CAPITAL PARENT SUMMER 2014

play. learn. grow!

Your summer safety survival guide page 3

Our fave backyard camping tips page 9

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2014 PICKS

play. learn. grow!

HAPPY CAMPERS Plus, get the results of our second annual summer survey & plan the Best Summer Ever!

PHOTO BY KATE SETTLE

SUMMER 2014 | FREE | capitalparent.ca | Ottawa’s Parenting Toolbox

2014-05-26 11:30 AM

We’ve been going camping as a family for many years, and part of our camping experience always includes a few good hikes. We love it when there’s a payoff, like a fantastic view.

From The Editor I don’t know where my love affair with camping began. It’s not something we did very often in my family, but this was no reason not to try it. So when our daughters were two and four, we decided to give “car camping” a try. We booked a spot at Algonquin Park, loaded up our vehicle with as much gear as it could carry, and gave it our best shot.

Other than a few hundred mosquito bites (for each of us), we did ok. We survived. No one was eaten by a bear, or fell into the fire, the latter being my worst fear. In fact, we banned running around the campsite for that reason. It was a lot of work – the planning, the packing, setting up the tent almost sent us to divorce court – but it was all worth it to see the girls wonder at the millions of stars in the black sky, catching fireflies in our hands, enjoying our company around a crackling fire, and observing frogs up close. (Kudos to my husband for showing them how to catch them!)

Here’s the interesting thing; camping got easier every year. We made mistakes and learned from them, and as the girls got older they became increasingly helpful with the prep work, dish duty, and tent setup and takedown.

As I look back I realize that many of my favourite memories are from the times we went camping with our children.

I’m happy we invested the time and effort, because it’s been worth every mosquito bite.

If you’re on the fence about camping, you might appreciate Katharine Fletcher’s piece about learn to camp programs on page 9. Or perhaps backyard camping is more your speed?

If so, see page 5.

In this issue, we’re also sharing the results of the second annual Summer Survey, which begins on page 6. Whether you’re planning your summer fun ahead of time or just looking for something new to do with the kids, we’re sure you will find it a very handy resource.

I’d like to wish all of our Capital families a wonderful summer! See you in September!

ANDREA TOMKINS andrea@capitalparent.ca

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Martin’s St. rsery School Nu Established 1964

Who’s on the cover? It’s Brendan (7) and Tadhg Riff (5)!

editor ’s

faves

>BB Sheer Tint I’ve been using this tinted BB cream for months, and I just love it. It’s lightweight, has a very mild and pleasant fragrance, and evens out my skin tone. (In other words, I look a lot less tired when I wear it.) Bonus: it provides chemical-free UVA/ UVB protection of SPF 30. $24 at terra20.com

>7 Little Words We’re addicted to the “7 little words” iPhone app, but this is the printed companion for kids age 7-12. Starting with 20 different letter combinations, you need to figure out the seven words that match the seven clues.

Perfect for road trips and quiet time. $6.99 at chapters.ca

PUBLISHER Mark Sutcliffe mark@greatriver.ca EDITOR Andrea Tomkins andrea@capitalparent.ca twitter.com/capitalparent CONTRIBUTORS Katharine Fletcher • Jason Haug Lynn Jatania • Marcia MacQuarrie • Sara McConnell • Kate Settle COPY EDITOR Judith van Berkom CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes 613-238-1818 ext. 253 creative@greatriver.ca DESIGN & PRODUCTION Sarah Ellis sarah@greatriver.ca ADVERTISING Karen McNamara 613-238-1818 ext. 259 karenm@greatriver.ca CAPITALPARENT is published by

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran

>Bug jar We don’t bring toys with us when we go camping, but we do bring nets, fishing poles, and bug jars. This one from Coghlan’s is compact and sturdy, making it perfect for little hands. The lid has a magnifier, so it’s easy to observe all kinds of critters we find in nature. $6.99 at well.ca

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Donna Neil V.P. SALES Terry Tyo 613-238-1818 ext. 268 terry@greatriver.ca OFFICE LOCATION: 250 CITY CENTRE DRIVE SUITE 500, OTTAWA MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 3814, STATION C OTTAWA, ONTARIO K1Y 4J8

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FOR INFORMATION CALL (613) 722-7500

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CARING FOR KIDS

A summer safety survival guide for parents

BY JASON HAUG, PROGRAM & PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICER, OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH

S

ummer is here! The good news is that summer is the season of wonderful sun-filled days, long drives, and swimming pools. The bad news is it can also be the season of sunburns, car collisions, and near-drownings. As we all begin to relax and unwind, it is an important time to stay alert as most summertime tragedies can be prevented.

