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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, toronto toursim

Outdoor Activities You Can Enjoy in Toronto During the Pandemic

June 14, 2021
toronto outdoor activities

The problem we face is that the COVID pandemic has been going on for over a year, but we still need to travel or feel like we’re getting away from our routine, everyday lives. But there is a way to still do this: plan a getaway to Toronto.

Whether you go on a staycation or a business-related trip, you can enjoy the perfect stay in Toronto, taking advantage of countless options for COVID-friendly outdoor activities. Here are the ways you can enjoy the natural, beautiful side of Toronto, even during the lockdown. 

1. Go on a Relaxing Stroll or a Hike

Want to escape from the business of life and immerse yourself in nature? There are numerous walking and hiking trails spread out all across Toronto, so there’s sure to be a trail to suit you. You could take an easy 20-minute stroll at the Glen Stewart Ravine (located just south of Kingston Road and north of Woodbine Beach) or challenge yourself with a 9-km hike on the Beltline Trail (located all across Eglinton West). 

Looking to get close to the Beltline Trail? Then you’ll want to stay in the Republic as it’s only a short drive away. What about the Glen Stewart Ravine? We recommend either our James Cooper Mansion or Ten York locations.

Relieve your stress and relax in a peaceful, natural environment. Go to a trail in Toronto to experience its beautiful landscape, such as its lush forests and tranquil rivers.

2. Take a Trip to the Beach

Even though many recreational attractions are closed, Toronto’s beaches are still open. And they can help you take some time to unwind and get outside in the summer. 

Take a refreshing swim at one of Toronto’s swimming beaches, like Cherry Beach, build sandcastles with your family, or enjoy a picnic in the sun. You could even simply walk along the beach while taking in the sights.

Want to soak up some sun or lounge on a beach seat under the shade of an umbrella? With its visually pleasing pink umbrellas and white sand, Sugar Beach is just the right place. It’s also a popular site to visit in the winter when it’s topped with soft white snow.

3. Visit Nature Parks

During the pandemic, everyone is spending a lot more time indoors than they’re used to. If you’re missing being outside and want to get some fresh air at a park, Toronto has a lot to choose from. 

At a park, you could spend some time outdoors with your family or see your friends in person while socially distancing. Have a picnic, walk through gardens, or go on short trails.  

High Park is a popular choice that offers a wide variety of activities, including a small zoo. It’s also famous for being a park where you view the cherry blossoms in bloom in the summer. 

4. Walk Through a Public Garden

Toronto’s outdoor public gardens, such as community and allotment gardens, are also open. 

Stroll through them while admiring trees and attractively arranged flower beds. Take pictures in beautiful settings, such as the small bridges in Edwards Gardens. And take a moment to pause and sit on a bench while admiring your surroundings in the Toronto Music Garden. 

Stop and smell the flowers during your business retreat or vacation from work. 

5. Take Advantage of Outdoor Recreational Amenities

Although COVID restrictions are constantly evolving, certain recreational amenities, including playgrounds and dog off-leash areas, are currently open. Take advantage of the opportunity to get outside and use these amenities. 

Taking your kids to the playground can also help them get moving and be active instead of being cooped up at home. 

If you go to High Park, you could take your kids to Toronto’s largest playground, the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, or give your dogs a feeling of freedom at the High Park Dog Off-Leash Area. 

DelSuites: Have the Perfect Stay in Toronto

Here at DelSuites, we understand that you may need to get away during this difficult pandemic. That’s why we’re here to give you the most pleasant stay possible at one of our luxurious, beautifully furnished, and spotlessly clean units. 

And with 7 locations spread out across Downtown Toronto, you can have countless outdoor activities waiting at your doorstep. 

Our fully trained cleaning staff also follow additional cleaning regimens so you can enjoy a safe stay and have peace of mind. 

Get a change of pace without needing to get out of town. Browse through our collection of curated short-term rentals in downtown Toronto today.

Business Travel, Toronto Condos, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

7 COVID-19 Measures You Should Know About Before Visiting Canada

April 29, 2021
covid 19 measures canada

Travel over the past year has been a whirlwind. Changing restrictions and new safety measures have made international travel a difficult maze of new rules depending on the airport or country you arrive in. Luckily, for travelers coming into Canada, there is some clarity. 

