By Sonya Davidson
As we head into the Family Day long weekend here in Ontario and other Canadian provinces (and bracing for bitterly cold weather), families are all now looking for things to do with their kids. Where do we often do our research? It's no surprise that we often reach for our devices and Google "things to do" whether it's adventures outdoors, indoor activities or what's open during the long weekend.
Families with kids, like us, often find we need some downtime in between outings...okay truthfully, I really don't want to go outside and there are so many cake pops we need to make!
If you find your kids reaching for their devices and streaming YouTube for entertainment or how to's for fun projects, YouTube Kids (free app on the App Store and Google Play) comes in handy to help parents control their kids' viewing experiences. Parents can go into "search settings" and turn on (and off) access to family-friendly content. The homescreen age-based customization allows for the opportunity to select from three general age groups of kids so that parents can have a peace knowing that what they are watching is age and content appropriate.
Take it one step further and the app can act as the "helicopter parent" by allowing you to personally set kids' screen time and shutting down when the session is over.
REAL-TIME SEARCHES ON FAMILY DAY (in the past 7 days):
- Family Day Activities
- Things to do on Family Day
- What to do on Family Day
- Is Family Day a statutory holiday?
- What's open on Family Day?
Here's are some popular YouTube Kids playlist to keep your kids busy this Family Day Weekend:
ARTS & CRAFTS:
Winter Crafts - Crafts for Kids at Cool School by Cool School
How to Build a Pillow Fort! by Sci Show Kids
Marble Painting for Kids by The Artful Parent
How to Make No Cook Playdough by HooplaKidz How To
How to make a Wax Paper Rainbow by Arts and Crafts
How to make a cereal box guitar by Kidspot
FUN FULL-LENGTH SHOWS:
Johnny Fu/Johnny Escapes from Bling Bling Island by Johnny Test
Wild Kratts - Build It Beaver - Full episode by TVO Kids
Arthur - Buster Isn't Buying It/One Ornery Critter by Kids' CBC
Caillou - Caillou the Patient by Caillou
Home-Grown Ninjas by Masha and the Bear
Muppets Cookies - Nerdy Nummies - ft. Miss Piggy and Swedish Chef! by Rosanna Pansino
FAMILIES OF YOUTUBE:
Guardians of the Garden! Surprise Box from Kid President! Guide to Being Awesome! by EvanTube HD
DIY Vibrant Easter Egg Colors | Brooklyn and Bailey by Brooklyn and Bailey
It is Mom's Turn | CGH Kids Style Mind's Hair by Cute Girls Hairstyles
Little Heroes 2 - The New Fire Engine, The Mayor and The Spark by New Sky Kids