SUN SAFETY The sun is one of the most enjoyable parts of summer, but it can also cause a lot of harm. People who have had at least one blistering sunburn as a child or as a teenager have an increased risk of developing melanoma skin cancer later in life.

Babies under one year should be kept out of direct sunlight completely. Protect your baby by seeking shade or by placing a canopy or umbrella over your baby’s stroller. If your baby is less than 6 months old, do NOT apply sunscreen.

For children older than 6 months, slip, slap, slop on a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Look for a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater and be aware of the expiration date. Have your kids wear a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, as well as tightly woven, loose fitting, full-length shirts and pants, to provide the best protection. Try planning some of your outdoor activities under a tree, umbrella, or shade of a building instead of in the direct sunlight. The most dangerous times for UV exposure are between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

CAR SAFETY Although it may be tempting to find creative Tetris-like solutions when packing the car for a family vacation, a child’s safety should always be top priority. Avoid leaving loose items in your vehicle, as they can hurt someone in case of a sudden stop.

Did you know that motor vehicle collisions

are the number one cause of death for children in Canada? Never put two children in the same seat belt or place the shoulder strap of seat belts behind the child’s back. Most vehicles have front seat air bags that can seriously hurt children if the bags inflate. This is why passengers under 13 years of age are safest in the back seat. Drivers are responsible for ensuring passengers under 16 are buckled up. Anyone transporting children must ensure they are properly secured in a child car seat, booster seat or seatbelt. (To find out more about car seat safety visit a1secure.ca.)

It’s also important to remember: • Never leave a child or pet unattended in the car during the hot weather.

• Smoking in a motor vehicle, while someone else under the age of 16 is present, is against the law. Second-hand smoke can be up to 27 times more concentrated in a car than in a smoker’s home.

WATER SAFETY A swimming pool can be a lot of fun during the summer. Providing the right supervision and safety provisions are essential, as swimming pools are the most common place for near-drownings requiring an emergency room visit for children and youth. Children under five years have the highest rate of pool-related ER visits, with 55 per cent of these events occurring at home.

Keep young children within arm’s reach in and around water. It is sobering to know that

Make sure your family has the best - and safest

most children who have drowned in backyard pools fell into the water during a very brief period when they weren’t being watched. It is essential that parents and caregivers who supervise or swim with kids are free of drugs, alcohol or other distractions.

It’s a good idea to have young children and weak swimmers wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) around open water (such as at a friend’s cottage or when visiting the beach) regardless of their intent to swim.

Every pool safety kit should include a first aid kit, a phone for emergencies, a reaching pole, and a ring buoy attached to a rope.

Although it is not law, Ottawa Public Health recommends installing four-sided fencing to ensure pool access is completely separate from the house and prevents direct access from the house to the pool. This will prevent children from getting to the pool – and not just your own children, but neighbourhood kids as well.

- summer ever!

ACCORDING TO CITY OF OTTAWA BYLAWS: All pool enclosures must have a gate (this can sometimes be just a normal gate in a backyard, but it does need to meet certain guidelines).

All pool owners must ensure that pool enclosure gates are self-closing, self-latching and locked at all times, except when the pool area is in use.

And all pools require an enclosure, but not necessarily four sided fencing that separates the pool from the house. Under the current bylaw, the house can be considered one of the 4 sides of the “fence.”

For more information about the topics explored in this article, as well as other summer subjects such as bugs, playground safety, and food safety, visit ottawa.ca/health or call 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-5809656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook (facebook.com/ottawahealth), Tumblr (ottawahealth.tumblr.com), Twitter (@OttawaHealth) and on Pinterest (pinterest.com/otthealthsante).

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THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM

Mom volunteers. Everyone survives.

BY LYNN JATANIA

A

s a stay-at-home/ work-at-home/ h i d e - at - h o m e mom, I sometimes feel like the parenting equivalent of a lab researcher. As a pure academic, basing my knowledge of kids on a small sample of three, observed and raised in a hermetically sealed environment called Our House, it’s little wonder I have the pasty complexion and occasional madness of a forty-something Marie Curie.

