13 Cute April Fool Pranks for the Kids

1. Take a screen shot of the computer and open it full screen. (watch as they try to click on the screen and nothing happens)
2. Stuff socks in the toes of your child's shoes.
3. Place google eyes on food in the fridge.
4. Run a pencil around the edges of a quarter. Then dare a child to run it from their forehead all the way to the edge of their nose without dropping it. Tell them if they manage to do it, they can keep the quarter. Then laugh as they have a line down their face.
5. Put a sticker on bottom of the mouse and watch them try to use it.
6. Put plastic bugs in cereal box.
7. Place seran wrap across the door, so when someone opens the door they run into it.
8. Switch the kid's blankets while they are sleeping.
9. Switch sugar for salt in morning coffee
10. Switch drawers in their room so that they can't find their clothes
11. Put your clothes on and act as though nothing is wrong.
12. Change the background pics on phone, IPAD etc. to something funny (baby photo, parents kissing etc.)
13. Switch juice for jello, watch them try to drink it

Ottawa Food Trucks

With the nicer weather approaching (fingers crossed), we will begin to smell that wonderful aroma, you know the one... Street Food!

Ottawa is now the home to over 50 unique street food trucks and food stands.
streetfoodapp.com, is a new app that will allow you to see which food trucks are in your area, you can also go to streetfoodott.com for a list of all vendors or follow them on Twitter @streetfoodott (you can also follow individual trucks for daily specials and location). Whether you are going for a walk downtown, having fun at the beach, attending a festival or simply hungry for lunch, tracking down your favorite street food is always a fun time. You can start your own list of your favorites :)

Here is a list I have started

Strollercise Boomerang Westboro

Free Strollercise

Walk, jog or run your way to fitness by working out with your baby, whether in the stroller, a carrier...or your tummy!

Starts this Thursday April 3 at 10:15-11:15am

A certified fitness instructor will coach and motivate you, and help you to discover the benefits of interval training with your stroller and child.

Just show up at the store with your baby, a water bottle, comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather – they walk / run rain or shine. 

They require that you sign a Strollercise waiver form that is available in BoomerangKids.

The Little Red Hairy Man

When: April 6th -930, 11, 130 & 3

In a faraway country, during the Middle Ages, three brothers decide to travel the world to seek their fortune. Follow their adventures as they overcome all obstacles and face unbelievable challenges. Their courage carries them forward as they put themselves to the test. What will they find? Daring and determination are the keywords in this fantastic medieval story.

Please note that the 3 p.m. performance of this event will take place in French. All other performance times are in English.

Sponsored by Jeunesses Musicales Canada

Kinderconcerts are exciting chamber music concerts designed for children aged 3 to 8!

Buy Tickets HERE

Game and Groove

The Kids Edition

Centrepointe Studio Theatre
Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.

Calling all board game lovers...

Leave your living rooms behind for the fun and funky atmosphere of the Centrepointe Studio Theatre. There will be music, food and a great selection of board games to enjoy at each Game & Groove event.

Have fun with family and friends while you try a new game or play and old favourite. The DJ will provide the soundtrack to an amazing afternoon or evening.

Tickets $5 and are available at the Centrepointe Theatres Box Office or by calling 613-580-2700 only.
 

Family Movie Saturdays

Cineplex Family Favourites - Monsters vs. Aliens

A woman transformed into a giant after she is struck by a meteorite on her wedding day becomes part of a team of monsters sent in by the U.S. government to defeat an alien mastermind trying to take over Earth.

Learn More

Admission:$2.50 per ticket

ShowtimesMarch 29, 2014 @ 11am

Family Yoga at Rama Lotus

Family Yoga

•  April 5, 2014---1-145
•  May 3, 2014-1---145
•  June 7, 2014-1---145
•  September 20, 2014---1-145
•  October 18, 2014---1-145
•  November 15, 2014---1-145

Workshop lead by Tania Frechette

Held at Rama Lotus Yoga Centre in Skyroom

Fun for the whole family! Enjoy a creative, interactive blend of yoga poses, meditation, relaxation and games. This class is for children ages 4 to 8 and their guardians.

Cost: $16^+hst per family (Register in person, by phone 613-234-7974 or online).

