Soccer in Ottawa - Atlético Ottawa

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 a non-pandemic winter, a beach in Mexico is a likely bet.

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One of the best feelings in the world for our family is the atmosphere prior to the start of a live sporting event. Of course, it has been well over a year since we had that feeling. Thankfully, our family had that it again when we attended the most recent Atletico Ottawa soccer match. 

The Atlético Ottawa match was the first outdoor professional sports event in Ottawa in over a year and a half. They were facing the Halifax Wanderers. 

Approaching TD Place, it almost felt normal. Fans were wearing Atlético Ottawa jerseys. Families were enjoying a pre-game meal. The only difference was that almost everyone was wearing a mask. 

To gain admittance into the game, it was necessary to wear a mask. People were expected to wear their masks at all times except when consuming food or drink. 

We arrived early just to take in the atmosphere. There was a large crowd as Atlético Ottawa instituted a pay what you can model for the first game. All proceeds from ticket sales went to the Youth Services Bureau. 

When player introductions were started, everyone started cheering. It felt like the entire stadium had been waiting for this moment. Live sports were back in Ottawa. Once O Canada had been sung, it was hard to hear yourself. 

Halifax jumped out to an early 1-0 lead. This did not dampen the enthusiasm of the Ottawa fans. One of the most fun aspects of the game was watching the Ottawa supporters section. They can be described as super fans. They were chanting and singing throughout the course of the entire game. The Ottawa supporters also were very family-friendly in that their chants and behaviour were always respectful of all fans in attendance.

When Ottawa scored their first goal, the supporter section and everyone in attendance erupted. It was a beautiful header that I am sure made the sports highlight reels. By halftime, the score was 1-1.

I’ll be honest, this is usually the time our son, David, is ready to head to the exits. He likes live soccer but 45 minutes is usually enough. I said out of habit, “So buddy, do you want to head home.” I was surprised when I got, “No, let’s stay for the whole game.” In shock, I did not question this newfound appreciation for soccer. 

In the second half, Ottawa carried most of the play but did not manage to score a goal early on. I thought it was going to be a draw when Ottawa squeezed a goal by the Halifax goaltender in the 87th minute. David, Sandy and I leapt out of our seats. We were satisfied to see Ottawa notch their first victory at home. 

For more information about tickets and schedule for Atlético Ottawa, visit https://www.atleticoottawa.canpl.ca.

Stephen and his family received their tickets free, but the opinions expressed in this post are his own.

5 ways my family benefits from spending time in nature (and how yours can, too)

When I first committed to helping families heal their relationships with the natural world, my primary concern was motivating them to take action to protect our planet—and thus, our children’s futures. However, when the pandemic hit and schools shuttered, my boys and I headed outdoors in a serious way.

While we had always been committed weekend warriors, this was the first time that they (and perhaps more importantly, me) were outside in nature every day. We explored the local provincial and municipal parks and did a fair bit of cycling, but our most frequent haunt was a creek that crossed the few acres of land we had the good fortune to be staying on. And with this daily routine, we had the opportunity to actually experience what it means for seasons to change from winter, into spring, into summer. Our minds were blown—and our knowledge of the natural world exponentially increased.

Like for many families, this was an extremely tough time for my family—with many frustrations, changes, and stress. The time spent outside saved us, and it also made me realize that although nature needs us, we need nature so, so much more. I had already been advocating for the developmental and health benefits of time spent outdoors and how it provides opportunities for children and adults to build skills and knowledge that make them more resilient and adaptable. However, now I know it in my bones.

Below are a few of the benefits my family experiences by spending more time in nature. Hopefully these benefits will inspire your family to spend more time outside as well.

We are able to make meaningful, in-person connections

Social isolation due to lockdowns has caused its own mental health epidemic—particularly among children, but also among parents. Depression, anxiety, and addiction are on the rise.

Although there’s no simple solution, research has shown that meaningful connections can help. And that’s what the outdoors makes possible: a COVID-safe environment to re-establish in-person connections with family and friends—a place where children, parents, and caregivers can be together and enjoy each other’s company.

We get a mental health boost

Spending time in nature is an effective way to reduce stress and alleviate some of the mental health symptoms that children and parents (especially mothers) are exhibiting due to the pandemic. A growing body of neuroscience and psychological research into the benefits of outdoor play for children and time in nature for adults is demonstrating that these activities are sometimes as effective, or even more effective than, therapeutic and pharmaceutical interventions.

Our mental health doesn’t only benefit from meaningful connections with other people, but from a connection with nature itself.

We enjoy quality time together as a family

While in nature, it is easier for us to self-regulate—meaning we’re better able to calmly confront challenges that arise in our day-to-day lives.

Outdoors is where my family gets along better. When we’re outside, we tend to feel more relaxed and enjoy our time together more. Rules for behaviour are much more lax than indoors, so I don’t have to constantly police my kids’ behaviour (though we’ve had challenges reigning in stick play and wrestling). In general, there are less fights, more cooperation, and more moments of shared excitement. I’d go so far as to say more love.