Sometimes I get to thinking that I need a little adventure, a little hands-on research, a chance to say I’ve got the real life experience to back it all up. Much like Indiana Jones venturing out of the university, like Joan Wilder stepping out from behind the typewriter in Romancing the Stone, or Rex from Toy Story 2 living his Buzz Lightyear video game in full-scale interactivity, sometimes I just need to get out of the house.

So when my middle daughter brought home a field trip permission slip, and there was the little box to check if you were available to help out, and she looked up at me pleadingly with her big brown eyes (damn her father’s powerful genes), I checked that box with reckless abandon. A day at the Canada Science and Technology Museum with a bunch of 9 year olds? I thought I was just

tough enough to handle it.

And then my oldest came home with a permission slip. They were also heading to Science and Tech, one week after my daughter’s class. I’d said I’d go with his sister – couldn’t I come with him, too? His big brown eyes blinked away a hint of tears. I checked the “available to volunteer” box.

Two days after that, the youngest brought home her own permission slip. Once again: science museum, wistful brown eyes. In for a penny, in for a pound. I volunteered.

Expedition number one rolled around, and we all miraculously survived the lawless environment of the school bus with no bloodshed or tears, just some vague feelings of nausea and futile efforts to keep everyone sitting down.

My team consisted of three girls who wanted to spend all their time sitting in a corner chatting, and five boys who wanted to spend their time tearing up and down the hallways shrieking about eyeballs and butts. I spent most of my time repeating “NO RUNNING” over and over, and wishing I had one

of those preschool ropes with little handles for everyone to hold as they toddle along in formation.

At lunchtime, everyone who brought money blew it on pop and candy, while the have-nots did their best to pilfer sugary treats from the haves when no one was looking (this really helped with the whole shrieking situation).

At their session on simple machines, I seemed to be the only one paying rapt attention. Did you know a wheel and axel is a type of lever? Me: “FASCINATING.” Them: “When can we go to the gift shop?”

I didn’t lose my sanity or anyone else’s kid (permanently), so let’s call it a field trip win, although I may have replaced my usual cup of afternoon tea with something a wee bit stronger.

When the second trip to the museum in as many weeks arrived, I figured I was an old hand. I scoffed at the offered map – what did I look like, Dora the Explorer? Even if I was sporting a purple backpack stuffed with every conceivable need - from sticky tape to bandages to monkey-sized life preservers - I

Did you know a wheel “ and axel is a type of lever?

Me: “FASCINATING.” Them: “When can we go to the gift shop?

”

still fancied myself more of a Jacques Cartier in a denim skirt and sandals.

This time I only had four kids to mind, a mere half day to get through, and a seat all to myself on the bus. It was like being bumped up to first class, after bracing for a passage in steerage. With only half the yelling and arguing to deal with (although just as many warnings of “NO RUNNING”), I was free to really turn it on at their session on bridge building. My hand zoomed up to answer each question – once a keener, always a keener, I guess. And my mother said my engineering degree was going to waste – turns out I can still totally hold my own in a room full of ten year olds.

(My son: “Why can’t you just sit there and fiddle with your phone like the other parents? SHEESH.”) By my third foray to the museum, I was a serious pro – lecturing the tots on the finer points of science like a tour guide, stopping running in the hallways with a single glare, shutting down bus shenanigans with a monosyllabic bark. I scheduled their day with precision, I practically led their session on energy, and I proudly earned my reputation as the ultimate Goody Two Shoes.

Now it’s back to the lab to put my new skills to use – and to rest up for next year’s field trip season.

Indy would be so proud!

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ACTIVE FAMILIES

The beauty of backyard camping

BY ANDREA TOMKINS

W

hether you’re itching to try camping or just a little shy about taking the plunge, backyard camping is a great way to dip your toe in the water and see how everyone feels about sleeping in the great outdoors. It’s safe, the bugs aren’t usually a problem, and you’re close to home in case someone decides they’d rather sleep in their own bed.

EAT UP Part of the appeal of backyard camping for kids, is undoubtedly the dining options. This is a great opportunity to eat outside, just like you would when camping for real. Spread out a picnic blanket if you don’t have a table outside. Hot dogs and hamburgers, kebabs, big bowls of coleslaw and plates of raw veggies are classic camping foods. Don’t forget dessert!