Kids Night Out at Gotta Paint

Kids Night Out

---

Every Friday night from 6:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m
Leave the kids with us for two hours and go have some free time
Kids aged 7- 13
Do a project with an instructor and get a provided snack
$22 plus tax
Call to reserve 613-729-7754

Gotta Paint Westboro (352 Kirkwood)

Tonight-Glass Cupcakes

Girl Guides Spring Tea and Bazaar

Everyone is welcome to attend the annual Girl Guides Spring Tea and Bazaar- a fundraising event for Beaverbrook area Girl Guide Groups! 

Join VIP "Tea Pourers"- Mayor Jim Watson and Councillor Marianne Wilkinson as you enjoy tea, coffee, juice and baked goodies in the quaint "Tea Room" served by local Brownies and Girl Guides.

Browse through the tables of fresh baking, crafts and the white elephant sale. The kids will love the small games and face painting.

Young and old unite for this great event!
Bring your friends! Bring your neighbours! Bring your neighbour's friends! This event is for everyone.

Admission includes Tea/ Coffee and treats- Adults $2 and Children $1

Saturday April 12th from 1-4pm at Kanata United Church. 33 Leacock Drive.

World Autism Awareness Day-April 2

Let's stand up together to raise awareness for Autism. 

Did you know an estimated 1 in 88 children are on the autism spectrum? The seventh annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2014. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of autism and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention.

Light it up Blue

Iconic landmarks around the world Light It Up Blue in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day to show their support! In 2012, Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue campaign continued to raise awareness worldwide. Nearly 3000 structures in over 600 cities, 45 countries and on 6 continents illuminated in blue to shine a bright light on autism.

How can you light it up blue?

• Change your light bulbs to blue ones (found at Home Depot) or use a blue filter
• Wear blue clothing and encourage friends and family to do so as well
• Host a fundraiser for Autism research
• Use social media to Tweet, post photos and change statuses to blue pictures etc.
• You can purchase merchandise HERE

Raise a Flag

Many schools and community centers will raise a flag to promote awareness on April 2. 

Autism on the Hill

Juno Awards March 30th

It's that time again, the 2014 Juno awards will be on Sunday March 30th at 8pm. I always get really excited around this time of year to watch some great Canadian performances, it also gears me up to watch some live performances this summer at Bluesfest.

This year Classified, Johnny Reid, and Serena Ryder will co-host the event.

Performers:
Brett Kissel, Dean Brody, Gord Bamford, Matt Mays, Robin Thicke,
The Sheepdogs, Tegan and Sara, and Walk Off The Earth, as well as previously announced
presenters Sarah McLachlan and Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games Gold Medalists in
Women’s Curling.

While you are counting down to the Juno's here are some fun activities you could try.

Karaoke

Whether you have Rogers TV on Demand or Bell Karaoke Station or simply your computer, there are hundreds of songs you can sing together. Try having contests for who can "hit the highest note" or "the best dancer", you can also think of your own challenges and give them a try.


Homemade Instruments

Need:

• wax paper and tin foil
• elastic band
• toilet paper roll
• hole punch
• markers etc.

Use the markers to decorate your paper roll. Next use the hole punch and make a hole about an inch from the top in the side of the roll. Cut a piece of tin or wax paper and place it over the end of the roll. Secure it with an elastic band. And now you have your very own Kazoo.

Maracas

Need:

• Plastic bottle (washed)
• Markers or stickers
• small beans, rice or noodles (raw)
• tape

Use the markers and stickers to decorate your bottle. Next fill the bottle 1/4 way with a dry rice, beans or noodles or a mix of all three. Next secure the lid on the bottle, you can tape the seal if you like as well. 

Looking to experience some new types of music this weekend?

Five Centuries of English Cathedral Music

A journey over five centuries of English Cathedral music with choirs directed by Kirkland Adsett; organist Wesley Warren. The program includes works by composers Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons, Purcell, Handel, Vaughan Williams and Britten. St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 130 Glebe Ave. near Bank St. Free with donation. Sunday March 30th 3-430pm.

Earth Hour 2014-March 29

Earth Hour Events Ottawa- 

Earth Hour takes place 830-930pm (local time) on March 29th. Join millions of people who will turn off their lights for one hour to raise awareness for the planet.

1. The Green party is hosting a candlelight vigil on Parliament Hill for Earth Hour again this year - this is becoming quite the tradition! Lights out at 8:30 so arrive a bit early. They are handing out beeswax candles on a first-come first-candled basis.
2. Stargazers of all ages enjoy an evening of astronomy at the Science and Technology Museum’s Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory. Weather permitting, visitors can look through the historic 15-inch telescope at the stars, the planets, and the Moon. Dress warmly, event takes place outside. This event is free with donation.For more info: http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/whatson/index.cfm

Spider-man is this year's Earth Hour ambassador

Consignment Sale

Sportball Ottawa- Free Class

Sportball is a non-competitive sports instruction program for children 16 months-12 years old.

