For the first time ever we ventured downtown for the fireworks display on Parliament Hill. With the baby duck safely on my chest and the boys in their pjs in the stroller (noise reducing headphones on) we wandered down to the National Gallery to watch the show. It was busy, crowded, and loud but definitely worth it!
We’re definitely enjoying our membership at Mont Cascades. For the first time the firefighter is brave enough AND tall enough to go on most of the slides. He and his dad are having a blast! The monkey is happy to play in the kiddy area while baby duck and I hover close by. Life guarding, like modesty, is a scarce resource at Cascades.
Last weekend we headed to the Cumberland Museum for a Kid’s Musical Adventure event hosted by the Music & Beyond Festival. For $18 we were willing to give it a try.
It ended up being a fabulous afternoon.
The firefighter would have been happy to spend the entire time with the School of Dance troupe. He stuck around for three dances/workshops and didn’t want to leave. He’s at that magical age where he is brave and not at all self-conscious. Oh how I hope that lasts.
My boys distracted by an old fire station. Quelle surprise.
Who wouldn’t want to wear a sombrero and join the band? Um, the monkey…
The monkey wouldn’t dance with the troupe but was happy spinning on his own. Sort of like his weekly soccer games (yes he’s that kid in the middle of the field, in his own little world)
There were kites and a game of horse shoes and mini putt. There was of course bands to listen to, instruments to try, and a performance by Junkyard symphony that had all of us in stitches.
I love discovering these gems of events!
1. Museum of Civilization: When I asked the boys what they wanted to do this summer the monkey requested a trip to the ‘bus museum’ (referring to the brightly coloured vehicle at the entrance to the Children’s Museum). They’re old enough now that I’d like to spend more time exploring the Canada Hall and the First Peoples Hall.
2. Cumberland Museum, Music & Beyond (Sunday July 8th, 11 am to 4 pm):
“For the first time, ‘Music and Beyond’ present a day of non-stop musical fun at the museum. Listen to over 100 musicians perform a range of musical styles in a heritage setting. Children will make their own musical instruments, watch puppet shows, enjoy dance and theatre performances and create visual art. Visitors can also try a wide range of musical instruments assisted by Suzuki Music and University of Ottawa students”
3. Museum of Nature: We’re planning our first visit to the Whales Tohora exhibit.
4. Aviation & Space Museum: The monkey’s second request – a visit to the airplane museum.
5. Saunders Farm: We visited Saunders for the first time last summer and had a blast. The boys especially loved the bouncy cushions and wooden play structures.
6. Diefenbunker: One of the highlights of last years Summer of Awesome. We took advantage of a Groupon deal and bought a membership for half price. The firefighter can’t wait to go back and check out more of the spy gear.
7. Mont Cascades: Since my husband will be off on parental leave for several weeks this summer we bought a season’s pass for the entire family. As much as we love Calypso, Mont Cascades is a lot less busy and easier on our wallet (A season’s pass cost us $160 compared to Calypso, which would have been $600).
8. Upper Canada Village: It’s one of my favourite places to visit and the boys had tons of fun last year exploring all the buildings and historical sites. I swear we’re not just going back for the fresh bread.
9. Mud Lake: We’ve never visited the Lake and trails near Britannia Beach but several friends have and I’m always envious of the great photos they take there. Time for a field trip to the west end of the city!
10. Mosaika: The boys love Parliament Hill so the thought of one of their favourite haunts covered in bright lights AND getting to stay up past their bed time = lots of excitement.
11. Fortissimo: My Canadian Forces loving six year old loved every minute of last year’s performance and can’t wait to go back again this year.
12. RCMP Musical Ride: We have fond memories of taking the firefighter to the Sunset ceremonies when he was only 18 months old. We’ve seen the Musical Ride since then but illness and weather have kept us away from this special event the last few years.
13. Canada Day Fireworks: The firefighter has been asking about going to watch the fireworks since last Canada Day so this year we promised we’d take them somewhere close to downtown so they could see the show.
14. Putting Edge: I’m fearful about the monkey’s ability to stay on his feet in the dark but the firefighter added this to his list of ‘please can we go’ this Spring.
15. Busker Festival: Last weekend we attended a birthday party where a magician performed and the firefighter was in heaven. I think they’re old enough to appreciate the magic and mad skills of the performers. Here’s hoping there’s no attempts at sword and fire tricks once we get home…
16. Toronto (Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Zoo, Centreville Island): We’re planning a three-day long trip to Toronto to see family and visit some of our favourite sites.
17. Navan Fair: A family tradition dating back to when I was 5 years old. The boys can’t wait for the demolition derby.
18. Gotta Paint: Well I should be allowed to add at least one activity of my choice to the list, right 
19. Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival: We didn’t get to see any balloons in flight last year because of the weather so we’re hoping Mother Nature cooperates this year.
20. CHEO Teddy Bear Picnic: The boys have been planning what stuffed friends to bring for several weeks and can’t wait to see the army vehicles that will be on site to provide medical care to their friends.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks super fun. I think I’d like Cascades best
Water is always good
It is no surprise that you are a photographer. What great pictures! I can’t believe you have already managed to cross off so many summer adventures from your list
Aw thank you Robin
My husband is off for the next two weeks – I can’t wait for the adventures we’ll have!