Ontario Science Centre | #TravelTuesday

THE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Ontario Science Centre

THE WHERE: Toronto, ON., Canada

THE AUDIENCE: completely family-friendly!
For the 8 and under crowd: Kidspark
For kids and parents: hands-on exhibits to explore, live performances, IMAX movies
For teens: Sci Fri

HOURS & PRICES:
open 7 days a week 10am - 5pm
$8 parking
Adults $20, Child $13, Youth $16, Infants FREE *Science Centre admission only
TIP: a family membership pays for itself in 2 visits plus gives you discounts on parking, food & giftshop

ACCESS & EATING: stroller & wheelchair friendly.  In addition to the regular pizza & burger destination menu food choices include fresh salads, wraps, fruit and snack options -- all at kid eye level.

REVIEW:  The Ontario Science Centre is on of our most favourite family field trip destinations!  Many exhibits and English & French (a plus for our bilingual family).  The "please touch" environment is a great place for kids to explore and learn. 

We had a chance to check out the newest live performance CSI: Live, REPTILES: The Beautiful and the Deadly and the IMAX movie Tornado Alley. 

Parent Club recommends CSI:LIVE as a show for older kids and tweens.  It's an engaging, interactive and educational performance.  (warning: strobe lighting and loud for little ears)

Parent Club recommends REPTILES: The Beautiful and the Deadly for all ages.  The exhibit of live reptiles is one of the best we've seen.

IMAX movies: In general, for older kids and up.  Specifically Tornado Alley - appealing to big kids and parents.

East End Children's Centre Auction

This Saturday night is the East End Children's Centre annual charity auction. This is a fan-ta-bu-lous charity for children. The centre has three locations which offer FREE programming to parents and caregivers of children aged infant to 6 years old. FREE snack, FREE circle time, FREE meeting place, FREE arts & crafts. It is such a valuable resource for new parents to find support and friendship -- and also for experienced caregivers to get out to a child-friendly destination. I have sat on the Volunteer Board of Directors for the children's centre for a few years now. I am a whole-hearted supporter!

As most Canadian charities - they have financial limitations that aren't quite met by the donations, funding and granting available. As such, the charity auction is a BIG and valuable event.

I will be attending the event - you should too. Go to the EECC website to get the details of the event.

The Hon. Jack Layton and City Councillor Janet Davies will be the live auctioneers. Silent auction, raffle (for leaf tickets) and fun in between.

Halloween Head's Up

Head's Up - Halloween's coming! The scary movies are starting on the "family" channels. The witches costumes and creepy masks are popping up in practically every store. It's a good time of year...during the day.

Then at night, all those scary images become a bit more - real - for little kids. Even my big Thing 1 - gets nervous at bedtime wondering "Are ghosts real?".

In the coming weeks, here at Parent Club, we will be noting some Halloween Events, costume ideas and activities...with special notes referring to the items as appropriate for all ages, older kids or little children.

This all comes from Halloween two years ago - where we trick or treated in our 'hood. A big, costumed, man popped out of bushes to scare the living daylights out of Thing 1 and Thing 2. For the first time, ever, in my life -- I got really mad at a stranger - mad enough to speak up; "Take off that mask right now and show my kids you are a just wearing a costume. You don't scare little kids. What are you THINKING?!"

If you have a Halloween tip you would like to share email us: info@parentclub.ca

Parent Club Calendar

• Salon du Livre de Toronto will be held
  from October 2 to the 5th.
  (www.salondulivredetoronto.org)
• Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival, Ontario Place
  
• High Park Harvest Festival (Toronto)
  Enjoy food, pumpkin crafts, music, warm apple cider and more. Free admission to the grounds.
  
• Fall Fair, Downsview Park (Toronto) (Free admission)
  Celebrate autumn at Downsview Park’s 8th annual Fall Fair featuring free family fun. Activities include pumpkin carving, scarecrow making, petting zoo, origami, buskers and so much more!
  
