Calgary: The Savvy Guide to March

You just can’t count on March for anything. Sometimes it rains, sometimes it snows. It’s not always winter but it’s not yet spring. Neurotic, perhaps, but there is still lots to do. Here’s our guide to making the most of the month.

DO
Plant some seeds indoors (vegetables or herbs work well) in preparation for spring planting.
Why? It’s nice to watch something live and grow while everything outside looks a bit bleak. The real fun will happen when you transplant your new friend outside and watch it flourish and bear fruit (or vegetables).

GO
Strap on your skates before the big melt and take a turn around the outdoor ice arena at Heritage Park. The synthetic ice rink (amazingly yes, you can skate on plastic panels) gets dismantled on March 9.
Why? The faux-ice at this outdoor rink is still intact while many natural ice surfaces are melting away. Located outside park gates, skating is free to the public. 

GET
A really good doormat like this one or this one.
Why? Because March is the worst month for trekking dirt and mud through the house. A good mat can help save your floors (and your sanity).

PLAY
The Tray Memory Game.
Why? It’s genius in its simplicity, fun and cheap. It might even help your kids develop their minds (back to the genius part).

READ
Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son.
Why? Because Michael examines what it’s like to be a man today, and if you don’t know (chances are you don’t), you’ll enjoy this witty biographical series of reflections, regrets, and re-examinations. It’s funny, too.

SURF
www.onepotato.net
Why? It’s a wonderful resource to find a select collection of children’s book recommendations from a dad who just loves children’s literature. 

GREEN IT
Cut back on at least one car trip a week—to school, work or to the store for milk—and walk with your kids instead.
Why? It’s good exercise, it lessens your carbon footprint and you’re teaching your children that helping our planet is about making choices. You might even enjoy the time walking together.

HELP
Your future Olympian get a taste of speed skating at Calgary’s own Olympic Oval and help kids get to camp. Between Friends Club, which provides recreation for people with disabilities, is hosting Skate, Walk or Wheel A-Kid-To-Camp on Saturday, March 13.
Why? We love giving as a family. And we love giving children with extra challenges the opportunity to be kids with other kids at a variety of partner summer city day camps. Besides, while watching speed skating has been a treat, checking out Calgary’s own Olympic facilities is even better.

DEAL IT
Keep the kids entertained on the go with Super BabyGO!, our fave mobile app for toddlers and beyond.
Why? Because at the bank, in the grocery store or on an airplane, Super BabyGO! turns Mom or Dad’s smartphone into an entertaining and educational tool. Your child will love pressing the keys, seeing colorful letter blocks, numbers and animals dance around the screen and hearing the respective sound being pronounced in English, French and Spanish. You’ll love that all your device information is safe (the app blocks the rest of your phone’s functions while in use) and you don’t have to remember to bring an armful of toys everywhere you go. Now that’s savvy. Savvy Special: enter code SAVVYMOM at www.zeebu.com for the $1.99 price (that’s 50% off) until March 5.