July 08, 2020

Family Friendly Campgrounds Close to Ottawa

July 08, 2020/ Tracy Noble

Summer 2020 is the year of camping for many families. Lara shared how her kids love backyard camping, which is a lot of fun, but if you’re also looking to get away and out of urban (or suburban) Ottawa, check out these family-friendly campgrounds close to Ottawa. Some are provincial parks and some are privately owned. Before you book a site or visit, check what facilities/activities are available and continue to follow public health advice, including physical distancing by keeping at least two metres from others, wearing a face-covering when physical distancing may be challenging or not possible, washing hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Cardinal KOA
609 Pittston Road
Cardinal, ON K0E 1E0
Phone: (613) 657-4536

Located an hour away from downtown Ottawa, this family-friendly campground has amenities for kids including a heated pool, a splash pad, kids climbing wall, a big bouncer, a mini-golf and a pirate ship playground (please note: at the time of writing this, these were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions). Activities also include hayrides on Saturdays and movies under the stars on Saturdays evenings. Summer Saturdays also include activities such as arts and crafts sessions, soccer and bike races.

Cedar Cove Resorts
100 Cedar Cove Road
White Lake, Ontario K0A 3L0
Phone: (613) 623-3133

Located about 45-minutes from Kanata in White Lake (just past Arnprior, Ontario), Cedar Cove offers seasonal sites and weekend camping. There is also a grocery store, pool, sandy beach, restaurant, volleyball courts, a playground (please note: at the time of writing this, the playground was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions). and more. White Lake offers fantastic fishing too and they sell worms and tackle on-site!

Murphy’s Point
2243 Elmgrove Road, R.R. 5
Perth, Ontario K7H 3C7
Phone: (613) 267-5060

Located on Big Rideau Lake, Murphy’s offers a sandy beach, walking trails, weekend activities as well as an early 1900s mica mine you can book free tours of, as well as family-friendly interpretive programming from June to Labour Day weekend. You can also rent canoes and kayaks for an additional fee (please note: at the time of writing this, these were unavailable to rent due to COVID-19 restrictions) and there is a small general store that sells ice cream and popsicles. If you’re lucky, Chuck Commanda will be onsite building a birch bark canoe (hopefully he’ll be back in 2021).

Lac Phillippe Campground
300, Lake Philippe Road, La Pêche (Ste-Cécile-de-Masham),
Québec
613-239-5000

The largest camping sector in Gatineau Park with a family atmosphere, located 3 kilometres from the registration kiosk, and close to services, amenities and beaches. 206 campsites, wooded and semi-wooded. Close to Wakefield and offering many trails and beautiful views of the lake, this is one of our favourite campgrounds.

Rideau River
2680 Donnelly Drive
Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0
613 258-2740

Located on the historic Rideau Waterway, this is a nice family campground with shaded campsites. It’s only 40 minutes away from Ottawa and surrounded by many small towns that are also worth exploring. You can rent canoes and kayaks for an additional fee (please note: at the time of writing this, these were unavailable to rent due to COVID-19 restrictions), which is a great way to explore the waters of the Rideau – or if you have a motorboat, you can fish for muskie or bass.

Wesley Clover Campgrounds
411 Corkstown Rd
Ottawa, ON. K2K 0J5
613-828-6632

Open from June to mid-October, Wesley Clover offers family-friendly camping without travelling very far! Just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa in a tree-filled setting, this campground is the perfect urban getaway – especially if you are new to camping or have young kids and want to try camping someplace closer to home. There are beautiful urban trails, places to bike and a fire put. There is no water to swim or fish in, but if you’re looking for a night outdoors in a rural setting, Wesley Clover is the perfect campground for that.

Voyageur Provincial Park Campground
1313 Front Road, Box 130
Chute-à-Blondeau
K0B 1B0 613-674-2825

With four beaches on the Ottawa River, Voyageur offers lots of space for families to relax and swim. They also offer a summer nature interpretation program and great fishing right from shore! There are also walking trails and many picnic areas. Great for a day or a weekend stay.

What campgrounds are your family’s favourites?

July 07, 2020

Bonding over video games

July 07, 2020/ Lara Wellman

If you asked me if I would have spent an enormous amount of my time this spring and summer playing a game called Animal Crossing, I definitely wouldn’t have thought the answer would be yes.