The multi-sport programs go through the eight major ball sports: baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, football, volleyball, soccer and hockey. They also have sport specific programs for soccer and baseball. There are  drop off classes for children 3 - 12 years of age as well as parent and child classes for children 16 months - 3 years old. 

Sportball Ottawa has many locations offering different activities. They have just opened a new location in Kanata. To celebrate they are offering a free Sportball class on Saturday, March 29 at 9:00am - 10:00pm at Kanata Montessori School, 355 Michael Cowpland Dr., Kanata. Everyone is welcome. Click HERE to see the event page for more information.

They will also be having a contest .To enter the contest for a Free Sportball Birthday Party, parents just need to 'like' their Facebook page and can tell a 'kids say the funniest things' story. 

Tiny Hoppers Daddy Daughter Dance

The Father/Daughter Ball is an annual event that is hosted yearly at the National Arts Centre. This year it will take place Sunday August 17th 4-830 pm. Tickets are $85 pp for ages 4-11. Be sure to dress to fabulously. It is a magical charity event with all proceeds going to the Make A Wish Foundation so that we can grant a special child their very own wish.  Children from the wish foundation are also in attendance at the ball with tickets sponsored by many fabulous and generous businesses.

This year's theme will be Frozen! Tickets go on sale April 1st. 

Advanced tickets (previous attendees) will be on sale March 31st.

Winter and Spring Boredom Buster Jar

How many times a week do you hear those infamous words "I'm bored"? Well here is a list of 100  indoor activities you can print them up and put them in a jar for the next time you need an idea.

1. Bake cookies
2. Read a book together
3. Mad Libs
4. Play a board game
5. Write a letter to grandparent and mail it
6. Trace your body and colour it in like you
7. Make a fort using blankets and pillows
8. Make an obstacle course
9. Play hide and seek
10. Make paper airplanes and race them
11. Play dress up
12. Plant a seed in a paper cup and watch it grow
13. Play Charades
14. Play Pictionary
15. Look at family albums

13th Annual Kidsfest Ticket Contest

http://kidsfestottawa.ca/

Ottawa Kidsfest - April 5th & 6th at the Ernst &Young Centre 9-5 each day. Fun for all ages!!
Enter the ticket giveaway to win a Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children)


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winners will be contacted by email. For more contests in Canada click HERE or HERE or HERE

• Buy your tickets HERE. Enter promo code “kidsfestOTT” to save on Adult Admission. Online ticket buyers will also be automatically entered into a draw to win a Kratts Brothers’ Prize Pack!

Kidsfest Mainstage Entertainment includes:

The Kratt Brothers will be performing a 1/2 hour live show Amazon Adventure Event on Saturday followed by an autograph signing session. This wildly popular performance has dazzled audiences around North America, don't miss this wildly entertaining show!!!

Scooby Doo Live

Scooby-Doo! Live Musical Mysteries

Centrepointe Theatre

April 09 - 10, 2014

Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang have been called upon to help solve an epic mystery. It appears a trouble-making ghost is haunting a local theatre and Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, Velma and Scooby-Doo are off in the Mystery Machine to solve it! Filled with wacky new characters and hilarious antics, Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries has young audiences on the edge of their seats the moment the lights go down.

VIP Meet & Greet/Premium SeatingAre you the ultimate Scooby fan? Make sure to purchase your VIP ticket for the best seats in the house. You will also get a chance to meet Scooby-Doo before the show with an exclusive Meet & Greet access pass. This special ticket also comes with a Goody Bag of Scooby Merchandise not available for sale in the lobby.

$80 VIP/$45 Regular. Get your tickets HERE

Genre: Family, Musical/Theatre 

Language: English
Tickets: $80 VIP/$45 Regular

April 09 at 7:00 pm
April 10 at 7:00 pm 

Maple Sugar Festival 2014

 March 31st to April 6th 

Family Events @ Parc Richelieu, 300 avenue des Peres Blancs, Ottawa, ON

Friday, April 4th

Area schools make the most of the maple sugar season! On the menu: programming designed for children.
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Maple Sugar Weekend

Guided tours of the Museopark and the Sugar Shack, tasting maple taffy, different artists, farm animals, sled dogs, reptiles, inflatable structures, public entertainers, face painters and sleigh rides!

