With November approaching, you might be hearing frequent talk of moustaches and Movember. “What is Movember?”, you ask. During November, people grow moustaches to raise awareness for men’s health issues such as testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and men’s suicide. 

To take part in Movember, get ready to grow your Movember moustache and donate online at Movember.com. Can’t grow a moustache? There are a number of other ways to show your support on the Movember website.

Movember is a great opportunity to raise awareness and involve the kids as well. Read on to discover a few ways to get your kids involved in Movember. 

Communicate the Significance of Movember

Before you get started on any fun Movember activities, you should explain to your kids the significance of Movember, what it is, and the meaning behind the moustache.

At first, they might be wary of these new moustaches and reluctant about the change (“What’s that fuzzy thing on dad’s face!?”), but once they know the meaning, they will likely appreciate the effort. It can also reinforce the importance of taking care of their health and body. It is never too early to teach about health and the importance of healthy habits and healthy eating.

Movember is an exciting time to get together and learn more about dad. Fathers often feel shuttered out of family activities, but now with that great moustache sprouting, they can feel proud of the example they are setting for their kids. There is a strong link between fatherhood and mental health, and it’s vital that fathers feel like they are involved in their kids’ lives and confident about the effort they put in.

Let’s Get Moustachey

Once your kids are aware of the Movember moustache, chances are they will want one of their own. Unless your four-year-old can magically grow one, you will have to get creative. You can use a washable marker to draw a fun homemade moustache, use their favourite creamy drink (whip cream moustache, anyone?), make moustache bow ties, cut and glue a moustache on a stick, or you can purchase fun clothes and accessories with moustaches on them. Many retailers are aware of the campaign and sell an assortment of Movember-themed items. 

Do not hesitate to go all out and create a Movember costume that your kids will wear with pride as they raise awareness for this vital cause.

Let Them Help With Fundraising 

Now that the kids are equipped with their Movember costumes, it’s time to involve them in some fundraising activities. Communicate the idea of a campaign and the fun things you can do together to raise money for Movember. 

 You could bake some Movember moustache cookies – who doesn’t love cookies? You could create Movember crafts such as Movember mustache kits, T-shirts, headbands, pins, bracelets, and more. Encourage your child to use their imagination and think of fun ways to make money for your campaign. 

Do not forget to take advantage of those adorable moustaches and use photos of your kids donning moustaches to encourage your family and friends to participate.

Jumbaloo Playgrounds

We hope you have enjoyed our recommendations for how to involve your kids in Movember and raise awareness for men’s health. We recognize the importance of this campaign and are very happy to suggest a few ideas for getting kids involved. We would love to see your kids and their Movember moustaches at Jumbaloo Playgrounds during November.

To book your next fun outing, please call us at 905-785-3990 or fill out our online form. We look forward to providing your family with a playdate they will not forget.

Within the last year and a half, with the COVID-19 pandemic having disrupted most “normal” school routines, the words “back to school” have had a very different meaning. It has been difficult for so many adults and children alike to get excited about being in the classroom, whether in-person or virtual. However, with case counts dropping and vaccinations on the rise, a normal, in-person school year looks like it’s finally within reach.

At Jumbaloo, we believe this is a time to celebrate! Going back to school is always something both parents and children look forward to, and as we near the hopeful-end of this strange and unprecedented time, going back to school is now seen as more exciting than ever; a win, a victory.

This blog will touch on some fun kids activities and back to school tips and tricks to help you and your child get ready to return to a safe classroom. Read on to learn more!

Make Things Fun!

Going back to school is a monumental event that all parents and kids can celebrate! This includes making the preparation for the upcoming school year fun, as well as fitting in some exciting kids activities along the way.

Buying school supplies doesn’t have to be a drag — it can be seen as a super-fun activity for families to do together. Is there a couple of weeks before school starts? Turning this into an anticipated event will get the kids engaged. Make a list of required supplies and then let your child(ren) have fun choosing the items themselves; notebooks, pencils, pens, a new backpack and so much more!

If new school supplies aren’t exciting enough, then surely a new wardrobe will be! The start of a new school year often marks the time for many kids to get some fresh, new duds in time for the changing season. Consider marking a mini-shopping spree on your calendar and stopping to grab lunch at your child’s favourite restaurant.

Encourage Positivity and Excitement

Going back to school after a fun-filled summer can be tough. This is why it’s important to remind children of all the positive and exciting aspects going to school will offer. And, after another round of online learning as a result of the pandemic, children have spent even more time than usual away from all of the fun elements that can be found in a classroom setting.

