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.
There are many local attractions to visit here in Toronto. In the past, I have taken the kids to Canada's Wonderland, the Ontario Science Centre, Centreville Island, Edwards Gardens and the Toronto Zoo. I have even purchased a family pass to the zoo so that we can visit the animals year-round and also stop by the splash pad periodically throughout the summer. This year, however, I am taking a more frugal approach and will not be renewing our membership. Instead, we will visit the animals at the Riverdale Farm and enjoy water play in the comfort of our own backyard. I recently purchased the Wigglin' Water Sprinkler at Canadian Tire and, as you can tell from the photo above, the kids had a blast with it. We also purchased a brand new bike for my son's fifth birthday a few weeks ago which has already provided countless hours of fun. All I need to do is fix the flat tire on my bike and I can join in, too. But seeing as my bike is over 12 years old, I could easily justify buying a new one altogether. Right? Right!
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?
- Monday, June 03, 2013
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