Ottawa: The Savvy Guide to August
Don’t let all the back-to-school sales fool you, there’s still a full month of summer vacation left and we intend to savour it. August can be tricky as we try to pack in as much fun in the sun as possible while also (let’s face it) trying to get organized for the upcoming school year. From road trips and streaming tips, and just a teensy bit of organizing, our Savvy Guide to August in Ottawa can help make the second half of your summer a blast.
The Savvy Guide to August in Ottawa
DO
Make a list and then put it away
Why? You want to relax at the beach and go on picnics and play in the sprinkler. We know you do. But if you’re a mom, your brain is always spinning with all the things that need to get done. So go ahead and get them off your mind. Write a list, make it two lists, three! Include all the back-to-school tasks you need to do. Go ahead and jot down some kick-ass work projects you want to sink your teeth into come September, too. Then put them aside until the end of the month so you can fully enjoy the rest of summer, knowing that those lists can wait.
GO
Explore & Play Close to Home
You’ve still got a bunch of weekends to make plans for local adventures or day trips or quick getaways. There are lots of fun things to do in August in Ottawa. And then there’s around Ottawa… I know, I know, we’re all staycationed out. BUT! Don’t dismiss the benefits of a day away from the everyday. Even a few hours can refresh and rejuvenate.
ENJOY
11 Summer Cocktails Perfect for Sipping
Why? Don’t give up on those summer nights so easily! Grab your cocktail shaker and wipe down that patio furniture. Summer is not over yet and we’re allowed to have people over. Maybe even plan a retro garden party? These 11 adult beverages will take you all the way through to the Labour Day long weekend, and beyond if we’re lucky. (Don’t forget to treat the backyard bartender in your life!)
PLAY
Why? Before there was Pokémon Go, there was Geocaching. It’s basically a giant, world-wide, player-supported treasure hunt. People hide little caches (usually small boxes or cases) that contain a book or paper where people who find it can sign their name. There are often trinkets left that you can swap for your own trinket too. To play, download the Geocaching app to find a list of caches near you. They will each have descriptions that include levels of difficulty (start easy with kids), clues and coordinates, and a map. It’s great fun for the whole family, whether you’re playing right downtown or in the woods.
STAY
If time and/or finances are preventing that big family trip you’ve been dreaming about, a backyard vacation can be a fun and inexpensive way to spend time together and build new memories as a family while spending time in green space. Here’s how to successfully plan a FUN backyard vacation.
RIDE
It’s a rite of passage for any youngster — making the leap from training wheels to two wheels. And it’s a big deal for parents, too. But nobody teaches parents how to teach a kid to ride a bike. If you’ve yet to explore the many family-friendly bike paths and trails in and around Ottawa, here’s how to teach your kid to ride a bike.
SHRED
Everyone gets a turn.
Why? Skateparks are for everyone. Even little kids with scooters and their nervous parents. Aunty Skates started skateboarding in her 40s and is happy to share her tips and tricks so you can hit those skateparks in Ottawa.
PREP
You’ve got a month to let go.
Why? If you’ve got a little one starting Kindergarten this year, enjoy every last drop of this summer. But don’t approach the big day completely unprepared. Take a little time to figure out a strategy for easing separation anxiety and get your Kindergartener all set for school.