But several months ago, my teen asked me if I wanted to play, and when I said yes, we proceeded to spend more time talking and having something in common to bond over then we have in a long time.

Animal Crossing

Animal Crossing has a lot of fun ways that you can have special moments with folks. If you’re playing with people on a different island, you can go for visits and you can mail them presents. If you’re in the same family/playing on the same Nintendo Switch you can also send mail or do what I do and drop off gifts in front of the kids’ houses.

We’ve been able to plan out parts of the islands and figure out how to create hybrid flowers together, making for lots of opportunities for great conversations and time spent together.

It’s not really about the game

The thing is, the video game was the topic, but it’s really about meeting them where they’re at. We don’t have a lot we both want to do any more. Animal Crossing turned out to be a blessing because I really do enjoy the game. And since then I’ve been introduced to quite a few other games (most of which I am not particularly interested in ) and the kids get really invested in trying to show me how to play or being amused at just how many times I can NOT land that jump in Celeste or at how confused I am about what I’m supposed to be doing in Paper Mario or trying to get me to take on my Rhythm Heaven Fever challenges with them. ;)

It works beyond video games too

My husband has been watching a lot of anime with our teen lately on Crunchyroll (and Netflix has many of the Studio Ghibli films available). He enjoys Anime but hasn’t really spent time watching any since he was in his twenties. This gives them something that is for them and gives them a reason to hang out together.

I have another friend who chooses and watches a show regularly with their teen - it’s not always a show they particularly want to watch, but it’s really not about that, and we need to remember that when saying yay or nay.

Next time you see an opportunity to connect on something, even if it wouldn’t be YOUR choice of things, it may make for the perfect chance to bond with a kid who seems more inclined to hang out by themselves in their room than with you any more.

In case you’re here for the Animal Crossing part, I want to share a few of my tips for the game ;):

There is a money rock on your island every day. Hit it with your shovel (not your axe) as fast as you can after creating a way to not bounce away (I dig holes or bounce against a flat surface) and you’ll get more bells (this works for getting more resources too - you can get up to eight).
Save all the fish and bugs in your storage for the days that Flick and CJ come to buy them from you. You’ll get more bells that way.
You can catch the wasps almost every time if you’re holding your net when you’re shaking a tree, facing the tree from the front and immediately turn in the directly the nest falls and swing. The wasps are worth at least 2500 bells so it’s worth it.
There is at least one item hiding in a tree on your island every day, sometimes more. I like to shake the trees looking for items and wasps.

July 06, 2020

Children’s Summer Book Suggestions from the Ottawa Public Library

July 06, 2020/ Kids in the Capital

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some of their favourite summer reads for children ages 0 to 14. This month's post is by Kristina Roudiy, Children's Program Assistant at the Alta Vista Branch.

Board book: Maisy explores: a First Words Book / Lucy Cousins

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1210040026

For ages 0-3.

British author Lucy Cousins is back with a new board book of “Maisy the Mouse”. Did you know that Maisy's books have been translated into 27 different languages? In this bright, colourful title, each double page is themed around an early science concept, such as weather, growing plants, five senses, the human body, and technology. The tabs on the right make it easy for little fingers to browse.

Picture book: Bunny’s Staycation / Lori Richmond

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1091141026

*Also available as an e-book on the library’s Overdrive catalogue

For ages 3-5.

When Mama leaves for a five-day business trip, Little Bunny understandably feels sad. Papa suggests that they take a virtual trip of their own, and travel to a different place each day. So on Monday, they build their own car out of cardboard; on Tuesday, they go to a tropical beach; on Wednesday, they cool off in a wintry wonderland; on Thursday, they go on a safari; on Friday, they design their own marshmallow campsite, just in time to welcome Mama home. With cute cartoon illustrations. This story might give fun ideas of activities to do as a family this Summer!

Picture book: Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures / Tricia Springstubb

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1206788026

For ages 4-6.

Khalil lives with his large and noisy family in the upstairs apartment, while the elderly and quiet Mr. Hagerty lives downstairs. Both Khalil and Mr. Hagerty enjoy the peace and quiet in the shared backyard. While Khalil hunts for bugs and treasure, Mr. Hagerty tends to his garden. They soon become friends, helping each other with language and misplaced garden tools. One hot Summer day, Khalil suggests a hunt for buried treasure, which does not end up being too successful, but is nonetheless followed by tasty chocolate cake and milk! With detailed illustrations made in paper-cut collage, and one simple sentence per page. A lovely intergenerational book about making friends, no matter your age or your differences!

