Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries

Smiths Falls is a cute village about half an hour from Ottawa. One of the old train stations is now a theatre called The Station. This is where, until October, the Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries is playing.

This is a must-see show! Ted and his wife/assistant, Marion, are true masters of illusion. They did so many cool things including card tricks, rope tricks, predictions, and what can only be called magic. I watched closely to figure out how the tricks were done but couldn't do it!

This duo has been performing for a long time across Canada and in Europe and work so well together. Ted is the master of illusions while Marion ties the tricks together with movement. She also gets cut in half so props to her.

Ted has an immediate connection with the audience and the house lights came on multiple times so he could pull up the perfect audience member to help with the show. My kids almost died laughing when Ted chose me to draw something on stage (I almost died of embarrassment, but it was all in good fun, plus I got a keepsake from my "trick"). Audience participation really adds to the show and shows how clever the tricks are.

The show was just about an hour and a half long with a ten minute intermission - the perfect length for kids and anyone who needs a health break after sitting for a bit. The theatre is staffed with the sweetest volunteers and the artwork in the lobby is fun to peruse while snacking on concession treats.

Ted and the team were in the lobby after the show, but, like all good magicians, I'm not sure they'd tell you any of their secrets. There are posters for sale and even kits for your budding magician.

I would recommend the Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries to anyone and everyone, though toddlers may have a hard time sitting through the whole show.

Tickets are around $35 ($⁠28.20 plus HST and Eventbrite fees) and the show is running until October 1st 2022 at the Station Theatre in Smiths Falls

A bit about the show from the organizers:

World-class magic show OUTERBRIDGE – Clockwork Mysteries returns to The Station Theatre in Smiths Falls (Fridays @ 7:30pm, Saturdays @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm -- $⁠28.20⁠ plus HST and Eventbrite fees).

Critics across the globe have hailed Ted and Marion Outerbridge as "Champions of magic" (Bergedorfer Zeitung, Germany), described their performance as "A visual feast" (Jinhua Daily, China), “A master of Illusion” (CBC-Radio Canada), and exclaimed “An astonishing performance” (Ottawa Life Magazine).

It is the most successful illusion show in Canada, and it wouldn’t be an over-statement to say that OUTERBRIDGE is Canada’s reply to America’s David Copperfield!

After years of performing around the world including the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood, the Outerbridges have recently relocated to Smiths Falls, and are delighted to be performing minutes from their new home in the Ottawa Valley!

Within seconds of taking the stage, the Outerbridges fuse their revolutionary illusions with split-second artistry to hold viewers spellbound. Keeping their audience enthralled from the first astonishing illusion to the spectacular finale, the Outerbridges create an experience that far exceeds the expectations of every spectator.

A fantastical event that is at once magic, dance, theatre, and a large dash of wonder.

Disclaimer: I was gifted tickets to the show in order to facilitate this review.

Mystery and Adventure – Fantastic Fiction

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some of their favourite books. This month’s post was submitted by Elizabeth Fosbery Richardson, Children’s Programming and Public Services Assistant at the Ruth E. Dickinson Branch.

With the last days of summer upon us, why not take some time to indulge in some fun new adventure and mystery titles from the Ottawa Public Library?

For Grades 2 to 3

Chickadee Criminal Mastermind by Monica Silvie

Chickadee prides himself on being a criminal mastermind because he’s so good at scouting out and then stealing from seed vaults. Things change, however, when he finds out he’s not a rapscallion at all but just a cute bird. Filled with fun facts about chickadees.

Milk and Juice a Recycling Romance by Meredith Crandall Brown

Follow Juice on its adventure as it tries to reunite with Milk after finding itself in one recycling centre after another. What really happens when you put containers in the blue bin?

Batpig series By Rob Harrell

When a prank goes wrong, Gary the pig is accidentally bitten by his bat friend Brooklyn. Soon Gary realizes he has superpowers and becomes...Batpig! Join Gary and his friends as they battle a giant lizard and an evil butcher in this laugh-out-loud graphic novel series. Perfect for fans of the InvestiGators series and of author Dav Pilkey.

Sydney and Taylor series by Jacqueline Davies

Join Sydney the skunk and Taylor the hedgehog as they venture outside of their cozy burrow (and their comfort zones) to explore the big wide world. Cheer for them as they encounter new friends and overcome obstacles. This new early chapter book series is perfect for fans of Owl Diaries or Mercy Watson.