We get more physical activity

During the pandemic, children’s health suffered due to a lack of physical activity. Now only 2.6% of Canadian kids are moving as much as doctors say they need to during the day! In my family’s case, with two incredibly active boys, I mistakenly thought we were immune to this. But in the third lockdown, my 9-year-old refused to leave his room during the day. His previously svelte body became soft. Unless we take action, these dips in our children’s physical activity could follow our kids for the rest of their lives.

Being outside can inspire active play in children. When kids are outdoors, they’re more likely to run, jump, climb, and explore—and not get as tired in the process. This is more the case when time outside is not a hike (can you hear the whining, “how much further?”). At Family Earth we don’t do hikes—we go on adventures.

We take a break from screens and technology

Time spent in nature can give our brains the chance to heal from too much time in front of our screens. COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns brought about a big change: suddenly, our lives were (mostly) online. Work, school, “hanging out” with friends, even attending yoga class—everything took place through a screen.

While the Internet provides opportunities for learning and connection, and is clearly the safer option for socializing when community transmission rates are high, in excess (and we’ve certainly had that) it’s harmful to kids and adults. Besides reducing eyestrain and preventing headaches, benefits of reduced screen time include increased mindfulness, improved sleep, deepened connections, and enhanced productivity and learning.

While kids may need to detox from screens for a bit before being able to appreciate it, nature is just as exciting, if not more exciting. I promise!

I hope this inspires you and your family to spend more time in nature. I’ve seen the benefits with my family first-hand. Give it a try! And let us know what it does for your family.

If you’re interested in family-friendly nature activities, Family Earth offers a variety of programs to get kids and parents outside. Check out all our summer experiences here. We hope to see you soon!

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By Rochelle Johnston
Founder, Family Earth

This article was previously published on Family Earth’s website

Picking Flowers at Green Corners Farm

bouquet of sunflowers and snapdragons

This summer has been about staying close to home, and finding new activities to try with my kids has been a challenge. When a friend of mine posted some pictures of her kids picking sunflowers and snap dragons I was intrigued!

Child snipping some snap dragons

That’s when I discovered Green Corners farm, a quaint little place not far from Ottawa in Edwards, Ontario where you can pick your own flowers. They have a beautiful variety of sunflowers in different sizes, and lots of colours of snap dragons. Earlier this spring they also had tulips. 

Book a time to go pick

Before you go, you’ll have to register for a time slot online. There was lots of availability, but I chose the 4:00-6:00pm time slot so it wouldn’t be too hot.

Child in a field of snapdragons

The pick your own flowers  works on a points system and for $15, you get 20 points. One sunflower will cost you 2 points and one snap dragon is 1 point. For $30 we came home with an enormous bouquet of fresh flowers, and wonderful memories! 

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted at the entrance. The owner explains how to choose the best flowers, and where to trim them. She will provide you with scissors and a basket or bucket to collect your flowers in.

Arranging and keeping your flowers fresh

Flowers being used as staging for one of Vicky’s latest weavings

When you’re finished the owner will help you arrange the flowers in a bouquet and even added a few sprigs of basil. She also recommended we add a bit of bleach to the water to make them last longer.

The whole outing took us about an hour. There was plenty of space to distance ourselves from other visitors and lots of flowers to choose from. The kids loved walking through the tall fields of sunflowers and getting to snip their own flowers. One of the best parts was how friendly and knowledgeable the owner was. She said it’s her first year of doing this and she’s going to try different flowers next year!

If you’re looking for something different, easy and outdoors to do with your kids this summer I highly recommend Green Corners Farm!

Vicky is a mom to 3, a teacher  and enjoys weaving @weftjourney

Summer at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello

We visited Fairmont Le Château Montebello in the fall, but this was our first time visiting in the summer! After a looong school year, my youngest kiddo needed a fun getaway and Montebello promised (and delivered) everything.

If you’ve never been, Montebello is a treat for the whole family. The massive cedar Château wowed my kids the first time we arrived, and my daughter was just as excited this time to pull into the stately grounds and catch a glimpse of the main building, a masterpiece constructed 90 years ago from 10,000 red-cedar logs. The 300-acre property spills out towards the Ottawa River, with gorgeous walking trails and, if you can catch it, a great vantage point for the sunset.

We stayed in a newly renovated room with two double beds, which was perfect for the two of us. I think if we decide to go back as a family of four we’ll check out the deluxe rooms with two Queen beds and the pull-out sofa, which would give us some extra space to spread out.

Since we were only staying one night we decided to cram as much as possible into our mini vacation. Included in your resort experience fee are enough activities to fill an entire week. It’s truly a one-stop shop family destination!

