CityParent – Greater Toronto Area: Includes Halton, Peel, York and Durham – March 2023

Learn more and get tickets for Maple Town at Mountsberg and Sweet Water Season at Crawford Lake at: conservationhalton.ca/MapleSeason

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up front MARCH BREAK TRAVEL MEMORIES

March always meant family vacation time for my family! As hectic as it was, we never missed a holiday south.

It was always the entire two weeks, eight suitcases, two carry-ons, four backpacks, one guitar and four handhelds of any kind. The quality of our time together as a family was made up of bonding, arguing, yelling, mediating, or searching for someone who was ‘MIA’. These were the best days in my books. I packed and unpacked for everyone until they were old enough to do it independently, yet somehow, it was always me. We had our family of six + one travelling down pat.

My fondest and most chaotic trip was when the kids were still relatively young. We were heading to Brevard County to Port Canaveral to board the Disney Cruise ship, the Disney Wonder. After dropping them off at school – the day before we were set to leave – I was finishing up the packing when my phone rang, and it was our travel agent. The airline we were set to fly with just went belly up. The first sentence to come out of his mouth was, “Don’t panic, we got this, and I’ll get you there.”

Shortly after that, I got a call back from my agent with the new itinerary.

It began at 4:00 a.m. with our limo drive to Toronto Pearson Airport to board a Greyhound bus service to the Holiday Inn in London, Ontario. From there, we boarded the Greyhound to Windsor, transferred onto a Greyhound to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and boarded Spirit Airlines for our flight to West Palm Beach…

Except, that wasn’t our destination. Our destination was still 2.5 hours away. No problem: once off the plane, we then headed to the car rental kiosk, where we had a Ford Expedition reserved.

By this time – after riding, fl ying, loading, unloading, and waiting times at each location – we arrived in West Palm at 7:30 p.m. Believe it or not, the kids were holding up well and had never cooperated as much as they did that day.

Once we got the truck loaded up like a Tetris game, we headed for a bite to eat at TGI Friday’s. Everyone was starving and wanted dinner. By the time dinner and bathroom breaks were over and all of us were accounted for, we started the last leg of our 2.5-hour uneventful journey, where we finally checked in at midnight at the only motel available due to a Harley Davidson convention. We were so exhausted we laughed and laughed until we fell asleep.

It was one of the best trips, and we even made it onto the ship. We had the expertise of an unmatched travel agent who always recommended leaving a day early for wiggle room – he wasn’t kidding. Our journey home went a lot smoother, and he managed to fly us home direct.

The moral of the story is: no matter what life throws at you, make the best of it! Memories are timeless treasures.

If you ever need a great travel company, call Migration Travel and ask for Dana, Helga or any of their expert and dedicated agents. migrationstravel.ca

Mary Racioppo Editor-In-Chief, City Parent

REAL FARMERS. REAL RECIPES.

Audrée Arthur, Egg Farmer, Oxford County, Ontario

Mediterranean Sheet Pan Omelette

Ingredients

2 tbsp (30 ml)butter

2 cups (500 ml)packed baby spinach

3 cooked Italian sausages, chopped

2 cups (500 ml)sliced mixed mushrooms

½ cup (125 ml)julienned roasted red pepper

½ cup (125 ml)thinly sliced red onion

1 plum tomato, diced

½ cup (125 ml)crumbled herbed goat cheese

¼ cup (60 ml)finely chopped fresh basil

16 eggs

1 tbsp (15 ml)hot sauce

1 tsp (5 ml)kosher salt

Pepper to taste

Basil for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Butter a 13x18-inch baking sheet.

SERVES 12 - PREP 20 MINS - COOK 15 MINS

Sprinkle baking sheet evenly with spinach leaves; top with sausage, mushrooms, red pepper, red onion, tomato, goat cheese and basil.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs with hot sauce and salt.

Pour egg mixture gently over baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until egg has lightly puffed. Sprinkle with pepper to taste and garnish with basil.

Tip: This is a great recipe for meal planning, feeding large crowds and is freezable.

