcome kids to join us in a safe, fun, and structured environment. The days will be filled with games, activities, crafts, and martial arts training. Children can be dropped off as early as 7am, and picked up by 5:30pm.

Register

Kessel Run Games

Where: 240 Centrum Blvd, U102, Orléans
Dates: February 11-14th (covers Strike days and PD day) from 8am to 4pm
Cost: $35/day
This is a great camp for kids 10-16 (though kids as young as 8 can attend, get in touch with the store)

Every day I’m Shuffling: Gamers are introduced to different card games including Pokemon, Magic the Gathering, Smash Up, and Euchre and will participate in mini tournaments throughout the week to test their new skills. 

Dungeons & Dragons: Gamers will learn the concepts of Dungeons & Dragons including character building, story creation, how to be a Dungeon Master (narrator) and will run a D&D campaign. 

Board Game Classics: This week will cover all the board games that you know and love such a Monopoly, Risk, Life, and Clue plus introduce Gamers to some Board Games fresh out of the box. 

Table Top Miniatures: Gamers will learn the skill of strategic thinking, as they become the General for their armies for games such as War Hammer, War Machine, and X-Wing. Gamers will learn how to put together a cohesive army, learn to balance power vs speed, and put their wits to the test as they launch a series of mini-campaigns against fellow campers armies. 

Register

Kids Kingdom Orleans

Kids Kingdom Kanata

Dates: Currently fully booked for the week of February 10th but they plan to run camps on future strike days - check in with them because they fill up fast!

Camps are held from 7:30-5:30 each day, with flexible pickup and drop offs.

We provide all meals, which are prepared on site by our licensed chef.  These meals include Morning snack, Lunch, and Afternoon snack.

The day is structured, with programmed activities, time outdoors in our fenced in yards, and time on our structures.

The cost is $50.00 per child, and $45.00 per additional sibling. 

You can register now, and if the strike does not occur, we simply remove your enrollment.

An email will be sent the day prior to the strike camp, with all camp details, to those who are registered. 

You can email info@kidskingdom.ca to register

Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts

When: Camps will be running for all strike days as they continue to be announced, from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm 
Cost: $65/day
To register: https://www.mystudio.academy/e/?=1810/2134///1578496516

Rideau Gymnastics

Strike day and PD Day camps are available at Rideau Gymnastics.

When: All strike and PD Days 9am - 4pm

Cost: $59.95

Register online.

They also offer drop-ins from 10 a.m. till noon every day. And this week we are giving away free hot chocolate and gymnastics tattoos for each child who visits the drop-in.

Royale Equestrian Centre

When: They plan to offer camps for strike days as they continue to come up. Check their web site for details.

Camp ages 6 to 14 

Drop off between  8:10am - 8:30pm  Pick up 4:10pm - 4:45pm 

Cost $80+ tax = $90.40. Payment to be sent to reclessons@hotmail.com (Password: Lessons)

https://www.royaleequestriancentre.com/daycamp.htm

TRYumph Gymnastics Academy

When: Feb. 11 & 13 9am - 4pm
Where: 1373 Ogilvie Road
Cost: $55
Register online

Let your child come to TRYumph Gymnastics Academy for fun and excitement! Our staff of professional coaches are ready to lead them through a great day filled with a wide range of activities.
Your child will have the change to experience the following activities:

Ninja circuit training

Slack lining (walking a tight rope) over our pit
Cargo net climbing
Gymnastics
Trampoline
Fencing
Parachute games
Badminton
Long rope skipping

What to Bring?
Gym clothes
Running shoes
Water bottle
Lunch (pack a lot of food, it’s an active day)
Positive attitude!

Tumblers Gymnastics Centre

When: Tumblers plans to run camps on all strike days as they are announced
Camps run from 9am - 4pm and you can also sign up for half days
Cost: $25-45

Register online

YMCA

With a labour disruption scheduled at schools on Tuesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 13 (OCDSB), the YMCA will be running day camps where kids can enjoy games, sports, and more!

