New York Christmas: 5 Ways to Capture the Holiday Magic with Your Teen
5 Ways to Capture the Holiday Magic in NYC with Your Teen by Rachel Naud Picture this: you and your teen stepping into a winter wonderland right in the heart of New York City — it's the start of a holiday adventure like no other. As a parent, you're on a mission to make this trip not just enjoyable but downright unforgettable for both you and your teen. The key is to craft an experience that resonates with them, creating moments they'll look back on with a smile. Here are 5 places to create an unforgettable family holiday at the Big Apple. See the Tree: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Behold the splendour of NYC's cherished Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Lit daily from 5PM to midnight, this magnificent tree comes to life during its grand lighting ceremony on November 29th, setting the stage for festive joy. On Christmas Day, its radiance brightens the city for a whole 24 hours, and the magic lingers until January 13th at 10PM. The tree is adorned with 50,000 multi-coloured LED lights and crowned by a spectacular three-dimensional 900-pound Swarovski star, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018. When to Experience the Magic: Daily from 5AM to midnight until January 13 at 10PM. View the live national broadcast “Christmas at Rockefeller Center” from home on NBC, on November 29th, 8PM EST. Stay in Style: NH Collection New York Madison Avenue Selecting the right accommodation can set the tone for your entire trip. NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, nestled on the historic Madison Avenue, offers more than just a place to rest. This 100-year-old red brick building not only encapsulates the essence of New York's advertising legacy but also boasts modern luxury with a serious Mad Men vibe. Awarded the title of Luxury Travel Advisor's 2022 "Most Instagrammable Hotel" in North America, the hotel blends avant-garde design with a prime location, placing you within walking distance of iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Times Square and Central Park. Before you and your teen begin your day exploring, fuel up at Serafina Restaurant with its elaborate European-style breakfast buffet, complete with freshly baked pastries, meats, cheeses and fresh eggs made to order. In the evening, this is the place for delicious pasta and pizza, with portions to please any hungry teen. Afterwards, sit at the MAD Bar & Lounge and sip on a cocktail themed from the 50s and 60s while your teen instagrams his
5 Reasons to Visit Croatia With Your Kids
5 Reasons to Visit Croatia With Your Kids By Rosalind Stefanac With a population of only four million, Croatia may be relatively tiny compared to other countries, but it packs a punch as a vacation destination. Situated in southeastern Europe, Croatia has gained popularity as a tourist hotspot for excellent reasons. Whether it's exploring Roman ruins, hiking alongside waterfalls, or plunging into its crystal-clear, azure sea, Croatia offers enough natural beauty and kid-friendly activities to keep the whole brood engaged. Our first visit to Croatia took place when my sons were little. Upon returning as teenagers, they relished the opportunity to do some exploring on their own while we savoured the breathtaking scenery. Here are some of the reasons why Croatia stands out as a top choice for family travel: Swimming in the Adriatic Sea Croatia boasts an extensive coastline along the stunning Adriatic Sea. This body of water is renowned for its calm currents and warm temperatures, making it an ideal destination for activities like swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and diving. Sailing is a popular pastime, or you can opt to rent a motorboat and explore the local islands yourself. We joined an all-day fishing boat excursion where the boys were able to jump off the rails and swim and snorkel at their leisure. The crew even prepared a fresh fish lunch using their catch of the day. While on the northern coast's island of Mali Losinj, you might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two. Just be sure to pack water shoes (or buy them there) as stone beaches are the norm throughout Croatia. Island hopping Although Croatia often touts itself as the "land of 1,000 islands," it actually boasts 1,244 islands, islets, and rock formations, of which 48 are inhabited, and one has a heart-shaped configuration (my personal favourite!). The island of Cres is the largest and well worth exploring, but be sure to add Kornati National Park to your list, too. This cluster of 89 uninhabited islands, islets, reefs (and cliffs) are perfect for exploring on a day trip. This is island hopping at its best. Hiking through waterfalls and mountains Croatia offers a multitude of hiking and biking trails of all levels. Near the capital city of Zagreb, you'll discover numerous marked hiking trails leading up to the Sljeme peak on Medvenica mountain, which stands at 1,035 meters above sea level. We also ventured to Krka National Park on the coast, renowned