Sloth Sleuth by Cyndi Marko

The island of Winklefuss is crawling with criminals so it’s a good thing that Paz, a sleuthing sloth, lives on the island, too. When people start getting sick after eating at the local diner, it’s up to Paz to figure out who is poisoning the locals. This comical graphic novel is a great choice for those who love the Bad Guys series.

For Grades 4 and Up

 Realm of the Blue Mist by Amy Kim Kibuishi

Tabby is determined to learn what happened to her father, who was found deceased after researching a tree that leaks a mysterious mist in her neighborhood. What she discovers is that the tree is a portal to a distant world of magic and beauty called Rema. While searching for the truth surrounding her father's death, she meets Philip, who has his own dangerous secrets but has promised to help Tabby get home to Earth. For fans of magical worlds, books like Amulet or A Winkle in Time. Grades 4 and up.

Deadman’s Castle by Iain Lawrence

Igor is 12 years old, and Igor is his 6th name in six years. He and his parents have been in witness protection ever since his dad witnessed a horrible crime involving someone who is only known as lizard man. When Igor finally convinces his parents to attend the local middle school, after being home-schooled for years, he does so only under very strict conditions. However, when he befriends the school bully, things change as his new friends persuade him to be more adventurous.  Then he begins to question his Dad’s mental stability. That is only until the lizard man reappears. Grades 4 and up.

Broadway is back in Ottawa

When Hamilton was released on Disney+ early in the pandemic I was surprised by just how into the musical and all its music my kids would get. We listened to the songs in the car for months and all had our favourite songs. That meant that getting to see Hamilton live wasn’t just any old show we got to go to, it was one we really got excited about (even though getting some of my teens out of the house for family activities isn’t as easy as it used to be ;) )

With two of my kids away at sleep away camp, my husband and I got a rare outing with just our oldest son to see Hamilton at the NAC on opening night.

Seeing the show live and in person was just as great as we all hoped it would be, and not only that - my teen said he’d love to attend more shows in the future!

I was under the impression Hamilton was sold out and it would be impossible to get tickets at this late date but there are still some tickets available if you want to check it out before the end of July.

What’s coming next

Because of COVID cancelations there are a lot of shows coming in the next 6 months as they try to catch up - plus there’s an exciting 2022/2023 season.

Dear Evan Hansen opens on August 9th

Anastasia opens on August 30th

Means Girls opens October 18th

I have incredible memories of going to see musicals with my family as a child and I love that we get to do that with our children too (and have been taking them to various shows at the NAC since they were toddlers!)

It was great to be back and seeing a show again and we’re looking forward to many more in the coming year. Comment and let us know if your kids enjoy going to the theatre or musicals.

Disclosure: we were provided tickets to the show free of charge but all opinions are our own.

The arrival of a new sibling Ottawa Public Library

Thank you to Doris Jordan, Children’s Programming and Public Service Assistant from the Ottawa Public Library – Beaverbrook Branch for this submission!

 The arrival of a new sibling can have a big impact on a family.   

Welcoming a new baby to the family is a wonderful and exciting experience but for some toddlers and preschoolers, it can also be a time of uncertainty, confusion and anxiety.  Here are a few juvenile picture books from the Ottawa Public Library that can help prepare your child for the arrival of a new sibling.  

New Baby and Me by Christine Kidney (Illustrated by Hoda Haddadi  )

Awaiting the arrival of a new baby, five brothers imagine what their new sibling will be like. Will he be a scientist or a dreamer? An explorer or an artist?  It is a beautiful picture book with collage illustrations that celebrates individuality and imagination.  Additional ideas for art and collage activities included at the end of the book to help prepare for a new sibling.   

It’s big brother Time!  By Nandini Ahuja 

Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri 

Beautifully illustrated featuring a multiethnic family, this book focuses on the possibilities for fun and companionship rather than the disruptions that a new member, especially a newborn, brings to the mix.  A lovely heartwarming story focusing on the developing bond between big brother and his new sibling.   

The Big Sibling Getaway by Korrie Lear 

A new baby means a lot of crying.  It becomes too much for big sister Cassie and she needs some space.  An empty box is the perfect getaway vehicle to any place her imagination can take her.  After a much-needed break, she realizes she misses her new baby brother and that it’s not always fun being alone.   

