Introducing the best $12 you'll ever spend: Zoom-O Disc Launcher. Because outdoor play doesn't have to end as soon as school starts up again. My kids have spent nearly the entire summer playing outside, riding their bikes and hanging out with neighbourhood friends old and new. And September won't be any different. For the past few weeks, my kid testers have been trying out the Zoom-O Disc Launcher and have been having a blast. Literally.  

After a summer full of family fun, you would think my kids would show their undying gratitude for all of the amazing experiences made possible thanks to my husband and I. From an afternoon at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and a day at Canada's Wonderland to a trip to Ripley's Aquarium and not one, but two afternoons at Medieval Times, we managed to sneak in lots of memorable outings. And this doesn't include our last-minute weekend getaway up north or our staycation at the Eaton Chelsea hotel. So can someone please tell me why, oh why do my darling children manage to drive me up the wall with their constant bickering and arguing? Can't they just get along, for crying out loud? It was the least I could do to salvage my sanity by taking up an offer to escape get out of the house and try out some real wall climbing. You know, the kind that requires special safety gear while dangling 20 feet above ground amidst the peace and quiet of Mother Nature's backyard.

The extent of my wall climbing experience to date can be summed up by a handful of attempts on a mobile wall-climbing apparatus with conveniently placed grips to guide your way to the top. My first attempt was nearly 12 years ago and it was an adequate intro to the sport. But it left me wanting a more difficult challenge, a true outdoor climbing experience that would require strength of mind and body. And so I made the hour-long trek to the limestone cliffs of Halton's Rattlesnake Point where I had participated in the 5 Peaks Trail Race earlier this summer. It was here that I could finally cross one off my bucket list. My fear of heights would have to take a back seat as I learned how to properly knot my ropes and how to belay from a wall climbing expert from One Axe Pursuits.

With Jay from Mississauga Life as my climbing partner, I took on the four easier courses without too much difficulty. Thanks for not letting me plummet to my death, Jay!

These first four courses had their own little challenges but we were welcome to attempt them more than once to find different or easier routes.

Now, I already showed that wall who's the boss so I decided to give the wall a break and re-energize with a banana and some nuts. And it's a good thing I did. The next set of courses were... well, just have a look for yourself:

You have to admit, nothing screams 'summer' quite like a family getaway full of scenic adventures and outdoor fun. So imagine my excitement when my husband sends me a text message asking me to look into a last-minute trip to Blue Mountain. We have been there so many times over the past decade, almost once a year, if not twice. With a myriad of four-season activities for the whole family to enjoy, I never get bored. But now that the kids are older, we've been exploring additional opportunities to take advantage of the beautiful outdoors. This time, we headed back to Scenic Caves Nature Adventures as their guests to experience some of the activities we missed out on last year. And, of course, to check out some of our favourites as well.

Recently, our family has taken an interest in hiking through the woods. It goes without saying, then, that once we arrived at Scenic Caves early on a Friday morning, we took advantage of the beautiful, cool weather to head out on a self-guided tour to explore the caves. One of Canada's Great Natural Wonders, the Scenic Caves is located at the highest part of the Niagara Escarpment, just west of Collingwood. It offers breathtaking views of the Georgian Bay and is home to mysterious caves and caverns.

I learned that the earliest written records of this particular area were written by Samuel de Champlain and the Jesuit missionaries, who lived with the Huron and Petun peoples in the early 17th century. The latter used these unique rock formations as a fortress to protect them from their enemies. They are nestled amidst beautiful wooded grounds. The tour takes approximately 50 minutes and gives you a chance to check out the Natural Refrigerator, the Ice Cave, Signal Point, the Indian Council Chamber and more. The trail also leads you to the Thunderbird, Canada's longest twin-zip line, which I tried out last year. Crazy fun!

Once we returned from our hike, the kids were desperate for some gemstone mining. This was their first time mining for gems and they absolutely loved it. Playing with water, searching for hidden treasure and discovering which semi-precious gems they could add to their collection; what kid wouldn't love that? Gemostone mining bags are not included in regular park admission but can be purchased separately for $7.08. Alternately, you can opt for the Gemstone Mining Package to save a few dollars.