In the summer, kids can often lose touch with their friends from school. For kids living in Ontario, many of them have seen their friends since April. Wow! Be sure to remind your children of the excitement that comes with reconnecting with friends and, if possible, it might even be a good idea to arrange a few play dates with friends before the long-awaited first day back.

If there’s an extracurricular activity or favourite subject that your child has spent time away from, consider giving them a mini-assignment or an activity that will help them get back into the groove of learning again. This could be an art project, writing a short story or a fun, physical activity.

Create a Summer Memory Book

It’s always sad when summer comes to an end. One of the best ways to help your children gain closure with summer, and get them prepared to go back to school, is to help them create a summertime memory book. This is a great way to encourage your children to get creative and, along the way, allow them to strengthen their writing and processing skills.

Ideas include; printing photos of cherished memories, listing their favourite activities, collaborating with friends and family, painting, and drawing pictures. Then, compile everything into a book for safe-keeping.

Remember, kids… summer will come again!   

Book Your Play Date at Jumbaloo Today!

Why not mark the end of summer with a fun-filled day at our indoor playground! At Jumbaloo, we are thrilled to have our doors open once again and are here to provide your children with a safe, secure space to play, laugh and learn.

To book your next play date or party at Jumbaloo, call us at 905-785-3990 or visit our booking link.

We look forward to hosting your child’s next playtime adventure before they head back to school and into the classroom!

Toronto is a great place to live, offering unique family-friendly experiences and several places to visit. Whether you’re just visiting with family or you’re one of the lucky ones who live here, you will find plenty of things to do. 

Having fun is important for your little ones. It develops their essential physical and social skills. No matter what your children are interested in, there are so many activities in Toronto. There are a lot of places that offer fun and adventure. Toronto also offers interactive and educational places where you can bring your children. 

If you’re on a family day out in Toronto exploring the best it has to offer, we have prepared a list for you. Below you will find the best activities in Toronto that your kids will love.

Indoor Playgrounds

Let’s be honest- kids love these! It’s simply the best gift you could give to your child. A place to run freely, laugh and play away while interacting with other kids of the same age is a guaranteed way to make your child happy. A public indoor playground is usually equipped with arcade machines, trampolines, toys and other equipment that your child will love. 

Zoos/Aquariums

What better way to teach your children about the surrounding world if not by visiting a zoo or an aquarium? It is the perfect way to get them acquainted with the animal world and awaken their curiosity towards life. Let them explore the surrounding world by interacting with exotic animals as you teach them important lessons about the world such as compassion. 

Museums 

Museum activities can be very fun, and they can teach your curious children about the world and provide memorable learning experiences like no other activity or place can. Some of the best child-friendly museums you will find in Toronto are Montgomery’s Inn, Colborne Lodge, Bata Shoe Museum, and others. 

Arcades 

Toronto is brimming with great arcades bringing you the best of fun activities for kids. Arcades put at your disposal a multitude of games that kids with all types of interests will find thrilling. More than that, they will help your child burn energy before bedtime. Arcades also make for perfect birthday parties that no child will ever forget. 

Toronto Islands

You can’t miss the opportunity to take your children to the famous Toronto Island Park that contains great trails, beaches and children’s amusement rides. Spend some quality time exploring the nature trails with your family and discover amazing views of the islands. For more adrenaline-pumping fun activities for kids, though, the Centre Island, which also happens to be the most famous section, puts the Centreville Amusement Park at your disposal with different rides and even a zoo. 

Contact Us Today

Jumbaloo is your go-to place for fun and adventure in Toronto, welcoming children between the ages of 2 and 12. You can throw amazing birthday parties there for your little ones. This indoor playground offers great arcade games, diverse equipment and slides and an eating area with delicious snacks and healthy food. There’s no other place like it. 

Jumbaloo takes safety measures very seriously ensuring your children are safe at all times. They have staff and supervisors present all over the perimeter and they require parental supervision as well. 

If you want to book a birthday party for your little one, you can call 905-785-3990 or contact them on the following email info@5z4.64a.myftpupload.com.

As summer approaches and you’re asking yourself how to keep your kids busy during all that free time, you might be considering sending them to a summer camp. 

Sending your kids to a summer camp can be a lifesaver if you aren’t able to have them at home all day or if you understand that a social setting is the best environment for them to release their energy.

Below, we break down why summer camp is important for your children, as a whole, and what are its benefits. 

Read on!