STAYCATION ACTIVITIES

Playmobil

Kids will love playing imaginatively with travel-themed play to escape the winter blues. In many cases, children are more affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) than adults are. While stuck indoors, kids crave stimulation and excitement, which is why we’ve chosen some fun travelthemed PLAYMOBIL playsets that the whole family can enjoy! Visit fun locations such as Wiltopia’s Amazon Rainforest or Beach Aqua-Park to beat the winter blues! Or drive anywhere you want by packing up your Volkswagen vehicle of choice and taking a road trip... don’t forget your suitcase and surfboard! OR perhaps you might feel like taking a trip Back to the Future?! Experience the thrill of Marty’s Pick-up! Wiltopia – Animal Care Station 4+, $169.99 CAD, Volkswagen Beetle & T1 Camping Bus 5+ $59.99 & 74.99 CAD, Beach Aqua-Park – Water Park with Slides 4+ $89.99 CAD, Back to the Future Marty’s Pick-up Truck 4+ $74.99 available at playmobil. ca and major retailers

Actua

Canada’s largest youth STEM outreach organization has created STEM toys and activities. These toys and activities are an excellent way to help children build the foundational skills and confidence needed to thrive and spark a love of learning. Toys that help children understand the environment to books that help to develop early digital and coding skills. Let’s Go Code Activity Set - Provides children with an introduction to coding and programming without requiring them to use a computer. Ages 5-8 available at Scholastics $49.99.

LEGO® Icons Chess Set, Australia Postcard and New York City

Exercising the brain build with LEGO ® ignite creativity, focus and helps solve problems. Build a chess board with classic LEGO® bricks and then build the pieces. With this set, you can play anywhere, as the pieces store conveniently inside the board. It’s not just a chess board but it also works as a checkers board. Includes a buildable chessboard and buildable playing pieces and over 1,400 pieces. Board measures over 10” (26cm) square. Australia Postcard 3D buildable postcard which features of famous sights 191 pieces. New York City A detailed model of the city’s skyline includes the Statue of Liberty 598 pieces.

$79.99, $18.99, and $74.99 Ages 7, 9, 12 & up available lego.com and amazon.ca

Gears Starter Building Set

Introduce young builders to the world of gears with this starter set featuring fun, bright new colors and kid-friendly pieces for easy construction, while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Ages 3-5 available at amazon. ca $45.00

Rubik’s Cube

Classic Rubik’s cube solving requires memorizing many algorithms while twisting and turning the layers in under a few seconds. Ages 8+ available at amazon.ca $11.00.

SPEND MARCH BREAK

WITH PERFORMING ARTS BRAMPTON

BOOK N’ MOVIE

MARCH 13, 2023

11:00AM JK TO GRADE 4 AT LBP BRAMPTON

4:00PM GRADE 5 AND UP AT CYRIL CLARK BRAMPTON

Join us 11:00am at LBP Brampton for the movie Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Come early and settle in for a Pre-show Storytime from our friends at Brampton Library. At 4:00 p.m.

you don’t want to miss a pre-show trivia challenge led by Brampton Library. Both events are completely free, however, advanced registration is required. Included with your registration is a free popcorn and drink, so grab your spot early!

PERFORMING ARTS YOUTH SYMPOSIUM & SOCIAL

MARCH 16, 2023

2:30PM - 7:30PM

Join us for a unique opportunity for youth to participate in an afternoon full of conversations, performances, and activities focused on the performing arts. Participants will explore vocational pathways in the arts, as well as have the chance to connect directly with community organizations and programs that provide performing arts opportunities right here in Brampton. Attendees will also get to shop local youth-run businesses. High School students are eligible to receive community service hours for their participation in this program. This program is for age 13 to 17.

THEROSEBRAMPTON.CA

SPLASH’N BOOTS

MARCH 15, 2023

2:00 PM

Nothing says March Break like a Splash’N Boots show! Just off the heels of their second JUNO Award for “Heart Parade,” and a 2022 Canadian Folk Music Award, Splash N’ Boots are bringing their nearly 20-year legacy in the children’s music to new generations. Don’t miss the chance for your family to be part of the

connection, music and heart.

get creative

HOW CRAFTING BENEFITS KIDS

Kids have boundless energy. Parents of young children can look to various activities to harness that energy, and crafting is one endeavor that makes use of kids’ enthusiasm and creativity.

Craft projects are more than just a means to getting energetic youngsters to sit down and focus their attention. Crafting pays various dividends for youngsters, some of which may surprise parents.

