I SPY Montreal » Ahuntsic

Okidok performs Ha Ha Ha at Tohu

Jessica Howard — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:33:16 +0000

Two clowns. Lots of laughs.

That’s the promise from Belgian clown duo Okidok, who are back at Tohu with their show Ha Ha Ha from Dec. 20 to Jan. 5.

The cool thing about this well-travelled show is that the clowns communicate in gestures and gibberish, and there’s lots of slapstick silliness for kids to enjoy. The Gazette’s Kathryn Greenaway wrote a fun story about it, listing the five universally funny gags that are always in Okidok’s bag of tricks.

Ha Ha Ha lasts 75 minutes (without intermission), and will be on through the holidays. The show is recommended by TOHU, for age 3 and up, but it may be too long for little ones to sit through, especially since many of the shows are at 7:30 p.m. Our 4- and 7-year-old really enjoyed the show.

Okidok’s Ha Ha Ha
Schedule: Dec. 20 to Jan. 5; most shows are at 7:30 p.m., some are at 2 p.m. See full schedule.
Tickets: Start at $36 for adults, and cost $10 for children under 12. Get tickets.
Where: Tohu, 2345 Jarry St. E.

Guided Tour: Ahuntsic Park

Jessica Howard — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:22:13 +0000

Ahuntsic Park (view map)
Address: The park is bordered by Fleury St., Lajeunesse St., Henri Bourassa Blvd., and St. Hubert St.
Parking: Metered parking on Lajeunesse St. This is the street closest to the playground area.
Metro: Henri Bourassa

The view from the top of the hill at Ahuntsic Park.

Ahuntsic Park has it all: play equipment for toddlers to teens, a wading pool and water play area, scenic surroundings and a number of family-friendly restaurants nearby. This park is well worth a visit even if you don’t live in the immediate area. Families with babies and/or toddlers should definitely plan to visit the park, and stop for breakfast, lunch or coffee at neighbouring Lili Café. It’s a parent-baby cafe that serves great food and has a baby play area.

The baby/toddler area.

In terms of playgrounds, there’s a toddler area, a bigger kids area, see-saws, swings, a skateboarding park, wading pool and water play.

This is the older kids' playground; behind it is a wading pool/water play area.

A midsummer night’s dream? Close to the playground area, there are various family-friendly restaurants on Lajeunesse St., including St. Hubert, Mike’s, and McDonalds. So, if the kids are old enough to handle restaurant visits, you could plan an early dinner and summer evening at the park.

This is one of several ramps in the skateboarding area.

More Guided Tours of Montreal parks

Guided Tour: Lili Café Welcomes Babies and Tired Parents

Jessica Howard — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:49:48 +0000

Lili Café (view map)
Address: 650 Fleury St. E.
Telephone: 514-544-7181
Parking: metered and non-metered parking on surrounding streets.
Website: http://www.lilicafe.ca/
Metro: Henri Bourassa

Ahuntsic residents are lucky to have a relatively new parent-baby cafe in their midst: Lili Café et Cie. Open since August 2008, this neighborhood cafe/boutique welcomes new parents and supports local, eco-friendly baby products.

Inside, there’s a beautifully muralled play area that’s geared to babies and toddlers. The boutique section of the store sells cloth diapers, locally-made children’s clothes, baby carriers and other products. It’s modern, calm and cute … yet sophisticated. A place that any new parent would be happy to sit and take a breather. There’s a glider chair for breastfeeding, as well as some other comfy chairs in the restaurant area.

Our two-year-old went right into the play area and made himself at home, staying busy for half an hour while we sat and ordered lunch. There are soft mats, an Exersaucer-type toy, a mini rocking horse, and some other toys to keep crawlers, walkers and toddlers happy.

Our four-year-old, on the other hand, said, “This place is for babies!” True. There isn’t much for older siblings to play with here (bring crayons and paper?). He was, however, quite taken with the ham-and-cheese crepe we ordered for lunch, plus a cookie for dessert. (Mom and dad’s sandwiches, made with fresh bread, were yummy, too).

If you have a baby/toddler and an older sibling, Lili Café is still a great idea for a coffee, breakfast or lunch visit. At least it’s a place where messy eating and disturbing others is expected! The cafe is conveniently located across the street from Ahuntsic Park. When you’re done at the cafe, you can stroll into the park, which has tons of great features for kids.