• Launch of Intrepid Travel first experience store in Canada. Located at Intrepid Travel
  523 Bloor Street West (Bloor and Bathurst). Highlights include: zebras and other animals, African drums, rickshaw rides, belly dancers, Brazilian carnival samba, Cuban percussion and salsa dancers, and more.

************************************************
Coming up in October...

• Saturday October 11, 1:00pm – rain or shine
  Chris McKhool
  FiddleFire! CD RELEASE! In partnership with the City of Torontoπs Fire Prevention Week
  Toronto Fire Academy, 895 Eastern Avenue (1 block east of Leslie)
  FREE ACTIVITIES: BBQ / Refreshments
  Controlled Burn Fire Display
  Emergency Services Vehicles on display– Fire / EMS / Police
  Inflatable Fire Truck, Risk Watch Wheel, Junior Fire Fighter Photos, Kids Activity Table
  
  
• TOMBA - Annual Gently Used Clothing And Gear Sale Saturday October 25th (Cedarbrook Community Center - 91 Eastpark Blvd )
  Public Shopping• Saturday 9:00am to 11:30 (Parent Club note: see left sidebar for website link)

SuperMom

Did you get a chance to read; "Supermoms' work never done: Women retain homemaker role as work responsibilities grow: Study" in Metro? If you didn't - Parent Club recommends you click on the link and read this article.

A survey (questioning parents from 13 countries which included; Canada, China, Russia, France, U.S. and U.K.) presents that Moms, who work outside the home, pack 27 hours' of activity into their day. Yes, we all know there are only 24 hours in a day. However, the study found; Moms are returning from their "day" paid jobs to evenings and weekends of family responsibilities which stretch their schedules past the limits.

Dads aren't to blame as the study also proved that many Papas are spending more time with their children then their own fathers did with them.

I have an interesting question about paternity leave...check back with Parent Club this week!

MOMMY’S DAY AT THE FALL HOME SHOW

MOMMY’S DAY AT THE FALL HOME SHOW
This Friday September 19, 2008
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place

Enjoy this stroller-friendly environment where sweetmama.ca presents Mommy's Day at the Toronto Fall Home Show. Special workshops are being presented especially for YOU. Not to be missed!

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

12:00 - 1:00 pm – Mom and Baby Fitness | Trina Lambe
1:00 - 2:00 pm – Home Organization 101 | Brenda Borenstein
1:00 - 1:30 pm – Cupcake Decorating | SAM'S CLUB Kid's Corner
2:00 - 3:00 pm – Sweetmama-fy Your Home | Sweetmama Editors
2:00 - 3:00 pm – Perfect Place Setting | Mary Dobson
3:00 - 4:00 pm – Chandelier Revitalization | Janette Ewen
3:00 - 3:30 pm – Cupcake Decorating | SAM'S CLUB Kid's Corner
4:00 - 5:00 pm – Fitness Success Coaching | Trina Lambe
4:00 - 5:00 pm – Entertaining for Large Groups | Chef Christopher Ennew
6:00 - 7:00 pm – Professional Painting Techniques | Sandra Gayle
6:00 - 7:00 pm – Fall Food Trends | Chatelaine's Food Editor Victoria Walsh
7:00 - 8:00 pm – Fall Decor Trends | Chatelaine's Virginie Martocq


* The first 500 moms will receive free goodie bags!
visit: www.fallhomeshow.com
to take advantage of discounts for buying tickets on-line.

Children's Summer Reading

What children's books should you check out from the library this week?

You could look for a few of the finalists for the 2008 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award

Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose: The Story of a PaintingBy Hugh Brewster with paintings by John Singer Sargent
Kids Can Press

“An outstanding information book... Beautifully written and produced, with a fine balance of illustration, biographical and historical detail and insight into the creative process, all through the viewpoint of a child whose humanity makes it true.”