Explore the ‘Natural State’ of Arkansas
Explore the ‘Natural State’ of Arkansas By Rosalind Stefanac With its lush forests, natural springs and ideal mountain biking/hiking terrain, Arkansas is one of those gems in the southern United States that’s still untapped, especially for Canadians. Aptly dubbed the “Natural State,” it features the perfect backdrop for a medley of outdoor activities to keep teens and tweens entertained. Plus, with some of the coolest art exhibits, hotels, restaurants and retail therapy, staying indoors won’t be dissuaded either! Here’s why Arkansas should be on your radar when planning your next family vacation to the U.S. The Ozarks Ozark, the popular TV crime series themed around a family of drug smugglers, may have put this region of the U.S. in the spotlight of late, but in reality, the Ozarks in Arkansas provide a serene setting for hiking, biking, swimming and boating. In Eureka Springs, we took advantage of more than 25 miles of trails in Lake Leatherwood City Park for a guided hike, followed by a canoe ride on the 85-acre, cold spring-fed lake formed by hand-cut, native limestone dams. We loved seeing all the diverse lake wildlife up close, including herons, wild turkeys, bald eagles and catfish. Cabins and campsites are available for rent here too. For mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts, there is Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville. With 300 acres of beautifully maintained trails (and amenities), it’s open until 11 pm and free for daily visits. Try your hand at scaling The Rise, then take a break at the open-air Airship café for a healthy smoothie or ice cream. Haunted nights While in Eureka Springs, dare to stay at least one night in the Crescent Hotel & Spa, which provides stellar views of the Ozark mountains. Built in 1886, it has been beautifully updated while retaining its historic charm—but is also purported to be one of the country’s most haunted hotels. We took a tour that ended in the spooky basement and heard chilling tales about the hotel’s earlier iteration as a medical institute providing questionable cancer treatments. Kids will enjoy staff stories of many ghost sightings throughout the hotel over the years. Cool art exhibits Arkansas has a rich art scene with mostly free exhibits geared to all ages. We started outdoors in the capital city of Little Rock at the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, which features 90 works of art set against landscapes in Riverfront Park on the banks of the Arkansas River. The
11 Must-Have Summer Essentials for the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure
11 Must-Have Summer Essentials for the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure by InBetween Magazine Whether you’re travelling, camping, cottaging or staying close to home, one thing is always certain—summer is short! To make the most out of the season, we rounded up some of our favourite products to get you through the year’s hottest season. For a Buzz-Free Camping Summer is short, and if you want to make the most of the season outdoors, whether it's camping, cottaging, or simply enjoying your backyard or patio, there's one thing you definitely don't want: mosquitos! That's why whenever you spend time outside this summer, it's always a good idea to have a Thermacell nearby. Thermacell provides powerful mosquito protection that keeps those pesky insects away before they have a chance to bite you. No need for deet or messy lotions or sprays! You'll absolutely love the new Thermacell Mosquito Repeller & Glow Light E-Series Rechargeable EL55. It not only emits a gentle glow, perfect for those cozy patio nights, but it also provides reliable mosquito protection. Plus, the built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to nine hours! You can easily find it at Canadian Tire. To Stay Cool and Clean We all want to look and feel our best this summer, and that includes the men in our lives. These Schick razors not only give them a smooth shave to put their best face forward but also inspire them to explore new activities and embrace the season! However, it's disheartening to learn from a recent survey conducted by Schick that 8 in 10 Canadian men have missed out on pursuing their passions, with two-thirds attributing it to a lack of financial resources. To make it easier for men to experience their personal interests, Schick has launched the Schick Pursue Your Passions Contest this summer. With a chance to win one of four $5,000 cash prizes each week in June, men can finally embrace their passions. For more details, head over to Schick's Instagram page at @schickcanada, and you can find these fantastic razors at Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart. For Teen-Friendly Summer Gatherings If you find yourself with a teen son and your home is always a revolving door of friends and activities during the summer, you know the challenge of feeding a large crowd quickly and affordably. Luckily, there are delicious options like cauliflower crust pizza, the new buffalo chicken poutine, or the Fixed-Rate Pizza that cater to everyone's tastes because everyone
