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Published on
May 16, 2013
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Ottawa International Children's Festival Info

Win Tickets to A Sonatina

This week, our friends at the OICF have a family four pack to giveaway to the June 1, 10:00 a.m. performance of A Sonatina from Denmark. Email me (saralynne@macaronikid.com) with "Sonatina" in the subject line to enter.

 

If you’ve been to the festival in the past, then you get just how special it is.

 

Every year, thousands of local children are exposed to local, national and international artists who sing, dance, and perform.  One of the main thrusts of the festival is their daytime performance ...


Win Passes for Funhaven

A kid-friendly Ottawa place that is always high on my kids’ lists to visit is Funhaven. This is the perfect rainy-day, too-hot-to-play-outside, I’m bored, place to take the kids. With so many things to do in one place, you are guaranteed hours of fun.

Not only is Funhaven fun for kids, but they can plan your next birthday party, or entertain your kids this summer with one of their summer camp options.

 

Ottawa Tourism recently voted Funhaven "2013 New Company of the Year", and with a well thought out ...


Last Weekend for the Tulip Festival

Check out the blooming blossoms! Fun events are planned including a tulip treasure hunt (daily), the BULB (arts event) and this weekend, the fireworks, to end the festival. www.tulipfestival.ca

Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Ideas

Fun and Meaningful Ways to Say Thank You

"If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job." ~ Donald D. Quinn


Teachers are one of the most important parts of our society. After all, the profession of teaching ultimately creates every other ...

Teachers Paint Our Children’s Minds

Here's a way to say thank you your teachers for everything they do throughout the year. It is also a great back-to-school gift, so Pin this article for next year too!

Thank You For Painting our Children's Minds

Supplies:
  • clear plastic paint can from craft stores
  • Jolly Rancher candy (or Starbursts, Skittles, anything that has rainbow colours)
  • coffee gift card
  • paper paintbrush with an expression written on it.
Instructions:

1. To create the paintbrush I just used a clip art picture and printed on it:

Thanks for painting ...

2013 Summer Camp Guide

Let Us Help You Plan a Great Summer for Your Kids

Summer is just around the corner. If you're like me, you are already planning for activities for the kids for the upcoming summer season.

There are so many great things to do in Ottawa and we're pleased to share some of them with you. From now until July, we'll share our summer camp guide with some of the best places for your kids to have fun this summer.

From sports to drama, gymnastics to sailing, we'll include lots of local places where your kids can have ...

OICF - Heading to Opening Night Is...

Step Afrika! Kicks off the Festival

Congrats to Cheryl A. who has won a family four pack to the Ottawa International Children’s Festival Opening Night performance. We’ll be there as well and cannot wait.

About the Show

For nearly two decades, Step Afrika! has been dedicated to elevating stepping, a casual form of tap dancing that has long been popular at historically black colleges, from a campus contest to performance art, which combines Zulu dance, African gumboot, and modern fraternity style stepping in a fast paced and high-energy performance. Discover the world of ...


This Week's Calendar:

May 16th through May 19th

Thursday, May 16 through Tuesday, July 9 - CENTimental Journey

Join the Currency Museum as we bid a CENTimental farewell to 104 years of Canadian pennydom. Our exhibit showcases important moments in the history of the one cent coin. It also features the last penny ever minted, struck by the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance on 4 May 2012.
Where: Currency Museum
When: Ends July 2, 2013
Who: Fun for all
How: 245 Sparks Street Ottawa,
Cost: Free
For more info: www.currencymuseum.ca
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Thursday, May 16 - Handmade Fun - Modern Mini Houses

Have some creative fun with paper, wood scraps, yarn and your imagination as you help us furnish our seven-room dollhouse. You can also create your own personalized miniature house to take home with you. You’ll find plenty of inspiration in the Forster dollhouse, the vintage masterpiece permanently on display in the Children’s Museum. You’ll be amazed by the tiny, incredibly detailed furniture and other household items, including artwork, a piano and — now that spring is here — gardening tools and outdoor toys.
Where: Canadian Children's Museum
When: Ends May 31
Who: Fun for kids
How: Show up
Cost: Included with admission
For more info: www.civilization.ca
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Friday, May 17 through Monday, May 20 - Tulip Festival

Dine and dance at lunchtime and while away the evenings under the starry sky with free concerts at Tulip Plaza featuring local favourites and popular touring artists performing everything from Stompin’ country to vintage R&B to Asian-inspired surf to Ukrainian power-pop. Embrace the night with variety and beauty worthy of a bed of tulips. And while whiling, enjoy a beverage at the Tulip Lounge.
Where: Tulip Plaza in front of City Hall
When: Thursday to Sunday nights
Who: Fun for all
How: Show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://tulipfestival.ca/site/capital_sounds/en
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Friday, May 17 through Saturday, May 18 - Sparks StrEAT - The Great Sparks Street Food Truck Rally