The Importance of Summer Camps

When it comes to summer camps for kids, it’s honestly a place where they can enjoy themselves and look back at it with fondness. 

They create bonds with new friends that are different from their school friends and get to enjoy each other in an atmosphere that is all play and no work. In the meantime, they still learn to be kind, caring, fair, and trustworthy.

Going to summer day- or away camps help children learn a sense of living in a community that is very different from an academic one or one they may have if they are part of a religious group. It helps children become a bit more independent, resourceful, and even resilient. 

Not only do kids get to play and have fun at a summer camp, but they also remain intellectually engaged as it allows for children to keep learning, staying interactive, and enjoying themselves at the same time. 

Benefits of the Summer Camp Experience

Much like school, summer camp is a learning experience for children. It helps their developmental skills and opens their eyes to new experiences, ways of thinking, and helps them meet new people outside of an academic setting. 

Learning through play has great developmental benefits and that is why summer camps are so important for your children. Moreover, having physical playtimes like running and climbing helps support muscle strength and endurance.

Teamwork 

At summer camp, kids can learn about teamwork by working in groups on different activities, enhance their social skills, and learn to be a little more self-sufficient. 

Kids get to participate in group activities where they have to learn to properly communicate with other children and camp counselors, as well as do some problem-solving. Teamwork is a valuable lesson that we all should learn, and summer camp is the perfect setting for it. It teaches children that sometimes the best way to do something is in a group and not alone.

Independence and Social Skills

A shy child might shine in this environment because they can be their uninhibited selves. They can become more independent and trust themselves and their inner voice. Summer camp can also boost your children’s self-esteem as they become more and more self-reliant. 

Friendships

Camp is a safe environment where parents don’t have to worry about leaving their child for a certain time. Children get to make ever-lasting friendships with each other and learn to give help when needed by others. Not only that, but kids also feel a sense of purpose and it is a fun reason to get up in the morning, instead of feeling sluggish and bored. 

By the time their school year starts again, they feel energized and ready to learn. 

It’s Playtime at Jumbaloo!

If you are searching online for a summer camp in Ontario, then look no further! 

Our team, at Jumbaloo Playgrounds, takes pride in offering a fun and loving environment to children of all ages, starting from infants. You can trust us to make your kids look forward to going to a summer camp again! 

If you want to book play hours with us today or this summer, contact us at 905-785-3990 or visit our contact page for more information.

Each year on April 22, Earth Day is celebrated by millions of people worldwide. Started by former US Senator Gaylord Nelson in response to a devastating oil spill, it’s since become an annual event to raise awareness of both the dangers of pollution and the initiatives we can follow to help make the Earth a healthier planet.

This year’s motto for Earth Day is Restore Our Planet. In response to the threats that climate change has posed, this theme calls us to focus on the processes, actions and innovations that can help us restore our planet to a cleaner state.

Let’s review why Earth Day is a great time to teach your kids about the importance of taking care of the environment. We’ll also go over some of our favourite Earth Day-themed activities and crafts that are sure to be fun and informative for the whole family.

Explaining Earth Day to Your Kids

Earth Day is the perfect time to teach your kids about the value of the environment and the important role that each of us play in keeping it healthy and clean. Our children are our future — and if anyone is going to make a difference in fighting the likes of climate change for future generations, it’s them!

While teaching our children about the planet can be fun and interesting, it’s also an important act of civility. When kids learn about the importance of the environment at a younger age, they’ll be more likely to adopt sustainable habits and follow greener initiatives in the years to come.

Teaching children about environmental care is also a great way to help them sharpen their critical thinking skills, develop greater problem-solving skills and nurture an interest in nature. If your child has a favourite animal or plant, teaching them what Earth Day represents is a great way to remind them of the greater role environmental care plays in keeping our habitats intact.

Earth Day Activities for Kids

Encouraging your kids to participate in eco-friendly activities is a great way to enforce their interest in keeping the world healthy. Some activities that are great for raising awareness may include:

• Planting a tree in the backyard
• Letting your child help with identifying and sorting recyclable items
• Going on frequent walks or bike rides to reduce carbon emissions
• Encouraging them to better manage their energy use (eg. turning off the lights, turning off the water while brushing teeth, turning off devices when they’re not in use)
• Teaching them how to grow herbs and plants
• Feeding outdoor wildlife or building a birdhouse

Earth Day Crafts For Kids

Another great way to get kids excited about Earth Day is to plan some fun at-home crafts to do with the family. Here are just a few of our favourite ideas:

Earth Cookies

These tasty Earth-shaped cookies are super fun, simple and inexpensive to make! You’ll just need:

• 2 packages of sugar cookie mix
• 2 eggs
• 2 sticks of butter
• Blue food colouring
• Green food colouring

Prepare the sugar cookie batter per the instructions on the packaging and be sure to keep both portions in separate bowls. Add the blue food colouring to one batch and add the green food colouring to the other batch.

