Experiments To Do With Your Kids While Teaching Them About Healthy Living | Healthy U 5&1 Experiment

Looking for a fun way to teach your kids about eating healthy foods and the awesome-ness that is running, jumping and playing? We have a cool new program to share with you.

Try the 5&1 Experiment series this summer.

The 5&1 Experiment is a collection of 42 wacky food and activity experiments developed by Healthy U, Government of Alberta. Designed to appeal to kids curiosity while teaching them through hands-on activities.

Why 5&1? 

5 servings of vegetables and fruit + at least 1 hour of physical activity

Kids 6 -12 need to have at least 5&1 each day. We think it wouldn’t hurt to start these good habits even earlier. You’ll just need to adjust portion sizes but keep the variety and fun.

The bigger societal issue is the reason that governments and organizations are investing in programs to make it easier for us busy parents to raise healthy kids. If you step back and consider the most recent statistics, it's quite alarming. 

“1.6 million or 31.5% of Canadian kids were overweight or obese”
~ Statistics Canada, Health Reports 2012

Health Canada says, "Children and youth who are obese are at higher risk of developing a range of health problems, and weight issues in childhood are likely to persist into adulthood."

How To Get Your Family Involved

1. Sign up online or download the free iPhone app.

2. Do your favourite daily experiments with your kids (emailed to you or check via iPhone app).

3. Earn points and badges when you complete each experiment. Woo!

4. You’ll automatically be entered to win $1000 in groceries from Sobey and for bicycles with helmets from Canadian Tire. (Yes please!)  

You can learn more about the project on their website. 

Also keep an eye out for the Healthy U Crew out at festivals this summer, including the St. Albert Rainmaker Rodeo, International Children's Festival, Edmonton International Street Performers Festival, K-Days, Heritage Festival, and Edmonton Fringe Festival.    

Tips For Doing The 5&1 Experiment With Younger Kids

Younger kids will need your assistance with these experiments but they’ll learn more if they do the majority of the experiment. Here are some ideas for engaging the under 6 kids.

• Let them lead.  Make them the head researcher/ experimenter. Be there to support as their assistant.
• Ask them curious questions. “What’s going to happen next?” “Which one do you think you’ll like?” “What are some other things we could test?”
• Review your progress in your online profile and talk about previous experiments.
• Encourage them to share what they did or learned at the dinner table, or with family/ friends.
• Get them to draw a picture or write about what they learned.

Are You In For Some Discovery?

What do you think? Up to the challenge and fun? Leave us a note in the comments to let us know if you’re going to participate. We’re going to try it out too! Maybe we can have a mini challenge between our house and yours?

Classes for Toddler and Preschoolers in Edmonton | Animals and Nature

Looking for things to do with your young child this summer?

The City of Edmonton offers a number of classes designed specifically for 1 - 5 year olds. This particular list is focused on activities related to animals and nature. They're held at city attractions - Muttart Conservatory, John Janzen Nature Centre and the Edmonton Valley Zoo. You can register online or by calling 311. Classes can fill-up quickly so best to purchase it if you see an opening.

Sampling of Upcoming City of Edmonton Classes

Bug Mania

Explore the wonderful world of bugs during this hands-on session. Join our hard-working insect friends at the Nature Centre as you pretend to be a busy bee and play our pollen-hunting game. Taste some honey in the comb and peek inside our buzzing honeybee hive. You'll even make your very own bug catcher that you can use as we journey through forest trails. Adult attendance is optional.

Ages	Date	Time	Location	Fees	Code
3-5	Jun 11	9:30am - 11:00am	John Janzen Nature Centre	Child $22.00	490560

Dinosaur Adventure

Dinosaur crafts, dinosaur dancing and dinosaur adventures! Get a taste of what it's like to be a palaeontologist as we search for hidden dinosaur eggs, chip out a toy dinosaur from rocks, and examine fossils. Discover the world of dinosaurs through active play, and have a gigantically good time! Adult attendance is optional. If an adult is staying, then unregistered children may not accompany the adult.