Crafting and hand-eye coordination

Crafting helps children develop hand-eye coordination. The Illinoisbased North Shore Pediatric Therapy notes that crafts that involve drawing shapes, cutting patterns and writing require youngsters to use their fine motor coordination. Colouring, drawing and cutting also require children to use their hands together, helping to develop and strengthen their hand-eye coordination. That development can help kids perform a host of additional tasks, including tying shoes, buttoning coats, and eating independently.

Crafting and creativity

Crafting presents a great opportunity for kids to explore their creativity. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to prioritize creative, unplugged playtime for infants and toddlers, and that can include time devoted to craft projects. Craft projects can include more complicated undertakings in which kids follow directions, or they can

simply allow kids to create something from their own imaginations. Each type of project involves creating something new and encourages kids to develop their creative skills.

Crafting and patience

Parents know that patience is not necessarily a virtue of young children. Craft projects, particularly those that require cutting and gluing, do not provide instant gratification because they require multiple steps and time to dry before they’re completed. North Shore Pediatric Therapy notes that such projects teach kids self-regulation because they require youngsters to exhibit self-control and patience until the project can be considered finished.

Crafting and the classroom

A 2018 report from the AAP noted that children who use their hands are strengthening areas in the brain that are associated with spatial and

mathematical learning. This is an important benefit of crafting and one that the AAP report notes is not gained by kids who forgo physical activities like crafting for play that

CRAFTING HELPS CHILDREN DEVELOP HAND-EYE COORDINATION

relies on interactive media. The benefits of crafting associated with spatial and mathematical learning could help younger children once they begin their academic careers.

Crafting is a fun activity for kids and it’s also one that benefits their development in some surprising ways.

– Metro Creative

TOP 7 BOOKS RECOMMENDED BY BLUESPRIG PEDIATRICS FOR AUTISM

April is World Autism Month. Over 70 million people worldwide are affected by autism. Children and youth in Canada are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at a rate of approximately 1 in 66. Several countries around the world will light up their landmarks blue on April 2nd to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism. The United Nations General Assembly designated this day as World Autism Awareness Day.

A wonderful way to build selfconfidence and self-awareness in children is to read to them! A national provider of ABA therapy, BlueSprig Pediatrics, has shared a few of its favourite autism books for children this year. It is through these books that your loved ones will be able to gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity.

All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism

By Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer

As a zebra with autism, Zane worries about standing out. Zane’s autism stripes are one of many things that makes him special, thanks to his mother’s wise guidance. This story also provides caretakers and parents with suggestions for coping with autism.

Ages: 4-7. Published by: Magination Press. Pages: 40. Price: $14.99 CDN

This Is Me! I am who I’m meant to be!

By Amy Pflueger

This book provides a special explanation of autism to increase awareness, acceptance, and understanding. See life through the eyes of Able, a boy with autism. Despite challenges, Able inspires readers with autism to believe in themselves and achieve their full potential. Thus, he gives them the confidence that they are exactly who they are meant to be. Ages: All Ages. Published by: Independently Published. Pages: 30. Price: $9.99 CDN

The Superhero Brain: Explaining Autism to Empower Kids

By Christel Land

The story explores how living with autism can be both awesome and tricky at the same time due to sensory issues. Children with autism will feel empowered and able to achieve their dreams after reading this story! In addition to being inclusive, the book has a variety of characters to help your child relate to its message. Ages: All Ages, Published by: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform Pages: 35 Price: $11.89 CDN

Nathan’s Autism Spectrum Superpowers

By Lori Leigh Yarborough

Nathan, the superhero of this book, talks about his autism spectrum superpowers. He describes how they affect him, and lets his friends know ways to help him when his superpowers spiral out of control. The book aims to help kids, friends, families, and caregivers understand children with superpowers. Ages: 6+. Published by: One Three Nine Inspired Press. Pages: 19. Price: $12.99 CDN.

Artie is Awesome (Artie’s Adventures)

By Deidra Darst

Unlike other autism books, this one explains autism in kid-friendly terms. Artie, who has autism, uses an augmentative and alternative communication (ACC) device. He loves trains, playing chase, and eating pizza! This book introduces kids to unique differences. Ages: 4-7. Published by: Independently Published. Pages: 30. Price: $10.00 CDN

Completely Me

By Justine Green

This book tells the story of a little girl who wasn’t aware she was different until others noticed. The townspeople learn an invaluable lesson about acceptance from her standing up for herself. Green explains that imperfection makes us all unique and helps us love ourselves and others.