10 Strategies for Keeping Kids Off Screens This Summer
10 Strategies for Keeping Kids Off Screens This Summer by Katherine Johnson Martinko Summer is the best time to give kids a digital reset. You’re out of the regular routine and there are numerous ways to keep busy without relying on devices. What follows is a rough plan for helping your family have a screen-free summer. By the time fall rolls around, your kid will be recharged and ready to cope with the digital deluge that school brings. Talk About Screens Talk to your kid about why it’s important to reduce screen time and what you hope the entire family will gain from the experience. They don’t have to like it or agree. Just be transparent and consistent in your approach, and acknowledge that boredom can be a powerfully creative state. Confiscate the Devices “Out of sight, out of mind,” as the saying goes. If you make devices temporarily inaccessible, kids will be more inclined to find other activities. Much of the allure of handheld devices lies in their accessibility and the ease of distraction. When that option disappears, it opens the door to other creative endeavours. Sign Up for Activities See if there are sports camps, art classes, or music lessons offered in your community. Having an activity that gets kids out of the house each day goes a long way toward filling time and fueling enthusiasm, especially if friends join. Prioritize Outdoor Time Send your child outside every day. It doesn’t matter what they do, whether it’s reading or art, lying in a hammock, visiting a skate park or BMX track, meeting friends for basketball or soccer, practicing on a trampoline or pogo stick, or going for bike rides; the point is to normalize being outside. Use a tracker like those created by 1000 Hours Outside as motivation. Engage in Microadventures The concept of microadventures is delightful—doing outdoorsy things between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. Often, we wait for bigger chunks of time to plan things like hikes, camping, and stargazing, but then they never happen. If we can squeeze in these activities during the week, they help us feel refreshed. Take your kid on some microadventures this summer. Put Them to Work Assigning household chores keeps kids busy and reduces parental workload. Put them to work doing dishes, laundry, and vacuuming. Outdoors, let them handle weeding, watering, and cutting grass. Older kids can tackle jobs like repainting, cleaning gutters, and washing windows. Get Them Cooking Cooking is a fundamental skill that everyone should
5 reasons to bring your teen to The Office Experience
5 reasons to bring your teen to The Office Experience by Angelyn Kwek In the immortal words of Michael Scott: “Oh my God, it's happening! Everybody, stay calm. Stay f**king calm!” That’s right, The Office Experience has landed in Toronto. Following its successful staging in Chicago and Washington D.C, the widely-acclaimed sitcom brings its immersive fan experience to our shores where you can make like a Dunder Mifflin employee and re-live your favourite moments from the show. Between its iconic one-liners and pride of place in pop culture, everyone from Boomers to Gen Z can certainly relate despite the series having ended its run over a decade ago. In fact, the enduring hilarity of the show is such that we couldn’t resist a visit ourselves. So we moseyed on down to Yorkdale mall, dutifully scrawled our names on our complementary staff badges, and became employees for the day at Scranton’s most renowned paper company. It’s from personal experience when we say you’ll want to bring your teen (and other assorted household members) to The Office Experience to level up family sitcom night. We give you five reasons why you ought to go ASAP as possible: The Memory Lane You start off reminiscing the finest displays of tomfoolery this century has ever seen, courtesy of Jim Halpert. See the original props and costumes right after stepping foot into Scranton Business Park, from the infamous ‘Stapler in Jello’ to a display case dedicated to achievement certifications—Creed’s fancy plaque declaring him a genuine survivor of the 1960s, anyone?—and the all-important Dundie Awards. Facilities Review Take a minute (or ten) at Dwight’s Caffeine Corner before entering the Dunder Mifflin office where the entire set has been recreated, right down to the industrial grey carpeting. Try your hand at being a receptionist at Pam’s desk, or gun straight for branch manager by claiming Michael’s seat so you can issue orders while waving around your ‘World’s Best Boss’ mug. And if you’re invested in WUPHF.com, be sure to pop into Ryan’s closet. Picture Day There are photo ops aplenty, with a handful of designated spots where you can commemorate iconic scenes with your picture taken by the pros. You’ll be given a card with a handy QR code to capture your re-imagining of Kevin’s Chili Spill, the Office Olympics, and even your dance moves as you shimmy down the aisle at Jim and Pam’s wedding ceremony. After which you can revisit your antics whenever you like and download them