Mama’s Belly by Kate Hosford (Illustrated by Abigail Halpin  )

A beautifully illustrated book about a curious little girl awaiting the arrival of her baby sister.  This charming picture book tells the story of a family’s journey through mama’s pregnancy.  The story addresses both the joys and anxiety of becoming a big brother or sister and does it in such a heartfelt way.  It not only describes the excitement the family feels as they approach the big day, but it also describes the realistic side of pregnancy.  It tells us sometimes Mama is too tired to play and sometimes she is grumpy.  It also shares some of the little sister’s concerns when she wonders if she will need to share her favorite blanket with her sister and when she asks her mama, “when my sister comes, will you have enough love for both of us?”  However, with lovely comforting words and illustrations, the book shows the joys that the little girl feels as she anticipates becoming a big sister and sharing the world with her.  

While We Wait by Judy Ann Sadler (Illustrated by Elodie Duhameau) 

A lovely story of a little boy and his grandma as they knit a gift, dance, sing, talk and play with their dog while they wait for the arrival of a new baby.  A sweet, endearing picture book showcasing the bond between generations, the value of patience and that some things are well worth the wait.   

Shhh! The Baby is Sleeping by JaNay Brown-Wood (Illustrated by Ellisambura)

An adorable rhyming picture book.  A story centering around the one issue parents and family members can all relate to ---- don’t wake the baby! Filled with humor, bright bold illustrations and bouncy rhyming text, big brother tries to keep his loud and expansive family from waking up his baby sister.  

Interzip - a unique zip lining experience from Ontario to Quebec

Last week we got invited to experience zip lining from one province to another at the InterZip Rogers (last year Misty got to try it out and you can check out her recount of the experience here.)My husband and three teens (13 year old twins and a 15 year old) all got to try out the experience. My family is not one of thrill seekers and so I wasn’t sure how it would go but all four of them really enjoyed it! (The most nerve wracking part was climbing the tower (you climb 120 metres in the air which is about the heigh of 9 stories) - partially because it’s high and partially because of nerves for the upcoming jump).

They enjoyed that the ride went slower than a lot of other zip lines (it travels at 40 kms a hour and lasts about 40 seconds.)

Our consensus is that if your kids are the types who enjoy zip lines in general, this is a great activity for any kids who fit the minimum weight requirement of 70lbs.

How it works

You arrive at the ticket office on the Gatineau side and check in. You are then weighed and your equipment is chosen based on weight and size. You are given your equipment which is put on loosely, and then you walk about 5-10 minutes across the river and over to the tower.

You are then led through safely strapping in to your equipment and through safety instructions for climbing the tower. There is a maximum of ten people on the tower at a time, and people zip down in pairs.

Once people reach the top of the stairs they are strapped in, given instructions for their journey down, and for the appropriate landing position at the end.

To note, almost my entire family thought the ride went a little further than when they actually stopped (they had their eyes on the final bumpers) and were surprised when they stopped abruptly a little sooner than that.

We also had a chance to celebrate at the end with ice cream from the restaurant located on site.

Cost

14 and under: $29.99

15 and over: $39.99

It is recommended you book ahead of time as some days sell out completely.

Video

You can also purchase a video of your experience for $19 which is a nice keepsake. Here are the two we got!

Are there age or weight restrictions?

There are no age restrictions but there are weight restrictions. For kids under 18 a parent/guardian must sign a waiver.

The minimum weight is : 70 pounds.

And the maximum weight is : 250 pounds.

You must also be able to climb the tower on your own. A few other restrictions include: pregnant women, intoxication, missing limb (arm or leg), extreme asthma or breathing problems, epilepsy, high blood pressure, skeletal, joint or ligament problems.

Note that the participant must have full use of their arms, legs and hands and be able to walk up and down steps without fatigue or assistance.

The right to restrict access to any person is at the discretion of the management.

How should you dress?

Closed shoes and clothing appropriate to the weather conditions. Helmet, harness and specialised equipment will be provided on site.

Can I bring my camera or things with me?

No, you need to leave all of your possession at the main office and zip with nothing in your pockets or hands.

Any other questions? Check out the official FAQ

Disclosure: we were provided free tickets to enjoy this attraction but all opinions are our own.