Show Us the Money

Some people have a lot and some people don’t. Some think it makes the world go ‘round and others think it’s plain rude to discuss in public. All we know is that our kids need to understand it, and learn some basic skills about how to manage it at an early age. That’s why we decided to make ‘money’ the subject of our next family field trip.

Our first stop is the Royal Canadian Mint (because it’s cool to go right to the source).

Little known fact: the coins in our pockets come from Winnipeg but all the collector and investment coins are minted right here in Ottawa. Take a tour and see how they’re made (hint: it involves heavy machinery and precious metals) and how the process has evolved over time. Did you know that all 1,014 gold, silver and bronze medals for the 2010 Winter Olympics were made in Ottawa? They’re on display at the Mint but you can also take an interactive tour online and learn more about the people, the manufacturing and the artwork behind each medal. 

The best time to visit the Mint is during regular work hours when the production lines are moving along and you can see all the action. Don’t miss the solid gold bar that’s on display. Try lifting it, keeping in mind that it weighs 28 lbs and is probably worth more than your house!

Good to Know: Visits to the Mint are all guided so it’s best to book a tour ahead of time. Park in the National Gallery garage—it’s easy and close.

Second stop: Lunch. We take advantage of Gallery membership and eat in the cafeteria (where the cheap and healthy options will surprise you).

Third stop: The Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada on Sparks Street. It’s a building within a building, worth going to for the architecture alone and to linger in the tropical jungle that makes up most of the foyer. Coin collectors of all ages will be thrilled with money-related artifacts, coins and bank notes from all around the world. There is a special emphasis on the history of currency. Admission is free.

Fourth stop: Home, for some money-related activities:

• Coin rolling for bank deposit (because you can’t just hand your piggy bank over to the teller at the bank!). Pick up some coin wrappers, empty the change jar on the living room rug and start counting. While you’re down there, ask your kids some money questions: How many quarters in a dollar? What animal is pictured on the back of the nickel? How many rolls do we need to buy you that new bike?
• Raid the recycle box for clean food containers and label them with easy-to-count prices to play store with. Take turns playing shopper and cashier.

Spend and learn! Because teaching our kids about money is an opportunity that’s too valuable to pass up.

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