COVID-19 definitely disrupted many plans in 2020, but after a year of dealing with this novel virus, Canadian governments and travel institutions can now offer better guidelines for international travel. 

Here are seven measures you should know when visiting Canada as we deal with the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

1. Masks and Face Coverings

This is the big one. 

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, travelers entering Canada through major ports, including airports, transit stations, etc., must wear masks/face coverings at all times. 

At Pearson Airport in Toronto, this includes the pre-and post-security screening areas of the terminals, parking facilities, people mover train, sidewalks/curbs outside the terminals, and other outdoor public areas.

There are several special exceptions to this rule in effect. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, you are exempt from the rule provided you have a note from a medical doctor that certifies that you are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons. 

2. COVID-19 Testing Before and Upon Arrival

As of February 21, 2021, air travelers will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test upon landing in Canada.  This testing can occur at the airport or later during their mandatory quarantine period in either a designated quarantine facility or at a suitable place of quarantine.

Before leaving the airport, travelers will also receive a COVID-19 test kit or instructions for taking their test later during their mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

3. Mandatory Quarantine Period 

When first coming to Canada, there is a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for international travelers and social distancing precautions for everyone. 

For those coming from specific international hot spots, travelers are to go to a pre-booked hotel while they await the results of their arrival test.

If the test is negative, travelers will continue their quarantine in their home, short-term rental, or designated residence and complete their test kit as instructed.

However, if positive, travelers will be relocated to a designated quarantine facility or other suitable places of quarantine until medically released. 

4. Social Distancing Measures 

Apart from wearing masks and constant hand-washing, maintaining social distancing when possible is how we can help combat this pandemic. 

Many stores, public venues, and restaurants will have limited sitting or restrictions to how many patrons they can accommodate at a time. Keep this in mind when making plans for outings as there might be longer than usual waiting times or queues for shopping. 

At DelSuites, your short-term rental allows you to maintain social distancing and have a home away from home. Guests can enjoy premium amenities like a personal kitchen and high-speed internet, so their stay is comfortable and stress-free. 

5. Pre-Booked Hotel Upon Arrival 

Before departure to Canada, air travelers will need to reserve a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel. These new measures are in addition to existing mandatory pre-boarding and health requirements for air travelers with limited exemptions. 

Also, the Government of Canada has announced new travel restrictions, including a suspension of flights to Mexico and the Caribbean from January 31, 2021, to April 30, 2021.  New testing and quarantine requirements are also evolving with developments in the pandemic on public health. 

6. Restrictions for Meeters and Greeters at the Airport

Are you heading back home? Make sure to say your goodbyes before reaching the airport.

To maintain social distancing and limit high-volume traffic, many major airports have limited terminal access to passengers traveling on the same day and airport employees on duty. Meeters and greeters or those dropping friends and loved ones off at the airport won’t be able to enter the terminals. 

7. Stay-At-Home Orders 

In some COVID-19 hotspots, government bodies have implemented more strict social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus and its newly emerging variants. 

Depending on the city you are traveling to, make sure to be prepared and informed of possible stay-at-home orders. This preparation can dramatically alter your trip and how you can spend your time in the country. 

8. Providing a Safe, Secure, and Cozy Home Away From Home 

Traveling to any country can be stressful, especially during COVID-19. With so many restrictions, it can be hard to fully enjoy your trip.  However, having a temporary home with DelSuites’ short-term rentals can make all the difference. 

When it comes to travel security and safety, you can be confident you are in good hands. Protecting our guests and associates is our number one priority. Along with abiding by government public health guidelines, we ensure that we are keeping on top of standards of cleanliness and hygiene to keep everyone safe, no matter where you are traveling from. 

Right from check-in, you can enjoy fully furnished living spaces and round-the-clock reliable and high-quality customer service. Despite this new normal, our strong in-house maintenance team and trusted security make it their mission to take care of you and your well-being so you can focus on getting the most out of your stay in Toronto and surrounding GTA.

Visiting Canada? Find Your Next Short-Term Rental With DelSuites

Don’t let COVID-19 get you down.  Even with some limited activities, Toronto always finds a way to entertain whenever you are here. And whatever you choose, you can be confident you have a comfortable and safe place to call home at the end of the day with DelSuites. Visit our website to find your perfect short-term rental in Toronto today.