With a bit of help, kids can roast marshmallows on roasting sticks over the BBQ. PRE-BEDTIME ACTIVITIES To ensure success at bedtime, play some games that will tucker everybody out: tag, hide n’ seek, or just chasing bubbles around the backyard. Stick collecting, bug hunting, and star gazing are also great ways to spend a few hours on a warm summer evening.

Crafty kids might like to decorate pinecones or make leaf rubbings. Whatever you choose to do, take advantage of your natural surroundings!

GET READY Preparation is easy if you’re only going as far as your own back yard. If you don’t have a tent, borrow one.

No sleeping bags? No problem. All you really need is an inflatable mattress and a pile of pillows and blankets. In fact, familiar bedding might make it an easier sell for the younger kids. Get the kids involved in getting the sleeping area ready (and 1even5/13/14 pitching the GMSElemAdGR14.pdf 10:19 tent!). Even the youngest children can fluff blankets and plump the pillows. And don’t forget the stuffies!

PM

Where Canada Comes Together Visit the Official Residence of the Governor General of Canada Grounds Open Daily • Free Admission Residence Tours May 3 to June 27 Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(Reservations required) Weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (No Reservation)

June 28 to September 1 Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (No Reservation)

Ceremonial Guard June 25 to August 22 Witness the Relief of the Sentries, every hour on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Read the rest at

Storytime at Rideau Hall

capitalparent.ca

June 28 to August 23 Fridays and Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Settle in under the Reading Tent to read books and to participate in fun literacy activities with Frontier College volunteers.

Bring your picnic, and enjoy the beautiful grounds and play structure.

It’s An Honour!

A Cross-Canada Travelling Exhibit

June 28 to July 1st 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit this exhibit and discover the Canadian Honours System.

At Rideau Hall for four days only!

C

M

Y

Rideau Hall Movie Nights

CM

August 17 and 19 This summer, you are invited to the first-ever Rideau Hall Movie Nights.

Bring your blanket and settle in to watch Canadian films under the stars!

MY

CY

CMY

K

1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa 1-866-842-4422 • guide@gg.ca

www.gg.ca/visitus ® Find us on® Follow us on

/RideauHall Twitter Facebook

Stop by the Visitor Centre for more information.

Opening hours and tours are subject to change without notice due to official functions and ceremonies.

SUMMER 2014 5

r e m m u S l a u n n A The 2 ! n I e r A s lt u s Survey Re nd

P

arenting can be a tough gig sometimes, and it can be hard to feel inspired when we’re feeling so worn out. This is why we’re so pleased to share the results of our second annual summer survey. We encourage Capital Parents to keep a copy at home and in the car for quick reference if you feel the need to explore a new place, or require a last-minute diversion.

FAVOURITE WADING POOL Heading out to a neighbourhood wading pool is a fun way to spend a warm day, and it’s a great thing to do with kids of all ages. For a list of all the cityrun wading pools, go to Ottawa.ca and search for “wading pools.”

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Dovercourt Recreation Centre (411 Dovercourt Ave.) This was number one on your list, and it’s easy to see why: easy parking, quick access to washrooms, and close access to a full playground and field. Do note: there’s construction happening on site,

so parts of the playground are closed for the summer. There are some special events planned for the wading pool.

The Fairy Tale Splash takes place on July 8, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and the annual dog swim will be August 24, 5:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m.

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Greenboro wading pool (363 Lorry Greenberg) The Greenboro wading pool is part of a larger recreational complex, which makes it a great destination for families from other parts of the city.

If the little ones tire of the wading pool, the Greenboro branch of the Ottawa Public Library is right there.

There are also large sports fields nearby, so bring a ball or kite too!

Season runs: June 27 - August 22.

Closed on Sundays.

are older kids in the picture. Combine your visit with a picnic and you have the makings of some great summer memories. The Food Basics and the sandwich and pizza places in the mall make it easy in case you need to make a snap decision about staying for dinner. Season runs June 20 - August 15.

Closed on Saturdays.

FAVOURITE SPLASH PAD Some parents prefer splash pads to wading pools, especially for younger kids. It’s less of a worry and still a great way to cool off; no swimming skills required. The majority of splash pads operate from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily through to September 17 (weather permitting). For a complete listing, go to Ottawa.ca and search for “splash pads.”

