The holiday frenzy is over, and the kids are back to school - it's time to get organized and save some money! Here are 10 ideas that will not only keep the whole family entertained, but will keep money in your wallet, and the kids off the couch.
1. Skate it out. Head to one of the many outdoor, free skating rinks in Calgary for a day of winter fun. The lagoon in Bowness Park is an exceptional place to skate, as there's often music and bonfires on the ice. If you feel like getting out of town, make the trip to Lake Louise; the area nearest to the Chateau is cleared and maintained beautifully for both iceskating and leisure hockey games. The biggest attraction, however, is the stunning collection of ice sculptures, and the rink's centrepiece ice castle. What to bring: skates, helmets, a thermos of hot chocolate, and a few hand and toe warmers to keep the little ones cozy. Don’t own skates? No problem - both locations offer inexpensive rentals.
2. Get in the kitchen. All of those holiday cookies, pies and countless other goodies are probably making you feel a little sluggish right now, aren't they? It's the perfect time to make an extra effort with your family's meal and snack choices by including them in meal planning. With input from the whole family, decide what meals will be made throughout the week and make a grocery list. Get the kids to help you pick out items at the store, and then have them help make dinner (washing vegetables, stirring and serving). When kids are directly involved in creating meals, they take more interest in what they eat, and will enjoy a larger variety of foods. Plus, it never hurts to have a helping hand (or four…) in the kitchen!
3. Game day. There's bound to be a few days during the winter when it's just too miserable to go outside. Instead of everyone doing their own thing, get the whole family together for a game day. Have each member pick out a game (switch it up between board games and other interactive games like Pictionary and Charades), and spend the entire day laughing and enjoying one another's company.
4. Will you be my Valentine? Skip the cards this year and cook up some cute Valentine's Day treats for your child and his or her schoolmates. Start by baking some simple sugar cookies cut out in large heart shapes. Next, using edible food markers (available at cooking stores - about $8 for a pack of five), have your child write a short message on each cookie. They're more personal, and each child will get a sweet treat to enjoy!
5. Get out of town. Cabin fever setting in yet? It's the perfect time to pack up the car and head out of town. First, go online to find a good deal; sites like www.groupon.com, www.expedia.ca and www.travelocity.ca often have offers on hotels at about 50 per cent of the regular prices (especially in Banff and Canmore). Try to get a room with a kitchenette and bring your own groceries to save a few dollars. Spend the day taking in the sights, going on short hikes and tobogganing; and, the nights curled up by the fire with a good book. Most hotels also have a Jacuzzi or pool, so keep your eyes open for these features if the whole family is going along.
6. Downhill bliss. Are your kids interested in skiing or snowboarding? Or, do you want them to begin the sport at a young age? Start them out at Canada Olympic Park (www.winsport.ca/cop); not only are the hills smaller, often less crowded and age-appropriate, but the lift tickets, rentals and lessons are exponentially cheaper. Bonus: You’ll save a decent amount of money on gas by staying in the city and skipping the drive to the mountains.
7. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Downhill not for your little ones? Cross-country skiing may be the perfect alternative. It’s easier to learn, less risky (as hills can be avoided altogether), and can be done almost anywhere. COP, again, is a great location (inexpensive, local), as is the Canmore Nordic Centre (www.canmorenordiccentre.ca). Want to head out and make your own tracks? Rent your gear from the Outdoor Centre at the U of C (www.calgaryoutdoorcentre.ca); full package rentals for kids is just $10, and for adults, $17. For snowshoes, rentals are just $10 for both adults and children. Take the skis or snowshoes out to any city park (Nosehill, Fish Creek, Glenmore and Bowness are all fantastic options) for a fun winter activity suitable for the whole family.
8. Build a snow fort. Don't underestimate the pure joy of playing in the snow, at any age. On the next sunny day with a good amount of heavy, sticky snow on the ground, head to your yard or a nearby park and find a big snowdrift. If there isn't one, use a shovel to create a big mound of snow. Pack it down as hard as you can, and then start digging. Keep digging until you have a little room, and then use a spray bottle filled with water to spray down all surfaces (inside and out); this will harden and stabilize the fort. Dress up the fort by adding a couple drops of food coloring to the spray bottle and spray the exterior for a fun, vibrant effect.
9. Clean out the closet. After the holidays, it's typical to notice that there's a lot of extra 'stuff' around the house; especially where clothing is concerned. So before filling up the closets with the new gear from Grandma and Grandpa, take out some of the old clothes that don't get much use anymore. Bring the pieces that are in good condition to a consignment store to help replace some of the money spent on holiday shopping, and to make room for the new items.
10. Get crafty. While you're in a cleaning mood, grab some stuff from around the house -old socks, coffee cans, cardboard tubes from paper towel - and get creative! Encourage your children to use their imaginations and create a creature. Glue on some old loose buttons for eyes and pipe cleaners for antennae and limbs. It's a fun way to spend a couple hours, and a great alternative to throwing old household items in the trash.
Stephanie is a freelance writer specializing in travel and food writing. For more information, visit www.stephaniearsenault.ca.
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