Ages: 6+. Published by: Green Rose Publishing LLC. Pages: 28. Price: $12.99 CDN

Just Right for You: A Story about Autism

By Melanie Heyworth

The book offers parents or caregivers a way to introduce autism to a child in an optimistic way. The story also brings a depth of insight and passion into autism throughout this book. Ages: 4-7.

Published by: Reframing Autism Ltd. Pages: 36. Price: $14.67 CDN

get creative KIDS WRITE 4KIDS

The new year is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby or to take current hobbies and passions to the next level. If you know a young writer who loves putting pen to paper, now could be the time to put their literary works to the test to be in with a chance of becoming a published author, while making an impact.

Since 2012, national youth education charity, Ripple Foundation, has been discovering young Canadian authors with its annual Kids Write 4 Kids contest.

Kids Write 4 Kids is an annual creative writing competition for students in grades four to eight. Aspiring writers have the opportunity to craft an original literary piece with full artistic license over genre, format and theme.

Submitted to a judging panel made up of accomplished editors, authors and previous winners, the winner will see their work published in ebook and paperback formats. They will also choose a charity to benefit from 100% of the proceeds from book sales during 2023, garnering philanthropic ways among the next generation.

Ivy Wong, Founder of Ripple Foundation, started the charity’s flagship program to give back to children and to cultivate a love for reading and writing and the creative writing skill of tomorrow’s leaders.

“Storytelling is an important tool throughout life, personally, professionally, socially, emotionally,” said Wong. “Being able to articulate your thoughts on paper in a way that others understand is powerful and builds confidence in the next generation. It’s especially important to today’s young people who have been met with unprecedented times the

last few years and need an outlet to make sense of it all.”

The one-of-a-kind challenge has received over 3,000 submissions since it started, and 21 authors have been discovered from across Canada, impacting and benefitting multiple charities and organizations along the way.

The competition now welcomes entries until March 31, 2023, which must be submitted by the author’s parent, guardian, or teacher. It is completely free to enter and the maximum word count is 5,000.

Wong adds, “Writing journeys start within, from the imagination. But it is an art, and should be practiced and perfected like any craft. My – and the judges – best tip is to ensure you give yourself enough time to write, edit, read, and repeat this process again multiple times. Even the greatest authors have to rework their literary creations often more than once. We cannot wait to see what this year’s Kids Write 4 Kids contest entrants have in store for us!”

To learn more about eligibility and entry details, visit ripplefoundation.ca

“STORYTELLING IS AN IMPORTANT TOOL THROUGHOUT LIFE, PERSONALLY, PROFESSIONALLY, SOCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY.”

fromhead to toe SUN

BUM

HAS YOU COVERED THIS MARCH BREAK

With Sun Bum and Baby Bum, the whole family is sure not to burn while nourishing your skin. Recently launched our new Glow and Bronzer products. Available at sunbum-ca.com and well.ca

Glow 30 Moisturizing

Sunscreen Face Lotion

Made with antioxidant rich Kakadu Plum helps boost our skin’s natural luminosity $23.99

Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Gel

Premium Sunscreen Lotion with Instant Bronzer Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Get that sun kissed look without spending hours in the sun. $23.99

Contains Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, which are the main cause of premature skin aging.

And Aloe Lotion: An emollient tropical extract that calms and soothes sensitive skin. $13.99

Sun Bum Original SPF 45

Sunscreen Face Mist

Refreshing SPF 45 Sunscreen Face Mist is the daily go-to for sheer, lightweight protection from the sun.

$22.99

Sun Bum Scalp Spray

SPF 30

Lightweight, fast-drying scalp mist that won’t weigh your hair down or make it feel greasy. $20.99

Lotion SPF 50

Broad spectrum, lightweight, and non-greasy. Made with safe minerals to protect babies’ skin from UVA/UVB rays. $19.99

Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30

Contains Vitamin E in a convenient and easy-to-use Face Stick. This helps when you’re dealing with squirming kids, sandy hands, or just need a quick swipe of sunscreen across your nose. $14.99

Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen

March Break Staycation!

Looking for some cool things to do with the kids?

