The Parenting Biz: Ah What To Do, What To Do

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.

This Winter . . . All Systems Go For Adventure! By Rebecca Wright And Julianna Bonnett Photo credits: © Can Stock Photo/deandrobot.

Wintertime 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. “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. 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.

“Families can enjoy time together in the pool, in the gymnasium and in fitness classes,” she asserts. “Families often describe us as putting families first, (having) a welcoming environment, and a place where they feel safe and assured that their children are in good hands. It’s accommodating for all.”

The Windsor YMCA (YMCAWO.ca/ Windsor-CentralPark) is a not-for-profit community-based charitable organization located at 3402 Grand Marais Road East and is one of 45 autonomous charitable organizations across Canada.

Adult fitness programs include: Zumba, volley ball recreational leagues, yoga, kickboxing, cycling, aqua fitness, aqua Zumba and more.

Bi-weekly membership rates range from $23.25 for a child; $24.50 for a youth; $29.75 for an adult and $64.25 for a family.

The Windsor YMCA is open Monday to Friday 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Through our ‘YMCA Strong Kids’ fundraising efforts, we are able to provide financial assistance for those that are unable to afford the full fees of the YMCA membership,” notes Armstrong. “The Windsor YMCA provides financial

Swimming at the Windsor YMCA is just one of many activities you and your family can enjoy together this winter. Photo courtesy of Windsor YMCA.

assistance to one in every three children.” She says the YMCA is dedicated to the enrichment of communities through growth in spirit, mind, and body for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. Armstrong wraps up her section with: “Our work is guided by the core values of honesty, caring, responsibility, respect and inclusiveness.”

John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area The John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area is “a living-history museum and conservation area” operated by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), describes Kristin Ives, Curator/ Education Coordinator.

“The Homestead is a wonderful place

Kristin Ives, Curator/Education Coordinator, pours taffy on the snow for young visitors at John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area to enjoy.

Two young volunteers collect pails of sap for maple syrup making at John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area. Photos courtesy of John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area/ERCA.

for families to bring the children out to run, play, and explore the outdoors at any time of year,” says Ives. “The Homestead site also features the original 1842 home of the early settler family that developed the property — John and Amelia Park.” The Homestead (visit their website at: EssexRegionConservation.ca) opened to the public in 1978, and welcomes approximately 12,000 visitors each year.

It is located at 915 County Road 50 East, Harrow (on the shores of Lake Erie at the intersection of County Road 50 and Iler Road, east of Colchester).

“As a conservation area, visitors are welcome to enjoy the Homestead’s beautiful 19 acre grounds, on the shores of Lake Erie, from dawn to dusk daily,” states Ives. “The home and the 10 related outbuildings — including a blacksmith shop, sawmill, and more — are a living-history museum, where families can get hands-on learning experiences while discovering the rich human and natural history of our region.” Making maple syrup “the old-fashioned way, is such an important part of our country’s culture and heritage. It is the busiest time of year at the Homestead and a great opportunity for families to get outside in the winter and to really experience it firsthand,” says Ives.

Maple tours for groups (adult groups, schools, Guides/Scouts, etc.) are available from February 18 to March 31. Maple syrup-focused special events for families include: the “Maple Syrup Festival” on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days; “Maple March Break”on Tuesday, March 17 and repeated on Friday, March 20 starting at 1:30 p.m. sharp (90 minute maple tour for families); and “Maple Moon Evening Program” (recommended for ages 13 and up) where you can attend a sugaring-off party by candlelight!

“In this rare chance to see the Homestead after dark (“Maple Moon Evening Program”), guests can enjoy an oldfashioned sugaring-off party with taffy making, live music, sweet treats and merry making,” Ives mentions. “You won’t want to miss the fun!”

For “Maple Syrup Festival” and “Maple March Break” programs, a special event admission applies, which is $6 for an adult, $4 for a child (ages three to 16), or $20 per family. Admission is paid at the door for the festival and March Break programs

Admission for “Maple Moon” is $15 per person. Space is limited for “Maple Moon” so those are interested should pre-register online at: MapleMoon2020.eventbrite.ca.