Open to ages 4Y to 12Y |  9AM to 4PM | Y Members $42.30/day,  Non-Member $47/day

Where: Taggart Family Y (180 Argyle Ave, Ottawa) and Ruddy Family Y  (265 Centrum)
Register by calling your local YMCA or online

Family Travel: Lake Placid, New York

KITC would like to welcome back guest blogger, Stephen Johnson. Stephen Johnson is an Ottawa writer who loves to write about family travel.  During the summer, you will most likely find him and his family at a local fair or festival. During the winter, a beach in Mexico is a likely bet. 

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It is not every day you see your child hurtling down an Olympic Bobsled course at sixty miles per hour.  My wife and I got to live that experience on a recent trip to Lake Placid, New York.   

Lake Placid was home to the 1932 and 1980 Olympics.   The town and surrounding area still have the infrastructure of what you would expect from an Olympics including the aforementioned bobsled run, ski jump and hockey arenas.  

Conveniently,  it is also only about a three-hour drive from Ottawa.  Here is our family guide to Lake Placid, New York.  

Things to Do -  Olympic Sports Complex  - This area is home to the bobsled experience and also to the nearby cross-country ski and biathlon center.  

Our son, David, has always been the daredevil of our family.   Sandy and I declined to do the bobsled experience while David eagerly signed up.   After I filled in the paperwork, David was taken to the top of the bobsled run by vehicle.  Sandy and I walked to the midway point platform.   

We saw several bobsleds go by at extremely fast speeds.  Sandy held her breath every time the sleds passed by. We honestly did not know if David had gone because the sleds went by so fast.  

Upon further investigation,  we found an area near the finish line that offered a better view.   We also found out David was to go next. We could hear the sled coming down the course and saw it approach the finish line.   Again, Sandy held her breath and even I held my breath. Once David and the sled safely stopped, his smile ear to ear confirmed it was a great experience.  

David described it as being one of the coolest experiences of his life and said it was a similar feeling to a roller coaster.   

David was shuttled back to the centre and was given a commemorative pin and t-shirt.  We also learned one of the bobsledders working that day was U.S Olympian, John Napier.  While he did not guide David’s sled, he was very giving of his time as we chatted about his Olympic experience and took photos.   

Olympic Jumping Complex - I’ve always thought that Olympic ski jumpers are a bit crazy.   At Lake Placid, it is possible to get the perspective of a ski jumper at the Olympic Jumping Complex.  

We arrived on-site and took a gondola ride up to the base of the 120-metre ski jump. On the gondola, we were treated to a panoramic view of the Adirondacks.  

If it was not already high enough,  we took an elevator to the top of the ski jump.  We proceeded outside to the observation deck. The view was amazing but it still confirmed my idea that ski jumpers are crazy.  I had also gained a new admiration for their bravery.    

We eventually made our way back down the elevator and gondola.  I must admit, Sandy and I were both happy when David said he does not want to become a ski jumper.

Cloudspltter Gondola Ride -  Whiteface Mountain is one of the most popular downhill ski hills in the northeast United States.   Luckily, the Cloudsplitter Gondola takes skiers and non-skiers to the top of Little Whiteface Mountain.   Our family fell into the non-skier category. The gondola ride took about fifteen minutes to reach the peak.   It was easy to understand why Whiteface is so popular. Skiers and snowboarders were carving up the freshly fallen white powder.  

Once at the top, it was a perfectly clear day and we were treated to a stunning view of the valley and surrounding peaks.   David wanted to explore some of the side trails. If he had it his way, he would have spent hours at the top of the mountain. The only problem was that the temperature at the top of the mountain was a brisk -20 C with the wind chill. I was good after about fifteen or twenty minutes.    

We made our way back to the gondola and had worked up an appetite.  We checked out the Base Camp Market and all had a delicious clam chowder soup.  

Where to Stay - We had a very comfortable stay at High Peaks Resort.  Located right in downtown Lake Placid, the resort was centrally located to everything.  Some of the touches I liked was the central lobby area where one could find multiple fireplaces and comfortable chairs. It was the perfect place to lounge and just relax.  There were many board games to be found including chess. The resort provided a delicious hot chocolate and cookies to complete the ambiance.

David, Sandy and I also enjoyed the swimming pool and hot tub found in the resort.   

We look forward to checking out the resort in the summer as well.

