It was day two of a torrential West Coast Pineapple Express and both my daughter and I were climbing the walls. Not literally, but we were feeling very cooped up. Problem was, going for a walk during a monsoon didn't really appeal. It was time to get creative.
After an exhaustive Google search of fun indoor activities, I was inspired to bust out our limited craft supplies and create some homemade entertainment. I had planned an intricate Modge Podge, crayon creation, but my toddler had other ideas. The crayons entertained her for about five minutes. Apparently systematically disassembling the kitchen was much more interesting.
We needed to get outside before the entire house suffered the effects of the slightly bored and destructive toddler.
But what is there to do with kids in Whistler and the Sea to Sky corridor? It's the million-dollar question for moms. Thankfully Janet Pashleigh, owner and creator of the website Whistler4Kids.com, has the answer.
Whistler4Kids is a website designed as one-stop shop for visitors and locals that showcases kid friendly information and resources and useful listings to keep your kids busy and entertained all year long. The site has everything from a long-term calendar of events to special events and weekly activities. You can even sign up for a newsletter that delivers the latest updates to your inbox.
"When my son was younger, I found it hard to find out what was going on in town for kids," Pashleigh said.
One night at 3 a.m., Pashleigh had an idea. It was the type of idea that kept her awake and perpetuated many other sleepless nights. Marrying her graphic design and marketing skills with her newfound kid-friendly interests, Whistler4Kids was born.
"The response was 'wow, we can find out what is going on today and get out of the house,' which was really encouraging,” Pashleigh said. "It was just a matter of getting as much information as possible on the site and making it a great resource guide."
As a new mom, Whistler4Kids has gotten my daughter and I out of the house on numerous occasions. Whether it's a library story time event or a special community gathering, the website is an easy place to look for things to do in Pemberton, Whistler and Squamish.
The site has also become a resource for tourists. Pashleigh said she often gets emails from visitors looking for kid-friendly options in the Sea to Sky corridor.
Since launching the site, Whistler4Kids has grown to include community events and resources throughout the Sea to Sky corridor. Pashleigh said moms from Squamish often want to know what is happening in Whistler and visa versa. The website is something Pashleigh would like to see grow.
"I want to make sure it continues to be a great resource guide and I'd really like the locals’ perspectives on how to make it better. I am seeking input from the community on how to specifically improve it," Pashleigh said.
Back to the monsoon, we checked out Whistler4Kids.com and found an event at the library to attend. My daughter unleashed her talent for destruction on the poor unsuspecting library staff, but that is a whole other story. There's never a dull moment with a toddler in tow.
Visit www.whistler4kids.com to plan your next adventure. Visit mountainmama.ca for more ramblings and mama musings.