Picture book : My Singing Nana / Pat Mora

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1204732026

For ages 4-6.

This is the story of Billy and his beloved grandmother called Nana. On the morning of their family's big Summer show, Billy's sister wakes up with a cough. Billy turns to Nana for help, and together they manage to still put on a show and sing their favourite songs – in Spanish and English. But Billy has noticed that his Nana is getting forgetful. He talks about it with his mother, who reassures him that though Nana's memory is failing, they can still do all of their favourite activities together. Such as baking in the kitchen! The recipe of their cherry treat is included in the book (yum!) – as well as talking points for discussing Alzheimer's / dementia with children.

Early Reader: Don't Worry, Bee Happy / Ross Burach

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1187450026

For ages 6-8.

Some of you might start singing or humming when they notice the title of this early reader! This is the first book in the “Bumble & Bee” series, published earlier this year. Bumble and Bee buzz happily around the pool, until they notice that Froggy is rather cranky. They attempt to cheer him up by engaging him in their playful activities and also try to help him get rid of his hiccups. Reading about this unlikely trio and their funny adventures will for sure put a smile on your face!

Early Reader: Swim, Mo, Swim! / David A. Adler

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1225646026

*Also available as an e-book on the library’s Overdrive catalogue

For ages 6-8.

Well-known children's author David A. Adler (author of Cam Jansen, Bone, as well as numerous non-fiction titles) has created a new early reader series with young character Mo. In Mo's fifth adventure, he and his friends are at summer camp and competing in Field Day challenges. The winning team will get extra ice cream. But can Mo win a medal in the swimming competition?

Early Reader: TJ’s New Friend / Aviaq Johnston

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1187482026

For ages 6-8.

Aviaq Johnston is a young Inuit author from Nunavut who spends some of her time in Ottawa, Ontario! She earned a Governor General's History Award in 2014. In this story, we read about a new girl named Sapa who moves to TJ's community. TJ and Sapa share common interests and end up spending all Summer playing and exploring the neighbourhood. When school starts in the Fall and TJ's classmates start teasing Sapa for being different, will TJ stand up for his new friend?

Chapter book: Float / Laura Martin

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1168823026

*Also available as an e-book on the library’s Overdrive catalogue

For ages 9-12.

Twelve-year-old Emerson is spending summer at a camp designed to accommodate kids with superpowers. Problem is, none of those kids know how to control their power. Emerson's uncontrollable floating, for example, means he has to wear weighted shoes just to stay on the ground! At Camp Outlier, he gets to meet the accidentally invisible Hank, the spontaneously combusting Anthony, the time-travelling Murphy, and Zeke with X-ray vision. As members of the Red Maple cabin, they become friends through canoeing, capturing the flag, playing pranks and overall having a lot more fun than they expected to. Until Emerson discovers that one of their own is hiding a deadly secret that could endanger them all. With lots of action, great dialogue and plenty of humour! Fans of Gordon Korman and Dan Gutman, in particular, will enjoy this book.

Graphic novel: Hicotea: a Nightlights Story / Lorena Alvarez

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1180945026

For ages 9-12.

In this enchanting sequel to “Nightlights”, ever-curious young Sandy wanders away from her classmates during a field trip to the local wetland and finds an empty turtle shell. Peering inside, she falls into a magical world where Hicotea, the shell's owner, maintains a museum of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts documenting a very special wetland – one that has been almost completely destroyed by an evil creature. Can Sandy help Hicotea and her friends fight against the creature destroying their home? Alvarez's stunning, Miyazaki-like style, with brightly coloured landscapes and intricately detailed illustrations, bring a sense of wonder and magic to the natural world, hinting at the complex ecosystems around us that frequently go unnoticed. Sandy is a delightful protagonist with her relentless questions and deep respect for the natural world; hopefully, she will inspire young readers to find the magic in their own backyards.

Chapter book: Chirp / Kate Messner

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1205785026

*Also available as an e-book on the library’s Overdrive catalogue

For ages 10-14.