Darkwing
By Kenneth Oppel
HarperCollins Publishers

“Darkwing continues Oppel’s reputation for creating textured, engrossing animal societies that win generations of fans. The exceptional writing is filled with descriptive details, emotive connotations and visual sightings that give a richly plotted, fact-filled glimpse into this prehistoric world.”

Elijah of Buxton
By Christopher Paul Curtis
Scholastic Canada

“Tears of laughter and sadness commingle as Curtis immerses readers in the daily happenings of the nineteenth century Ontario community of Buxton whose inhabitants are slaves who have escaped from the United States. This novel engagingly and dramatically brings to life a little known segment of Canadian history.”

Eye of the Crow: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His First Case
By Shane Peacock
Tundra Books

“Historical fiction at its finest! The plot, speculating on the childhood adventures of Sherlock Holmes, is well-constructed, fast paced and embedded with details. Superb characterization is accompanied by witty dialogue and the author’s love of vivid descriptive words.”

Please, Louise!
By Frieda Wishinsky
Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
Groundwood Books

“A gem of a picture book delighting in the warm relationship between brother and younger sister. Lively watercolours explode across the pages adding detail and humour to the powerful simplicity of the text. The words sing as they are read!”

Or you could check out the French-language finalists for the 2008 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award;

Chester
Texte et illustrations de Mélanie Watt
Éditions Scholastic

“Cet album humoristique est d’un concept innovateur. Chester le chat, personnage prétentieux et taquin, se joue de son auteure-illustratrice afin de ravir à la souris le rôle principal de l’histoire. Ce livre comporte une magnifique mise en abîme où… les souris gagnent!”

Farouj le coq
Texte de Badiâa Sekfali
Illustration de Jean-Marie Benoit
Éditions Les 400 coups

“Ce conte, issu de la tradition arabo-berbère, nous transporte dans l’intemporalité. Le récit avec une grande délicatesse et limpidité transmet de nombreuses valeurs; le respect d’autrui, la persévérance, la détermination, la bonté, la sincérité et la foi en un monde meilleur. Les illustrations de couleurs chaudes sont de véritables œuvres d’art.”

Le Mur
Texte d’Angèle Delaunois
Illustrations de Pierre Houde
Éditions de l’Isatis

“Ce conte moderne a une portée universelle. Il permet de voir la naissance et l’absurdité d’un conflit ainsi que les conséquences qui en découlent, pour soi et pour les autres. Les illustrations arrivent à transmettre, avec une luminosité touchante, l’hostilité que l’on retrouve dans le récit. L’ensemble permet de saisir comment une peccadille peut devenir un mur d’incompréhensions.”

La Petite rapporteuse de mots
Texte de Danielle Simard
Illustrations de Geneviève Côté
Éditions Les 400 coups

“Cet album tout en finesse raconte une histoire de tous les jours. Le thème difficile de la maladie d’Alzheimer est rarement présent dans la littérature jeunesse, mais l’est par contre de plus en plus dans la vie actuelle. Le texte, sensible et touchant, est porté par des illustrations évanescentes comme les mots dans la bouche de la grand-mère, elles savent à merveille transmettre les émotions. La complicité intergénérationnelle règne au cœur de ce magnifique album.”

Un cadeau pour Sophie
Texte de Gilles Vigneault
Illustrations de Stéphane Jorisch
Éditions La montagne secrete

“Une histoire réaliste tout en poésie, aux couleurs de bord de mer. Le texte et les illustrations s’harmonisent en une véritable ode à l’enfance et à la vie. Un cadeau pour tous. Ce livre transmet le sens de la continuité, l’importance de se souvenir, la valeur que peut avoir un cadeau…”

Telehealth Ontario is good

Thing 2 has a reaction to something. Call it a rash, hives or small blisters. My education was spent studying the likes of Shakespeare NOT skin irritations.