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Brewer Park (100 Brewer Way) Brewer is the clear favourite in this category! We’re betting it’s because there’s so much to do here, so plan to stay awhile. Note: finding a parking spot at peak times can be tricky. It’s best to time your arrival earlier in the morning or later in the day.

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Hampton Park (645 Parkview Ave.) This wading pool is located behind Hampton Mall at Kirkwood and the Queensway. There’s a small playground near the pool as well as a basketball court and two baseball diamonds, making this a good destination if there

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Centrepointe Park (114 Centrepointe Dr.) Centrepointe is a cute destination in the middle of the city, and it’s great for toddlers too. The parking is free and there are washrooms on site.

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Walter Baker Park (100 Walter Baker) Walter Baker is a popular destination in the winter, but it’s a favourite destination during the summer months as well. Combine your trip to this splash pad with a walk around the park. When you’ve worked up a sweat, just get wet all over again!

FAVOURITE BEACH We’re lucky to have a variety of supervised beach destinations here in Ottawa. Pro tip: stash extra towels and extra bathing suits in the car during the summer months in case of impromptu visits on hot days.

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Britannia Beach (2805 Carling Ave.) Britannia is a great place to swim and watch the sailboats from afar.

Did you know you can rent volleyball nets and paddle boards there too?

Take advantage of the picnic tables and barbecue pits the next time you’re planning a family gathering.

Free parking.

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Mooney’s Bay Beach (2926 Riverside Dr.) Known for its devoted volleyball players and the annual Dragon Boat Festival, Mooney’s is a nice place to visit any time of year. Play structures

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add a welcome diversion. Pay parking only, from 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

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Petrie Island (727 Trim Rd.) This sandy beach in the east end offers great views of the river, and is seldom visited by west enders! Pay parking is enforced from 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

During the swimming season, Ottawa Public Health monitors the water quality seven days a week at Mooney’s Bay, Britannia Beach, Westboro Beach, Petrie East Bay and Petrie Island River Beaches to ensure that the water quality is safe for swimming. Avoid disappointment and always check the City of Ottawa website before you head out.

Go to Ottawa.ca and search for “daily beach water quality.”

FAVOURITE PLAYGROUND Sometimes checking out a new playground is an adventure in itself, making this an attractive option for younger children. Look at a map together, pack some snacks, and make a family outing out of it.

2014 PICKS

equipped with central air conditioning! Grab a big blanket, pack up a meal (or order take out for your favourite place) and get going to the best places as voted by our readers:

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Brewer Park (100 Brewer Way) Brewer offers a wide variety of activities for kids of different ages. Pack the bathing suits if you decide to visit, as it won top spot in our “splash pad” category too.

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Dovercourt Recreation Centre (411 Dovercourt Ave.) Dovercourt won a close second in this category, but families who haven’t been by in awhile should know that a sizable construction project on the main building has resulted in the temporary closing of the toddler part of the playground.

3

Andrew Hayden (3127 Carling Ave.) Andrew Hayden, located slightly east of Britannia Beach, has a lot to offer.

The main play structure includes integrated water features, so bring a towel and a change of clothes.

There are lots of pretty shaded walking trails nearby too.

FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A PICNIC Sharing a meal outdoors is a great way to spend a warm evening, especially if your home isn’t

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Brewer Park (100 Brewer Way) Pro tip: time your visit to coincide with the Farmer’s Market that takes place there every Sunday for super fresh picnic items!

FAVOURITE DAY TRIP AROUND OTTAWA We are big fans of breaking up routines with a fun day trip. Stay-at-home parents might find it worthwhile to plan an outing during the week in order to avoid crowds and traffic.

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Mooney’s Bay (2926 Riverside Dr.) Lots of trees and a big stretch of grass make this a super spot to have a picnic. Hit the beach or buy a treat at the cantina afterwards.

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Gatineau Park Hiking trails, cycling, scenic views: Gatineau Park has this and much more. Check the website at cc-ccn. gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park.

One of the toughest things about living in Ottawa (besides the grueling winters of course) is choosing which summer festivals to attend.

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Merrickville If you haven’t been to Merrickville yet, you’re missing out.

This cute little village is an easy hour’s drive from Ottawa. Take in the shopping, the views, and the restaurants. It’s a great day trip for the whole family.