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.

Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Ideas for Your Next Weekend Getaway

November 19, 2019
weekend getaway

Travel doesn’t always have to be a long voyage. Sometimes all you need is to take a quick trip to relax and recharge. That’s why a weekend vacation can be such a great idea. You don’t have to book extra time off work to enjoy this short but sweet travel experience. 

 

So, if you’re planning a weekend trip, where should you go and what should you do? Whether you’re looking for ideas for fun weekend getaways for couples, weekend trips with the family or a solo adventure – there’s plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for your next weekend trip. 

The Best Weekend Getaways: 

weekend getaway

3 Day Vacation Ideas

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

If you’re based near Toronto, Niagara Falls is the perfect option for long weekend getaways. It’s easy to get to from the city – with multiple options for trains and buses. Once you are there, you’ll want to marvel at impressive volume of the spectacular falls. However, that’s not the only things you can do in Niagara Falls. You can take a stroll through Niagara Falls State Park, taking the pedestrian bridge over to Goat Island and admiring the view of Horseshoe Falls from Terrapin Point. You could also book a wine tour out to Niagara on the Lake to taste some of the delicious vintages from the area. 

Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, Florida, USA

If you’re looking for a beautiful sandy beach to spend a sunny long weekend – consider this beautiful park in Big Pine Key. It’s a great spot to experience the Florida Keys on a budget. You could hop on a boat to go snorkeling at the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, or rent a kayak for your own adventure. There are many options for where to stay – from simple campsites to cabins to luxurious resorts. 

San Antonio, Texas, USA

This vibrant Texas city is an affordable place to visit – packed with a great dining and nightlife scene, historical significance and lots of great things to do. You can visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park or visit the Alamo for free – both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then, take a stroll down the famous San Antonio River Walk. The banks of the river are lined with bustling waterfront restaurants, unique boutiques, cute shops and so much more. 

Victoria, British Columbia, USA

Take the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island to enjoy one of the best weekend getaways on the West Coast. One of the oldest cities in the Northwest, BC’s capital Victoria was first settled by the British in 1843. It’s a great mix of British charm, historic architecture, beautiful nature and a laid back hippie vibe. Take a stroll through the impressive flower displays at Butchart Gardens and explore the Inner Harbour, where you can see the Parliament Buildings and have afternoon tea at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel. 

Savannah, Georgia, USA

If you’re looking for weekend trips with historic, magic and charm – Savannah is absolutely oozing with it. This city is known as one of the most romantic destinations in the USA. Take a stroll through the Old Town on a walking tour to hear the ghost stories of the many characters who haunt this town. Dine at one of the delicious Southern BBQ joints, then cap off the night with a swanky cocktail at a sexy, sultry speakeasy. 

Napa Valley, California, USA

If you love wine, there’s no better spot for a weekend getaway than the beautiful Napa Valley. You can spend your weekend relaxing at stunning hillside vineyards, sipping wine near luxury resorts, spas and golf courses. Plus, there are many cool activities to enjoy here from cooking workshops, cycling tours, fishing charters, stand-up paddleboarding and much more. 

weekend getaway

Tips for A Better Weekend Getaway

How can you make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible? Here are some tips that will help you have a great weekend adventure. 

 

  • Stay in an accommodation that will be as close as possible to the things you want to see and do on your trip. A weekend is not a lot of time, so you don’t want to spend too much of it on transport. 
  • Search for “weekend getaway ideas near me” and stay somewhere close by – so you don’t have to spend too much of your weekend in transport. 
  • Keep your luggage as light as possible. It should be easy to do if you’re only going for a couple of nights, and it will make transport a lot easier. Plus, if you’re traveling by air you’ll be able to fly cheaper if you travel with hand luggage only. 
  • Spend some time without your phone, so you can take a break from work emails and social media and live in the moment. You’ll come back feeling happier and recharged. 
  • Do as much as you can on the Saturday, to take the pressure off Sunday. Many attractions will be closed on a Sunday anyway and you don’t want to miss your chance to see them. 

Have fun on your weekend getaway!

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