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Find out What's Up! Click on the icons below to check out our Events Calendar.
Events with * are free to the public.
Early-Bird Tickets on Sale Now for The Calgary International Children's Festival! The Festival returns bigger than ever with expanded outdoor activities, including live music, crafts, entertainment and the outrageous phenomenon SQUONK! The Festival runs May 20 to 23. Tickets: Web.
*Mondays to Fridays; Calgary Afterschool Programs for Children and Youth. Fun, safe, supervised and quality after-school opportunities for kids ages 6 to 16. Web.
They're Back! Dinosaurs Alive!, Calgary Zoo. The Zoo is bringing back the animatronic dinosaurs in March. These realistic, fleshy models have special engineering to help them move in a true fashion. All of the creatures vocalize and some can be controlled through the touch of a button! On March 11, Dinosaurs Alive! Engage and Inspire Member previews begin. The Grand Opening takes place on March 19. Web.
March 3 & 24, 5 to 10pm; Dinner and a Movie, Heritage Park Historical Village. Enjoy a themed dinner in the Selkirk Grille restaurant before heading into Gasoline Alley Museum to watch the feature film! March is Mob Movie Madness. For more information and pricing: Web.
March 4 & 18, 12:15 to 12:45pm; Devonian Dialogues. Get your daily dose of nature from these bite-sized, informative chats at Devonian Gardens. Bring your lunch and join City of Calgary staff and community experts. Donations welcome.
March 5 to 14; Calgary Young People's Theatre Presents, The Lost Prince. In a cottage in the English countryside lives a boy. Hidden away by his family, the world has long since forgotten he exists until he meets a young girl who learns the truth: he is a Prince of England - and that's not his biggest secret! Tickets: Web.
March 6 to 21, Fridays, 7pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am, 2 & 4pm; StoryBook Theatre Presents, Awesome Allie First Kid Astronaut. Yesterday Allie was a normal kid; today she's headed to outer space! With the help of her trusty talking dog and dancing robot from Mars, Allie's on a mission across the solar system to save Earth and learn some things about science. Tickets: Web.
March 7, 9am to 3pm; Cantar� Children's Choir Presents, Man Enough to Sing Workshop Event. The men who participate come away with glowing reviews. An experience not to be missed. Takes place at St. Stephen's Church - 1121, 14 Avenue SW. Tickets: Web.
March 8 & 22, 9 to 11am; Drop-In Open Play, Bricks 4 Kidz. For ages 2 to 12. Leave your kids to build fun, creative models using their imaginations. For safety reasons, children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Bricks 4 Kidz reserves the right to cancel these classes on the day of the event due to low enrolments. To register: Web.
March 12, 6 to 10pm; Adults Only Night, TELUS Spark. Inspired by the current Travelling Exhibition, Dinosaurs in Motion, explore how you can learn from nature to solve human problems. What can we take from historic dinosaurs to apply to modern moving structures? Included with admission/membership. Tickets: Web.
March 14, 7:30pm; Cantar� Children's Choir Presents, Sing of Wondrous Things. An evening of wondrous choral music presented by choristers and special guests, Man Enough to Sing ensemble. Takes place at Knox United Church - 506, 4 Street SW. Tickets: Web.
*March 19, 8 to 9pm MST; Free Live Webinar, "Travelling with Children: How to Make it Stress-
Free." Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine. Register today: Web.
March 20 & April 10, 6 to 10pm; Noteworthy Nights, Heritage Park Historical Village. Spice up your nights! Enjoy a 4-course dinner in Gasoline Alley Museum followed by a live concert. Celebrate a belated St. Patrick's Day on March 20 with Cabot's Crossing and ring in Spring on April 10 with The June Bugs! Ticket information: Web.
March 20 to 29, 9:30am to 4pm; Spring Rally in the Alley, Heritage Park Historical Village. Become a history explorer! Assemble a group of adventurers and solve hidden mysteries in Gasoline Alley Museum. Gather clues as you complete challenges, activities and crafts to solve the mystery from history! Web.
March 22, Instrument Petting Zoo, 2pm, Concert, 3pm; Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Presents, Peter and the Wolf. This tale captivates all generations as each character is brought to life by a different instrument. Presented at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Tickets: 403-571-0849; Web.
March 27, 7:15 to 10pm; Friday Night Dance Party, Southland Leisure Centre. Admission to the Party includes a dance lesson (primary movements, rhythmic structure, posture, leading and following), social dance, as well as refreshments. No partner required! Web.
March 28, 9:30am to 5:30pm & March 29, 11am to 5pm; Calgary Baby & Tot Show, For Bump, Baby and Beyond. Local and national exhibitors showcase the latest in technology, apparel, furniture, products and toys to assist parents and caregivers. Discount tickets: Web.
