family friendly Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Best Zoo Webcams to Watch Right Now

Paula — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 15:15:21 +0000

Clearly, we can’t get to the zoo right now, during the pandemic. But what if you could bring the zoo to you? These Zoo Webcams do just that! Do the kids want to watch and learn about their favourite animals and species right now anyways? Are they concerned about their favourite zoos or the animals there? Well, let them watch some of these Zoo Webcams and they will be entertained for hours over the next few weeks. Oh I know there are so many potential puns and jokes to be had regarding zoos and kids and families. Bringing the literal zoo into your zoo at home! LOL. Or maybe this one: bringing animals to your little animals? Meh, we are all just trying to do our best right now and these are some excellent resources that can help all of you. Some of the Best Zoo WebCams Around the World I can honestly say I saw pandas this morning and they were up and walking around thriving. SO great. What a way to start the day! Listen, this is a no pressure thing right now entirely. For me, at my house, it’s about maintaining sanity and positivity and staying busy. I enjoy seeing the pandas and other wildlife on the webcams – it makes me happy and is a perfect way to launch a potentially challenging day. Super Grateful for These Right Now My gratitude exercise right now, is actually thank goodness for webcams and technology. I can be in San Diego at the zoo or in Atlanta or Kansas City. That is exceptional. The Smithsonian! Canadian Zoo Webcams/ Recording and Youtube This list is smaller than I had hoped and not for lack of trying. Let’s just say, I am kind of surprised that more Canadian zoos don’t have webcams up and running. Maybe, something they need to look at for future. Toronto Zoo has Youtube resources, so that’s certainly something. Love that zoo, so if I am wrong and you know they have live zoo webcams, please drop me a line or a comment. Thanks! Hit subscribe so you don’t miss any of the updates. Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo PandaCam. WOW the Calgary Zoo has an impressive leg up on conservation efforts now leaning hard into a global mission that is admirable. Greater Vancouver Zoo – Youtube. Not Exactly Zoo WebCams, But Still AWESOME Nature in Its Glory Not a ZOO BUT even more Wildlife in their habitat. This is my new favourite actually. Relaxing and Educational These Zoo Webcams can be relaxing, or educational right now. While I started watching these during the peak pandemic years, I have updated them for 2026 and still enjoy popping in from time to time to see what’s changed. Enjoy these when you are hunting for something to keep kids occupied. My new favourite is the polar bears on Explore.org above.

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Ermitage Du Lac, Tremblant, Quebec