Next, take two spoonfuls of each coloured batter, combine them and roll them so that they form a ball in your hands. Lastly, place them on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool and they’ll be good to eat!

Flower Crowns/Wreaths

Flower crowns are a great way to foster your child’s appreciation for one of nature’s finest offerings! Whether you decide to use real or pretend flowers, crown or wreath-making is a great activity that will encourage your child to get creative with pattern making and designing. To put these together, you’ll need:

• Flowers and leaves (either collected from the garden or cut-out from your chosen medium)
• Construction paper
• Double-sided tape
• Scissors
• Stapler

First, prepare the base of your craft by cutting a long strip from the construction paper. If you’re making a flower crown, you’ll want to make sure you measure your child’s head size (it may require two strips of paper combined). We recommend making your strip at least 10 cm thick.

Next, create an adhesive surface by placing the double-sided tape onto each strip. Let your child take care of the sticking! Staple any objects for extra security.

Compost Bin Decorations

When we picture our compost bins, we don’t typically imagine them as being a particularly eye-catching accessory. Instead of thinking of them as ordinary or even ugly, consider decorating them as a way of making waste disposal a little more exciting!

While we don’t suggest using permanent paint solutions or anything that may deface your compost bin (as your city may not like this), purchasing fun stickers or gluing some colourful decorations to your bin is a great alternative.

Come Play at Jumbaloo

We hope you’ve enjoyed our tips on how to make this Earth Day a fun, informative and productive learning experience for your kids this year! Over the past year, we’ve learned that there are so many fun activities for families to do at home — and we’ve been happy to share our ideas with all of our dedicated customers.

Our team at Jumbaloo Playgrounds is thrilled to have our doors open again and welcome you to our indoor playground space. We are following all hygiene protocols in response to COVID-19 to ensure our space is fully safe for all.

To book your next playdate at Jumbaloo, call us at 905-785-3990 or fill out our contact form. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Here at Jumbaloo, we know that COVID-19 has hit every family differently. Parents are stressed, kids are confused, and you might wonder how to celebrate milestones like birthdays in a safe way. 

Birthdays for kids under 12 are especially important. Having your child’s friends come to the house for a fun and sugar-filled birthday party is a memorable occasion.

Things might look a bit different now, but we’ve put together a handy guide with tips on how you can make your child’s birthday party memorable even in these uncertain and difficult times.

Unique Party Ideas

Planning a children’s birthday party can be stressful even when not faced with a global pandemic. Aside from seasonal obstacles like a thunderstorm during a pool party or a snowstorm affecting travel to and from your home, there are other considerations like making or catering the cake, meals, and how many children will be in attendance. 

Here are a few unique kids party ideas to brainstorm with:

• Plan an outdoor barbecue. Include delicacies like hot dogs, burgers, and a few easy salads. For fun, drag the sprinklers out or prepare a few inflatable pools to cool off. An outdoor gathering makes it easy to social distance while enjoying quality time with your children and their friends. 
• Family camping trip. This activity can be extended year-round, depending on your family’s appetite for adventure. You can swap the birthday cake for s’mores and have an easy supper of spider dogs. 
• Skating is a great outdoor activity if your child’s birthday falls during the wintertime. Check out your city’s recreation website page for details on rink times or find a local spot in your neighborhood for free. The kids will work up a fair appetite, though, so be sure to have plenty of healthy(ish) snacks prepared before cake and present time. Most rinks will have a recreation room or space for rent, so transportation is made easier. 

Finally, try out an indoor playground. Indoor playgrounds like Jumbaloo provide kids with a stimulating environment that allows them to exercise, utilize their motor skills, their team-building skills, and best of all – have a blast. Jumbaloo is still offering party packages at competitive prices during these uncertain times, so your child can still enjoy time with their family and friends during their birthday.

