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Cooking With Kids: All the Basics You Need to Know

June 18, 2021
cooking with kids

Cooking With Kids: All the Basics You Need to Know

We’ve all been on lockdown for quite some time. Are your kids stuck inside? Have they started to get restless to do something? Now is the best time to teach them to cook and help them productively gain this skill.

You can take this opportunity to start them off young and teach them a skill that will benefit them later on in life. 

But you may have a lot of questions. You may be wondering what the actual benefits of teaching your kids how to cook actually are. Or maybe you don’t know what a safe age is to start letting them cook. 

Read on to learn why you should teach your kids how to cook, where to start, and more.

The Benefits of Teaching Your Kids to Cook

There are many benefits to teaching your kids how to cook that may not be apparent at first. Here are the ways that teaching them this skill can help them gain life skills and can aid their development:

 

  • Helps them learn math concepts at any level: At the start of every recipe, there’s an ingredients list with various units of measurement. Cooking leads them to learn how to read these units of measurement. It also lets them practice applying math skills, such as multiplying to double a recipe for older children or counting out cups of ingredients for younger ones.
  • Helps them improve their reading and comprehension skills: Cooking with a recipe can help small children who are learning to read and identify words. And older ones can practice reading comprehension by learning to comprehend complex recipes. 
  • Practice their fine motor skills at any age: Regardless of your child’s age, cooking can be an excellent way for them to improve their fine motor skills. Younger kids can practice new fine motor skills to help them when they need more advanced skills later on, including writing, drawing, and using scissors.  

 

How to Teach Children to Cook at Different Ages 

Whatever age your child is, you can start teaching them to cook to help them gradually learn how to perform various tasks in the kitchen. 

Here are the cooking activities you can teach your kids at each age level:

 

  • 2-3 years old: You can get your toddlers involved in the kitchen while supervising them. Focus on having them perform basic tasks. They’ll be able to squeeze lemons, use the salad spinner, and gently stir ingredients.
  • 4-5 years old: They have more motor skills and can focus on longer tasks. So, you can have them do many of the same tasks you’d have them do if they were younger but with more independence. These can include stirring independently, setting the table, and greasing pans (with your help).
  • 6-7 years old: At this age, they can start doing more detailed work in the kitchen. But they still need a lot of help and guidance. Remind them where to keep their fingers to safely grate and peel food.
  • 8-9 years old: You can start teaching them cooking activities that they’re interested in. Use your discretion to determine whether or not they’re already mature enough to use the stove. But if not, they can still make easy toaster oven recipes.
  • 10-12 years old: Once they’ve learned the basic kitchen skills, they can work more independently in the kitchen. You can even let them do basic stove tasks. For example, they can make scrambled eggs or flip pancakes. 

 

Foods You and Your Kids Can Enjoy Cooking Together

Here are a few recipes that can get your kids involved in the kitchen and are fun to make:

  • Strawberry SunButter Bites are great for helping your kids practice their fine motor skills as they spread and roll the ingredients.
  • Yellow Rice Cakes let kids have fun mixing the ingredients before you cook them.
  • Your kids will love being able to choose the toppings for these Whole Wheat Pizza Bagels. And it can give older kids experience using an oven.

DelSuites: Enjoy Cooking with Your Kids in a Fully Furnished Rental 

Planning on going on a vacation with your family? Need a place to stay while you transition from your former home to a newly purchased one? Want to rent a condo in a family-friendly neighbourhood? DelSuites has a rental for you.

Our furnished rentals and serviced apartments let you use our amenities to cook in the kitchen with your kids. Have fun cooking with them and don’t miss an opportunity to let them practice their skills. 

Whether you’re looking for a short-term lease or condo for a longer period of stay or a short-term rental, we’ve got you covered with our family-friendly options. Start browsing our rentals today and find one that’ll truly feel like home.

Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Things for Families to Do in Scarborough

January 17, 2020

Scarborough is a very family friendly area of Toronto. With several great museums, parks, community centres and recreational facilities – there’s always something to do to keep the kids busy and occupied.

If you’re planning to head out and explore, here are some ideas for a great day out with the family in Scarborough.

Scarborough Museum

Learn about the past of the community at this museum, set within historical buildings in a 19th century garden in Thomson Memorial Park. This area was once the farm fields where Scarborough’s first settlers lived and the museum tells the story of Scarborough from the first founding to its growth into a major suburb.

While you are there, you can also explore the beautiful walking trails of Thomson Memorial Park with your family.

East Point Park

Take a hike with your children in East Point Park, a beautiful bird sanctuary where hundreds of migratory birds make their home. One of the largest parkland areas in Toronto, there are over 178 species of birds here – as well as monarch butterflies.

Your little ones can learn about birds and watch them from the weathered steel pavilion bird blinds. You can also get down to the natural beach by walking from the end of Beechgrove and Copperfield Road.