Canada Day celebrations Canada Day in Ottawa is a very special event, so it’s no surprise that it made first place. Festivities take place at three official sites: Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, and at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau. There are also free activities planned at many of the Ottawa’s museums for July 1. Check out their respective websites for more info.

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Mackenzie King Estate This unique country estate once belonged to Canada’s 10th prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. It now forms part of Gatineau

for the younger ones. Maybe this is a good opportunity to hire a sitter?

A favourite destination for many Ottawa-area families, Saunders Farm tied for third place. Saunders is well-known for their Halloween activities, but they offer up a great menu of things to do over the summer months as well. (Pro tip: don’t forget to check out the jumping pillows and the Farmers’ Table Walkup Restaurant. There’s a new chef!)

FAVOURITE SUMMER FESTIVAL OR EVENT

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Petrie Island (727 Trim Rd.) Petrie Island has a unique ecosystem, making it a pretty neat destination for families. (Hint: there are plenty of frogs and turtles to be spotted there.) Check out the Friends of Petrie Island website for summer events and activities: petrieisland.org.

Park. A visit to the Mackenzie King Estate is part history lesson, part nature walk. The ruins and gardens are very picturesque. Don’t forget your camera!

RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest This year’s event takes place July 3-13 on Lebreton Flats. All of the musical acts take place in the evening, so it might not be very kid-friendly

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TD Ottawa Jazz Festival Jazzfest is taking place from June 20 to July 1 and there’s a diverse range of musicians scheduled to perform. Check the website at ottawajazzfestival.com for the full lineup and ticket info.

FAVOURITE “TOURISTY” DESTINATION TO RECOMMEND FOR SUMMERTIME VISITORS Of course, it goes without saying that we like to pretend we’re tourists too!

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Byward Market There’s lots to see and do in the Byward Market (byward-market. com): eating, window shopping, or buying fruits and veggies from the different vendors. It’s a fun place to people watch too.

SUMMER 2014 7

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and bins full of assorted treats, Bulk Barn came out at the top of the pack.

We like that we only buy what we need (or just enough to eat in the car on the way home).

Angry Dragonz This family run food truck can generally be found downtown at Gloucester and Lyon, but you can keep closer track online at streetfoodapp.com/ottawa/angry-dragonz for hours and visits across the city.

Menu items are described as “Asian fusion with a twist.” Check it out at angrydragonz.com.

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Parliament Hill Parliament Hill is a good place to visit because we always learn something about our history while we’re there. The guided tours are very family friendly too. Go to parl.gc.ca/Visitors/index-e. html for more information.

Piccolo Grande Piccolo Grande is worth the trip downtown. Their gelato is made from fresh ingredients and comes in a great selection of flavours. Whether you’re a chocoholic or have a hankering for something light and fruity, you will certainly find something that makes your mouth happy. For a sampling of their menu, go to piccologrande.ca

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Children’s Museum This is a favourite destination for locals and out-of-towners alike. The Children’s Museum, located within the Canadian Museum of History (a.k.a.

The Civ) provides kids with a wide variety of fun things to do while learning about other cultures. Pro tip: keep tabs on the events calendar at historymuseum.ca so you can time your visit to special exhibitions and activities. For example, Archeology Day is coming up on August 4. Kids can meet scientists and hear about their fascinating discoveries and the technologies used to dig up the secrets of the past.

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Flapjacks One of the newest additions to Ottawa’s food scene, Flapjacks is all about pancakes!

They’re located in the courtyard behind Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s at 809 Bank Street. Notable menu items include pancake poutine, and the Campfire “panwich” (nutella and marshmallows sandwiched between two buttermilk graham crumble pancakes).

FAVOURITE FOOD TRUCK/STAND

FAVOURITE PLACE TO BUY FROZEN TREATS

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Maybe this should be the summer we explore all of these locations?

TacoLot Urbanspoon reveals a mixed range of opinions about TacoLot, but this stand located at 999 Wellington Street West received the greatest number of votes from Capital Parent readers. Fish, pork, and beef tacos are available for take out or to eat at a small number of picnic tables.

2

3

Truffle Treasures, the new ßin Westboro, and Stella Luna all tied for third place!

FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A SWEET TOOTH There’s no shortage of places to indulge a sweet tooth in Ottawa.

