Planning for Summer

When scheduling my family's weekends away and summer vacation, there are a few things happening in and around Ottawa that I try not to miss:

• Tulip Festival, May 7-24th, this year commemorating 65 years since the liberation of the Netherlands, www.tulipfestival.ca
• The Ottawa International Children's Festival, May 26-30, LeBreton Flats Park, Tickets are on sale now and the headline shows often do sell out, www.ottawachildrensfestival.ca/
• Westfest (of course), June 11-13, www.westfest.ca/.
• Puppets Up! in Almonte, Aug. 7-8, Almonte, http://www.puppetsup.ca/, an absolute favorite of mine.

Westboro Village Co-operative Preschool

This great little preschool at 470 Roosevelt Ave. is hosting an open house on February 24th from 7-9 pm. You can meet the teachers, visit the classrooms and speak with some current families. The distinguishing features of this preschool's program are its fabulous gym with lots of toys for active play and the weekly music program that gives children a chance to experiment with a variety of instruments.

Age-wise it takes children as young as 2 years old (in fact two spaces are available in the 2's program for children who will be 2 by December 31st) and it's diaper friendly.

In addition to the regular programs, there are two extension programs - a "lunch and learn" for all age groups from 11:30-12:30 and a "french for starters" from 12:30-2:00 on Wednesdays for the 3-year olds.

Registration opens for the general public on Wednesday, February 24th. For more information visit http://www.wvcp.ca/.

Sports Registrations

Ottawa Royals Soccer - Registration starts Tuesday February 9th at Dovercourt Community Centre. Some age levels fill up very quickly so register early to ensure a spot. For more information visit http://www.ottawaroyals.ca/.

Ottawa Gymnastics Centre - Kindergym registration begins February 8th for Saturday and Sunday classes ONLY and otherwise February 9th. Registration for recreational classes beginsFebruary 16th at 8:30 am. Classes do tend to fill up early. For more information see http://www.ottawagymnasticscentre.com/

Carlingwood-Frank Ryan Little League - March 6th, March 20th at Dovercourt; March 27th at Carlingwood Shopping Centre and April 6-7 at the Frank Ryan Club House. For more information see http://cfrllott.ca/

Nepean Knights Minor Lacrosse Association - The house league is for players of all skill levels from ages 4 to 21. Registration runs from February 13th to April 3rd at various locations in Nepean, Kanata and Barrhaven. For exact details visit http://www.knightslacrosse.ca/index.php

Dovercourt spring session - swimming, fitness and recreation - March 23, 2010. For more information visit http://www.dovercourt.org/.

Please let me know if there are others that I can post!