6 Ways to Welcome Spring in the Florida Keys
6 Ways to Welcome Spring in the Florida Keys By Rosalind Stefanac When the temperatures dip across Canada, and you’re craving some reprieve from frostbite, put the Florida Keys on your sunshine list. In the U.S.A’s southernmost tip, the Keys are a string of tropical islands spanning across the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The best part? On the scenic 182 km-long Overseas Highway, connected by 42 bridges, you can travel from Key Largo to Key West, stopping to explore all the unique regions along the way. Here are some key things to do in the Keys for you and your teen. Bike the Old ‘7 As spring blooms across Canada, there's no better time to head south and explore the Florida Keys. With comfortable temperatures averaging around 23-25 C, the Keys are ideal for outdoor exertion. Rent a bike (or walk) the Old Seven Mile Bridge, which was built more than a century ago as the centerpiece of the Key’s Over-Sea Railroad before being converted into a route for cars. Currently, the bridge is only for pedestrians and bikers and will take you to Pigeon Key, which used to house 400 railroad workers in the 1900s. It’s a fascinating story, given the harsh conditions of the day. Take a guided tour, or explore the area yourself, which includes a museum filled with fascinating artifacts. With no restaurants there, be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy by the waterfront before you head back. Explore the backcountry Head to Big Pine Key for some exercise — and adventure — on the water. As a long-time Lower Keys resident, naturalist guide, book author and professional photographer, Captain Bill Keogh of Big Pine Kayak Adventures and his team will lead you as you paddle your way through the Florida Key’s backcountry by kayak or via catamaran, pointing out all the interesting birds, fish and other wildlife along the way. Stay at Hawks Cay Resort Located in Marathon (in the Keys’ midpoint) Hawks Cay is a 60-acre family resort with 250 two- and three-bedroom villas, in addition to guest rooms. Kids can snorkel, kayak and paddleboard in the salt-water lagoon on-site or feed the fish at Hawks Cay Marina. There’s also an extensive game room, putting course, basketball and volleyball courts, and daily activities geared specifically to teens and tweens. Canadians who book a stay before the end of 2023 get 20% off their room rate too. Visit
5 Ways to Spend Family Day if You Have the Day Off
5 Ways to Spend Family Day if You Have the Day Off With the first—and often most challenging—month of the year now behind us, many of us now turn our heads toward a much-valued recess from our winter routine, Family Day. Indeed, Family Day (read: three-day weekend!), usually requires some creative ideas to keep the younger ones entertained over the long weekend. Whether you have toddlers, tweens, or teenagers, it can be challenging to find activities that kids of all ages and interests will enjoy together. In this endeavour, it helps to share some ideas. So here are five ways you could consider spending Family Day. 1. A museum for activities and exhibitions that cater to all ages If you reside in the GTA, for example, the ROM is planning a lineup of activities inspired by its current exhibition, Canadian Modern, and invites visitors to participate in design-focused activities that will educate on the ways we can reduce our impact on urban wildlife. For the older ones, a museum ticket will allow them to visit the permanent Natural History and Art & Culture collections including Ancient Egypt or Reptiles & Amphibians. 2. Ice cream tasting, ranking your favourite flavours If the family’s interests lie mostly in the food and snacks department, consider visiting a Baskin-Robbins location and choose the most appealing flavours to taste, and rank them from favourite to least. With 31 flavours to choose from in the dipping cabinets, including the must-try and fan-favourite for multiple years, Love Potion #31, it’s going to be quite the challenge! When you’ve selected the best ones, bring them home in a pre-pack to continue the enjoyment at home. 3. Outdoor activities to re-energize the whole family Whether you prefer tubing, skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating — Canada has countless outdoor activities to choose from. Family-friendly activities like these make a great excuse to rest and relax, then treat yourself to a creamy hot chocolate. 4. Weekend getaway No need to go too far — Family Day Weekend is the perfect occasion to visit your own province. Consider taking a day trip to a nearby town you've never been to before, where you can check out a new restaurant, coffee shop, or museum. You can tailor your itinerary to the family’s interests. 5. Film festival, movie marathon If the weather isn’t in your favour during the Family Day weekend and you choose to stay home, consider curating a lineup of your family’s favourite flicks to