Adventure Bay Family Water Park And The City Of Windsor With the winter blues in full effect in February, splishin’ and a-splashin’ at Adventure Bay Family Water Park is the place to be during the chilly season! From the “Splash Zone” to the “Master Blaster”, there’s something for everyone at Adventure Bay.

Opening their doors in January 2014 and known as southwest Ontario’s largest indoor water park, the “wet and wild” excitement found here is perfect for the whole family to enjoy a fun-filled day with lots of activities.

According to Jen Knights, Manager of the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre and Adventure Bay (visit: AdventureBay.ca), the park is open to vacationers and staycationers alike, Thursday to Sunday throughout the winter. “We often offer extended hours on P.A. days, holidays and extended school breaks,” Knights lists. “In addition to daily dropin rates, short-term memberships offer an alternative to the full year term for events like March Break, winter holidays and the academic year.”

This municipally owned business, located at 401 Pitt Street West, is a great place for winter recreation seekers because, at Adventure Bay, it’s always summer no matter what the weather is doing outside.

“It’s always summer at Adventure Bay and it’s a great place to splash in for a tropical escape, guaranteed to beat even the bluest of the winter blues,” expresses Knights.

Adventurous kids and grown-ups alike will love the thrilling slides, while parents can enjoy chilling in the “Lazy River”.

The Manager of Adventure Bay Family Water Park, Jen Knights says it’s always summer at Adventure Bay and it is a great place to splash in for a tropical escape guaranteed to beat even the bluest of the winter blues. Photo courtesy of Adventure Bay Family Water Park.

The interactive, colourful features in the “Splash Zone” strike a chord with the younger ones, while the “FlowRider” surf simulator is a perennial hit with young adults from home and abroad.

If you’re looking for another way to beat those winter blues, the City of Windsor might have an idea for you. Finding something active and creative for your kids to do during the winter can be hard, but many locations in Windsor are offering recreational swimming and skating for the whole family to enjoy. For swimming, Adie Knox Herman Complex, 1551 Wyandotte Street West offers indoor swimming all season,

along with the WFCU Centre, located at 8787 McHugh Street.

During the season, public skating is offered in three indoor arenas including: Forest Glade Arena, 3205 Forest Glade Drive; Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex, 2555 Pulford Street andtheWFCU Centre.

Kids can explore and make creations in the sandbox at one of the region’s EarlyON Child and Family Centres. Photo courtesy of EarlyON Child and Family Centres.

EarlyON Child And Family Centres EarlyON Child and Family Centres are an Ontario Ministry of Education led and funded initiative, aimed at promoting early literacy and offering services that support all families in Windsor Essex, with children ages zero to six.

“The Centres can connect you to local programs and services for children,” points out Dawn Bosco, Manager of Children’s Services with the City of Windsor.

The Ministry of Education embarked upon a transformation of child and family programs that had been operating throughout the province for a number of years, according to Bosco.

“In 2018, this transformation resulted in all programs operating as EarlyON Child and Family Centres, becoming part of a cohesive system of services and supports guided by a provincial framework and a common identity,” she explains.

In Windsor and Essex County there are 30 EarlyON Child and Family Centre locations (refer to: EarlyONWindsorEssex.ca).

EarlyON Child and Family Centres are free programs located in various neighbourhoods throughout Windsor and Essex County. They provide high quality, inclusive services that support early learning and development, states Bosco.

“They are warm and welcoming, and

children are able to learn, play, and engage in positive interactions with other children and adults,” she describes. “Parents and caregivers are able to enjoy their children, play alongside them, meet other parents, talk with professionals, learn about child development and make connections to other services in the community.”

Families are able to attend any location during operating hours and drop-ins are always welcome, but be sure to check each site for special activities that may also be offered.

The free community programming, offered at EarlyON, supports early learning and development by offering programs to encourage children’s learning through play, and to build positive child-adult relationships.

This initiative also engages parents and caregivers through information sharing about child development, parenting, play and inquiry-based learning. It also offers pre and post-natal support and makes connections for families by responding to parents/caregivers concerns about child development, offering screening and making referrals to connect families with health professionals or other specialized community services.