March 28, 7 to 9:30pm; Earth Hour Family Skating Party, Olympic Plaza. The City of Calgary, The Calgary Downtown Association and Open Streets are proud to host this year's Festival. It will be powered by bicycle and solar power. There will be a DJ, kids' games. From 8:30 to 9:30pm, the lights will be off for Earth Hour. Come skate under the glow of bicycle powered LED lights. Web.
March 28 and 29 & April 3 and 4; Easter Hunt Fun, Butterfield Acres Children's Farm! First, the Legend of the Easter Bunny. Then off with an Easter basket to do some hunting! Follow up with a little Spring planting to take home, visit some very cute farmyard babies and to say 'Thanks for Helping!', the Easter Bunny will have a little treat for the kids! Advance tickets only: Web.
CALGARY'S CHILD MAGAZINE & GLOBAL MORNING NEWS - WHAT'S COMING UP?
Monday, March 2
Topic: Are you a single parent fresh on the dating scene? Eve will provide expert advice on how and when to introduce your new partner to your child(ren).
Saturday, March 7
Guest: Dr. Lianne Tomfohr, Healthy Hearts Lab, U of C
Topic: A small but significant percentage of women experience episodes of chronic stress, anxiety and low mood during pregnancy. The Lab wants to help women who are experiencing anxiety, stress or low mood to develop mindful coping skills that will help them maintain a sense of wellness in their pregnancy and beyond. The Lab is conducting a research study examining the effectiveness of a non-pharmaceutical treatment called Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for reducing perceived psychological distress in pregnancy. Learn more about the study and how pregnant women can participate in this important project.
Monday, March 9
Guest: S
am Vongprachanh, Sportball
Topic: Your child is non-competitive, what sport activities are a good fit? What sport basics can they learn? What are the benefits? Sam will speak to the philosophy of non-competitive sports and provide great information on Sportball's unique programs.
Saturday, March 14
Guest: Nanica Brown, Calgary's Child Magazine
Topic:
Spring Break is on the horizon and the kids will be off school.
It's a great break away from your regular routines and add some quality family time outside of activities, school and work.
We will fill you in on the most unique activities happening in our great city and quick trips that will make this the best break yet!
Monday, March 16
Guest:
Judy Arnall, Bestselling Parenting Author, Professional Parenting Canada
Topic: Hittin' the open road or flying the friendly skies during Spring Break? Judy will provide expert tips and tricks on travelling with kids.
Saturday, March 21
Guest: Melanie Olorenshaw, Brilliant Beginnings
Topic: The greatest gift you can give your baby is a loving relationship. Research shows that just 3 years after the birth of a child, 2 out of 3 couples report a significant drop in the quality of their relationships and a dramatic increase in conflict and hostility. Tune in for expert tips and skills on how expectant couples and parents can adjust to parenthood and keep those home fires burning!
Monday, March 23
Guest: Michelle Gilbert, Lumi�re de b�b� Inc., Infant and Pediatric Massage
Topic: What are the benefits of giving your baby a paediatric massage? Tune in for the soothing details.
Saturday, March 28
Guest: Representative, Hull Services
Topic: Do you have concerns about a teen in your life who may be abusing drugs or alcohol? Tune in for expert advice on how you can respond to these critical issues and seek the help you and your teen need.
Monday, March 30
Guest: Representative, The Children's Cottage Society
Topic: Feeling so stressed that parenting feels impossible? Overwhelmed by the challenges that twins, triplets or premature infants bring? Feeling too sick to care for your child? Feeling isolated, tired, sad and overwhelmed? The Community Respite Program at The Children's Cottage Society is here to help! Tune in for program details.
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Calgary's Child
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March is here! Spring is just peeking around the corner - make the most of the snow while you can!
This month is full of fabulous events all over Calgary. Now is the perfect time to try a new hobby, visit Calgary's fantastic local attractions or take a weekend break out of town! We've got all kinds of articles and TONS of contests to help you get through the last little bit of cold and snow!
Have fun!
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On Stands Now
Calgary's Child Magazine's March-April 2015 Issue!
 Our Spring issue is packed full of tips & tricks to get your family back into the bloom of things! This issue highlights your new baby and growing family, plus R&R for parents. Find out who's the best of the best with our list of the 2015 Parents' Choice Awards winners.
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A Teachable Moment - Should I Intervene?
by Dr. Susan Bartell; photo: photoxpress.com
 "Should I intervene, or let them work it out?" This is the question every parent contemplates when kids argue with each other. Two opinions prevail:
"Yes, intervene! It's worse when they are left to work it out themselves" or, "No, they will never learn to get along with others if an adult manages their squabbles."