Get ready to celebrate great food because Sparks Street will be hosting 20 Food Trucks from Elgin to Kent. Come on down and enjoy this "Food Lovers" event and experience everything Sparks Street has to offer! Public will vote online @ www.sparksstreetmall.com for their favourite Food Truck
Where: Sparks Street
When: n/a
Who: Food lovers!
How: Show up, eat, and then vote online
Cost: Just what food you eat.
For more info: http://www.sparksstreetmall.com
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Saturday, May 18 - Cineplex Family Favourites

Visit your favourite Cineplex and enjoy classic movies for just $2.50.
Where: Cineplex movies near you
When: n/a
Who: Fun for movie lovers
How: Show up
Cost: $2.50
For more info: www.cineplex.com/family
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Saturday, May 18 through Monday, May 20 - Sheep Shearing Festival

It’s time for our sheep to be shorn at the Canada Agriculture Museum! Highlights include shearing demonstrations, border collies at work, spinning and weaving, felt-making, and much more.
Where: Canadian Museum of Agriculture
When: n/a
Who: Fun for all
How: Show up
Cost: Included with admission
For more info: http://www.agriculture.technomuses.ca
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Saturday, May 18 - International Museums Day

Celebrate International Museum Day and enjoy watching your kids learn stuff and have fun!
Where: Museum of Nature, National Gallery, Canada Science and Technology Museum
When: n/a
Who: Fun for all
How: Show up
Cost: Some museums are FREE on this day, others have special activities.  Check with each museum for details.
For more info: http://nature.ca/en/plan-your-visit/admission

http://www.gallery.ca/en/visit/admission.php

http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/whatson/index.cfm
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Saturday, May 18 - Stargazing

Want to view the night sky from the Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory? Strictly weather permitting (no indoor presentations). No registration required. Dress warmly.
Where: Helen Hogg Observatory at the Canada Science and Technology Museum
When: 9:00 PM
Who: Fun for all
How: Show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/whatson/index.cfm
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Sunday, May 19 through Sunday, November 24 - Farmer's Market at Brewer Park

The market is now open! Enjoy a wonderful way to support local farmers and vendors, sample the freshest local produce and introduce the shop local concept to the kids! Yummy treats abound!
Where: Brewer Park, across from Carleton University
When: Every Sunday until November 17
Who: Fun for all
How: Show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.ottawafarmersmarket.ca
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Sunday, May 19 - Lake of Fire

The festival brings it all back home with a sensational display of fireworks over the lake. It’s a Victoria Day weekend send-off to wrap up another springtime celebration in spectacular fashion.
Where: Dow's Lake
When: n/a
Who: Fun for all
How: Show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://tulipfestival.ca/site/lake_of_fire/en
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Plan Ahead:

May 25th through August 10th

Saturday, May 25 - Maria Luisa's 3rd Annual Spring Day for Kids

Maria Luisa de Moreno International Foundation Canada is organizing its 3rd Annual Spring Day for Kids celebration. Our charity organizes this event every spring in order to raise funds for children in need. There will be music, various activities and competitions for children and adults throughout the event. Families will have the opportunity to participate with their children in different activities and enjoy a very good meal. This is a community event with free admission and free lunch for children under 12 years old.
Where: Jack Purcell Park and Community Center (320 Jack Purcell Lane)
When: n/a
Who: Families and kids
How: Show up and have fun
Cost: Free
For more info: www.mlmifcanada.org
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Tuesday, May 28 through Sunday, June 2 - Ottawa International Children's Festival

The OICS is an annual celebration of the best in live performing arts for children.  The OICF provides a opportunity for children and their families to experience other cultures right in their own backyard. Enjoy amazing performances, activities, music and entertainment just for kids.
Where: Lebreton Flats
When: n/a
Who: Fun for all
How: Tickets available online or at the box office
Cost: Ticket prices vary
For more info: http://ottawachildrensfestival.ca/
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Saturday, June 8 - The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head

Mr. Potato Head leads visitors in a hands-on adventure through four thematic zones. Venture below the waves in the oceanography zone to discover the undersea world of Jacques Coustato. Dig into the archaeology zone to unearth the secrets of King Tato’s lost empire. Join Commander Potato Head in the space exploration zone to search for life on planet Neptato. Finally, trek through the rain-forest zone to identify the exotic animals. Chock-full of opportunities for imaginative play and problem-solving, this exhibit is not just entertaining, it’s educational too.
Where: Canadian Children's Museum
When: n/a
Who: Aimed at small fries 3-8
How: Show up
Cost: included in admission
For more info: www.civilization.ca
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Sunday, June 9 - A Promise is a Promise