Shortly afterwards, my son wanted to board Rocky the Train. He is fascinated by things on wheels and I was just as eager to escape the sun and enjoy a ride.

We also hopped on the wagon ride which takes you to the suspension bridge. Another chance to kick my feet up and enjoy the scenery.

So... I have some exciting news to share. I am an auntie yet again! My brother and his wife welcomed a baby boy last week and he is seriously the cutest baby I've seen in a very long time. My sister-in-law checked in at the hospital at around 9 o'clock in the morning, had the baby shortly after 11:20am and then went home at around 2pm. She didn't even have to spend the night. Can you believe it? With two kids to look after now, I know how having the right baby gear can be crucial to getting through those busy times. Fortunately, baby's big sister has a new tricycle to help her enjoy some 'daddy and me' time outside. It is the latest SmarTrike Chic, a 4-in-1 Touch Steering premium tricycle that offers the ultimate in outdoor fun.

Assembly of this uber cool SmarTrike may seem a little daunting at first when you consider the number of parts that are included in the box. However, it took me about 20-25 minutes to put together. Following the instructions, I first attached the wheels and handles to the body frame.

I made the mistake of screwing on the seat without including the strap for the restraints but that was easily rectified. You will need a screwdriver, not included, to attach the seat and the basket at the rear. Hint: Activate the brake to help keep the tricycle from moving during assembly.

It also includes a supper cute toy phone that has its own compartment and is secured with a cord so you won't have to worry if baby accidentally drops it. It requires two AA batteries, not included.

For Stage One, assemble the high back padded seat support which includes a surrounding bar and a 3-point harness. This stage is for babies that are 10 to 18 months old.

Now that we're in June, summer is just around the corner. There are only four weeks left until the kids and myself are officially on summer vacation and we couldn't be more excited. The summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the weather with some fun outdoor activities and mini family getaways. One of my favourite places to take the family in the summer is Blue Mountain. The views are breathtaking and the fun-filled activities are plenty. We can enjoy paddle boating, mini golf, wall climbing, swimming or hiking up to the top of the mountain. Most recently, they added the Timber Challenge High Ropes which is incredibly exhilarating.

Our family also enjoys heading out on camping trips. Last year, we camped out at Bronte Creek Provincial Park and the kids had lots of fun. But it paled in comparison to our trip to Gatineau Park when my daughter was younger. Sitting by the campfire roasting marshmallows deep in the woods was such a joy. My daughter and I woke up early one morning and headed out in her Bugaboo stroller only to be greeted by a bunch of deer. With the sun rising behind them, it was truly a sight to behold.

During the summer months, I am always looking for ways to keep the kids busy and active. Aside from playing recreational soccer, the kids keep active by swimming at the local pool, playing at the playground, or partaking in games and activities with the kids in the neighbourhood. From playing frisbie and bean bag toss to jumping rope or flying a kite, the possibilities are endless. The goal is simply to avoid being cooped up in the house watching TV or playing video games and instead enjoy some fresh air while developing hand-eye coordination skills, team-building skills and a love of physical activity. Each year, I like to buy at least one new outdoor game or activity that we can add to our repertoire. This year, I decided to delve into the kids' Italian roots and teach them the game of bocce, otherwise known as lawn bowling. While at Canadian Tire looking for the sprinkler, I also purchased this Moulded Bocce Set for $19.99. It was brightly coloured and more lightweight than the professional set, which I think makes it more kid-friendly. So far, my son seems to like it best. Check out my Google+ album to view my entire shopping experience: Shopping for Fun Outdoor Activities at Canadian Tire.

All in all, I think we are going to have plenty of fun with our new bocce set and sprinkler this summer, along with all of the other summer toys and backyard games that the kids own. I am definitely looking forward to spending some quality time with the family, too.

What are your favourite summer activities that you enjoy with your family?