Ottawa Auto Show

Saturday and Sunday March 22-23, 2014 are Family Day @ the Ottawa Convention Centre

Whether you are in the market to buy a new car or simply see some one of a kind cars, you can purchase a special “Family Day Pass’ online. One low price for two adults and two children ages 6 to 12 ($35). Children under 5 are free. Bring the whole family out to the Auto Show for Family Fun, surprise guests, special prizes and much more. For more information click HERE

Kids will want to meet and interact with Marvel® characters Spiderman and Ironman who will be at the show and interacting with the audience and there will be plenty of other things to see and do.

Harlem Globetrotters

When: April 6, 2014

Where: Canadian Tire Centre

Cost: $16-115

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters will take fan interaction to a new level when the 2014 ’Fans Rule” World Tour comes to Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday, April 6, at 2 p.m. Online voting is now open at harlemglobetrotters.com/rule, where all fans can choose which new game-changing rules they want to see in their hometown.

The Globetrotters were the first organization in sports and entertainment to let fans vote on rules when the team introduced the concept last year. Since the fan response was so overwhelming, the team is doing it again – but with a major twist.

The 2014 online ballot includes three never-before-seen revolutionary rules:

Hot Hand Jersey – Both teams will have a ’Hot Hand Jersey” they can pass among each other. The player who is wearing this jersey will receive double the points on each basket he/she makes.

Make or Miss – The quarter begins with only two players on the court for each team. When a team scores, a teammate may enter the game. When they miss, the player missing the shot must leave the court, leaving his or her teammates shorthanded.

Trick Shot Challenge – Via three challenge flags per team, each coach can challenge the other team to make a trick shot. If the team makes the trick shot, they earn five points. If they miss, the other team receives five points.

Owl Prowl in Gatineau Park

Owl Prowl Guided Tour in Gatineau Park

Join an experienced birdwatcher for an “Owl Prowl” evening. You’ll discover the many owls that live at Gatineau Park and learn about their unique features and behaviours. You will also learn their calls and see who will answer while you take a walk in the forest! Reservations are required.

Dates and Times

English Tours
Fridays, March 28 and April 4, 2014
7 to 10 pm

French Tour
Saturday, March 29. 2014
7 to 10 pm

Cost

• Adults — $15 (Friends of Gatineau Park members $12)
• Seniors and students — $12 (Friends of Gatineau Park members $10)
• Children — $5

The funds raised contribute to support Friends of Gatineau Park activities.

Location

Gatineau Park Visitor Centre
33 Scott Road
Old Chelsea QC  J9B 1R5

FREE Mommy and Baby Yoga

Infant Massage

Infant Massage has been said to benefit the infant in many ways, including

• pain from gas or constipation
• colic and teething
• stress release, leading to a deep sleep
• chest and nasal congestion
• increases circulation and lower blood pressure
• promotes bonding through nurturing touch

Infant Massage Workshops Ottawa

• FREE- Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre-3 sessions.  For parents with a baby 7 months or younger (not yet crawling)- See More

• FREE-Centrepointe Early Childhood Resource Centre-4 sessions. For parents with a baby 3-6 months old. See More

• FREE-Vanier Community Service Centre- 5 sessions.Infants 0-12 months. See More

• $ Rama Lotus Yoga Centre- No age restriction. 1 Session. See More

• $$- Glebe Community Centre-4 sessions.Infants 0-20 months. See More

• $$ Anna Belanger and Associates- Infants 6 weeks-12 months- 2 sessions. See More

• $$ Ottawa Childbirth Education Association. Private lessions. Pre-crawling. See More

• $$$ Neo Massage- No age restriction. 3 Sessions. See More

If there are other classes that I am unaware of, please share them in the comment section below :)

Ottawa University is Seeking Participants.

* I am not affiliated with this in any way, just passing on the word :)

Spring is in the Air. Give these crafts a try while you wait for the snow to melt

Fork Flowers

Simply use a plastic fork and dip it in your favorite pastel colour. Place the fork bottom side down on the paper. Repeat with as many colours as you like. Use your finger to draw the stems with green paint. 

Egg Shell Planters

        

Martha Stewart

                              

Use eggshells as pots to start seeds and coffee-stirrer tags to label the plants.  Plant seeds according to package instructions, and nestle planters in an egg carton on a sunny windowsill, where they can be watered easily. When plants have grown to about 3 inches and have at least two sets of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted to the garden. (Place in the dirt and break off eggshells first.) 