A collaboration between acclaimed children’s author Robert Munsch and Nunavut storyteller Michael Kusugak, A Promise is a Promise is a delightful story, inspired by a traditional Inuit legend. It is a wonderful cautionary tale about the monsters who lurk beneath the Arctic ice. Eleven year old Allashua ignores her parents’ warning not to fish on the sea ice. When the terrifying Qallupilluit pull her into the freezing water, she must use all her ingenuity to escape. With gorgeous puppets and music, this production brings the North to enchanting life
Where: Irving Greenberg Centre and Shenkman Arts Centre
When: Next show June 9
Who: For children ages five and up
How: Tickets available at the door or the box office
Cost: Four tickets for $32
For more info: http://www.ragandbone.ca/boxoffice/index_c.php
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Sunday, June 9 - Mothercraft Ottawa's Touch A Truck Event

Mothercraft Ottawa presents its 6th annual Touch a Truck Event.  It is a fun filled family day where children can climb aboard all sorts of vehicles and explore. Inside the mall families can cool off and watch music entertainers, have their pictures taken in a photo booth, watch Little Ray's Reptiles perform, have their faces painted and enjoy some popcorn or candy floss and take a spin in a plasma car.
Where: Lincoln Fields Parking Lot
When: n/a
Who: Fun for all
How: Show up
Cost: $6/person
For more info:
: www.mothercraft.com
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Sunday, June 9 - Life With A Baby Summer Party

This FREE event will be filled with lots of fun activities and entertainment for the entire family: music, door prizes, face painting and more.
Where: Strathcona Park, Sandy Hill,
When: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Fun for families
How: Show up, register online first
Cost: Free
For more info: www.lifewithababy.com
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Sunday, June 16 - Fiestango

Three mischievous cousins receive a large trunk in the mail. Inside, they find all manner of amazing objects, including… an old diary belonging to the young and mysterious Mercedes. Just for fun, they decide to act out the story of Mercedes, who spent her life travelling with this trunk in tow, filling it with souvenirs. Immersing themselves in the narrative, the three cousins rediscover and invent their own fantastic adventures that lead them to learn about the history of the tango, a style of music and dance they adore. But a question remains unanswered: Just how did this mysterious trunk make its way into their hands?
Where: NAC
When: n/a
Who: Fun for all
How: Tickets available online or at the Box Office
Cost: Tickets start at $16
For more info: http://nac-cna.ca/en/orchestra/event/2407
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Saturday, August 10 through Sunday, August 11 - Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival

Puppets Up! is a one-of-a kind summer experience , offering a wide variety of exceptional puppetry performances in beautiful downtown Almonte. A continual buzz of street entertainment including clowns, musicians, dancers, strolling puppeteers, children's crafts, daily parades and food vendors provides a lively backdrop to the festival.
Where: Almonte, Ontario. Just 17 minutes west of Kanata
When: n/a
Who: Fun for all
How: Tickets available through the festival website
Cost: DAY PASS (Saturday or Sunday) Hours: 09:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Adult – $20 (CDN) Children (ages 3 – 12) – $10 (CDN) Children under 3 – FREE WEEKEND PASS (Saturday and Sunday) Adult – $30 (CDN) Children (ages 3 – 12) – $15 (CDN) Children under 3 – FREE
For more info: http://puppetsup.ca/
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Add Macaroni Kid Events to Your Google Calendar

Great Macaroni Feature!

Macaroni Kid is pleased to announce the latest feature to our website—Add to Google Calendar!
 
First we offered “My Macaroni” where you can create a list of events and download a pdf, but now it is even easier to create a list of activities for your family and manage the list so that you never overlook or forget about an event!
 
Don’t have Gmail? That’s ok! You don’t need Gmail to use Google Calendar! Simply set up a Google Calendar account using your current email address ...

Gel Boards

Macaroni Made

I saw this awesome idea on Pinterest and it inspired me to try my own take on it! My kids love it and it was so easy and fun to make! 

Supplies:  
Hair gel (cheap stuff from the a dollar store)
Glitter
Duct tape
Cardboard
Clear plastic bag


Step 1: Measure approximately 5-6 ounces of hair gel and mix in as much glitter as you want!


Step 2: Pour mixture into a clear food storage bag and get as much air out as possible and seal bag.

Step 3: Measure ...

Mini Pancake Kabobs

A simple and fun breakfast idea that the kiddos can help create! Use your imagination - toppings and flavour combinations are endless for these kabobs!

You will need:
Pancake mix - prepared as stated on the box

Toppings:
Berries - strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries
Bananas
Sausage links

Tooth picks or skewers 

Directions:
  1. Prepare pancake batter as stated on box.
  2. Gather topping and cook, wash, slice as needed.
  3. Heat skillet and cook pancakes as directed on package.  We made "bite-size" pancakes, about 2 inches wide - some plain and some chocolate chip.  It was easiest ...

Take A Colourful Nature Walk

Macaroni Fun

Make your next walk a hunt for specific colours (try this any time of the year). This is an easy project that can be made very simple as your time/ materials/ patience demands.

You’ll need:
  • An empty egg carton
  • Paints and paintbrushes
Paint the inside of an egg carton different colours. Encourage the children to mix colours together or add black or white to create different hues. 

Want it less messy? Use markers or crayons. 
Need it even easier? Place crayon pieces inside your egg carton, and/or use ...

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