In

Math Blocks

Fill in the missing blocks with numbers between 1-10. The numbers in each row add up to the totals to the right. The numbers in each column add up to the totals on the bottom.

celebrate

FUN WAYS FOR CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

St. Patrick’s Day commemorates its namesake, the patron saint of Ireland who helped spread Christianity across this island nation. While it may have begun as a religious holiday, eventually the fanfare expanded to transform St. Patrick’s Day into a secular celebration spanning the world – reaching Irish diaspora in various countries. In fact, some of the largest St. Patrick’s Day events occur outside of Ireland.

In addition to paying homage to St. Patrick, the holiday is largely known for being one big party catering to the over-19 crowd. It’s common to find people raising pints throughout the day on St. Patrick’s Day. However, for those who want children to be a part of the festivities, there are plenty of entertaining ways to incorporate them into any celebration.

Attend a parade

Parades are a common sight come St. Patrick’s Day, and they’re ideal activities for children. If your town or city is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day parade this year, make plans to attend with the children. Follow safety precautions, including remaining socially distant, when necessary, and watch the floats, pipers, colorfully clad characters, and other participants go by.

Serve child-friendly beverages

For those hosting St. Patrick’s Day at home, be sure to have a variety of foods and beverages on hand, particularly ones that children can enjoy. Whip up your own concoction like a Leprechaun Punch that features lemon-lime soda, green food coloring and lime sherbet.

Learn St. Patrick’s history

Children may not realize that St. Patrick, even though he is the patron saint of Ireland, actually was born in Britain, according to National Geographic Kids. Also, he wasn’t

always associated with the colour green; he was first depicted wearing blue robes. These are just some of the facts adults and children can explore together.

Collect clovers

St. Patrick used a three-leaf clover, or shamrock, to explain the basic tenets of Christianity. The three-leaf clover represented the Holy Trinity. If St. Patrick’s Day falls on a nice day, everyone can venture outside to collect shamrocks and hunt for the elusive four-leaf clover, which may bring good luck.

Get dressed up

Children can have fun dressing up in all sorts of apparel. While green shirts are par for the course, kids also can don rugby or soccer shirts from their favorite Irish teams. Authentic Irish Aran wool sweaters and cardigans, or other traditional clothing, also can be worn. Kids may have fun making masks or hats they can wear as well.

St. Patrick’s Day is a fun time for people of all ages. The holiday can be made kid-friendly in a variety of ways.

– Metro Creative

WHILE IT MAY HAVE BEGUN AS A RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY, EVENTUALLY THE FANFARE EXPANDED TO TRANSFORM ST. PATRICK’S DAY INTO A SECULAR CELEBRATION SPANNING THE WORLD – REACHING IRISH DIASPORA IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES.

A baby friendly play date for moms

Enjoy the newest Hollywood movies inababy-friendly environment NOW

Perfect outing for moms with babies 0-12 months ofage

• Watch the movie with your little one in a car seat beside youorsnuggled in acarrier

Dads, grandparents and friends welcome.

health

THINK YOUR CHILD IS TOO YOUNG TO HAVE THEIR EYESCHECKED?

WORDS BY MARYLENE VESTERGOM

The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) recommends children start receiving comprehensive eye exams as early as six to nine months. And don’t worry, as Dr. Gillian Pengelly of Underhill Optometry in North York, Ontario, points out, your child doesn’t even have to be taken out of their car

seat or carrier. “At that age, we’re checking into the health of their eyes, and if they’re seeing properly and developing on track. We also look for conditions that could impair eye health or vision such as congenital cataracts, strabismus (misalignment or crossing of the eyes), and retinal issues.”

The OAO also recommends children between the ages of two and five get at least one check-up, and then from 6 to 19 get annual check-ups.

What is important is ensuring a comprehensive eye exam is part of your child’s wellness and prevention plan. Just like annual check-ups with

your doctor or dentist, seeing your optometrist is a physical for your eyes and an integral part of your child’s good eye health. Pengelly says an annual eye exam is about prevention as undetected or uncorrected vision problems can cause children and teens to suffer academically, socially, athletically, and personally.

So, why are comprehensive check-ups needed?

“Kids might not even know they’re having a problem with their eyes or vision,” says Pengelly. “If their vision has always been a certain way, they’re not going to know that maybe that’s not what it’s supposed to be like – it’s not ‘normal’.”

Vision Screening versus Comprehensive Eye Test?

“Vision is one of the most important senses for child development,” says the City of Toronto Vision Health for School-Age Children. “Research shows that 80 per cent of children learn through their eyes. However, one in four school-age children may have a vision problem that, if left undetected, can affect their learning and development.”