Kidstown Water Park

On a hot summer’s day, Kidstown Water Park is the perfect place for young kids to play. It’s one of the most well-loved Toronto outdoor water facilities for grade school and preschool children and it offers an exciting collection of water features, including spray rings, a tipping bucket, squirting aquatic animals and more.

There’s also a lovely picnic area, where you can relax and keep an eye on your children while you have a picnic in the sunshine. The park is open from late June to early September.
things for families to do in Scarborough

Agincourt Recreation Centre & Leisure Pool

One of only two leisure pools in Scarborough, Agincourt Recreation Centre provides lessons, swims and other activities for families. It’s also home to a tennis club and two indoor rinks for skating.

The centre also features the “Snoezelen Room” for children with disabilities. It features soft textures, soothing music and colours designed to be comforting for children with sensory processing issues. Regular sessions in the room have shown to improve relaxation, increase attention span and help with behaviour issues.

Hit the Beach

Scarborough is home to two beaches where you can picnic, hike, sunbathe and swim. Bluffer’s Park is located near the southern part of Brimley Road and it is surrounded by great nature trails. Even in the cooler months when swimming isn’t possible, it’s a spectacular place for a walk.

There’s also Rouge Beach. It’s part of Rouge Beach Park, which is located along the eastern edge of the city. Both of these beaches have great facilities including changing rooms and it’s one of the best things for families to do in Scarborough.

Check out our short term furnished apartment rentals in Scarborough and contact us if you have any questions.

Vacation Travel

Great Ideas for Midwest Vacations

November 29, 2019
midwest vacations

There’s something so friendly and welcoming about the American Midwest.

The wide open prairies, the peaceful river valleys and the thriving cities – this region invites you to explore. Whether you’re looking for a chance to hike the great outdoors, enjoy the nightlife, visit historic sites, celebrate Spring Break or enjoy interesting museums – the Midwest has a lot to discover.

If you’re looking for inspiration for the best Midwest vacations, keep reading. We have some great ideas for Midwest family vacations that will make you fall head over heels in love with this region.

Where is the Midwest?

The area known as the Midwest encompasses the center of the United States. It stretches from the state of Ohio in the east, all the way to Nebraska, Kansas and the Dakotas in the west.

Diving deeper into the region, you have the Great Lakes States and the Great Plains States. The Great Lakes States are the ones that border the Great Lakes, including Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois. The Great Plains States include Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota and Iowa.

These states make up the heart of the USA – yet a great deal of tourism in America is focused along the East and West Coast and the South. It’s definitely worth taking the time to explore these midwestern states, so you can experience life in America’s heartland.

Midwest Getaways You’ll Love

midwest vacations

Indianapolis, Indiana

If you’re a sports fan, Indianapolis is one of the best Midwest cities to travel to. It’s known for car racing basketball, football and much more. You can visit the world-famous Indianapolis 500 racetrack, then see the 1930s gymnasium at the NCAA Hall of Champions. If you are traveling with little ones, they can take part in the interactive exhibits at the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

But Indianapolis isn’t just all about sports. It also boasts a thriving art scene, excellent restaurants and beautiful local hiking trails in Eagle Creek Park and Schoen Creek Trail. It’s no wonder so many Midwest vacations include this great city.
midwest vacations

St. Louis, Missouri

Standing high above this city, on the west bank of the Mississippi River, is a towering steel arch. It symbolizes the position of St. Louis as the “Gateway to the West.” A vibrant and youthful midwestern metropolis, there are a lot of reasons to explore St. Louis.

This thriving city keeps popping up on “Best Of” lists – thanks to the fantastic parks, excellent zoos and botanical gardens and high quality museums. Be sure to check out the Delmar Loop, which is a six block stretch of Delmar Boulevard – known as one of the best urban streets in America. It’s backed with great attractions like Blueberry Hill (Where Chuck Berry used to play), the old Tivoli Theatre and plenty of superb restaurants, lounges and pubs.
midwest vacations

Chicago, Illinois

When you travel the Midwest, you can’t miss Chicago. After all, it’s the most populous city in the Midwest and the third most populous in the entire country.

It has everything you could want from an exciting city getaway, from world-class museums to stunning architecture to a legendary theatre and stand-up comedy scene. Not to mention, there are 7,000 restaurants to choose from serving everything from hearty deep dish pizza to high end cuisine.

Chicago is most enjoyable in the summer months between June and September, when the locals flock to the parks, Lakefront beaches and public squares to enjoy picnics, live music and festivals. In fact, during the summer it feels like there’s a festival happening every weekend! Check out the events calendar and plan your visit you can join in on the fun.
midwest vacations

Traverse City, Michigan

Located close to the Canadian border, this city overlooks Lake Michigan and is one of the best Midwest travel destinations for outdoor lovers. On a long summer day here you can head out onto the lake on a fishing trip, or go trekking through the trails of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. If you are here in the winter, you can enjoy the abundant snowfall. It’s perfect for snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding. At any time of the year you can visit the many wineries and craft breweries to sample locally made tipple.