Ages	Date	Time	Location	Fees	Code
3-5	Jul 16	1:00pm - 2:30pm	John Janzen Nature Centre	Child $25.00	497384
3-5	Aug 14	1:00pm - 2:30pm	John Janzen Nature Centre	Child $25.00	497385

Nature Adventures

Let your preschooler discover the wonders of nature through three Wednesdays of fun! We'll hunt for bugs along the forest trails, pond-dip for critters in our nearby pond, and get to touch many animal furs, feathers, and feet. Crafts, games, and live animal encounters will round out this exciting series. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Attend all three sessions: Wednesday June 5, 12, 19.

Ages	Date	Time	Location	Fees	Code
3-5	Jun 5, 12, & 19	9:30am - 11:00am	John Janzen Nature Centre	Child $50.00	490557

Summer Sprouts

Let your little sprout discover the wonders of Muttart Conservatory over three Thursdays of fun! We'll take care of our education garden, plant seeds and watch them grow and, use our senses to discover many weird and wonderful plants. Crafts and games will round out this exciting series. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Ages	Date	Time	Location	Fees	Code
3-5	Jul 4, 11 & 18	2:00pm - 3:30pm	Muttart Conservatory	Child $50.00	498600

Tasty Treats

Where do bananas come from? What foods grow in the desert? Join us on a hunt through Muttart for delicious fruits and sample a buffet of tasty treats that come from plants growing in our pyramids. Top off your exciting morning by potting an edible plant to take home. Adult attendance is optional. If an adult is staying with the child unregistered children may not attend.

Ages	Date	Time	Location	Fees	Code
3-5	Aug 13	2:00pm - 3:30pm	Muttart Conservatory	Child $25.00	498602

Teddy Bear Gang

Touch a tortoise, tickle a bunny, and ruffle some feathers of a bird. Each week your child will see and touch a few critters. It's discovery time for both your child and yourself. One adult must attend to supervise and only children that are registered will be allowed to participate in the program. Attend all 3 dates.

Ages	Date	Time	Location	Fees	Code
1-2	May 15, 22 & 29	11:00am - 11:45am	Edmonton Valley Zoo	Child $30.00	490149

Wee Tea Party

Come celebrate the plants of Muttart Conservatory by joining us for a terrific tea party! Bring along your favourite tea cup and most beloved stuffed animal to sample some delicious teas made from plants that grow under Muttart's pyramids. We'll sing songs as we sip our tea, and then it's off to explore the pyramids! To round out this program, you'll pot your very own herb seedling to take home. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Ages	Date	Time	Location	Fees	Code
3-5	Jul 19	2:00pm - 3:30pm	Muttart Conservatory	Child $19.00	498601

Bookmark this courses page. It is updated automatically as new classes are added to the registration schedule.

May Long Weekend In Edmonton 2013 | What To Do With Kids

  

Goodbye snowpants. Goodbye mittens. Goodbye Touques and Boots. Goodbye snow. And Goodbye cold.

Welcome warm coat-free weather!

May long weekend marks the start of gardening, camping and other outdoor pursuits. We can't wait to get our hands dirty with our veggie garden this weekend.

May long weekend also marks the opening of our favourite summer attractions and activities. Like riding the High Level Bridge Streetcar, splashing in the spray parks (our community one is on already), outdoor farmers markets and warm-weather festivals.

Here is your round up of family-friendly events happening this weekend.

See you out-and-about Edmonton!

Outdoor Farmers Market

City Market
What:  You know it’s truly spring in Edmonton when the City Market returns to 104^th Street after wintering in City Hall.  Bedding plants, farm-fresh produce, locally raised meat, sweet treats, jewelry, clothing and live music make this urban farmer’s market a favourite.
Where:  Downtown – 104^th Street from Jasper Avenue to 102 Avenue
When: Saturdays, May 18 – October 12, 2013. 9am – 3pm

Favourite Attraction

Fort Edmonton Park: Opening Weekend
What: The 2013 season kicks off with additional entertainment and activities. Get photographed at the old-time photo booth. Visit the animals in the petting zoo. Be amazed by a juggling contortionist at the Midway. Watch the 4D (yes 4D!) short film at the Capital Theatre. Delight the kids with a train ride. And more!
Where: Fort Edmonton Park
When: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19, 2013
Tip: Take the ETS Bus (#595) from the South Campus LRT/ bus station. It’s door-to-door service. No jostling in the parking lot and the kids will love the bus ride. {details}

Get Down to the Funky Sound

Hip Hop in the Park
What: This 6^th Annual festival will fill your senses with all things Hip Hop -- music, DJs, dance, graffiti and more. Bring the kids and enjoy this family-friendly jam.
Where: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. 9529 Grierson Hill. (Parking is limited.)
When: Saturday, May 18 , 2013 12pm – 8pm.
*Please note that the date is actually Saturday, May 25, 2013.