Here are your top picks:

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Cupcake Lounge It’s hard to pick a favourite cupcake at the Cupcake Lounge. Daily flavours include red velvet, maple cinnamon, and Oreo, but there’s a special menu that rotates weekly and gives us a reason to visit more frequently.

Check it out at thecupcakelounge.com.

(HELLO white chocolate macadamia!)

Gluten-free flavours are also available.

Locations in Westboro and downtown.

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Bulk Barn With locations across the city,

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Ottawa Farmers’ Market: Brewer Park The Brewer Park location is the biggest OFM market location. There are over 100 vendors selling locally grown produce, meats, and eggs, breads, preserves, cheeses, ice cream and more.

It’s open on Sundays from 8:00 a.m.

– 3:00 p.m., until November 16. Park across the street at Carleton University.

2

Carp Farmers’ Market This year the Carp market is celebrating their 25th anniversary. There are over 100 vendors selling produce, prepared foods, flowers and plants, and more. It takes place at the Carp fair grounds and is open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. Check the handy harvest calendar on the website at carpfarmersmarket.com to find out when your fave fruits and veggies will be available.

Also tied for third place: Suzy Q (suzyq.ca)! Suzy Q’s Gourmet Doughnuts is a Hintonburg success story, and now that the word is out about the super fresh goods, folks are flocking over from far and wide. The menu changes, but popular standards include maple bacon, salty caramel, and London fog.

FAVOURITE FARMER’S MARKET

1

Dairy Queen DQ reigned supreme in last year’s summer survey as well. With locations across the city and budget-friendly options, it’s no wonder it’s the favourite!

Art-is-in Bakery Art-is-in (artisinbakery.com) is located at an unassuming location near Preston Street, at 250 City Centre Ave., Unit 112. It’s a fantastic place to grab lunch, fresh baked breads, and all kinds of freshly baked sweet treats (cookies, pastries, macarons, and more)! Pro tip: they make a mean brunch too.

about events and vendors. Pro tip: Grab a pocketful of change and your reusable shopping bags before you go.

Nothing says summer like a browse around the farmer’s market, and we’re fortunate to have some good ones across the city. Check the Ottawa Farmers Market (OFM) website at ottawafarmersmarket.ca for info

3

Main Farmers’ Market The Main Market takes place at Saint Paul University, 223 Main St., and is open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. until October 25.

There’s free parking in the lot across the street from the Market. Check the website mainfarmersmarket.org for directions and more info.

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ACTIVE FAMILIES

Camping 101: Learn to camp this summer!

BY KATHARINE FLETCHER

C

amping is a Canadian ritual, a tradition many of us hold dear. Just think of it: a glorious blue sky, a sandy beach, and a lake where we can splash about with our kids. At night we snuggle into sleeping bags after enjoying a yummy meal and laughing about tall tales of the day’s activities spun around a crackling campfire. Sounds awesome right? But what do you do if you love the idea of camping, but don’t know where to begin?

Ontario Parks and Parks Canada are eager to encourage all Canadians to feel comfortable camping and being in nature, and they’re doing it through their Learn to Camp programs.

Interested? It’s easy. First, check their respective websites for detailed instructions including packing instructions and checklists of what to bring. Next, decide how long you want to go. You can book one, two, or three-night stays in Ontario Parks.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING LEARN TO CAMP SESSIONS? Welcome to Camping 101! Staff explain and demonstrate how to set up tents and get the campsite organized. After participants are set up, guides explain how to prepare simple meals and show the participants how to build a campfire (if the conditions of the summer season permit).

Learn to Camp guides are completely approachable, friendly experts, who really want to help people become comfortable with the outdoors and become regular campers.

As preparing for camping can be confusing for beginners – and costly – part of the Ontario Parks’ program is to loan out the gear. Here’s something cool: graduates of the program go out, purchase the entire kit they’ve used in this program, and return the next weekend to camp again, themselves!

The $80.00 fee for one night/two days (the fee covers up to six people) includes campsite

rental, a six person tent, air mattresses, screened dining shelter, cooler … and lots more. The only thing the campers need to do is bring sleeping bags, pillows, food, and clothing. You can find a complete list of things to bring on Ontario Parks’ website.

WHERE TO HEAR THE CALL OF THE WILD Ontario Parks has nine participating campgrounds in the Learn to Camp program.