If you’re looking to experience a bit of luxury with your nature, there are several beautiful Midwest resorts in this area – such as the Tamarack Lodge, the Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn and the Sugar Beach Resort Hotel.

Where will you go on your Midwest road trips?

These are just a few of the best weekend getaways the Midwest has to offer. This may be one of the most underappreciated regions in the USA, so why not get out there and see what the Midwest is all about?

If you’re keen to travel Midwest destinations, you’ll have a lot to see and do in this region!

Entertainment, Vacation Travel

East Coast Vacations: Inspiration For Your Next Trip

November 12, 2019

An East Coast USA vacation is a classic getaway. After all, this region has everything you could want from a fun break: beautiful beaches, cities packed with culture, quiet pockets of nature and stunning views of the ocean. 

When it comes to planning the best East Coast vacations (or even an East Coast road trip), there are a lot of great destinations to choose from. From the gorgeous forests of upstate New York to the famous amusement parks of Florida, you can keep coming back to the East Coast again and again. 

The Best Places to Visit on the East Coast

If you are looking for some East Coast vacation ideas, (whether for 
Spring Break or an autumn getaway) these are some of the hottest spots on this side of the country. 

east coast vacations

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Historic Philadelphia is the birthplace of America and a fantastic place for an East Coast trip. It’s very popular with families, but it could also be a wonderful romantic trip or a solo adventure. The city is very walkable and there are countless museums and historic sites to check out. You can taste the delicious food at the Reading Terminal Market, revisit history at the Betsy Ross House and go for a jog up the “Rocky” steps by the 
Philadelphia Art Museum. Of course, don’t forget to try a big juicy and irresistible Philly cheese steak as well! 

It’s no wonder this city draws so many visitors for East Coast vacations.
east coast vacations

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusets

This pretty island is a dreamy getaway, accessible from Cape Cod via a ferry. You’ll fall in love with the charming beaches, quaint lighthouses, gingerbread cottages and sweet hotels. Also, if you love hiking this is a great place for you. There are several stunning national parks where you can explore the great outdoors, including Aquinnah Cliffs and South Beach State Park. It’s one of the most popular East Coast attractions for celebrities, so keep your eyes peeled and you might spot some famous visitors. 

east coast vacations

Kennebunkport, Maine

This lovely and quaint Maine village is filled with chic boutiques, friendly coffee shops and quirky antique shops. The rocky coastline is ideal for capturing those iconic seaside photos, with a scenic lighthouse in the background. There’s plenty to keep you busy here, from kayak tours of Mousam River Estuary to lobstering and much more. At the end of the day, you can relax with a few local brews at the 
Kennebunkport Brewing Company while you admire the views. 

east coast vacations

Washington, D.C. 

There’s so much to see and do in Washington! If you are a history buff or an art nerd, you’ll love the world-class collection of Smithsonian museums – all of which are free. You can also go for a walk along the National Mall, a stunning space lined with iconic landmarks such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Take a tour of the White House and the Library of Congress, then stroll through the hip streets of Georgetown and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants that overlook the water. 

east coast vacations

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

If you’re looking for the quintessential charming New England town, Portsmouth is a pretty great example. It’s just an hour north of Boston but it has a completely different vibe. One of the oldest cities in the USA, it was settled in 1623. This peaceful historic town has excellent museums (such as the USS Albacore Museum) and a lot of stories to tell. Check out the Strawberry Banke Museum, an outdoor exhibition that will show you what life was like when this community was originally settled. Or, you can take a walk along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail, which showcases 70 landmarks and is lined with excellent restaurants, cute artisan boutiques and lovely sidewalk shops. 

east coast vacations

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is very special – it’s the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America. This gives it a completely different feel than most Florida destinations. Founded by Spanish colonialists in 1565, it has more of an Old World ambiance and feels more like Spain than Florida. You can take a stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the 1672 Castillo de San Marcos. Plus, the Plaza de la Constitución is pretty impressive and the city is filled with beautiful Spanish-style architecture. If you venture only minutes away, St. Augustine has more than 40 miles of stunning beaches. 

east coast vacations

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you’re looking to relax on a beach or take the family somewhere chilled out, Myrtle Beach is a delight. Along the beachfront you’ll find an array of attractions, including live entertainment, multiple amusement parks and great restaurants. Every night during the summer there will be live entertainment on the oceanfront boulevard, including stilt walkers, jugglers and bagpipers. There’s even a weekly firework display – making the nights very magical indeed. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular East Coast vacation spots. 

These are just a few of the best places to visit on the East Coast. What are your favorite places for East Coast vacations? Share them with us in the comments!