In truth, most parents respond far less consistently during an argument, staying out of it until they just can't take the fighting anymore, then swooping in to strong-arm the situation into resolution.
Neither extreme is perfect. Developmentally, kids are self-centered and so don't yet have the ability to see an argument from perspective - each child can only see how they are being hurt, not how they are upsetting the other child. Therefore, some adult intervention is typically necessary to prevent a bitter stand-off.
On the other hand, too much adult interference robs kids of the chance to begin learning the important skills of conflict resolution.
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Save the Date for Easter Eggstravaganza at the Calgary Zoo! - Enter to Win 4 Tickets!
 April 3 & 4, 9am to 3pm; Easter Eggstravaganza, Presented by Cococo Chocolatiers in Partnership with Calgary's Child Magazine!
Bounce around the Zoo and experience multiple event zones that are bound to keep you hopping all day long!
Check out calgaryzoo.com for more details on this EGG-stra special family-friendly Easter event!
For your chance to win four tickets to this fabulous event, enter here (contest code: Eggs).
Contest closes Friday, March 20, 2015.
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Make Tax Time a Family Affair!
provided by Canada Revenue Agency; photo: photoexpress.com
If you have a family, taxes can be a daunting task. Filing an income tax return is about more than just declaring what you owe - it's an opportunity to take advantage of the many credits and child and family benefits available to support your family finances. This could translate into more money for groceries or kick-start that vacation fund for a fun-filled family getaway.
File your return online and if you're getting a refund and are using direct deposit, you could see your refund in your bank account in as little as eight business days! The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has a list of certified software packages including some that are free. To find out more, visit netfile.gc.ca.
The deadline to file your personal income tax return is April 30th. However, if you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, you have until June 15th to file your return. Note: If you're self-employed and have a balance owing for 2014, you still have to pay it on or before April 30th, 2015.
If your family is juggling school, work and recreational activities, consider filing your return ahead of the deadline for a little peace of mind. With so much on your plate, skip the last-minute number crunching and avoid stress by taking advantage of the CRA's secure electronic services. Using online help tools like videos and webinars, the CRA will walk you through the basics of completing your income tax and benefit return, making it easier than ever to file your taxes.
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Oh Baby! From Bump to Baby & Beyond Guide
Whether it's your first or a new addition, we have everything you need - from 'Bump' to Baby and your growing family!
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by Sharon McCormick; photo: photoexpress.com
 If you want to teach your kids healthy eating habits that will stick with them for life, it's simple... teach them to cook. Research shows that if kids are involved in the whole process - from picking out the groceries, helping chop and make the meals - they are much more likely to have an appreciation for healthy food and carry these eating habits into adulthood. Here are six simple steps to get your children involved in edible education - from gate to plate - to learn more about where our food comes from and how to prepare healthy meals:
1. Take your kids grocery shopping. Pick a recipe and have fun shopping for the ingredients together.
2. Cook together. Choose one night a week when your children can help with the meal prep. Start simple - let little ones peel carrots or potatoes, measure the ingredients or do the mixing. Older ones can be responsible for helping chop vegetables and reading recipe directions.
3. Make eating an adventure. Introduce your kids to new styles of food or a new recipe. Set the table with candles, eat on the floor picnic-style or make faces and shapes out of their food such as using meatballs for eyes and pasta for hair. A little effort goes a long way to make mealtime fun and enjoyable. Read more...
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Peace of Mind Right at Your Fingertips Contest!
 The Angelcare� AC701 Touchscreen, Movement & Sound Monitor features an under the mattress sensor pad, allowing parents to know within 20 seconds if no movement is detected in the crib.
The parent unit also comes with a two-way walkie-talkie feature that lets you soothe your baby from another room. Available to purchase at babiesrus.ca, sears.ca and angelcarebaby.com.
For your chance to win the Angelcare� AC701 Touchscreen, Movement & Sound Monitor,
enter here (contest code: Angelcare).
Entry deadline is Monday, April 13, 2015.
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by ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen; photo: courtesy of ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen
 Chicken Sate * Bamboo skewers
* 1 clove garlic, crushed
* � cup (50 mL) soy sauce
* 2 Tbsp. (25 mL) lemon juice
* 1 tsp. (5 mL) curry powder
* � tsp. (2 mL) freshly ground pepper
* 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces * Peanut Sauce (recipe follows)
Soak bamboo skewers in hot water for 30 minutes. Combine garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, curry and pepper in a double plastic bag. Add chicken and squeeze bag to coat chicken with marinade; seal bag. Let stand 20 to 30 minutes. Remove chicken from marinade and thread onto soaked skewers; discard marinade. Grill chicken over medium heat on a natural gas barbecue, turning occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with Peanut Sauce. Serves 2 to 3.