Family Movie Treat

The Tale of Despereaux
What: Cineplex is also continuing their Saturday morning Family Favourites program. This week’s show features that adorable mouse Despereaux. Rated G. Common Sense Media suggests this movie is best for kids aged 5.

Where: Cineplex North, Cineplex South and Galaxy Sherwood Park  only. Films are $2.50. 

When: Saturday, May 11, 2013. 11am.

Sweet Fun Run

Run For Your Pie
What: Walk or run through the beautiful river valley and you’ll be rewarded with a slice of pie at the finish line. Proceeds from this race will benefit KidSport Edmonton. Register in advance online.
Where: Kinsmen Park , 9100 Walterdale Hill
When: Saturday, May 18, 2013. 10:00am

Ukranian Love

Celebration of Dance
What: The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village opens for the season with their annual dance extravaganza. Families will also enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, sheep sheering, butter churning, face painting, jumpy castle and costumed interpreters. Go early for the pancake breakfast at 11:30 am.
Where: Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, (map)
When: Monday, May 20, 2013. 10am – 5pm. Dancing starts at 12pm.

Mother’s Day Weekend In Edmonton 2013 | Family Friendly Events

Whether you’re looking for something to do together on Mother’s Day or looking for places where Dad can take the kids, we have the ultimate list of events happening in Edmonton this Mother’s Day weekend. There is something for everyone and ton of free activities.

Happy Mother's Day my beautiful mommy readers!

Sport Check Mother’s Day Run + Walk
What: This 18^th annual family event features a 10 km, 5km and little legs race (ages 2-6). Money raised will help the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation purchase two critical pieces of equipment – a Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and a Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera.
Where: Foote Field,11601 68th Avenue.
When: Sunday, May 12, 2013. Warm-up 8:45

Blooming Garden Show & Art Sale
What: A beautiful community event featuring gardening information, products, artisan market and lots of kids’ activities. Kids can design a card, plant a seed, make a gardening book, create a stepping stone or a clay creation.
Where: Alberta Avenue Community Centre, 9210 118 Avenue
When: Saturday, May 11, 2013. 9am – 4pm

Get Ready In the Park
What:  An event to recognize Emergency Preparedness Week. Climb into the cockpit of a helicopter, sit in an ambulance, see search and rescue dogs in action, and learn how to use a fire extinguisher. There will be more than 25 exhibitors with demonstrations, interactive games and free giveaways for the whole family.
Where: Hawrelak Park, 9930 Groat Road
When: Saturday, May 11, 2013. 10am – 4pm

Mercer Collective
What: Edmonton’s only bi-monthly maker’s market in the heart of downtown. A great place to pick up last minute Mother’s Day gifts.  
Where: Mercer Warehouse Basement, 10359-104 Street
When: Saturday, May 11, 2013. 10am – 4pm.

Edmonton Reptile & Amphibian Society Spring Showcase
What: Interact with some of the featured reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates with the Edmonton Reptile & Amphibian Society. This is a free, hands-on educational event for all ages.
Where: Phase I, Level One, Centre Stage
When: Saturday, May 11, 2013. 10am – 5pm  

Edmonton Bike Swap
What: Looking to sell a bike? Or buy a new one? This bike swap does a tech check of every bike, helps sellers set their own prices, and then takes care of selling the bike. So easy. 
Where: Glengarry Arena,
13340 85 Street NW
When: Saturday, May 11, 2013. Bike intake 8am – 2pm. Bike sales 2:30pm – 4pm.

Reel Family Cinema
What:  Two delightful animated films about mischievous cats! First the Canadian classic The Cat Came Back (G) followed by the main feature A Cat in Paris (PG). Common Sense Media suggests that A Cat in Paris is best for kids who are 7+.
Where: Metro Cinema – Garneau Theatre, 8712 109th Street. Kids under 12 are free!
When: Saturday, May 11, 2013. 2pm – 3:15pm.