In some schools, vision screening programs are available. However, these are not the same as a comprehensive eye exam given by an optometrist.

“Vision screenings are limited to the extent of what they can test and can miss kids who need intervention. Unfortunately, these tests can give parents a false sense of security and are not a substitute for a comprehensive exam,” points out Pengelly. “A comprehensive eye test includes a general health assessment of the front and back of the eye that can help detect childhood eye diseases like congenital cataracts, glaucoma and on the rarer side cancers. The exam also tests their vision, eye muscle and eye coordination. So, is the child nearsighted or farsighted? Do they have astigmatism, or is one eye seeing better than the other? There’s also binocular vision, which is how the eyes move and work together. Can they bring and keep things into focus? And can they track objects properly?”

In Ontario, parents should take advantage of their OHIP coverage, as OHIP covers the cost of an annual comprehensive eye check-up for

children 19 years of age and under. As well, if your child is in junior or senior kindergarten, born in 2017 and 2018, and glasses are required, the Eye See…Eye Learn program will provide a complimentary pair of glasses at no cost per child, with an estimated value of over $300. These are provided courtesy of participating optometrists and their exclusive corporate partners Essilor Vision Foundation Canada and Modern Optical Canada.

The offer ends June 30th, 2023, and the next round starts July 1st, 2023, for children born in 2018-2019. For details on this program and to find a participating optometrist, visit optom.on.ca/esel.

Last word – has the digital world impacted the eyesight of children?

“What we can definitely say is that there’s been an increase in digital eye strain, dry eyes, tired eyes, blurred vision, frontal headaches which we would normally see in adults, and now kids are experiencing these symptoms,” says Pengelly.

The verdict is still out regarding the direct link between digital screen time and myopia. However, Pengelley says, “Parents can delay the onset of myopia by encouraging outdoor activity over screen time, especially limiting non-academic digital devices and get your kids to spend at least two hours a day outdoors.”

Your eyes are your windows to the world – take care of them. Healthy habits mean healthy eyes.

“VISION IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SENSES FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT.”

Dr. Gillian Pengelly

A CAR SEAT’S JOURNEY WITH ATMO

WHAT’S UNDER THE COVERS THIS MONTH

Mom’s Hugs and Kisses

By Christophe Loupy and illustrated by Eve Tharlet

The puppy named “Hugs” decides to visit all the animals on the farm to find out which animal kisses best. As he wanders about, he meets ducks, rabbits, butterflies, pigs, and horses. There is no hesitation in their willingness to assist. Despite being wet and sticky, the pup finds the horse’s kiss to be nice and warm. Rabbit kisses are wiggly, but soft. Will there be a best kiss? Despite all his wonderful nuzzles, his mother’s kiss is the best of all when he returns home. As with a kiss itself, you may find yourself asking for this story again and again.

Ages: 4-8

Publisher: NorthSouth Books. Pages: 40.

Price: $25.95 CDN

Magic Tree House Books 1-4 Box Set

By Mary Pope Osborne

A simple brother and sister from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania. Their lives are forever changed when they discover a mysterious tree house packed with books! Their magical tree house soon takes them on amazing adventures through time and space. Readers won’t want to miss a single story about watching baby dinosaurs hatch, finding a secret passage in a castle, helping a ghost queen in an Egyptian pyramid, or finding pirate treasure!

Ages: 6-9. Published by: Random House Books for Young Readers. Pages: 80. Prices: $24.99 CDN

Unsinkable Lucile

– How a Farm Girl Became the Queen of Fashion and Survived the Titanic

By Hugh Brewster & Illustrated by Laurie McGraw

A True story during the Edwardian era, she was the most famous fashionista in the world. Lucile, Lady Duff Gordon, couturier extraordinaire, was born Lucy Sutherland in a stone farmhouse in Ontario, Canada as a child. It’s a remarkable story of unshakeable determination and female achievement at a time when women were thought to belong at home. The Unsinkable Lucile tells the story of Lucile’s childhood, her rise to the top of the fashion world, and her survival of the Titanic disaster and its aftermath. Her drive to innovate and create has never been dampened by anything. She introduced the first fashion shows, the first fashion models, and the Edwardian craze for oversized hats. In addition to helping free women from corsets and coining the term “chic,” Lucile was a fashion adviser to millions and the designer of over 115 movies. Unsinkable Lucile is a humorous, touching and empowering story about a woman who beat the odds, never gave up and changed the world of fashion forever.