Bosco extends an invitation to all to “Come and be part of an enriching experience and watch your child as they learn, develop and grow.”

Superbowl Lanes And Clip ’n Climb Windsor To get moving while having a blast, why not try bowling or wall climbing?

“Bowling is a great way for adults and kids to stay active,” believes Superbowl Lanes Vice President Mike Doidge. “And it’s a fun day out for everyone!”

Located at 10000 Tecumseh Road East, Doidge and Cory Clarkson, President, took over Superbowl Lanes in September 2013. “I think Superbowl Lanes is a perfect place for families because it’s affordable and has a great atmosphere,” notes Doidge. (Check: Facebook.com/SuperBowlWindsor for more details on this 2016 Biz X Award winner for “The Lanes That Bowl You Over”).

And if your child wants to get his or her adrenaline pumping and craves adventure that takes them to new heights, Clip ’n Climb (ClipNClimbWindsor.ca) has what they’re looking for!

As promoted on their website, they have 36 climbing adventures and all of their walls — with heights up to 32 feet — offer a number of challenging routes. Located at Central Park Athletics at 3400 Grand Marais Road East in Windsor, their bright and bold designs make the climbing experience fun and exciting (for those 4 and up only).

For an extra hit of adrenaline, try one of their super challenges — the “vertical drop slide” or the “leap of faith” — or try both!

Area Towns Aim To Banish Boredom Forever Throughout Essex County there are multiple facilities you can visit to bust boredom wide open. These include skating, swimming, gymnastics, yoga, hockey, and plenty of other interesting things to do.

Just a few of these places are: Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex (Leamington.ca), 249 Sherk Street; Tecumseh Arena (Tecumseh.ca), 12021 McNorton Street; Libro Union

Centre (Amherstburg.ca), 3295 Meloche Road in Amherstburg; Essex Centre Sports Complex (Essex.ca), 60 Fairview Avenue West; Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex (LaSalle.ca) and Skate LaSalle (SkateLaSalle.com), 2121 Laurier Parkway; and Belle River Lakeshore Arena (Lakeshore.ca), 447 Renaud Line Road.

At the Essex Centre Sports Complex, you’ll find ice skating, recreational programming and community meeting rooms. Officially opened in January 2010, the twin-pad arena has been in use since September 2009, according to Town of Essex Communications Manager Alex Denonville. “The main ice pad, the Libro Credit Union rink, is an NHL-sized rink with bowl seating for 1,168,” notes Denonville. “The Shaheen Rink is a practice pad with bleacher seating for 222.”

A 210 metre indoor walking track wraps around the Libro Credit Union rink and is available for public use at no cost. The walking track is accessible and offers a comfortable and safe walking surface. At the Harrow and Colchester South Arena, 243 McAffee Street in Harrow, you’ll also find ice skating, recreational programming and community meeting rooms.

Ice skating is a favourite Canadian pastime and is something all children should experience. Plus, it’s great exercise too! Windsor and Essex County boasts a long list of facilities for your child to get their skate on this winter. Photo credit: © Can Stock Photo/shalamov.

“Other amenities in the facility include a skate shop, concession stand, two meeting rooms, a community room, and the office of the Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society,” indicates Denonville. The Essex Recreation Complex also offers swimming and recreational programming and is located at 242 Talbot Street North. Here, you’ll also find a wide range of aquatic and lifesaving programs, as well as free swims and special parties.

“The facility includes a four lane, 25 metre lap pool and Tarzan rope, a leisure pool, waterslide and a training pool with stretch bars,” describes Denonville. The Essex Community Centre, located at 25 Gosfield Townline West, hosts many community recreation programs. It offers several facilities and amenities including a gymnasium, recreational programming and community meeting rooms.

It is suitable for fitness classes, basketball, floor hockey, volleyball, and special events. Amenities include: floor hockey equipment with nets, pickleball nets, paddles and balls, basketballs and soccer balls, according to Denonville.

Stop Your Child From Hibernating So don’t let the cold winter months make your child sad and bored, stuck on the couch alone. Besides the obvious outdoor things to do, like tobogganing and a good old fashioned family snowball fight (weather permitting), there are plenty of activities throughout the region to get your child out and about this February and March!