Family summer survival guide
By Contributor
Castlegar Public Library: Stop in at the Castlegar Public Library to read or check out a children’s book! Toddler storytime runs through the summer from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.
Kinnaird Park – Music in the Park Series: Every Wednesday in July and August from 7 to 9 p.m., your family can enjoy an evening of live music. Bring a blanket to sit on, picnic dinner or snacks and a donation to the performers.
RCMP Musical Ride: Police in their red uniforms on horseback to music! July 26 at Pass Creek Park. Tickets at the Chamber of Commerce or Kootenay Liquidators.
Farmer’s markets: Castlegar’s farmer market starts on July 25 at the United Church. Children will learn about local seasonal food.
Castlegar and District Recreation Centre: ‘Big Dog Days’, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Clifford is out at the pool. Also on B.C. Day, Aug. 3, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Kinsmen Park: Enjoy the water park and playground with your kids (located behind the Castlegar Public Library).
Zuckerberg Island Park: A short walk around Zuckerberg Island even toddlers can manage. Open forest and a suspension bridge make nature exploring easy.
Pass Creek Park: Playground and walks at Pass Creek Park (at Robson turn off, follow the signs).
Millennium Trail: Walk, tricycle, bicycle or play at the park – you’ll find the last evening sun at Millennium, which connects to Zuckerberg Island trail.
Railway Museum: Check it out at the bottom of Third Street, near City Hall.
Syringa: Day use and camping on Arrow Lake, great park and paths. Through Robson and past the mill, follow the signs.
Playdough: Always good to have on hand – here’s the recipe:
1 cup water, ½ cup salt, 2 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoon oil *add a few drops of food colouring. Mix together in a medium sized pot over medium heat until stiff, kneed on counter until firm. Store in air tight container in a cool place.
Sidewalk chalk: Play hopscotch, draw numbers and letters, make art. Sidewalk chalk can be bought at any dollar store and many grocery stores.
Mud Play: It’s been raining, but the sun is starting to come out. Grab some old plates or pie tins, some spoons or sticks for stirring and head for the nearest puddle of mud. Babies will enjoy squishing their toes in the mud while older children can put together pies decorated with leaves, flowers and pebbles. Just be sure not to eat them!
Beach obstacle course: Use a stick and create an obstacle course in sand, jump over the squiggles, hop in the circles, follow the paths, follow the leader – show your child how, then let them show you.
Play & learn: Try physical activities suggested by your children, even if they are new or different.
Paper bag nature scavenger hunt: Draw and print the words of nature objects on a paper bag for pre-schoolers. Find a stick, two rocks, one pine cone… etcetera. Then send them on a scavenger hunt.
Blow some bubbles: Bubble solutions and wands are inexpensive at grocery and dollar stores. A good activity to carry with you, for breaks when doing hot summer errands.
Ouch-free bandaid removal: Soak a cotton ball in baby or vegetable oil, gently rub over the bandaid until it falls off.
Itchy skin relief: Blend or process 1 cup of oatmeal – unflavored instant , quick or slow cooking oats. Babies (1/3 cup). Process oats to a very fine, consistent powder. Sprinkle into running water and stir with your hand several times to ensure even distribution. The tub will be more slippery so take care, allow your child to soak 15 to 20 minutes and pat dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing.
Sun stroke: Peak hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Broad-brimmed hats, sunscreen, shade, sunglasses, protective clothing, sun screen. Teach kids to be sun smart – talk about it, sing about it, model it.
This information is provided courtesy Neighbourhood House, which will be closed July 17 to Aug. 17. For more information, visit www.kootenayfamilyplace.org
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