The dreaded phrase — “I’m bored” — are two words parents hope to not hear from the mouths of their children. Never fear, Biz X is here! With this feature story we point you towards some of the many fun activities offered throughout Windsor Essex and attempt to squash those winter blues and beat boredom in its tracks. By Rebecca Wright And Julianna Bonnett
This Winter . . . All Systems Go For Adventure! W
intertime can sometimes be a drag for kids. It gets dark out early and oftentimes it’s too cold to play outdoors — at least for prolonged periods. You may find that in the winter children overuse technology, play too many online/ video games or spend too much time in front of the TV. Looking for a more exciting way to break the boredom your kids may be experiencing? The search ends here! Across Windsor Essex you’ll find many activities to keep your young ones, not only occupied, but getting out and having a good time! Read on to learn about just some of these fun-filled adventures (both inside and out) that can be enjoyed after school, in the evenings or on the weekends and even on “Family Day”, which falls on February 17.
Museum Windsor
The François Baby House and Chimczuk Museum are great places for families to visit and spend quality time while exploring and learning together, according to Craig Capacchione, Museum Coordinator, Exhibitions. Both locations fall under the Museum Windsor (MuseumWindsor.ca) umbrella, which is a municipally funded not-forprofit organization. “Museum Windsor offers some exciting family friendly activities at both the François Baby House and Chimczuk Museum,” Capacchione notes. Built in 1812, the François Baby House played a pivotal role in the War of 1812 and Rebellions of 1838. Today, it features exhibitions about the War of 1812, Rebellion of 1838, and over 300 years of French history in the region.
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“The Chimczuk Museum features a permanent exhibit chronicling Windsor’s history and hosts several changing exhibits throughout the year,” he describes, adding the exhibits feature interactive elements to engage visitors and create lasting memories. “In addition, it features the Original Peoples Culture and Legacy Gallery and a Handson-History gallery filled with interactive games, crafts, and dress up for the young and young at heart.” The François Baby House, 254 Pitt Street West in Windsor, opened to the public in 1958 and is open for visits Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission. The Chimczuk Museum, 401 Riverside Drive West, opened in 2016 and is also open to visitors Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with family-friendly admission rates. “Visitors are able to explore the exhibitions and learn about Windsor’s diverse and fascinating history, all while interactive exhibit elements keep children engaged and interested,” Capacchione asserts.
Crafts are some of the ways the little ones can get involved, engaged and learn in a hands-on way at the Chimczuk Museum. Photo courtesy of Salma Abumeeiz.
B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
The Hands-On-History gallery was designed with children in mind and features self-guided crafts, toys, musical instruments, and costumes for dress up. “The François Baby House and the Chimczuk Museum both offer rare opportunities for families to spend time together, have fun, and learn something interesting about the city they call home,” he states.
Windsor YMCA
The Windsor YMCA, at Central Park Athletics, is a place where families can come together to get healthier, with programs and services designed with the entire family in mind, describes Centre Manager Terra Armstrong. Windsor YMCA Centre Manager Terra Armstrong says families often describe their facility as putting families first in a welcoming environment where they feel safe and assured that their children are in good hands. Photo courtesy of Terra Armstrong.
“Our facility ensures that anyone, regardless of age, can get healthy and active in ways that are meaningful to them without breaking apart the family unit,” she explains. The YMCA is filled with action-packed programs for children three to 12 years of age, including: swimming lessons, basketball programs, draw and sketch programs, cartooning, all sorts of sports, dodgeball, kid fit, dance (ballet/jazz), silly science, animal discovery, preschool gym and swim, lil yogis, preschool story and craft, soccer programs, and child minding, according to Armstrong.
Photo credits: © Can Stock Photo/deandrobot.
THE PARENTING BIZ