Where to eat -  There is no shortage of restaurants to be found in Lake Placid.  One thing I did like is that most seemed to be locally owned. There were no golden arches on every street corner.   We had several good meals in Lake Placid but for us, the standout was the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery.   It had the right mix of the friendliness of a pub mixed in with relaxed family dining.  The food was delicious with Sandy and David enjoying the fish n chips while I tucked into the bacon cheeseburger.   Our server was extremely attentive and friendly.

If you go - It is impossible to summarize everything there is to see and do in Lake Placid during the winter in one article.   A few other activities include dog-sledding on Mirror Lake, tobogganing down a chute, and skating on the outdoor oval where the Olympic speed skating took place. It is also a pleasure to just walk around Lake Placid downtown.  It is not uncommon to find winter sports competitors from around the world mingling.   

Lake Placid will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1980 Olympics from February 14-23.  There will be many activities with an Olympic theme.  

As with any winter activity, it is necessary to plan ahead and check the weather.  A very useful website for all Olympic related activities is www.whiteface.com.  For an overview of all tourism-related activities in Lake Placid visit, www.lakeplacid.com.

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Full disclosure, we were guests of the tourism office of Lake Placid. Our hotel and attractions were covered but as always, all views are my own.

Sugar Bushes in Ottawa (and area)

It’s almost that time of year where the sap starts to run and fresh maple syrup is available for all to enjoy! Maple syrup season is the sweetest part of winter for many reasons and visiting local sugar bushes has become a family tradition for many. Many Ottawa sugar bushes also offer family-friendly activities such as hay rides, playgrounds, walking trails, as well as other sweet treats…are you excited yet? Here are some sugar bushes you will want to visit!

Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush

Maple Season starts February 15th
399 Sugar Bush Road
Pakenham, ON
https://www.fultons.ca/

A pancake house, maple shoppe, a playground and outdoor activities such as a sleigh rides (with an additional fee) and more, family-run Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush is a great place to spend a good part of the day!

Parc Omega

399 Route 323 Nord,
Montebello, Québec
https://www.parcomega.ca/en/

Omega Park is located in Montebello and from the end of February until mid-March you can enjoy wagon rides, maple taffy and visit the sugar shack. Learn about the traditional ways of making maple syrup and enjoy maple taffy on a stick. There are also trails you can explore. Admission to the sugar shack is included in the admission fee to the park. For more information on Omega Park, check out this blog post on everything there is to do while there.

Proulx Maple and Berry Farm

Proulx Maple and Berry Farm

Maple Season starts February 23rd
1865 O'Toole Rd.
Cumberland (Ottawa), ON
https://proulxfarm.com/

Enjoy a pancake brunch in a rustic cabin in the heart of their sugar bush. There is also an onsite farm store as well as additional activities including a small animal petting farm, horse-drawn hay rides, as well as outdoor play parks and slides. Farm Admission, $5.76+HST/person, kids under 3: free

Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm

Maple season starts February 29th
2452 York's Corners Rd.
Edwards, ON
https://stanleysfarm.com/family-fun/pancake-house/

Regulars love their all you can eat brunch, age-old log cabin with a wood-burning evaporator to show visitors how maple sap is turned into syrup, animal barn, and their taffy shack!

Temple’s Sugar Bush

Temple’s Sugar Bush

1700 Ferguson Falls Rd.
Lanark, ON
http://www.templessugarbush.ca/

Exclusively features their “Sugarmaker’s Buffet” – served “cabane a sucre style” on weekends and holidays in March and April. This gorgeous property also features a nature trail that takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk - perfect for families! For more information visit our complete blog post on Temple’s Sugar Bush.

Wheeler’s Pancake House, Sugar Camp and Museum

1001 Highland Line, McDonalds Corners
(Lanark Highlands)
http://wheelersmaple.com/

Open daily all year from 9am-3pm, including Saturdays and Sundays. There is a farm museum and a maple syrup museum, along with the original sugar shack. There is also a small playground as well as sheep, alpacas, horses and a miniature horse. There are trails for walking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing (you can rent snowshoes).

The Log Farm

Maple season starts February 29th
670 Cedarview Road
Nepean, ON
https://thelogfarm.com/

Located in the heart of Ottawa west, The Log Farm is a historical farm site, where you can see how the Bradley family lived in the 1860’s. The farm is a working farm so visitors see all kinds of animals on the farm site. The original Beavertails will also be onsite this year, as well as everyone’s favourite taffy in the snow (both are cash only). There is also a bonfire, a giant hay mountain and a giant snow mountain. Visitors can also catch a wagon ride (tractor drawn) to the sugar bush.