Some areas of Thing 2 are covered in clusters while other areas have stand alone spots. Why didn't I go to medical school? (truth; I'm really all bedside manner)

Hmmm. What is new, I wonder? We tried new sunscreen but it's been a good week that we've been using the spray able UVB/UVA 30. We went swimming in a friend's pool but no one else has had a reaction (plus, the reaction is specific to left side of Thing 2's face and one wrist - no where else). No new detergents. No new soaps. No trips to farms, forests or other insect/animal destinations.

Called trusty old Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000. I'm wondering if it is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease or Impetigo. Probably not either says the nurse after hearing our case. (Whew!).

As Lady MacBeth said; "Out, damn'd spot! out, I say!".
(Macbeth Act 5, scene 1, 26 – 40)

Parent Club Calendar

• Luminat'eau: Carnival H2O, Harbourfront Centre
  
• Ontario Model Soldier Society Show and Competition at Fort York Free admission.
  
• Canada's National Ballet School Costume Fitting Demonstration & Hands-on Demonstration - 2-3pm at Bata Shoe Museum
  
• Yonge Lawrence Village Day 2008. Free admission.

Father's Day Events

• 97.3 EZ Rock will give the first 99 Dads FREE admission to the Zoo on Father’s Day!
  
  
• Father's Day Royal Brunch at Casa Loma
  
  
• Father's Day 5K Run/Walk, The Distillery District
  
  
• Free Kids Workshop at Home Depot (check your closest location for times)

Other Weekend Ideas

• Take Dad to Rona or Home Depot (Dad seems to like it there)
  
• Swim for free at a city run indoor pool
  
• Have a play date (or hire a babysitter and have your own date)
  
• Take a nap (or send someone for a nap)

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Parent Club Review: Sancutary Song

As soon as we were seated, we were welcomed by a host who proceeded to speak with my child about opera, about how the story was told in the song and also what the story would be about.

There is a sense of intimacy in the theatre, and this is maintained throughout the performance and during the Q & A after.

The opera itself was beautifully sung, and the orchestra was absolutely amazing.

The story itself though, was too difficult for my 7 year old to follow. The costumes and set are minimal and it took her a few minutes to initially figure out that the performer represented an elephant.

Despite seeming better suited for a +7 year old audience, we had a lovely afternoon.
(Reviewers; Parent and child aged 7 years old).

Splenda Anyone?...

The folks at Splenda and Matchstick wanted to share with the Club; they are continuing the Splenda trial for women in the Toronto area. They are looking for 10 families to enjoy this no-strings-attached 2 week trial.

Click this link to go to the Splenda Prequalification Survey. If you qualify, you'll recieve a quick phone call to get your mailing address (from someone at Matchstick the company which is coordinating this challenge). Simple and REALLY no-strings.

All you have to do is try Splenda and then give them your opinion. LOVE Mom-marketing?...

Parent Club Calendar

• Last chance to shop at the Samko Sale (see sidebar left for details
  
• Luminato Festival of Culture & Arts www.luminato.com
  
• Sanctuary Song - Berkeley Theatre
  
• Scottish Music Festival, Yonge-Dundas Square FREE
  
• Woofstock, St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood. Outdoor festival for Dogs. Really!
  
• Evergreen Spring Plant & Garden Fair at the Evergreen Brick Works. Workshops, demos and organic. Free shuttle bus from Broadview station.
  
• Animal Adventure at the Ontario Science Centre with Safari Steve. 2:30pm Free with regular admission.
  
  Other weekend choices (which are FREE)
  
  
• mow the lawn (while the kiddies play outdoors)
  
• clean the toy room (ugh)
  
• walk, bike or wagon to a local park
  
• plant something with the kids (recommend strawberries - yum!)

Share Parent Club

Parent Club is a blog/website full of tips, activities and resources for Canadian families.

It is read by tens of people every day. Be sure to share with the club by e-mailing your comments, experiences, rants to info@parentclub.ca.

