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Starter Barbie

by Tamara McKee

I'm not normally prone to endorsing dolls, however, my daughter simply loves her recently gifted Easy for Me1-2-3 Barbie. Created for younger girls aged three and up who are just beginning to practice dexterity skills, Easy For Me delivers easy-to-dress clothing and easy-to-handle accessories, When my daughter was a pre-schooler, her Barbies were often in a state of undress, much to her older brothers' chagrin. They named these dolls "Naked Barbie". Easy for me 1, 2, 3 circumvents this modesty issue with painted undergarments. No more 'Naked Barbie'. Packaging too is easy to manage, no inbearable twist ties! At a retail price of $9.99 at most retailers this makes an ideal new back-seat toy for the long car trip. For ages three and up.

posted 10.07.07

15 things to do under $15

By Danielle Harder

Summer is supposed to be fun, but sometimes that fun can empty your wallet. With that in mind, we've found 15 things to do with your kids in Durham Region this summer, all for under $15!

1) Oshawa Community Museum & Archives: Visit Guy House, Henry House or Robinson House to explore local history, including a century general store, school room c. 1910 and the Grandview Archaeology Exhibit. Adults are $3, children $1 or the whole family for $7. Call (905) 436-7624 for more information.

2) Petticoat Creek Conservation Area: Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, this site offers an incredible view of the bluffs plus a 1.5-acre supervised swimming pool to escape the heat. Park admission is $5 adult, children under 15 are free. Pool admission is $3.50 per person (over 5). Go to www.trca.on.ca and click on "Parks and Culture" for more information.

3) Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa: Expose the kids to some of Canada's finest artists, all for nothing! Children will learn firsthand about Canadian art and artists. Admission is by donation. Call (905) 576- 000 or visit www.rmg.on.ca.

4) Parkwood National Historic Site, Oshawa: One of Canada's last remaining grand estates is right in our backyard. Once home to auto baron, R. Samuel McLaughlin, Parkwood is now a living museum where children can take a step back in time. Self-guided garden tours are free, mansion tours are $16 for a family of four (okay, so slightly outside our limit, but still great value!). Visit www.parkwoodestate.com for more information.

5) The Toy Blox (The Lego Store), Whitby: If you've got pre-schoolers, here's a fun and free activity. Let your child explore with Duplo and Quatro from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call (905) 433-4447 for more information.

6) Durham Region Astronomical Association: Get a guided tour of the stars from Durham's best amateur astronomers. Free public stargazing events will be held at Purple Woods Conservation Area in July and August. See the DRAA website at www.drastronomy.com for dates and times.

7) The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum (Oshawa Military and Industrial Museum): Located near the Oshawa airport, the museum houses the largest collection of running military equipment in Canada. It's also a treasure trove of cool military artifacts. Admission is by donation. Call (905) 728-6199 or visit www.ontrmuseum.ca.

8) Robert Stuart Aeronautical Collection Camp X Exhibit, Oshawa: Located next to the Military Museum, this extensive collection of artifacts includes spy cameras, secret agents' weapons and uniforms and never before published photos. Admission is $5 adult and $3 children (6 -11). Open only on weekends. Visit www.aeronautical-museum.ca for hours.

9) Scugog Shores Museum: The museum grounds are home to 12 restored buildings in an historic village, where heritage flower and vegetable gardens bloom. Children can also explore the Ojibway Heritage Interpretive Lands. Daily guided tours are free, though donations are appreciated. Call (905) 985-3589 or visit www.scugogshoresmuseum.com.

10) Canadian Automotive Museum, Oshawa: Explore the history of the automotive industry in Canada, with more than 65 vehicles on display, dating from 1898 to 1981. Bicycles, tools, musical instruments, radios and televisions relating to this period are also shown. Family admission is $13.50. Call (905) 576-1222.

11) Kids Saturday Morning Music Madness, Pickering: Young performers from the Pickering Rotary Music Festival and local schools star in summer music concerts for children, held at the Pickering Central Library. Admission is free. Call Durham West Arts Centre at (905) 250-9891 for more information.

12) Pickering Museum Village, Kids in the Village: Parent and child craft program runs Wednesdays and Fridays all summer. Learn to make ice cream, tin can stilts and a whole lot more. $3 per child, $4 per adult. Call (905) 683-8401 or visit www.cityofpickering.com/museum.

13) Clarington Museums & Archives: Take a step back in time at one of three sites to explore the history of Clarington, including Clarke Museum which is located on the land of Kirby's first settler, where children can learn about early agriculture. Take in all three for $12 a family, or $5 an adult, $3 a child. Call (905) 623-2734.

14) Tyrone Mills: One of only a few water-powered mills still in use in Ontario. On most days, children can see how water power is used to plane wood or mill flour. A blacksmith also gives live demonstrations on weekends. Admission is free. Call (905) 263-8871.

15) Michael's, The Arts & Crafts Store: Kids Club craft sessions held all summer. Children ages five to 12 can make cool crafts, such as Sparkle Bugs and Bandana Belts. Each session costs $3. Call your local store or visit www.michaels.com for more information on times and locations.

If you're still hearing cries of "I'm bored" after exhausting this list, check out the many free activities taking place at local libraries, conservation areas and farmer's markets this summer.

Danielle Harder is a freelance writer in Whitby, who also teaches healthy eating cooking classes. You can reach her at danielleharder@rogers.com

10.07.07