'Round the ROM

Look over there!

Living in Toronto we are spoiled with the great variety of activities for kids. For Christmas this year we received a Family Membership to the Royal Ontario Museum - the ROM.

It's great fun. 

There is a ton to look at: 

• animals and insects;
• dinosaurs and fossils;
• ancient cultural treasures and clothing;
• gemstones and natural wonders;
• and don't forget the knights (did I mention we are in to those right now?).

We've been a few times, but have yet to see the whole place.

Beautiful Bugs 

As for many of these types of attractions, I highly recommend the family membership. It only takes a few visits to pay it off, it acts as a motivational destination when you just can't think of something to do, and it provides the freedom to leave. 

We've all been there. 

That says Don't Touch!

You know that place where we've shelled out the exorbitant entry fee, but the kids just aren't having it. Instead of taking in the beauty and the wonder (why aren't you learning?!?), they are in full-on meltdown mode. One is screaming, the other is tearing the place up. If yfou have a third they are already lost somewhere. There are the disapproving looks from the other patrons, the ones you just want to stick your tongue out at, or some other less more appropriate gesture.

As a parent, you're either exhausterd or frustrated or have just plain had it. Most likely all three. That's the beauty of the membership. You can call it. Pack 'em up and head her home. No harm, no foul. Try again another day. There is no sunk cost, no sticking it out, no need to "get your money's worth". Did I mention I was a fan of this approach? 

Ya. I think I did.

Boy in the Bubble

A great boys day out!

A Land of LEGO?

We are big LEGO fans. We've been building Duplo and LEGO for years. I loved it as a kid and now my boys love it.


Oh yes, I still love it too.


Our house is filled with those multicoloured bricks and the limitless creations built out of them. Sure I curse when I step on one, but it's a small price to pay.



Recently we had the opportunity to visit the LEGOland Discovery Centre in Toronto. We had a great time.

We trained like LEGO ninjas in the Ninjago exhibit. We built race cars, and raced them down ramps. We played in the playground with giant foam bricks and danced with the LEGO Friends. It was a nice balance for two very different boys of different ages.

Kai & Ollie

The big guy was thrilled to be able to trade some of his minifigures having recently gotten five of the same character in the most recent minifigure series (what are the odds of that?!).

The staff were great. They loved the LEGO as much as the kids and were quick to share their excitement. There is a good variety of activities. The cafe could be improved - there's not much beyond pizza and sandwhiches, but you're not their for the food.

And of course you have run the gauntlet of the retail store as you exit, but to be expected. They do have a great selection of LEGO products.

Aliens!

The big guy was keen to attend the Master Builder Academy. He clearly views this as a trial run for his post-secondary endaevours given how his current career of choice is Master Builder. In the Academy we built our very own aliens.

Concentration of a Master Builder

We had such a good time that when it came time to ask the big guy what he wanted to do for his brithday the answer was easy: LEGOland!

Did I mention? 

Everything is Awesome!

Disclosure: LEGOland provided complimentary admission

Happy Easter!

Easter Egg Hunting!

There be Dragons?

The lights dimmed. The mist rose. The crowd hushed.

The silence, broken only by the snort the of a great steed as it pawed at the dirt. Then, in the darkness, the clink of armour and the rustle of chain mail. We gasped.

The moment was upon us.

With the blare of trumpets, the cries of a falcon and the thundering of hooves, the knights galloped into the arena. The Lord Chancellot bellowed "Let the tournament begin!"

Would our gallant knight, our champion of the realm, be victorious or would the herald from across the mountains steal our princess, our pride and our honour?

For my five year old, this is pretty much as intense as it gets. This wasn't just dinner and a show, this was a journey to the heart of the Middle Ages. Ok, not only for him. I was drawn in. Yes, in this technologically obessed, screen-filled 21st century, the mystique, the pageantry, and the nobility from a lost age holds sway.

Welcome to Medieval Times!

Last month we had the opportunity to head to the Toronto Castle for the Medieval Times Dinner and Show. And what a show it was!

There were feats of horsemanship, fierce battles, and a gripping story. Even the food was pretty good - Ollie couldn't believe he was supposed to eat with his hands and how often do you come across Dragon's Blood Soup?

The evening was structured really well. You have assigned seats, the arena gets sat in an orderly fashion (although they make it seem like a contest) and there is plenty of time to get settled before the show begins. (Pro tip: There's lots of time, you have a reserved seat and since there are no facilities in the arena, go to the washroom before being sat).

The staff are courteous and seem to be having almost as much fun as you are. Specialty drinks (like wine and smoothies) are a little pricey, but come quickly.

 I won't spoil the story, but there is a tournament and each section has a knight to root for. There are games of skill and pagentry before the jousting begins. I couldn't believe the tiny targers these knights could hit with their lances and spears.

The jousting itself is exiciting, with exploding lances and riders getting "knocked" from horses. Then the battles continue on the ground with sword and shield, mace and staff, and all other manner of medieval weapons. The sparks did fly. Literally.



The tension builds with just the right amount of light, smoke and trickery. And of course there is the villain.

The Villain!

We cheered like crazy for our champions, hissed heartily at the villain, and celebrated throughout the evening.

The five year olds had a blast and so did the dads. I could only imagine a birthday party here. As we filed out, fully sated on feast and action, a second show was readying to start. And the audience for the sequel was dressed as much in period as the performers. Seems we are not the only ones to have discovered Medieval Times.

We will be back.

Maybe even in costume.

Our Champion

Romance too!

Noble Steeds

Beauty and Grace

Full Disclosure: Medieval Times provided us with free tickets to enjoy the performance.

Sweet spot

Hiding in the garbage. As you do.

Two Front Teeth

Today the big guy lost his two front teeth. Wonder who'll visit tonight? And what is the going rate?

Kinder Hearts

February is cold in Canada. Sure, it is the month of love, of hearts and valentines, but it is still pretty darn cold.

This year especially.

While we might scoff at the "hallmark holiday", we find it is really worth the time and effort to set aside a bit of time from the daily grind around Valentine's Day to truly acknowledge the loves in your life. Ontario has recently made that easier by adding the Family Day holiday!

We took full advantage, heading out West to Alberta to visit with family and friends.

A few days spent in Edmonton and a few more in Jasper were great for our family to connect, play together and have some fun.

Skiing.
Snowshoeing.
Mountains.
Indoor playgrounds.
We made the most of truly Canadian February.

I do have to admit that some kinder treats helped along the way, particularly with those long plane and car rides! In fact, we parents probably could not have survived the 15 hour travel day on the way home without some chocolate and surprises. Granted we did have clean up some smeared chocolate, but most of it ended up in their bellies. More than dinner often does. But the peace was well worth it. I think I know about 100-odd Air Canada passengers who would agree.

  

DISCLAIMER DISCLOSURE: I’m a #KinderDad who is part of the KINDER® Canada influencer team; as part of my affiliation with KINDER® Canada, I am provided with special perks and products. All thoughts and opinions are my own.