In the coming weeks, Parent Club will be sharing a product review (food related this time - Yum), road trips with kids - you ok back there?..., planning an easy birthday party and novel loot bag ideas - without the novelty factor.

Share the Club with a friend today!

Parent Club Calendar

Doors Open Toronto runs Saturday and Sunday. Very family friendly!

Arts at the Heart - Yonge Dundas Square - Saturday and Sunday. Open market of craftsmen and artists

Great Strides at the Toronto Zoo. Walk for charity. Collect min. $25 in pledges and receive entrance to the Zoo, map, walk activities, FREE lunch, loot bag for the children and a special performance by Franklin the Turtle (at 10am)

Children FREE at Medieval Times until end of May

Doors Open Toronto - this weekend

The official guide to Doors Open Toronto is available today (Thursday May 22) in The Toronto Star. Guides are also available at Access Toronto Counters, Canadian Broadcasting Centre, Doors Open official kick off at the Royal Ontario Museum (admission FREE on Friday by the way), and all Doors Open event locations throughout the weekend.

This year there are over 150 buildings to visit and explore. And by the way - it is all FREE. Most places are family friendly and offer guided tours.

Parent Club Calendar This Weekend

• HarbourKIDS Victoria Day Festival
  Inspired by the courageous circus performers who embody fearlessness in their work, the Toronto International Circus Festival show kids what being FEARLESS is all about. Acrobats! Daredevils! Clowns.


• Rapunzel: The Girl with the Golden Hair, Solar Stage Theatre


• Victoria Day Fireworks, Ontario Place


• ROMwalk 2008: Yorkville: A Tollgate Village (Free)


• Victoria Day, Fort York National Historic Site


• Victoria Day Tea, Montgomery's Inn


• Queen Victoria’s Birthday, Gibson House

VICTORIA DAY FIREWORKS
Ashbridges Bay (the Beaches)
Ontario Place
Canada's Wonderland

Special at Medieval Times

Until May 31st, kids under 19 years of age are free at Medieval Times Toronto.

The website doesn't note this special but Parent Club has confirmed it via their phone lines. So to take advantage of this offer; it is best to call Medieval Times Toronto at 416-260-1234 and tell them you saw the commercial (that's where we saw it).

Regular price;
Adults - $62.95
Children (under 12) - $43.50

HUGE savings -- but only until May 31st.

Attention Teenagers

The Ontario Science Centre is looking for volunteers for the 5th Science Centre World Congress (5SCWC) in Toronto. It is an international meeting of decision makers of Science Centres and Museums.

This would be a great experience for any teen interested in science, communications, journalism, public relations, history and environment.

The volunteer positions are from June 15 to 20, 2008.

Please visit the Congress website at www.5SCWC.org to download the volunteer application. Deadline for volunteers is May 16, 2008.

Reader Feedback: Birthday Tips

"At Child A's fourth birthday we made decorated "binoculars" I made them ahead of time by stapling together two TP rolls and adding a string, on the string I had attached a tag to write the child's name on. A bunch of stickers and fancy metallic markers and we were all set! The next year we made crowns and tieras. My husband cut out the party hats from pieces of Bristol board and we bought a bunch of shiny beads and stickers from the dollar store and of course more markers!

Each year we made our own "pin the something on the something" game, first year was stick the spider on the web, Child A drew the big spider web and the year after it was stick the spaceship on the solar system.

(submitted by a Parent Club reader)

What is Bisphenol A?

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been in the news a lot recently.

Read the Globe & Mail Article on Health Canada labeling BPA as officially dangerous




Click on the Link above or on the youtube video to find out more on Bisphenol A.

What are your alternatives?
- Born Free baby bottles (available in Toronto stores or on line)
- Baby on the Hip (969 Queen Street East) sells Born Free Products
- Enviroproducts (available in Toronto stores or on line)have stainless steel water bottles, corn husk bottles and more
- Natural Beauty Canada(available on line) has BPA free baby bottles