Calgary: The Savvy Guide to August

One month and two long weekends to go. Stop thinking the summer is passing you by and make the most of it with our savvy guide to August. 

DO
Make watermelon pops.
Here’s how: Take ⅛ large watermelon, 4 tbsps fresh lime juice and 1 tbsp sugar, or honey. Remove rind and seeds from watermelon. Chop into small chunks and put in blender. Blend until watery and then add lime juice and sugar/honey. Pour into popsicle molds, freeze overnight and enjoy the next day. 
Why? Because they are healthy, yummy and fun to make.

GO
To Stay n’ Play or Park n’ Play at your local playground, park or community league.
Why? Because Stay n’ Play and Park n’ Play are free programs that come to your community. We think your kids will love the games, crafts and activities while you can enjoy either a break or the opportunity to meet a neighbour or two at the park.

GET
A car game app for your iPhone/iPod Touch
Why? Because you just might need a compendium of ways to stay entertained on a recession road trip this summer. The app is a reference guide for 100 old-school games the whole family can play—the instructions (not the games) are on the phone. Think guessing games, singing games, memory games, games for under 5s, and games using the car radio—all good FUN.

PLAY
What time is it, Mr. Wolf?
Establish a starting point which is also the ‘safe place’ (a fence or tree will do). Select Mr. Wolf (a parent is good for this job but it can be a child as well). Mr. Wolf stands across from the players in a straight line, while they chant “What time is it, Mr. Wolf?”, to which he replies the time of his choosing, e.g. “nine o’clock”. Then the players take the same number of steps toward the wolf that the time is (i.e. nine o’clock, nine steps). At the wolf’s discretion, he will eventually say “Time to eat you!” and go running after the other players until someone is caught.
Why? Because it’s a fun, suspenseful game and it’s great for younger kids who are learning numbers and time.

READ
Bed Timing: The “When-To” Guide to Helping Your Child to Sleep by Marc Lewis, Ph.D., and Isabela Granic, Ph.D.
Why? It might just help you get your child to sleep…through the night…so you can sleep…through the night.

GREEN
Eat local
Why? Because this is one of the best months to reap the benefits of our local produce…think corn, tomatoes, peaches and blueberries. Not to mention you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint.

HELP
Buy a Blizzard on August 13
Why? Because it’s the annual Miracle Treat Day at all Dairy Queen locations in Canada. On this special day, proceeds from every Blizzard sold will benefit Children’s Miracle Network-affiliated hospitals and foundations.

Five more weeks until Labour Day!

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