Your Picky Teen Will Love These 5 Gifts
Your Picky Teen Will Love These 5 Gifts By Rachel Naud Tweens and teens can be the toughest people to shop for. Buy something cringey and cute, and you get the eye rolls! But don’t worry, we’ve got a few gift ideas that are sure to please your pickiest people! For the Film Fanatic Teen Love going to the movies over the holidays? Make teens' stockings more memorable by giving them Cineplex gift cards that they can use either with their parents or with their friends. Spend $50 or more on Cineplex gift cards (either the plastic card or online) and you'll receive a holiday gift bundle with more than $60 worth of coupons for things like free admission, free popcorn, discounted food, free movie ticket upgrades, and more! With this holiday bundle, your teen can also play games, eat, and be entertained at The Rec Room with friends! The offer is on now and runs until Dec. 31! You can pick it up in theatres, at cineplex.com, or at The Rec Room or therecroom.com For the Fashionista Teen These stylish Joe Fresh Knits & Jewelry from Shoppers Drug Mart will appeal to any fashionista on your gift list. Changing up your winter wardrobe is always fun, and this season, Ombre All Day is the theme of this stylish and cozy hat and scarf. These cute toques and mittens will make you smile - especially this pom-pom toque! With everything from bracelets and necklaces to earrings, Joe Fresh jewelry has everything your teen could need to celebrate the holidays in style. For the Skincare-Savvy Teen Everyone wants to look and feel their best—especially our teens—and this Proactiv system will help them put their best face forward this holiday season. It’s an easy 3-step system—you just cleanse, tone and treat! Dermatologists developed the original Proactiv system to treat existing acne and help prevent future breakouts, which is also important. And to make it even easier, you can unlock exclusive savings when you purchase the 3-step system as a subscription including a free gift. To get more info and to buy the system, visit getproactiv.ca. For the Glamorous Teen Make the perfect holiday-glam look for the glamorous teen on your list with COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Stretch & Strengthen Mascara! It's formulated with Peptides, Biotin and Pro-Vitamin B5 for a lash extension effect that lifts, stretches, and adds volume all day long! With its wavy bristles and wavy design, the brush reaches every lash from
6 Spooky Halloween Activities Around Toronto
6 Spooky Halloween Activities Around Toronto by Arianne Granada October is filled with fun and frights! So, if you are a parent wanting to bring your teens out on Halloween, there are plenty of options to choose from. We've rounded up the best ways to celebrate this spooky season in Toronto. From scary rides to haunted tours, we've got something for every type of horror fan out there! Halloween Haunt in Canada's Wonderland In Canada's Wonderland, you can face your fears and experience Halloween in all its glory. Be amazed by the horrors, thrills, and monster encounters that await you in Halloween Haunt. Get ready for some of the scariest mazes and haunted attractions. Also, the live entertainment will give you an unforgettable experience, and if that’s not enough, check out some of their dark rides! Legends of Horror in Casa Loma With the spooky season upon us, Casa Loma is offering two exciting events for you and your teen. In Legends of Horror, Casa Loma's grounds will be transformed into an immersive theatrical experience. Taking the form of a parade theatre presentation, the audience will walk through a trail of 2 km beginning in Casa Loma's lower gardens and winding through the castle's tunnels and darkest spaces that have never been open to the public before. The castle's winding gardens transform into a storybook setting through theatrically designed sets, lighting, projections and professional actors. You will walk through their impressive sets in gardens and chambers beneath the castle, seeing different characters as you move to the next scene. The audience is immersed in the story, making you a part of the set. In collaboration with Secret City Adventures, Zombie Apocalypse is a new immersive experience. in Casa Loma. One of Toronto's biggest zombie-themed haunted houses, you will enter the world of the fictional pharmaceutical company, Biolux, with their new wonder drug, the Biolux Serum, which turns subjects into contagious zombies. Inside their Biolux showrooms, you'll discover gruesome secrets and experiments made by their scientists. You can also explore their survivor camps where you'll find those struggling to battle against the zombie apocalypse. Ghost Walks Exhibition Place Join Exhibition Place's Ghost Walks if you like the idea of ghost walks but don't want to go alone. Together with After Dark Tours' Steve Collie, you'll walk through a haunted past on these two-hour tours. Exhibition Place harbours a few well-guarded secrets only known to staff who work the late shift. Historically, the grounds hosted