Ages: 8-12. Published by: Firefly Books. Pages: 40 . Price: $19.95 HC

Hooray for Spring

By Kazuo Iwamura

Spring is around the corner with this fantastic book! In the spring, new leaves adorn the trees, cherry blossoms adorn the cherry blossoms, and hungry baby birds eat their fill. Three adorable squirrel siblings explore the woods: Mick, Mack, and Molly. It turns out caterpillars like eating leaves and bees like sucking nectar from blossoms, but what can they feed a young chick who is starving? A pinecone? Flowers? Acorns? Mick, Mack, and Molly’s puzzlement and happiness when they learn the answer will amuse young children.

Ages: 4-8 Published by: NorthSouth Books. Ages: 32. Price: $25.95 CDN

A Good Deed Can Grow

By Jennifer Chambliss Bertman & Holly Hatam

In this interactive picture book about kindness, discover how doing a thoughtful deed has positive effects. The power of a good deed grows like a seed. Come join a community of loving individuals who work to make the world a better place. Whatever the activity, a kind act—no matter how small or large – can have a lasting impact on those around us, whether it is planting a garden or visiting a sick friend. It could also mean picking up litter or playing music at the senior center.

Ages: 4-8. Published by: Christy Ottaviano Books. Pages: 32. Price: $24.99 CDN

THE CN TOWER Elevate March Break at the CN Tower! Mar. 13-17, 2023. The CN Tower is open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily during March Break and is offering free activities for people of all ages from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Engineering March Break fun – Discover how engineering and engineering technology influence the world around us with fun activities designed by the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers in celebration of National Engineering Month. EdgeWalk open for March Break! Due to popular demand, EdgeWalk will open during March Break (Mar. 11-19) and then officially for the full season as of Apr. 8, 2023. Come for the view, stay for the activities. cntower.ca/marchbreak

416.868.6937 info@cntower.ca cntower.ca

CONSERVATION HALTON Spring is the sweetest time of year at Conservation Halton because it means it is time for Maple Season! This year, Maple Season will include multiple programs: Mountsberg’s Maple Town and Crawford Lake’s Sweetwater Season. Maple Town is a family favourite where you can explore the 150-year-old sugar bush at Mountsberg and learn how the crystal-clear sap from the maple trees is magically transformed into sweet maple syrup in the Sugar Shanty. Of course, there will also be many ways to taste maple syrup and other maple products at Maple Town, including a pancake breakfast! Visitors can also head over to Crawford Lake for Sweetwater Season and learn about the Indigenous origins of maple sugaring through various exhibits and even try some maple taffy on snow. Maple Season runs from March 4 to April 9 on weekends, holidays, and March Break. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.conservationhalton.ca/MapleSeason.

MULTILINGUAL KIDS Introducing a unique and inspired full immersion language learning program for kids of all ages through theatre, sports, dance, arts and crafts, songs, board games, book making and more. Multilingual Kids provides an opportunity to embark on the exciting journey of experiencing the joys of language. We offer summer camps in Toronto and King City, virtual and in-person classes and school programs all catered to the individual needs in Italian and Spanish. All our programs are specifi cally designed for kids from birth to 100. Learning a language is similar to learning to play an instrument and requires fine repetitive practice. We encourage parents and grandparents to get involved and make language learning a family experience. We have been proudly serving Toronto and the GTA since 2001. sandra@multilingualkids.ca | multilingualkids.ca

647.832.1547 multilingualkids.ca

ENOCH TURNER SCHOOLHOUSE Step back in time and explore the first free school in Toronto. First the Ward School, then Trinity Street School, the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse is a little building with a big history. Built by local brewer Enoch Turner in 1848, it was the first free school in the city and served the children of working-class Corktown for over a decade. Today, the Schoolhouse is a museum dedicated to the history of education in Ontario. Visit on March 14 and 16 for our open house hours and family-fun activities. The site will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enoch Turner Schoolhouse is owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust . heritagetrust.on.ca/etsh | enochturner@heritagetrust.on.ca