Peanut Sauce
* � cup (50 mL) finely chopped onion
* 1 tsp. (5 mL) grated fresh ginger
* � tsp. (2 mL) cayenne pepper
* 1 tsp. (5 mL) oil
* � cup (125 mL) peanut butter
* 1 cup (250 mL) water
* 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) soy sauce
* � tsp. (1 mL) salt
In a small saucepan on a side burner of a natural gas barbecue, cook onion, ginger and cayenne in oil for 2 minutes. Stir in peanut butter. Gradually stir in water, soy sauce and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.
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Travelling With Children - How to Make it Stress Free - Free Webinar with Judy Arnall
photo: photoxpress.com 
March 19, 8 to 9pm MST; Free Live Webinar, "Travelling with Children: How to Make it Stress-
Free." Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine.
Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine. Register today!
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Parents Night Out Contest! Enter to Win 2 Tickets to see Dr. Jane Goodall
Journey Beyond The Jungle: An Evening With Dr. Jane Goodall on April 8 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
This extraordinary evening offers a unique look into the lives of the animals with whom we share the world. Explore the relationship between humans, animals and our planet, and how small changes can make a big impact on our world.
For your chance to win 2 tickets to Journey Beyond The Jungle, enter here (contest code: Dr. Goodall).
Entry deadline is Monday, March 30, 2015.
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by Christa Melnyk Hines, photo: photoexpress.com
Use technology. A child's first and friendliest audiences include their family and friends. Inviting your child to talk on the phone or the webcam to relatives can ease even a shy child's initial communication inhibitions. Also use your video camera and ask your kids questions. This strategy helps kids get comfortable in front of a camera.
Open the floor at mealtime. Suggest each member of your family take turns reciting a joke, story, prayer or poem during dinner. Listen carefully to your kids and acknowledge their efforts. When a young child feels listened to, their confidence in expressing themselves blossoms.
Encourage show-and-tell. Most kids love to take something meaningful to them and share it with their friends. Show-and-tell is an excellent introduction to public speaking in a friendly group setting.
Seek out organized opportunities. Depending on your child's interests, enrol them in activities like drama, scouting, science fairs or 4-H. These activities offer leadership roles in a supportive environment that require participants to get in front of an audience.
Practice, practice, practice. Preparation and practice is necessary to succeed. By writing out what they'd like to say ahead of time and creating visual aids, kids can learn to organize their thoughts.
Read more...
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Put a Spring in Your Step with The City of Calgary Recreation Contest!
photo: photoxpress.com
 The City of Calgary Recreation wants to help you get fit this Spring! One lucky winner will receive a Fitness Bag and 2 Family Leisure Centre Day Passes.
For your chance to win the Fitness Bag and 2 Family Leisure Centre Day Passes from The City of Calgary Recreation, enter here (contest code: Spring).
Entry deadline is Monday, April 13, 2015.
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by Devon Hamilton, Ph.D., VP Exhibits TELUS Spark, photo: photoexpress.com
Play is instinctual and universal. We all engage in play, across all cultures, and all ages. In fact, there seems to be a biological imperative to play, even across the animal world. Mammals that exhibit the most playful behavior are more creative problem-solvers in comparison to animals that are less playful.
There is a strong and growing movement in Calgary recognizing play as integral to our quality of life. The City of Calgary, along with like-minded partner organizations, like TELUS Spark, are recognizing play as critical to creating an active, vibrant and healthy city. The focus on 'play' as it contributes to the healthy development of children is becoming imperative to the way many organizations operate. So why are we focusing on bringing free play back?
Read more...
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Prehistoric Fun with the Calgary Zoo Contest!
 They're Back! Dinosaurs Alive returns to the Calgary Zoo on March 19! Travel back to a time when triceratops and the mighty T-Rex roamed the earth. New fun features and new dino-sized programs will bring the park to life as the Calgary Zoo welcomes back these roaring and moving animatronics! Are you an Engage or Inspire zoo member? Join the Calgary Zoo for the first look member previews from March 11 to 18! For more information, visit calgaryzoo.com. For your chance to win a family pack of 4 Engage Memberships to go see the member previews of Dinosaurs Alive! from March 11 to 18, enter here (contest code: Dinosaurs). Entry deadline is Thursday, March 5, 2015.
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Love our Contests? We Have Even More Ways to Win!
Our Facebook and Twitter followers look to us for details on upcoming events, information about the latest issue, see what's new & notable; they connect with parents around Calgary and even get help with dinner! Check out our "Enter to Win" Facebook Tab and our wall posts and tweets every day for new contests and giveaways. Join us!
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