Hockey is back (sort of)
This season has been a moving target for hockey fans. Not long after the last issue of Our Children published, the second wave of COVID-19 hit Nova Scotia, forcing the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the hometown Halifax Mooseheads to suspend play. In late January, play was resuming for the Nova Scotia and P.E.I. teams, with hopes New Brunswick could soon join. At press time, fans weren’t permitted, but league organizers hoped that restriction would lift in February. “The current situation is clearly not ideal, but it is extremely important for the development of our players, along with their health and well-being, that they return to the ice,” says Mooseheads president Brian Urquhart in a web post. “We realize that being able to cheer on the Mooseheads is very important to many people in our community. It’s very difficult for us not to be able to share in that excitement with our fans… we are looking forward to when we can all be together again.” halifaxmooseheads.ca
Open exhibitions
Many of the local favourite spots for hands-on family fun are persevering through the pandemic, boasting lots of exhibits and activities, with public health precautions to fight the spread of COVID-19. Science, art, history, and, culture—attractions abound. On the websites for the Discovery Centre, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and the Museum of Natural History, you’ll find all the information you need to prepare for your visit. Plan on reduced hours, physical distancing, and mask wearing, and expect safety-minded changes to some regular exhibitions. Plan ahead and you’ll find an ideal escape for a blustery autumn weekend. thediscoverycentre.ca, artgalleryofnovascotia.ca, naturalhistory.novascotia.ca
Your friendly neighbourhood librarian
School projects, homework, hobbies, and personal interests of all sorts: while pandemic precautions have limited on-site options, Halifax Public Libraries remain busy helping kids learn and grow. On the organization’s website, you’ll find a huge archive of at-home resources, including expert Q&As, fun projects, reading suggestions, games, videos, and more. halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/explore/?programs=libraryonline-kids
Calling Weather Watchers
Do you have a budding meteorologist in your home? A child fascinated with weather forecasts and patterns? Environment Canada is always recruiting Weather Watchers, volunteers who “provide Environment Canada’s forecasters with up-to-the-minute information on severe weather events, explains the website. “Thousands of individuals from all walks of life have been a part of this vast and valuable network of observers. Weather watchers provide an invaluable service not only to meteorologists, but also to their communities and the general public.” Visit the website to learn more sign up. canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/report-severe-weather/watcher-program.html