Planning Tips

When planning a kid’s party, have the details solidified beforehand to ensure the celebrations go as smoothly as possible. Of course, with kids, you’ll want to expect some hiccups! Here are a few party-planning tips we think are the most important:

• Create and stick to your budget. Party planning is full of surprise costs. Be sure to research and allocate funds for cake costs, gifts, meals and decorations for the party with an extra ‘surprise’ fund. 
• Make a list of who is invited and send invitations at least 2-3 weeks in advance, and follow up with parents at least a week before the event. It is especially important to have a headcount during COVID-19. If your area has restrictions on who can be in your home or at a venue, be sure to abide by those rules.
• Make a list of all food, snacks, beverages, and be sure to purchase ahead of time. Of course, at Jumbaloo, our base level party packages offer 2 extra-large pizzas with snack add-on options, so that step is taken care of!

Safety Tips

• Be sure there are enough adults to supervise the children in attendance. 
• If masks are required, ensure every child is wearing one properly and encourage proper hand washing and the use of sanitizers regularly.
• Ensure each child eats off of their own plate with no sharing.
• Ensure you’re aware of any allergies or dietary restrictions before food is served.

Call the party planning experts at Jumbaloo today!

The Mississauga based team at Jumbaloo is dedicated to keeping our indoor playground safe for your children to enjoy. We have implemented strict cleaning procedures that have allowed us to remain open at reduced capacity during these unprecedented times. We can assist you in planning a safe and enjoyable birthday party for your child.

Call us at (905) 785-3990 or fill out our convenient contact form for more information!

Halloween is looking a lot different this year, unfortunately. As we adjust to a ‘new normal’ that took us far beyond what everyone was expecting — remember everyone saying ‘it’ll just be two weeks!’ in March? We do too. 

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. For many families, it’s meant more time adventuring and time spent together. For many people overall, it’s meant trying new recipes, new hobbies, new careers and lots of DIY projects. 

If your community has put the kibosh on trick or treating this year, you’re not alone. Many townships and cities across Canada have done the same — and for good reason. It’s hard to maintain social distancing by walking up to someone’s door!

You might be asking yourself what on earth you will do for Halloween this year. Which falls on a Saturday, we might add, so you know your littles will be extra amped up with the Halloween spirit all day long! 

Here are a few tips we’ve conjured from our cauldron here at Jumbaloo: 

Fun and quick DIY Halloween costumes

If you have a trick or treating bubble, restrictions haven’t been placed on your community as heavily as others. Or if you simply want to dress your children up in a Halloween costume, here are some tried and true costumes that can be easily made from home. 

The Old Man – A men’s flannel or button-up shirt, an old cap or hat, some ratty jeans or cords and some brown lip liner or eyeliner are all you need. Fashion some facial hair on your little guy or gal, and you’ve got the old man chic look down. Bonus points if you have some old suspenders!

The Black Cat – This one is so simple, it shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes to throw together. Some black lip liner or eyeliner to draw on the nose and whiskers paired with a black shirt, black pants/leggings and you’re all set! Even if you have to purchase a cat ear headband, it’s great to have on hand for future costume needs. Alternatively, you can craft some super simple pigtail buns as your ‘ears.’

The Cow – We love this one in particular for babies and toddlers! All you need is a white hat, sweater, pants, a very small amount of black and pink felt, a bit of craft glue, an egg carton and some very light pink paint. 

Halloween Inspired Treats

Monster Pizza Bites – Take small pita breads, some pizza sauce and shredded cheese and top with 2 black olives for some spooky eyes! Very easy and microwave-friendly.

PB & J Sandwiches – All you need is the regular peanut butter and jam fixings and some Halloween cutouts! Bats, ghosts and cats galore. 

Mummy in a blanket – A spooky twist on the classic puff pastry: pigs in a blanket. Wrap the cut-up hot dogs all the way so that meat barely shows, and top with green peas for ‘eyes.’

Halloween Craft Ideas

Ghostly leaves – Grab some fallen leaves from outside, paint the leaves white and add some black eyes. Use them for general Halloween decor by attaching them to a string and hanging them or arrange them on end tables or the dining room table.

Spooky spider cookies – Tasty and scary! You just need a black sandwich-style cookie, pretzels and some small marshmallows, with a touch of black frosting for the eyes!

Get in touch with us at Jumbaloo!

We understand that party planning can be stressful, so the Jumbaloo team take care of it for you! Give us a call today to book your next party.

We can be reached at (905) 785-3990, or you can also use our handy contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Measles can be prevented by vaccination with the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is effective at preventing three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of the MMR vaccine…

Measles can be prevented by vaccination with the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is effective at preventing three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of the MMR vaccine…

Measles can be prevented by vaccination with the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is effective at preventing three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of the MMR vaccine…