Free Willy
What: Cineplex is also continuing their Saturday morning Family Favourites program. This week’s show is Free Willy. Rated G. Common Sense Media suggests this movie is best for kids aged 6+.

Where: Cineplex North, Cineplex South and Galaxy Sherwood Park  only. Films are $2.50. 

When: Saturday, May 11, 2013. 11am.

Mother’s Day Garden Party
What: Bring Mom for a country brunch or tea amongst the blooms!  You can also enjoy country jazz, games, trackless train rides, and the new ‘moms’ at the petting farm with adorable baby lambs and bunnies!
Where: Prairie Gardens Adventure Farms, Sturgeon County, 25 minute drive north of Edmonton on HWY 28 (97St.). Reservations and tickets required.
When:  Sunday, May 12, 2013. Brunch: 10am, 11:30 am or 1pm.  Afternoon tea: 2:30pm

Mother's Day Tea
What: Stroll the beautiful Kurimoto Japanese Garden, visit the butterflies in the Tropical Showhouse, and enjoy the Garden as it springs into life. Moms will receive a special garden gift.
Where: Devonian Botanic Garden, Hwy 60, 5 kms north of Devon, AB
When:  Sunday, May 12, 2013. 11am – 3 pm. Tea sittings at 11am, 1pm, 3pm

Mother's Day Magic
What: Treat Mom to a mini massage or manicure in addition to enjoying the magic shows, crafts, Get Closer animal encounters, pre-school games, face painting and more.
Where: The Edmonton Valley Zoo
When: Sunday, May 12, 2013 

Rejuvenate
What: Treat mom to a relaxing afternoon outing amongst the blooms and pyramids. Enjoy live music, massage and a floral arranging class too.
Where: Muttart Conservatory, 9626 - 96A Street
When: Sunday, May 12, 2013. 12pm – 4pm

Mother’s Day
What: In addition to the excellent exhibits and programming, you can make mom a garden glove and a compost tea bag for mom’s garden.
Where:  TELUS World of Science – Edmonton,
11211 142 Street NW
When:  Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12. 12:30 pm – 4:30pm

FC Edmonton vs. Atlanta Silverbacks
What:  Little soccer players will enjoy seeing these players give it their all on the pitch. Also Clarke Stadium will be showing off their new stands. Room for 5000 fans now, up from 1300.
Where: Clarke Stadium, 11000 Stadium Road
When: Sunday, May 12, 2013. 2pm

What did we miss? Please add any other events in the comments below!  

What To Do This Weekend in Edmonton with Kids | May 3 - 5

Photograph by Sean Dreilinger

Books 2 Buy
What: Edmonton Public Library’s famous book, DVD and CD sale is back this weekend. Hardcover books and DVDs are $2. Paperbacks, kids' books and CDs are $1. On Sunday, a box is only $10.

Where: Stanley A. Milner Library - Lower Level, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square 

When: Friday, May 3: 9am - 8pm.
Saturday, May 4: 9am - 5pm. Sunday, May 5: 1pm - 3pm. 

Jane’s Walk
What: Jane’s Walk celebrates the ideas and legacy of urbanist Jane Jacobs by getting people out exploring their neighbourhoods and meeting their neighbours. Free walking tours are led by locals.
Where: Various locations around Edmonton.
When: Friday, May 3 to Monday, May 6, 2013. Various times.

Royal Bison Craft & Art Sale
What: Edmonton’s preeminent crafters and artisans will be at this highly coveted event.
Where: 8426 Gateway Boulevard (north of the Strathcona Farmer’s market).
Admission: $2 admission for adults. Kids are free.

When: Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5, 2013.

Butterdome Spring Craft Sale
What:  The well known Christmas Craft Sale is back with a lighter, fresh spring feel.

Where: Butterdome, University of Alberta

When: Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5, 2013.  

3rd Annual Play 4 Pets
What: Local musicians and students from Edmonton Music Studios come together to raise pledges to perform on stage to benefit Edmonton's animals in need.
Where: McLeod Community Hall, 14715 59th Street
When: Sunday, May 5, 2013.

Callingwood Farmers’ Market Season Opening
What: Over a 100 tables of local goodness. Plus live musical entertainment, a petting zoo, bouncy castle, face painting and balloon artist.
Where: Callingwood Farmer's Market, 6655 178 Street
When: Sunday, May 5, 2013. 10am – 3pm.