Milk Jug Watering Can

You can make your own watering can to go with your garden. Simply take an old juice or milk jug and remove the lid. Use a nail and hammer to place small holes in lid. Fill with water and replace the lid and you have a watering jug. You can make one for each child and have them paint or draw their names on the outside.

Pine Cone Bird Feeder

                                                          

On your next walk outside, see if you can find some big pine cones on the ground or on a tree. Take the pine cone and cover it in nut butter, next roll it in seeds, nuts or dried fruit. Hang them near the house and watch the birds come and feed. 

From funathomwithkids.com

Simply mix full fat plain yogurt and kool aid. This is entirely edible so it is great for toddlers. If you are concerned about your child eating the Kool Aid here is a link to MAKING NATURAL FOOD COLOURING 

Cardboard Sled Derby

CARDBOARD SLED DERBY SATURDAY MARCH 22 @ Camp Fortune

Register your own creation and compete to win or come and cheer along the cardboard sled racers. Build a sled using the following items ONLY:Tape, string, garbage bags, glue, cardboard. Paint and accessories are allowed for decoration. Costumes are encouraged. Helmets are mandatory. Race it down our hill for a chance to win great prizes. Prizes will be awarded for fastest sled, best crash, best overall sled and longest run. Event is FREE to enter and will be late afternoon 3 pm to 6 pm (times subject to change) Registration 

Backyardigans Come to Ottawa

The Backyardigans: Sea Deep In Adventure

Where: Centrepointe Theatre
When: March 23 at 1pm and 4 pm- March 23 at 7pm, 2014

Cost: Tickets are $31.25 for all ages 0-100

Dive into the action as these five friends explore clues, discover underwater magic, and match wits with an all-too-tidy octopus and a pair of playful (but messy!) dolphins. With a splashy range of song-and dance styles to wade along to – including psychedelic soul, Bollywood, bossa nova, and more – our heroes save the day. Based on the TV Series.

With non-stop excitement and surprises, this watery tale will mesmerize, entertain and delight audiences of all ages!

Kids Fitness League Programs

Kids Fitness League is a non-profit organization making fitness fun for kids. From summer camps, community events, birthday parties, after school programs, and evening multi-sport programming they offer something for everyone.

Lloyd Armstrong has over 50 years of coaching and teaching experience. Over the years he has found that there were less and less children and youth participating in physical activity due to the program capacities, transportation difficulties, and financial restraints. They founded this organization to provide local, quality, and affordable programming for youth is founded and will therefore will provide a KFL bursary for any child in need. 

Some Examples of the Community Events offered;

• The second Friday of every month is movie night. This night starts with an hour of games and then a snack and a new pre-release movie each month. $15 for movie night (additional siblings $10)
• Laser Tag Night. Laser tag is $15 per player (first and third Friday of the month)
• Birthday parties- Decor, gym games, pizza and popcorn (can also add loot bags, birthday invites, thank yous and cake for additional fees)

Have a look at their March Break and Summer Spartoon Action Camps HERE 

Camps include;

• Fitness
• Sports
• Science
• Cartooning
• Pizza Friday
• Field Trip 
• Camp T-shirts and more

Kiddy's Groupons and Coupons Roundup

1. $12 One Adult Admission to Parc Omega ($20 Value) Click HERE

The park remains open year-round, offering seasonal activities in addition to self-guided tours. Snowshoeing excursions and sleigh rides are available during the winter, and summertime visitors can marvel at aerial acrobatics during birds-of-prey performances or visit the park's historic recreation of an 1847 farmstead. 

2.Five-Visit Pass or One-Day Pass with Lesson and Rentals for One or Two at Coyote Rock Gym (Up to 63% Off) Click HERE

Choose Between Two Options

• $59 for a five-visit climbing pass for one ($135 value)
• $99 for a five-visit climbing pass for two ($270 value)
• $13 for a single-day climbing pass with a lesson and rentals for one ($27 value)
• $25 for a single-day climbing pass with a lesson and rentals for two ($54 value)

Indoor rock-climbing gym with 15,000 sq. ft. of climbing-wall space, four bouldering areas, and top ropes

3. Save $2 on Admission at the Canadian Museum of Nature Click HERE for e-coupon

4. Putting Edge Ottawa Save Up To $8 Receive $2 off the purchase of any green fee. Valid on up to a maximum of 4 people.  One coupon per customer per visit. Not valid on Birthday or Group packages. Click HERE