Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in Halifax, NS

Find out more about:

Archives

Physical Activity

The Great Outdoors

by Raechelle Masuda

March 30, 2009

Rain or shine, show or sleet kids need time outside. That is the mantra right? Yet somehow it isn't always that easy. When we were children we were sent outside. It was an expectation not an exception. Our mothers and caregivers let us loose in the world without a care. We were free to explore, learn, debate, wonder and dream. The endless days of summer were truly endless.

In our time as parents things have changed. We no longer send our children out to play without a worry in the world. In fact all we do is worry. Society has made us afraid, untrusting and unknowing. On my street I am the only mom that stays at home. When my children are out playing, they are the only children out. The people that live behind us have this awesome play structure yet we have never seen any one in their backyard.

Children are indoors a lot. I realize that not every family has a stay at home parent. However what about the weekends? Evenings? Where have all the children gone. In all the fear, we have lost sight on the things that are important to child development. Kids need to be outside. They need time to discover things on their own without a parent holding their hand. They need to play at the playground and discover their own forms of conflict resolution. Parents with the best intention hover over their children taking away what little freedom they have left. I have experienced this over and over again at the playground. Most parents are amazed that I give my children so much freedom.

It is a balance, between safety and freedom. Children need room to roam, to play to experience nature. Yet even in our our yard we are not free from fear. My children were playing outside, while I fluttered from inside to outside, making dinner and supervising their activities from a far, when a car pulled over unrolled the window and spoke to my children. I flew outside as they were pulling away. My preschooler did not know what they said, when I asked she shrugged her shoulders. Was it an innocent comment about playing or was it a predator?

One of my goals as a parent is to have my kids outside once a day. Either to play, for a walk anything to get them out in the fresh air, exploring their world. I cannot say that I reach this goal every day, but we try.

What are your views on outside play and freedom? Are you afraid?

Tomorrow I will share with you some ideas of what to do when you get the kids outside.  Read more...

Room to Run

by Raechelle Masuda

March 24, 2009

We are so lucky that Halifax has so many amazing playgrounds that give our children an opportunity to have room to run. Most preschoolers need time to be physically active and burn off some of their extra energy. My preschooler is content to stay home and play quietly most of the time. However I find it equally important to encourage her to get out, run, climb, slide, giggle and imagine in a new environment. Listed are just a few of some of the amazing playgrounds that you can explore with your children in Halifax.
 Read more...

Movin', Jumpin', Groovin' on Rainy Days

by Raechelle Masuda

March 23, 2009

So let us ignore the fact that it snowed a tiny bit yesterday and celebrate the arrival of spring! Spring bring warmer weather to the Maritimes, however it does bring some rainy days as well. Here are some movin', jumpin' groovin' ideas to keep your child active, happy and having fun on those rainy days.
 Read more...

99 Things Continued ...

by Raechelle Masuda

January 27, 2009

Back in September I started a list of 99 things I want to experience with the children in Halifax . So far we have done some of the things listed. We attempted to go whale watching twice last summer. Both times we did not see any whales. My preschooler was so disappointed! We promised her another trip this coming summer and hopefully we will time it just right! We have went  Read more...

5 best "day trips" within an hour

by Raechelle Masuda

September 17, 2008

Being that we are in Canada, this is very much a seasonal topic. The 5 best day trips in Spring definitely differ from what to do in the summer, fall and winter months. Now that the leaves are beginning to change colours, the big kids are back in school and the weather is cooler, preschoolers have the opportunity to head out and explore before the snow falls. Shubenacadie Wildlife Park  Read more...

Top 5 things to do outside when the fog clears and the sun shines

by Raechelle Masuda

September 03, 2008

Here in Halifax, it is quite exciting to see clear skies! The kids and I are instantly outside and ready to be adventurous! Here are our top five things to do in the sunshine! 1. Head out to a local park. We love D.J. Butler Park on Flamingo drive on a sunny day. You are almost guaranteed to find tons of kids and parents out enjoying the sun. 2. Head down to the Waterfront. When the sun is  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in halifax

urbanjungle.jpg

Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

doremi.jpg

Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

artisticendeavors.jpg

Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

roomtorun2.jpg

Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

rain.jpg

Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

localhistory2.jpg

A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

naturalhistory2.jpg

Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

waterparks2.jpg

Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

holdinghands2.jpg

The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

bestofcity2.jpg

The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy halifax:
Raechelle Masuda

Read more Being Savvy for:

Favorite halifax Lists

Review Your Preschool

Join the hundreds of halifax parents helping other parents find the right preschool for their child.

Review Your Preschool

View Preschools and Daycare Centers in Other Cities

View preschools in other cities