A Messy yet Fun Picasso's in the Park Event

momstown Winnipeg had our first playdate event this past weekend at Kildonan Park. How could our first event not be Picasso's in the Park. After all, it is a momstown standard! It was great to see so many families come on out. And we couldn't have lucked out more with the beautiful weather.

The kids had a blast getting messy. This month's theme is construction, so we had trucks or as my daughter calls them "mighty machines" there too for the kids to use as painting props.

It was great to see dad's come on out too.

I always love to see baby's getting messy too. What a cutie pie she is!

The kid's helped paint murals, and then made their own masterpieces to take home. We had a drying station for their masterpieces to dry off while they ate their picnics or played in the park.

We also made sure we had goodies for the kids, as well as juice and water to help cool off in the heat. And let's not forget the coffee for the parents courtesy of Tim Hortons. After all, momstown isn't just for the kiddies!

A special thanks to Lindsay Wollard from Creative Photojournalism for taking these amazing photos of the event. If you're looking for a photographer to take photos of your kids, check out her website to see her wonderful work.

We had a blast and we hope those of you who made it out did too. We have another Picasso in the Park scheduled in August for momstown members, so if you haven't signed up for your 4 week trial, please do so here and join us this summer at many more events just like this!

Kidsfest - A Festival for Kids of All Ages

This past weekend I took my kids to Kidsfest, which took place at The Forks, in Winnipeg. I had some extra tickets so we invited my sister and my niece (my daughter's BFF). We couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather was perfect and the crowd was manageable. The organizers did a great job of spreading out the tents all around The Forks.

The very first thing I saw when I got there, which I think is genius, is a bike and stroller valet. Stroller Valet!!! Genius! So simple yet so helpful! And the staff at the ticket booth were so nice. In fact, the staff at all the tents were exceptional! What I learned while I was there was that Kidsfest relies heavily on volunteers, donations and sponsorship. Ticket sales on covers a fraction of the cost to run Kidsfest. You couldn't have asked for better volunteers. The enthusiasm and energy was seen all around!

First up, face painting. You can't attend Kidsfest without getting your face painted.

We watched a performance from Order & Choas! Comedy, Music & Bubble Majic! The girls loved it!

Then we did crafts, which was the highlight of my day.... I mean the girls day (okay for those that don't know me, I kind of have a thing for all things crafty).

My sister was helping the girls with the crafts while I took care of my baby boy (and I played photographer too).

Another hit was Kindermusik! I had to drag my daughter out of that tent! This was her favourite part of the festival.

My niece loved playing with all the instruments too!

What's a festival without dressing up?

My daughter wouldn't stop talking about Kidsfest all weekend, which means it was a hit! There is so much to do there. It really is a festival that kids of all ages would enjoy. Looking forward to next year. You may just see a momstown tent there?!?!

Kidsfest Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

Looking for something fun to do this month? Take the whole family to Kidsfest! This year's Kidsfest is June 9-12 at The Forks in Winnipeg. 

Kidsfest is put on by the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival, who has been entertaining children and their families for over 25 years with positive educational entertainment - in a festival environment created just for them.

I went to check out www.kidsfest.ca to see what types of activities they have planned. First off, you should check out their website. Not only is it fun and colourful but it’s so well laid out and easy to find what you’re looking for. The site is loaded with details of the upcoming event.

Dress up & make a wacky hat!

So what will you expect to see at Kidsfest this year? They have everything from zany circus acts, high strung acrobatics, kidstock for the music lovers and loads of arts and crafts (a momstown Winnipeg favourite)! 

Arts & Crafts is a momstown Winnipeg favourite!

Fred Penner and The Cats Meow Band will be there, along with Dallas Arcand, a high energy Aboriginal entertainer.  And of course there is good old traditional face painting! The list is too long to mention everyone. Check out their website for the full line up of performers and the fun activities they have planned. Last but not least, they will have fireworks for the whole family to enjoy!

Fred Penner is a childhood favourite for me!

Who wouldn't want their face painted?

Tickets are now on sale. Hurry before June 12 to take advantage of their advance ticket prices. Available May 9 – June 12 at all Winnipeg Safeway and Assiniboine Credit Union locations. Cost is $12 each or a Family Pack of 4 for $40.

Or you can purchase tickets at the gate: Available June 9 – June 12 at the Box Office onsite. Cost is $14 each or a Family Pack of 4 for $48.

Free admission for children under 2 years of age. Children under 12 pay once and then can visit the Festival again and again (they just need to report to the Box Office with their attached wristband and trade it in daily).

Want to win tickets? We’re giving away a family pack of 4!  
Simply make a comment here as to which performer or activity your kids would want to see/do the most. Go to www.kidsfest.ca to see the full line up and list of activities they have planned. We’ll randomly select one lucky reader! Hurry this contest ends soon! Winner will be announced June 5!

Wordless Wednesday - Prepping for Labour with a Pedi

Rice Krispies "Imagine & Make' Spring Contest

Want to win a $5,000 family getaway? Here's a simple contest that is fun to do with your kids. If you can imagine it, you can make it with Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal.  So go ahead, get creative with your kids and make a spring inspired treat using Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal and a sprinkle of imagination.

Don't worry if you're not a pro, they are looking for colourful, creative and fun treats that are perfect for making with a little helper.

There are lots of prizes including a grand prize of a $5,000 family getaway to the destination of your choice!  Also, the first 25 entries get a Rice Krispies prize pack.

If you were to win, were would you go? I'm thinking a trip to Disney World would be our family getaway of choice! Here's to hoping! 

Enter to win!

So check out the contest page of momstown.ca to see how to enter this fun contest! Your kids will love playing with the sticky Rice Krispies.