Ottawa: The Savvy Guide to April

This month, we’re thinking green, even if there’s still white stuff in most parts of our home and native land.

Since it’s officially spring though, we plan to embrace it in all its glory. So get on your gardening gloves and get ready for Earth Day, Easter, daffodils and ditching your winter boots. Here are some fun (and earthy) ideas on how to get the most out of April.

DO
Go green with your make-up and body care products this spring
Why? Because we discovered that Saffron Rouge is a great place to buy lead-free lipstick without getting off the couch.

GO
See a play
Why? The GCTC has partnered with Kids Create to bring you the Playtime Program for ages 6 to 12, so parents can enjoy a matinee while the little ones participate in a supervised craft time next to the main theatre at no additional cost. Now that makes for ‘theatrics’ we can live with!

GET
Some new clothes for the kids from Peekaboo Beans, now available online
Why? Because the new spring collection, Roots & Wings, invites your children to plant their roots under the sun and spread their wings in wonder, while ensuring kids are comfortable while they play.

PLAY
A Litter Scavenger Hunt
Why? Spending a day outside is always a great activity for spring, but this adds a little ‘green’ twist. Pair kids up with a friend or adult, give them each some rubber gloves and send them out to fill up a bag with litter. You can do this in a park, schoolyard, or your own backyard. Compare bags when you get home to see who has collected the most. Ultimately, it’s the planet who wins.

READ
E Is for Environment, by Ian James Corlett
Why? Because it’s Earth Day month. This sweet book is filled with great ideas on how kids can help the environment—and told in story format, making it a fun read, too. We’re giving away five copies of this great book—just share an environmental tip you use with your kids on our blog to enter.

SURF
www.ecokids.ca
Why? There are great online activities for kids that combine learning with fun and give them the opportunity to become EcoReporters. (Can you say Pulitzer-Winner-in-Training?)

APP IT
Trailhead by The North Face 
Why? Because even though it sounds like it will tell you about serious mountain hikes, what you’ll get is some good ideas for walking trips and bike routes in and around your city. You can even search by activity and length.

GREEN IT
Start planting seeds in recycled yogurt cups and watch them grow
Why? Because if the ground isn’t quite ready for planting, it’s a great way to get the seedlings started and the kids will be so excited to watch them grow. (When the ground is ready, you can plant them in the garden together and help the environment.)

HELP
Donate your gently-used shoes to Friendly Feet
Why? There are many children in Ottawa who do not have proper footwear. Shoes (children’s size 10 to adult) are being collected until the end of April to ensure little feet grow in comfort.

DEAL IT
Receive 10% off your purchase at Scratch Kitchen using code SAVVY0411 until June 30
Why? Scratch Kitchen is a family-owned gourmet food company who creates frozen meals in family and single portions using fresh, natural ingredients allowing you more spring playtime outside and less time in the kitchen.

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