Family time is special and important. There’s no doubt about it! Yet in the winter, too much time inside — even when together and having fun — can become a bit much for parents and kids too!
How can we keep little ones entertained when the snow is flying? When indoor spaces can start to feel limiting? Or when activities are postponed?
Watching Frozen for the 10th time is a chilling prospect! So, University District set out to learn and chat about fresh ways to fill time in rewarding and wonderful wintery ways just for kids or for the whole family.
We first turned to Brad Henderson of Clever Daycare. We asked him about exactly that! What top tips are in his team’s toolbelt to keep kids happy, entertained and healthy in the winter? We were naturally curious to learn his perspective since the Clever Signature Centre is opening in University District in early 2021.
We look forward to welcoming more new businesses to University District in early 2021 on the heels of these exciting openings! How many have you visited? See what’s in store here!
When the temperatures dip, Brad and the Clever Centres team encourage families to embrace the weather and take advantage of it by setting off outdoors!
The key for kids staying comfortable is proper clothing. Hats, boots, mitts, balaclavas and scarves are as essential as waterproof top layers and thin comfortable layers underneath; long johns and turtlenecks, made out of fine modern fabrics that are easy to move in, moisture-wicking and cozier than ever.
Once bundled up, head over to the Northwest Commons Park at Thirsk Street NW and Kovitz Lane NW. The playground is getting great reviews from kids on the Calgary Playground Review website. Ten-year-old Gordie says, “I really like the double swings!” Meanwhile, seven-year-old Nicky says, “I like the web, the swings and the slides!”
The ping pong table could be a fun spot to practice your hand-eye coordination when you swap traditional balls with snowballs. Head to the North Pond or check out the open green space in the NW Commons park for a quick winter walk to give the whole family benefit of fresh air and physical activity while watching for wildlife!
U/D TIP: Bring a camera and watch for wildlife. Did you read our blog post with fun tips for nature photography from a local expert? Check it out here!
When the cabin fever gets a little too real, a snowy day moving around outside together is in order!
Try tobogganing and sledding at the City of Calgary’s Confederation Park — especially when alight with winter lights — as a winter fun activity a short drive from University District. Or head up to WinSport for some downhill skiing or snowboarding fun. Lessons are expected to be available all winter long. We love the experience of skating amid the trees at Bowness Park. Especially with a hot chocolate intermission between spins!
All of these close-to-home active options will have the whole family sleeping better than babies that night!
Not only does Brad and his team share excellent options for outdoor NW Calgary winter fun, but the new Clever Daycare is also preparing to be a year-round caregiving destination and resource for children in and around University District.
In fact, outside of flexible home care services, Clever Centres hope to be the first in Alberta offering childcare services around the clock! Such 24-hour childcare services would be a wonderful benefit, especially for University District’s nearby hospital and healthcare workers. We can’t wait to share more details about this development closer to their opening day.
Intentionally designed from the ground up to be a state-of-the-art, safety-first childcare centre, the new U/D location will be bursting with colour and fun for kids.
Clever Daycare will include a common play space, open to the general public. This isn’t the daycare centre of decades past; this is a safe, engaging, and fun environment for children to learn and grow in! With ample space for more than 200 children, different play spaces within the centre, and fun yet educational programming, Clever Daycare knows just how to keep kids safely happy and entertained for hours at a time!
Through community partnerships and thoughtful planning, Clever Daycare offers kid’s classes that range from Zumba to woodwork, cookery to martial arts and more!
“We have drop-off programs, like sports programs on the weekends, where kids can be looked after for an hour or two,” Brad says. “This option is perfect when you want to bring kids out while you run around for a couple of hours to shop for groceries or visit the salon!” As Brad says, with so many options around home, in the neighbourhood and just a short drive away, make this winter the best one yet — by stepping outside as often as possible. He invites parents and families to inquire about Clever too!
Never hear “I’m bored!” again!
Fun at home can be educational and bonding for families. We have a host of tips — modern to old school — to make home time with kids engaging and worthwhile. Visit here for more information.
Looking for childcare in University District? Or simply a great place to get some play in this winter? Visit Clever Daycare to learn more about its offerings! Register for a spot in the new space! Questions or suggestions? Tag us! We are on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
Join the Discussion