After check-in we headed straight to the outdoor pool, because it was a gorgeous, hot day, and we wanted to soak up the sun before dinner. My daughter was delighted that they served ice cream at the bar, and I enjoyed a very tasty Mojito. The outdoor pool atmosphere is reminiscent of beach vacations down south, with plenty of chairs, umbrellas and cabanas for rent, fun music and pool floaties.

We headed back to our room to freshen up before dinner, which was at the outdoor BBQ. The covered terrace was adjacent to a pretty vegetable and butterfly garden, with views of the river. This family-friendly service is perfect for kids, as the food was brought out quickly and we could order more when we wanted - the courses included salads, fish/seafood, meat and dessert. A word of warning: if you are visiting with a young, picky child, you will need to eat almost ALL of the food. I was stuffed!

After dinner we had a nice walk along the river and stopped by the nightly campfire. We then headed over to the new playground. Inspired by the wilderness, the double-sized play area features three slides, a rustic climbing wall, a stone cross-bar, sugar maples to climb and a perched hut. My daughter loved it!

We woke up bright and early the next morning and opted for in-room dining, which was another new experience for my daughter. She had the rich, buttery crepes and I had muesli, yogurt and fresh fruit. We felt very spoiled!

We had made a reservation for the indoor pool for 9am, which is part of COVID procedures. We had the entire pool to share with only a few other families! In contrast to the outdoor party pool, indoors was quiet, with plenty of room to do laps. I was told that if you want to have a quieter experience at the outdoor pool, 10am is the best time to go!

After that we went to grab a bike rental and did an easy 3km ride, followed by a round of mini-putt. Following the noon check-out we stayed on the resort grounds for a couple of hours, and headed back to the outdoor pool for another swim. If we’d had had more time, I would have tried to squeeze in a kayak or canoe paddle along the river!

If this sounds like a lot, it IS, which is why two nights would be perfect. We’re already planning our trip for next year!

Other things you should know

• Montebello is a pet-friendly resort. We loved seeing everyone’s dogs, and the resort has a new canine ambassador named Vic, who joins 7 year-old Bello! Both are Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind and now enjoy a quiet retirement on the resort. We tried to spot him on our tours around the grounds, but maybe we’ll catch him next time :)

• In addition to the BBQ and in-room dining (plus other dining options we didn’t visit), there are picnic baskets available in the summer. All you need to do is call down in the morning before 9am and then enjoy your picnic lunch!

• There is a Summer Fun Package available now until Labour Day. It includes 2 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, daily resort fee and more! If you’re looking for a way to celebrate before the start of school, this is it!

Disclaimer: I was provided a media rate for our room, which included the daily resort fee. All opinions are my own.

Summer at Eco-Odyssee

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 a non-pandemic winter, a beach in Mexico is a likely bet.

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The theme of summer 2021 has been staycation  - and we are loving it! The next destination on our staycation exploration was Eco-Odyssee.  Eco-Odyssee may be familiar to many Ottawa residents. The unique water maze has been open since 2008 and has been very popular.    

We arrived on-site and checked in with the staff. We had originally been scheduled to explore the water maze by paddle boat. The staff saw the height of our son and recommended we try a canoe.    

Heading down to the dock, I was happy we had gone with the canoe. The paddle boat would have been perfect for eight year old David but not thirteen year old David. We assembled into the canoe and were off on our adventure.  

I haven’t steered a canoe in about twenty years. The last time I did it didn’t turn out so well with myself and the canoe ending upside down! I was pleased to see the water at Eco-Odyssee was very calm.   

For those who have not visited Eco-Odyssee, it is a vast water labyrinth that can be explored by canoe or paddle boat. Upon entering the labyrinth it felt like we had entered another world. The closest I could describe it is to a jungle river. We were treated to a green landscape on every side. It was a chance to enjoy plants and wildlife that could not be so easily explored on land.   

David had spotted his first frog within about two minutes of us canoeing. At first,  Sandy and I probably looked like we had a bit too much to drink as our canoe wove from side to side. Rest assured,  no alcohol was involved. It was just the fact neither one of us had been in a canoe in a long time.  

A person has the option to explore the course by following an adventure with clues to be found. Honestly, we found it a lot of fun just to meander around checking out different paths and looking for wildlife. We got ourselves lost a few times but that was part of the fun.  

David said he must have seen at least twelve frogs during our experience.  I did not see one.   

We arrived back at the dock and wanted to check out more of the Eco-Odyssee site. The park does offer accommodation on-site even though I am sure they are most likely booked for this summer. They also have a new multimedia show in the night-time called Eco Noctura. The show is projected against the rocky face of a cliff with screenings in French and English.  

The screenings were a little too late for us this time but we plan to return in September when dusk comes much faster.  During the winter,  Eco-Odyssee is planning to turn their water maze into a huge outdoor skating area.  

We certainly plan on returning to Eco-Odyssee for another eco-friendly adventure!     

For more information about Eco-Odyssee visit, www.eco-odyssee.ca/en/