Vanier Sugar Shack

Maple season starts mid-February
300 des Pères-Blancs Avenue
Vanier, ON
https://museoparc.ca/vanier-sugar-shack/

The Vanier Museopark’s Sugar Shack is one of the few active urban sugar shacks. Every year, the Vanier Museopark also holds a Sugar Festival that demonstrates many old maple sugar traditions. Treat yourself to maple taffy on a stick and walk through the many tapped maple trees throughout the part.

The Zoo Inside You at the Canadian Museum of Nature

Over the holidays we got the chance to visit the Canadian Museum of Nature in order to check out their new exhibit “Me & My Microbes.” We went on New Year’s Eve day, which was the perfect time - most people were leaving when we arrived and we had many sections of the museum to ourselves!

The human body contains trillions of microbes, and outnumber human cells by 10 to 1! Most of these little guys are good for us, helping with digestion, fighting off infection and disease and even affecting our moods. Microbes also live ON our bodies, and you can find them everywhere, often concentrated on different areas of the skin.

As always, the exhibits are created to entertain both adults and young children alike. There are interactive displays, simulation games and even a small area for toddlers and younger children where they can play with stuffie microbes such as bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Our favourite part was the presentation at “The Lab.” These run regularly throughout the day in both french and english. The information was fascinating, and definitely captured my kids (7 and 10 years old) attention. At the end of each section the facilitator would ask multiple choice questions, and we got to answer with number decks that were sitting on the benches.

My oldest also loved reading about microbes in our mouth and what affects our dental health. My youngest loved a simulation game where you consume different foods or antibiotics and see how they have an impact on our microbiome (all the microbes living in our guts!)

I really appreciated the science on dirt, and how being “dirty” (playing outside, getting our hands dirty in the garden and not stressing so much over disinfecting our houses) can lead to more diverse microbiomes; which science says may help to ward off disease. Now when my kids complain about going outside I’ll tell them they’re just making their microbiome happy!

The exhibit is on until 29th, and the cost is $6 per person (on top of admission), but free for members and kids 2 and under! It’s definitely not to be missed, especially if you’re a bit of a science geek like I am.

The museum is also hosting some upcoming special “gut talks” that explore the human microbiome. These include:

1) January 16th: Our lifestyles, our microbes: The hidden connection.
Dr. Kathy McCoy and Dr. Braedon McDonald, an intensivist and clinician-scientist, will discuss the effect of modern lifestyles on the human gut, and how an imbalance in our microbes may influence many diseases or disorders, such as allergies, autoimmunity and cancer. Dr. McCoy will also talk about how scientists hope to harness the power of the microbiome to promote health and treat disease.

2) February 6th: Diet and prebiotics: Happy gut, happy life.
Dr. Raylene Reimer, University of Calgary Professor and Registered Dietician, and Dr. Jon Meddings, gastroenterologist and dean of the Cumming School of Medicine, will explore how diet plays a major role in shaping the community of microbes that call our intestines home. An imbalance in these microbes has been linked to many common diseases. Dr. Reimer will discuss the influence of diet and prebiotics (“fertilizer” for healthy gut bacteria) in counteracting disruptions to gut microbiota including in conditions such as obesity, diabetes and autism. Tickets for this talk will be available as of January 16 at nature.ca.

3) March 12th: Let them eat dirt: Childhood and the microbiome.
Dr. Marie-Claire Arrieta, University of Calgary microbiologist, and Dr. Chris Waterhouse, a paediactric gastroenterologist, will discuss how the millions of microbes that live in our bodies influence childhood development. Dr. Arrieta will explain how an imbalance in those microbes—for example, through antibiotic overuse, hyper-cleanliness and poor diet—impacts children’s health, leading to an increase in obesity, asthma, and other chronic conditions. Dr. Arrieta is a co-author of Let Them Eat Dirt: Saving Your Child from an Oversanitized World. The event includes a documentary screening and book-signing. Tickets for this talk will be available as of February 20.

All talks are FREE but they recommend you reserve tickets by visiting their website