Bowmanville Zoo. We recently checked this place out and I am really fond of this zoo.  You see, I don’t really like the Toronto Zoo because it is so big, the distances between one animal exhibit to the next is huge if you are with small children, and it is really hard to see the animals.  Bowmanville Zoo is smaller, perfect for seeing animals up close.  They are in your face, can’t miss them!  All of the important ones are there – elephants, tigers, zebras, lions, etc.  Sorry, no aquatic animals.  There are camel  and elephant rides (!) and there is a splash pad (bring your splash pad gear!!!).  You can feed the animals and my kids particularly enjoyed chasing peacocks and holding a wee baby goat.  Get free children’s passes here ($13 saving).  This zoo is perfect for young kids and I think it was worth the drive to Bowmanville.

If your kids are into Pirates, your family might enjoy The Pirate Festival at the Country Heritage Park in Milton.

Go see Snoopy Rocks on Ice in the Wonderland Theatre.  If you want to purchase day passes for less, enter corporate code ROGERS10 and buy the tickets online.

Interactive Family Day Sundays at the High Park Theatre invite parents and children of all ages to explore the magic of theatre together. Go on a backstage tour and take part in games and activities that explore aspects of acting, rhythm, dance, music.Family Day Sundays provide a fun-filled learning experience for the entire family and are free.

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…and by the way, thanks to all zero of you who wrote in about your favourite lakes in Ontario.

When people I knew used to go on vacations/business trips to the USA, I would always them to bring me back anti-bacterial soap.  My excitement about having Bath & Body Works in Canada has yet to wear off!

According to an article that a friend sent me, parents of new babies lose 6 months of sleep in two years.  I certainly feel that way…however, I am not sure if the stats derived by this British survey are reliable.  That being said, the article did make me feel good and it legitimized some crazy things I have done recently (like put diesel in my car by mistake).  Read the article here.  And please, don’t write to me about confounding variables, this site is meant to be fun

If you have had an outdoor party this summer, you must have sent the husband to write a sign of some sorts (party this way, bathroom, do not enter…that sort of thing).  Well, there is always a blog out there with some brilliant creative type who has done just that… only made it pretty.  Then, there are those blessed creative types who offer it to normal people for free!  Draw! Pilgrim is a beautiful design blog where you can find all the printable signs you may need for your next party  and more.

The foam puzzle is a great way to cover the floor when you have little ones.  Not only does it protect your hardwood or carpet…but also protects your kids from hard surfaces.  $17.47 through July 29th!  The cash register is a favourite toy around our house and is also on sale for 9.97 (reg. 19.99).

I first heard about Haircuts on Wheels shortly after having The Baby.  The Girl & The Boy needed haircuts and nothing seemed more daunting (and annoying) than getting them all in the car on time, waiting for the hair dresser (because let’s face it, we always have to wait), keeping one kid busy while the other is getting the haircut…and intermittently nursing an infant.

I called Kimberly and set up an appointment (I also rescheduled a couple of times which didn’t phase her because she is a mom and knows what it’s all about).  She arrived on a sunny afternoon with a huge smile and it was like Mary Poppins landed in my house.  With stool in hand, she set everything up in our family room and all was calm, easy, convenient.

Her magic bag included a cover for my floor, a DVD player for the kids with a great selection of DVDs that they each chose from,  Organic hair products (!) and an awesome dust buster.  My kids, who are not easy when it comes to new experiences and people, were so comfortable and it was the best haircut experience we have ever had.

Haircuts on Wheels is a brilliant concept just as it is, but Kimberly also cuts kids’ hair in schools and daycares to save parents even more time.  She also arranges school fundraisers and a portion goes back to the schools.  So come September, if you are on the PTA, remember this great fund-raising option.  Last but not least, Kimberly has been nominated for Savvy Mom’s Mompreneur of the Year Award and your vote can help support her!

This is a mystery offer – save 15-30% on your purchase when you bring in this coupon.  Valid until July 21st.  Click to print your coupon.