Exploring during the summer months is easy when you’ve got older kids – but what about when you’re bringing along little kids? Little kids typically need more gear, more nap time and more structure – so we are sharing not only some of our favourite little-kid friendly destinations for summer fun, but also some of the ‘gear’ that’s going to get you through it.
Miette Hot Springs | Whether you’re planning a day trip to Jasper to experience Miette Hot Springs, or you are heading out overnight, you’re going to want to make having a dip in the pool hands-free. Bring along the Uchi Mama ring sling. It’s made for the water (and land) from luxurious Italian Mesh Jersey that is super soft, they are non-scratchy and non-slippery, and can be easily stashed away, while giving you great bang for your buck. If you stay the night, and rent one of the nearby cabins, bring along the Gro Anywhere Blind, a blackout blind that’s hailed as a Mom-favourite for travel because of the ability to attach directly to the window, with suction. Plus, it really does go anywhere.
Blackfalds Abbey Centre | If you’re on the road heading past Red Deer and want somewhere to stop, make the short side trip to Blackfalds – but it’s also worth a small road trip of it’s own, at just over ninety minutes from Edmonton. The fun outdoor slides and pools are a great way to spend an afternoon, and it’s only $20 for the entire family. Bring along Colibri Wetbags to stash those swimsuits, without ruining your favourite bag. Available in a wide range of sizes, from small to XXL, the fun designs will get you home, and are perfect for ditching the wet swimsuit mess on a road trip (or a local trip to the splash park). The water slides are slow, and brave young ones can go the stairs alone while parents catch them at the bottom of the slide.
There is very little shade in the area and the toddler pool is very inviting, with fun toys, so cover children with a sun hat from Puffin Gear. The sun hat is 50+ UPF and has an easy, safe system to keep it on the child’s head.
Hike at Hard Luck Canyon | We call this one a hike, but it’s really just a gorgeous, short walk, with a canyon to explore at the end of the loop. Though the trail is stroller friendly, the canyon is not – meaning you’re going to want to take along a carrier for infants. Bring the Chimparoo TREK. It’s a contemporary of the woven wrap, designed for those who desire an ergonomic and supportive soft structured carrier. Down to earth, but still stylish, this carrier is for men and women with refined tastes, the nature lovers. Plus, it’s easy to use and lighter than the Ergo and the Tula.
Climbing over Icefields | Whether you jump aboard the kid-pleasing tour bus, or you go it on your own – a trip to the ice fields during the summer months gives you the chance to explore all new terrain. How do you dress the little ones though? Winter wear? Shorts? Somewhere in between? That somewhere in between is found in Icebreaker Merino wool wear for children, perfect for layering and a solution for those “it’s too hot, but it’s too cold” days – and a trip to the icefields. The temperature regulating pieces dry quickly, and are stylish – creating the perfect combination for road trip experiences (and the photos that come with them).
Spend the Weekend at the Campground | The last three weekends we’ve spent at the campground have been filled with mud. To take on the mud at your favourite campground (Check out these local favorites, close to the city with amenities for families), Bosom Babies suggest bringing along the Tuffo Muddy Buddy. Kids (and their clothes) are fully protected in the waterproof coveralls, from rain and mud, while they explore the campground. Our favourite feature? The Elasticized ankle and wrist cuffs!
Get rid of those bug bites while you’re camping with Purple Frog Patches. They’re an innovative patch created by a duo of Calgary Dads, that you simply squeeze, stick them on the kid and protect them from insect bites, and ditch the multiple cans of insect repellent.
Family Picnic and Marshmallow Roast | Visit one of your favourite parks, day use areas, or even the corn maze this year and spend an evening having a picnic with the family. Bringing along baby is simple with products like the Details Portable High Chair. With a weight limit of 55 pounds, and the portable design, easily brought along in a carrying case – you won’t have to worry about what the baby is going to get into on the ground.
Kinbrook Island Provincial Park | Refreshing, clear water on a hot day, this one’s a little farther – so you might want to plan the spend the night. At just over four hours from Edmonton, you’ll reach Kinbrook Island Provincial Park, where you can dip in the water, hike on the many trails and spend the day playing in the sand (bring sandals or water shoes, there are shells and pebbles galore). Avoid the endless swim diapers you’re going to have to go through as they wet and dry through the day, and bring along a swim diaper from Bosom Babies. There are many designs to choose from, from various brands – and even swimsuits with built in protection.
We partnered up with Bosom Babies to bring you this post, they want to make sure you’re prepared for everything on your next weekend adventure – you can find all of the products that we talked about above at Bosom Babies at www.bosom-babies.com.