416.327.6997

ONTARIO TECH UNIVERSITY Ontario Tech University’s 2023 Summer Camps program provides campers with fun, hands-on opportunities to learn and explore their curiosity in a positive and safe educational environment. Our mission is to inspire kids to see STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) everywhere in the world around them. Hands-on activities and curriculum-based learning in robotics, coding, gaming, and much more, provide an experience that is both educational and fun! We succeed when our campers leave camp thinking that STEM is exciting and within their reach – that it could be part of their future. Counsellors are university staff, industry experts, Faculty of Education students, graduates, or members of the Ontario College of Teachers. In-person, virtual and family camps are available! Camps run weekly from July 4 through August 25. Supervised extended care is available for an additional fee.

summercamps@ontariotechu.ca | ontariotechu.ca/camps

PEEL ART GALLERY, MUSEUM + ARCHIVES PAMA ) Looking for something fun to do with the kids this March Break? From March 13 to 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the Peel Art Gallery, Museum + Archives (PAMA) in historic downtown Brampton! Enjoy daily art and science activities, special guests, exhibitions and historic spaces! Special Guests: Monday: Interactive Magic Show, 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Wednesday: Bubbleology, 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Friday: Scientists in School, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-2 p.m. All included with the price of admission. Space is limited so arrive early to reserve your spot. For more information, visit and follow PAMA on social media, @visitpama.

infopama@peelregion.ca | pama.peelregion.ca

ontariotechu.ca

info@powersoccer.ca

REIDMOUNT DISCOVERY SCHOOLS Since 1994, Reidmount Discovery Schools has dedicated its enrichment program to elevate student knowledge every Saturday. With nine locations across Southern Ontario, Reidmount Discovery Schools will be able to help improve your child’s grades, self-discipline and confidence. We provide the knowledge, skills and values required to thrive in a rapidly changing world, and prepare our students for higher education with qualities of confidence, discipline, eagerness and empathy. We offer English, Writing, Mathematics, Semester Math, Science, Drawing and Coding to students from kindergarten to Grade 12, virtually and in person. All new students will sit for an assessment and be placed according to their capability. Students can accelerate upon the recommendation from their teachers. Our curriculum follows the guideline from the Ministry of Education and is slightly advanced. Like all good schools, academics are our fundamental priority. It is our goal to make education an uplifting experience.

647.725.3938

info@reidmountdiscovery.ca | reidmountdiscovery.ca

THE ROYAL CITY SOCCER CLUB is celebrating our 31st annual summer camps this July and August…the #1 grassroots soccer day camp in Canada. Our program is designed to offer a soccer focus in the morning with a leisure swim and camp activities in the afternoons. All children aged 5 to 13 are encouraged to register for full day or morning sessions at any of our 30 locations across Halton, Peel, York, Toronto & Durham. We offer early drop off and late pickup times with additional extended care times available ($$). Our camps operate during all 9 weeks in July and August. royalsoccer.com.

800.896.8120

ST. GABRIEL CHILD CARE CENTRES Come learn, share, laugh and grow with us at St. Gabriel Child Care Centres, where we celebrate the child. It has been our pleasure and privilege to have provided quality early learning and care in Woodbridge for over 32 years and we look forward to where our journey will take us next. Our curriculum and philosophy are based on the four foundations of learning: well-being, expression, engagement and belonging. We believe that all children are naturally curious and capable learners who are worthy of our trust and support. Our programs focus on the individual needs of the child, in a warm and positive environment. We follow the child’s interests, inquiries and are collaborators in learning and play with your child. We encourage children to express their feelings, expand their learning by asking open ended questions and support their problem-solving skills and self-regulation development with guidance and modelling.

info@stgabrielchildcare.com | stgabrielchildcare.com

TREETOP ECO-ADVENTURE PARK Camp is about discovering passion, building confidence and learning new skills. We work hard to foster your child’s independence and emotional growth within a fun, outdoor adventure setting. It’s our specialty! It all starts with the careful attention we pay to creating great groups, assigning enthusiastic and well-trained staff and providing a balanced daily experience that combines amazing activities and environmental programs. We help kids learn through outdoor play – we are the original play station! They will make new friends and face some fears. This unique woodland setting gives campers a sense of being away from their everyday routine and helps them develop a keen sense of independence. Whether it’s playing soccer, crafting or zipping through the forest, our campers are learning important life skills such as team work, perseverance and how to make and keep friends.

info@treetopeco-adventurepark.com | treetopeco-adventurepark.com

905.655.1113

30 CITY PARENT | March 2023 cityparent.com FEATURED | CAMPS