When Mia's grandma has a mild stroke, the middle schooler's family moves from Boston to Vermont, to help her grandmother sell her cricket farm. Mia is quite happy to leave Boston, but not so happy to have to attend two summer camps instead of watch TV, her favourite pastime since her gymnastics injury last year. But the Launch (entrepreneurial) and Ninja Warrior camps will help her in ways she never expected. Since Gram is determined to get more people eating protein-rich crickets, Mia creates a business plan for the cricket farm and starts investigating on who is sabotaging her business. Amid common themes of friendship and overcoming fears, the author incorporates strong #MeToo messaging, most poignantly in Mia's experience with a former 7th-grade coach. This novel succeeds both as an engaging mystery with strong female characters and as an appropriate middle-grade introduction to a serious and relevant issue.

***The Ottawa Public Library is doing TD Summer Reading Club virtually this Summer! Please visit our “Summerland” page to find out what it's all about, and to register for online Family programs : https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/kid-zone/src.

Kids can also participate in a Summer Reading Draw, to be entered for prizes such as gift cards to a bookstore or the CineplexStore, or a six-month membership to a magazine. The ballot can be found here : https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/sites/default/files/src_reading_draw_ballot_card.pdf

Feel free to also explore the OPL's e-book resources. Have a great Summer!***

July 02, 2020

A family night out at the Wesley Clover Parks Drive-In Theatre

July 02, 2020/ Kids in the Capital

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, when there isn’t a pandemic, 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.

I have not been to a drive-in movie since 1990. At the time, I was eighteen years old. We were seven teenagers stuffed into a car that fit four (a few may have been crammed in the trunk!).

A family night out at the Wesley Clover Parks Drive-In Theatre.png

Fast forward thirty years, drive-ins are making a comeback during this time of social distancing. Our family learned there was a drive-in taking place at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa’s west end and couldn’t wait to see what our son thought of this unique experience!

This time, our family of three, easily fit in our vehicle which comfortably seats five. There was no need to hide anyone under car seats or next to the spare tire.

I have to admit, I was somewhat nervous to go to the drive-in. Like most Ottawa families, for the past three months, our family excursions consisted of taking a walk or bike ride through our local park.

Once we arrived on-site my fears were quickly allayed. All staff were wearing face masks and social distancing was maintained at all times. There was plenty of space between vehicles and people could even order concessions online via their smartphone.

A family night out at the Wesley Clover Parks Drive-In Theatre

We had a few minutes to spare before the movie started so our son, David, and I walked around the site while maintaining our social distance from others. It felt like people were coming out of their cocoons. Hatchbacks and truck flatbeds were turned into viewing areas. We even saw one family bring a mattress for the young ones in case their dozy eyes could not last for the entire movie.

The night we visited, Thor: The Dark World was on the bill. I am usually not a superhero fan but enjoyed the escapism of the film. The fact that it was a perfect summer night added to the ambiance. The night went by quickly but was definitely memorable.

Our motto this summer will be to keep it local. The drive-in experience at Wesley Clover Parks was the perfect place to start.

As one can expect, there are a few restrictions in place during this time of COVID-19. People are asked to not bring in any outside food or drink other than sealed bottled water. It is okay to sit in the hatchback or flatbed of your vehicle. Only one person per vehicle is allowed to go to the bathroom at a time with the exception of young kids who can be accompanied by one adult. There are outdoor portapotties on-site with very good hand-washing facilities.

Our family found all the measures to be reasonable and they did not impede our enjoyment of the event. We understood they were for our safety and the safety of all participants.

Films are being offered that will appeal to adults and children. Check the bill ahead of time to make sure the film and screening time are age-appropriate. All ticket sales are done online. For more information, visit, www.thedriveinottawa.ca

June 26, 2020

Pandemic Summer Bucket List

June 26, 2020/ Misty Pratt

This summer is like no other. All of my kids camps have been cancelled, and we don’t have the same childcare we normally would have. I’m going to need to be strategic about our summer, especially if I want to avoid fighting, whining and complaining. I’ve come up with a list of activities that you could do, keeping in mind that some museums and other venues will re-open for visitors this summer. If that’s the case and you feel comfortable visiting certain places, don’t forget to check out our 50 Things to do With Kids in Ottawa post for more ideas.