Paula — Wed, 20 May 2015 02:04:09 +0000

Spacious Accommodations at Mont Tremblant I wish that I had taken more pictures of the inside of our suite at Ermitage du Lac, Mont Tremblant when we stayed there earlier this year. Ermitage Du Lac was one of the biggest suites we have ever stayed in as a family. Three massive self contained bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, plus a large kitchenette and gorgeous views. Can you imagine? My kids thought they were in paradise (No arguments over who slept where and no yelling as someone hammered on a bathroom door for the other to speed it up. No, none of that because we each had our own bathrooms.) Appearances are Deceiving Ermitage Du Lac appears only modest from the outside really, but the inside was functional and spacious. Ermitage Du Lac was one of the numerous properties in Mont Tremblant resort area near the village at the base of the ski hill. Our Tremblant Adventure Right before March break this year we were flown by Porter Airlines to Mont Tremblant where my entire family dined at some incredible restaurants and learned how to ski. We were each given two full mornings of ski instruction, so that we were able to embrace this new challenging sport. We enjoyed every moment of our trip. It was incredible from start to finish, and it went by much too fast. Read More About Our Tremblant Trip I wrote a couple of posts about the details of Tremblant family travel here. There is much to do (50 things to do in Tremblant) and yes, in fact, your entire family can learn how to ski in two days!!) Next year we hope to return to ski for real (because now we know what we are doing.) The view from many windows was enchanting in Ermitage Du Lac, Mont Tremblant. The skating rink and chapel were right outside the window and they were lit up at night. Skates are for loan and the rink access is included for guests. There is also a tubing area that is included. We did not have time to try it unfortunately. There are many gorgeous trees making the wintery scene pretty much perfect. Excellent for Ski Families Ermitage Du Lac was not overly fancy but completely functional and I really appreciated that with kids learning to ski. We could suit up every day without worrying we would damage the floor with our heavy ski boots. I felt at home and spoiled without feeling on edge thinking my kids might break a glass fixture or fall off a balcony. Inside the Rooms The rooms were clean and the bedding was extremely warm and soft. Perfect for skiers. There are fireplaces in the suites. The space is comparable to something I once stayed in at Blue Mountain in Collingwood, but the Ermitage Du Lac is much bigger, not unlike the mountains at Tremblant. Go big or go home is the mantra here in more ways than one. [tweetthis]Ermitage Du Lac suites are extremely spacious #tremblant #travel[/tweetthis] This was the main bedroom. It was spacious and warm. There was a TV in the main bedroom and a smaller television in the living room. We were typically far too busy to care about the TV though. Each of the smaller bedrooms had a large bed and a dresser too. The kitchenette was ample and many people on our floor were cooking in the rooms. This suite would have been ideal for a week long stay for two families because it was just that large. Where is Ermitage Du Lac? Ermitage Du Lac is located at the heart of the pedestrian village right at Mont Tremblant. It is literally ski in and ski out. No cars needed at all and the space is safe enough that you won’t be worried your kids will be hurt by a vehicle. (occasional shuttle vans taking guests to and from the airport are the busiest the roads get.) [tweetthis]Ermitage Du Lac is ski in and ski out located at heart of the pedestrian village #travel #tremblant[/tweetthis] Food Guests are provided a complimentary continental breakfast which frankly was one of the nicest continental breakfasts we’ve ever had. Sometimes continental is literally muffins and a coffee station. This breakfast space had yogurt, cheese, cereal, fresh fruit and other pastries with coffee, tea and juice. The kids were as happy with that as we were. The scenery outside the breakfast area is also stunning. Mont Tremblant is well equipped for families and it is open all year round. There is an outdoor hot tub, sauna and fitness room. There are lockers to store your skis in at front of the lobby area. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ermitage Du Lac to anyone travelling to Tremblant. Apparently this destination is super hot during the spring break when US students also flock to ski hills. For me Ermitage Du Lac is a $$$$ 1/2 out of $$$$$. We were guests of Mont Tremblant resort and Tremblant tourism. My opinion is my own and it is truthful. If you are looking for a family travel blogger to cover or review your event or destination feel free to pitch me inkscrblr@rogers.com This is a travel Tuesday linkup. I host this linkup most Tuesdays. Share your favourite travel posts.

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Vallarta Food Tours: Evening Taco Adventure

