Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in halifax, NS

Hiking with Children

by Raechelle Masuda

September 07, 2009

My husband and I really enjoy hiking. When we started our family it was easy to take the baby along for a hike. We purchased a MEC Happy Trails Child Carrier Backpack and we were off. We packed our first born in there and went everywhere. Festivals, farmer's markets, zoos and hikes were all accessible to us with her all comfortable in the back. In fact she rode in style until she was three years old. We had moved onto a Ergo carrier by that time for in the city events.
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What are Buskers Mommy?

by Raechelle Masuda

August 10, 2009

This past weekend we took the kids down to the Halifax International Busker Festival. My five year old was quite curious and wanted to understand what a Busker does. A Busker is a street performer, when Busking, one is performing in a public place in order to receive tips. The Halifax International Busker Festival, provides a unique opportunity to witness live street theatre. With 44 performers on six stages from noon to 11 p.m. daily starting August 6-16, 2009 there is something for everyone.
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Canada Day with the Family

by Raechelle Masuda

June 29, 2009

As a family we are all looking forward to celebrating Canada Day this year. My husband is looking forward to a day off work, to spend with his family. I am looking forward to have a co-pilot all day and the children are looking forward to everything. My preschooler is especially excited to wave the Canadian flag, sing "Oh Canada" and explore Halifax's celebrations. Of course the promise of fireworks is also very exciting for her. The weather is forecasting rain all week, but hopefully not on Canada Day or during the scheduled fireworks.
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Canada Day Celebrations in Halifax

by Raechelle Masuda

June 25, 2009

This is our first Canada Day celebrations in Halifax. Last year we were embarking on our first official family vacation, so we stopped in Fredericton to take in some Canada Day Festivities. Although the activities were fantastic and the kids had a fabulous time, I am really looking forward to attending the celebration in Halifax this year.
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June Events in Halifax

by Raechelle Masuda

June 09, 2009

We have sailed through the first weekend of June already! It always feels like the summer months cruise by much faster than the winter months! Maybe because there is so much to do in the summertime! Summertime in the city has so much to offer. Not to mention the surrounding areas. Here is a quick peak at some activities you and the kids can enjoy this month in Halifax.
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99 Things To Do with Children in Halifax, NS

by Raechelle Masuda

April 07, 2009

I have been attempting to tackle this massive, all-inclusive and fun list for months. There is so much to do in Halifax, NS with children! In fact now that I have completed the list, I can think of additional activities! What would you add to your list?
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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...

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.
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What's Up?

by Raechelle Masuda

February 26, 2009

Looking to break those winter blues? Here are a few activities going on in and around Halifax this weekend to consider with your family. We saw Little Ray's Reptile Show last year at the Natural History Museum and it was fantastic! The kids were able to learn a lot and interact with many different reptiles!

Do You Know Your Birds?

by Raechelle Masuda

February 16, 2009

This week is the Great Backyard Bird Count, which is an annual 4 day event across North America. For 15 minutes a day, people tally the birds they see in their area, to help scientists get an idea of the birds out there. For example, "In 2008, participants reported more than 9.8 million birds of 635 species. They submitted more than 85,000 checklists, an all-time record for the count ."

I think this is an amazing activity that we can all get our children involved in. There are regional checklists to help you know what to look for. Halifax's checklist can be found here (you may need to put in your postal code). The Great Backyard Bird Count also has a great section for kids , that includes activities, colouring sheets and much more.

The website includes three easy steps for children (and their parents) to get involved:

1. Plan to count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, February 13–16, 2009. You can count each day or just some of the days and you can count in different places. Just be sure to keep a separate list of birds for each day and each location.

2. For each type of bird you see, count the most you see at any one time. For example, maybe you see two chickadees when you start watching, then five chickadees a few minutes later. The number you put on your list for chickadees is five. Do not add two plus five. (This way way you don't accidentally count the same bird twice.)

3. Enter your results on the Great Backyard Bird Count web site! Then watch the maps as more and more people enter their reports.

So how about it, will you be counting the birds in your area this year?

February - A New Beginning

by Raechelle Masuda

February 02, 2009

February the month of Love. It is also usually the beginning of later winter, early spring! The harshness of December and January fades, the snow melts and once again we can venture outdoors. I am so ready to celebrate that! So what is up and coming in Halifax for kids in February to keep that cozy, melting, warm thoughts going? Art Gallery of Nova Scotia The Art  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...

Reflections

by Raechelle Masuda

January 13, 2009

This weeks top five is a tough one. We are to explore the best places where your child can see his reflection. After pond ering this all afternoon, I figured I would try to choose vastly different places. Swimming - Looking into the water and see your reflection. Then splash, play and enjoy. There are many great indoor pools to head to in Halifax. The Spryfield Wave pool, can be a great  Read more...

Lions, tigers and bears, oh my!

by Raechelle Masuda

September 15, 2008

We are very fortunate here in Halifax, NS. Not only do we have a large, bustling city full of museums, art galleries, heritage and classes, we also have access to many of the close by, surrounding rural communities. One of the many must see with your preschooler hot spots out in the country is the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum . Located approximately 20 minutes from Metro Halifax (and on  Read more...