Our Favourite Activities For Spring Break 2021 In YYC
It’s hard to believe that only one year ago, all our spring break plans were put on hold as a result of an emerging global pandemic. Although spring break 2021 in Calgary won’t look totally “normal”, there is still tons of fun to be had around the city. If you’re looking for ways to stay busy in YYC over spring break, we’ve rounded up a list of awesome activities that everyone in your family will enjoy.
Check Out A Virtual Camp
Did you know that there are at least 5 businesses in Calgary offering virtual spring break camps this year? Whether you’ve got budding scientists, artists, musicians, mathematicians or chefs in the family, your kids won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to get their camp on, social-distance style. Check out the programs being offered by Telus Spark, Pinnovate, SAIT, Studio Bell and ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen at the links below.
Telus Spark – Telus Spark is offering 4 and 5 day camps that include 2 hours of live interaction with camp leaders and science guest experts, 2 hours of self-guided activities, daily videos and themed fun.
Pinnovate – Pinnovate has both in-studio and virtual workshops available. Their activities include needle felting, wooden Easter Eggs, “Spring Has Sprung” sign making, gnome creations and bunny painting!
SAIT – For kids in grades 1-6, SAIT is hosting 4-day math and science camps. They are also offering an online baking basics camp for students in grades 7-12.
Studio Bell – Studio Bell has camps that’ll be music to the ears of kids between the ages of 8 and 15. The one-week camps have live programs occurring from 9:00-9:45 and 11:00-11:45, with self-guided activities provided for the time between and for the afternoon. All activities have a music focus and foster skill-building, creativity, and collaboration.
ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen – Take your kids’ breakfast in bed skills up a notch with ATCO’s Breakfast Skills class. Your kids will learn how to make Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce and savoury breakfast potatoes in this 90 minute class.
Book a Staycation | savvymom.ca
Since our travel options these days are more or less nonexistent, our family has decided to make a point of enjoying what Calgary has to offer. There are lots of great family friendly hotels around the city that would be perfect for a little “staycation”. Order up some room service, queue up Netflix, and get cozy while pretending to be somewhere exotic. Some hotels do have their pools open right now, although the rules for using them will vary. If your kids are dying to take a dip or hit the waterslides, check out the hotel website or give the front desk a call to see if booking a slot in the pool is an option. Our family has been eyeing up the Hyatt – their pool is open for 45 minute swim slots (for up to 6 members of the same household), and they’ve got a mouthwatering a-la-carte brunch buffet happening at Thomson’s Kitchen and Bar on April 4th (kids under 5 eat free)!
Make Pysanky | eventbrite.com
March 27 at 10 am
Have you ever tried your hand at making traditional Ukrainian Easter Eggs (Pysanky)? It’s been a tradition in our family for years, and I can’t wait until our kids are a little older and have the patience and ability to hold an egg without breaking it so we can all do it together. It’s tons of fun to create wax designs, dip your egg into dye, and then remove the dried wax to see the beautiful creation underneath. If you’d like to try it but don’t know where to start, Kensington Art Supply is offering a free online demonstration on March 27. Get your supplies ahead of time and prepare for a fun-filled morning!
Go Tubing at Winsport | winsport.ca
Head out on a tubing adventure before the snow melts! For the adrenaline junkies in your family, book a two hour time slot in the morning, afternoon or evening, ride the magic carpet to the top of the hill and get ready for the ride of your life as you slip and slide down one of the 8 tubing lanes!
Check Out The Calgary Expo Reading Challenge | calgarylibrary.ca
From February 1 to May 15
If you’re looking for something simple and fun to do at home, why not join in on the Calgary Expo Reading Challenge? This virtual challenge runs for four months and is open to everyone in the family (including grownups). Complete reading and creative challenges to earn badges. Each badge you win is an entry to win one of five comic-themed prizes. It’s totally free to join – all you have to do is sign up using your free library card!
Decorate some cookies | instagram.com
In February, I happened upon these super cute cookie decorating kits from a local Calgary baker and was lucky to snatch one up before they were sold out. I’m so excited that she is releasing another kit just in time for Easter! The kits from Sweet Graze by Iva contain deliciously soft sugar cookies ready waiting to be decorated with prepared royal icing, sprinkles and jellybeans. My kids had a blast decorating and the cookies barely lasted two days afterwards – they were irresistible!
Join In On The Fun At The Calgary Zoo Easter Eggstravaganza | calgaryzoo.com
From April 2-5
The Calgary Zoo is extending their giant Easter Egg hunt for 4 days this year to make sure that everyone can safely get in on the fun. From April 2-5 book a slot to grab a treat, explore the grounds, and keep your eyes peeled for virtual easter eggs hidden all over the zoo. Make sure to download the Zoo’s app ahead of time!
What fun activities does your family have planned for Spring Break 2021 in Calgary? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!