Paula — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 09:05:00 +0000

The beef cheek taco seizes your tastebuds and stops you in your tracks. You think: “Wow, I am eating beef cheek on the street in Puerto Vallarta and it is unimaginably tender and moist.” Who knew? But the beef cheek taco is just one surprise on the Vallarta Food Tours evening taco tour. Surrender to the Experience These are things you learn when you surrender to the sense of adventure that travel brings: 1. Street meat can be magnificent. 2. The architecture in downtown Puerto Vallarta is regal and dignified. 3. It’s possible for a man to operate a churro stand all his life in order to put his daughter through law school. 4. It is also possible that the same man will light up a gas apparatus in a rainstorm to feed a van full of hungry tourists. Apparently this is dangerous. 5. There are more types of tacos than you ever imagined. Other Things You Learn on a Puerto Vallarta Food Tour: Coca Cola in Mexico is not the same as it is in Canada or the US for that matter. High fructose corn syrup is not present in the Mexican version of the popular soft drink. The tacos they serve in Canada are sad, and will never taste as good as they did before. Mescal is not so sharp, or potent, as you expected. Adventure in Puerto Vallarta I am with a group of US and Canadian tourists and we are racing from spot to spot, stand to stand in the Vallarta food tours adventure at night in Puerto Vallarta. Street food, I am learning here on this adventure, is some of the most authentic and tasty food you could ever find. First stop Cevicheria El Guero, 291 Madero Street and Consititution Street I am not a foodie by any stretch. But I know what I like and this is it. My family sadly is not particularly adventuresome, as far as food goes. My kids right now, in their tweens, enjoy only bland beige food. No spices, please, my mouth is on fire. That’s what I hear when I serve dull old fajitas from a kit. They are actually much pickier eaters than they ever were as toddlers. Sad, but true. Sampling new culinary treats and indulging in spicy food makes me happy. I avoided spice for decades because of my Crohn’s Disease, but when I am feeling well enough I enjoy exploring new foods and flavours. Sure sometimes I shouldn’t, but I do anyways. (My stomach sometimes kicks me for it, but never ever has done so in Mexico.) On the third night of our stay here, I am up for an evening food tour in Puerto Vallarta. The tour is run by Vallarta Food Tours and it is a three hour nightly walking tour through the streets of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Food Tour Tips Note – at the time we did this tour it was not recommended for vegetarians. Wear comfortable shoes and be warned – although kids are welcome and will enjoy much of the tour, three hours at night is a long time for a child to walk, talk and eat. My daughter was 12 when we visited. She enjoyed a few of the dishes – fish tacos and churros were great for her and the guides were so good with her. One ran off to get her Gatorade, worried she was overheating. The service, was, as we noticed everywhere in Puerto Vallarta, attentive and proactive. I thoroughly enjoyed Vallarta food tours and would recommend for many tourists and travellers. Our Tour Guides for the evening taco adventure The Vallarta Food Tour guides took us through 5 de Deciembre neighbourhood and Emiliano Zapata area as well. We felt safe the entire time and were treated to an insider’s view of some amazing little Puerto Vallarta hotspots for foodies. There are several of these food tours to choose from with Vallarta Food Tours. Some start in the romantic area of town and they also offer some private tours too. You can get tickets on line or call 322.151.4426. I tried Mescal which is something I had never done before – even though I’ve been to Mexico three times. It was not as harsh as I thought it would be. The fish tacos were a highlight for me, and for my daughter as well. The spicy parts of the tour really come when you add them via the various hot sauces, so this trip excursion isn’t just for those who love spices. Also, you can adjust or eliminate heat by avoiding the hot sauce so pick your poison. This was enjoyable and a really unique experience for me as a traveller who, when travelling with family, often opts for all inclusive resorts. Vallarta Food Tours The food and the incredible people make this tour enough on its own. But add to that, the fact that this Vallarta Food Tours Evening Tour pulled in historical facts, stories and architecture and the evening adventure is a must do excursion. In fact, tell anyone you are travelling to Puerto Vallarta and see what they say. Every tourist who has ever visited this city will tell you the food here is outstanding and unique and it may change the way you feel about Canadian or American cuisine. So be an explorer and sample something new. I highly recommend this food tour experience (with a couple of caveats above) because the walking portion of the tour gives you an insider’s view of the city itself and the culture. Keep your camera or iPhone ready to shoot some pictures. The night we went, in June, we were rained out at the end of the tour. The bus picked us up and took us back to our resort at Casa Magna Marriott. Read my Casa Magna Marriott, Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta review here. We had a great adventure prior to the rain though. This food tour was a hit with the group. Follow them on twitter here http://www.twitter.com/pvfoodtours/ READ More on Puerto Vallarta This has been a series of posts about family travel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We were guests of the Puerto Vallarta tourism board. Please read: Snorkelling and Hiking Tour in Yelapa. Five Reasons to Visit Puerto Vallarta In Praise of Mother Daughter Trips and Dolphin Discovery Canopy River Tour Get Your Own Tickets for this Puerto Vallarta Food Tour Now and do what we did. We attended this tour as part of a travel bloggers trip. Many thanks to Vallarta Food Tours and the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. My opinion is all my own.

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