Murphy’s Point (ontarioparks.com/park/murphyspoint), on the Rideau Heritage Route waterway is the closest to Ottawa.

Parks Canada partners with Mountain Equipment Co-op for their learn to camp program. Montreal’s Lachine Canal National Historic Site offers the closest experience to Ottawa. The fee is $88.00 for up to four participants, and includes tent, floor mats and breakfast.

CONFIDENCE-BUILDING “FRONTCOUNTRY” SITES If you’re a bit beyond Learn to Camp programs the next up is a frontcountry campsite.

Frontcountry campsites (a.k.a. “car camping”) are easily accessible campgrounds that are ideal for beginners and families who prefer being close the amenities. There’s no long-haul hiking with heavy backpacks to a remote site, just drive right up to the campsite, unpack the car, and pitch a tent! There’s also usually a firepit and picnic table on the site, with laundry and washroom facilities nearby.

Frontcountry campgrounds feature flush toilets and showers; many offer a menu of facilities including organized activities for kids, playgrounds, snack bars, electrical hookups and potable (drinkable) water.

BEYOND FRONTCOUNTRY As you climb your confidence ladder, you can try out increasingly remote experiences. So, once you learn how to camp, you can become more

Between June and September in Ontario Parks, join guides on an overnight camping experience. Experienced leaders explain how to pitch a tent, how to set sleeping bags out to create a cozy nest, how to plan a menu and cook meals, how to build a campfire – and much more. Photo suppli ed by Ontario Parks

and more adventurous, if you feel so inclined.

There’s a whole world outdoors to explore, so why not introduce your kids to the magic and wonder of nature while camping, and make some great memories together?

Katharine Fletcher loves exploring wild spaces. Check out her blog at katharinefletcher.com.

Get the whole scoop about the Learn to Camp programs at: Parks Canada: pc.gc.ca/eng/media/ltc-dlc/ltc-dlc08.aspx Ontario Parks Learn to Camp program: ontarioparks.com/learntocamp Ontario Parks also offers Learn to Fish, and a Learn to Camp Graduates Program.

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FAMILY FUN Lauren, Dave, Hendrix (2), and Jagger (8 days old when this photo was taken!) live in Old Ottawa

South and love to go to Brewer Park with their dog. They also like going to the Farmer’s Market together.

SEND US YOUR PICS

family snap

We’d like to see your BEST family photos and selfies! Submit your favourites and you might see one or two in a future issue. For more details go to capitalparent.ca

ELL PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO BY SARA MCCONN

CAMPING TENT SWIMMING HIKING CAMPFIRE

MOSQUITOES EXPLORING SLEEPING BAG LAKE FLASHLIGHT

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Top toy picks

Rentals starting at

175

$

BY MARCIA MACQUARRIE EDITOR, THE NOISE ON TOYS

The handy Primary Science ViewScope, with its detachable on-the-go viewer, reveals a whole new perspective on the great outdoors. The 20x magnification offers more detail than a simple magnifying glass, but it’s a low enough magnification to easily master the challenges facing first time microscope users. Like a microscope, what you see through the lens is an inverted image of your specimen. It takes a bit of getting used to, but this certainly did not diminish the excitement our play testers had for the daily discoveries of things their eyes never noticed before.

Parents love the easy-to-use focus button, the clear plastic specimen case (great for observing aquatic critters), and the white viewing pad that reflects such good illumination there’s no need for a finicky mirror to adjust.

per night

For more information about this and other award-winning summer toys – or to apply to the play testing program – visit thenoiseontoys.com.

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Jun6_CapitalParent_FP_4c_CMN1442_CoL_FINAL 14-05-27 9:36 AM Page 1

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE

Who glows there?

CREATURES OF LIGHT

NATURE’S BIOLUMINESCENCE

Now through Nov 9 2014

Explore the magic and science of the phenomenon of natural bioluminescence in this visually stunning special exhibition!

Photo: Pelagia noctiluca – Nikki van Veelen

nature.ca CREATURES OF LIGHT: NATURE’S BIOLUMINESCENCE is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org), in collaboration with the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, and The Field Museum, Chicago.

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publication

Capital Parent Newspaper

insertion date

June 2014 issue

ad size

FP = 10.25” x 11.35”

colour

4c

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