This Trip Was Un-frog-ettable: Maple Syrup at Kortright

 

If there’s one thing that screams “spring is finally happening in Ontario,” it’s the smell of maple syrup drifting through a forest. And that’s exactly the vibe at the annual Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright Centre for Conservation.

The 2026 Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival runs on weekends from March 7 to April 6, plus extra days during March Break and Easter weekend, so there are lots of chances for families to head into the woods and celebrate Canada’s sweetest tradition.

I packed up my son and nephew and headed to Kortright, hoping for a fun day outdoors — and it did not disappoint.

I bought our tickets online a few days before we went. Prices vary depending on age and whether you’re a member, so it’s worth checking ahead.

Our first impression was honestly, how are we still in the GTA? Tall maple trees, quiet trails, and that unmistakable sugar shack smell set the tone right away. It’s not a flashy festival — it’s cozy and very nature-focused, and that’s a big part of its charm.

One of the highlights is the Maple Syrup Trail, where you follow the journey from tree to table. Along the trail there are interpreters and demonstrations showing how maple syrup is made — from traditional methods to modern evaporators. It’s actually fascinating watching the process and seeing how clear sap slowly turns into liquid gold.

You also learn that it takes about 40 litres of sap to make just one litre of syrup, which definitely makes you appreciate that pancake drizzle a lot more.

The trail itself is easy and really scenic. Some parts are paved and some are natural forest paths, so depending on the weather it can get a bit muddy, but the boys had the best time jumping in snowbanks and checking out the strategically placed sap buckets along the route.

After we finished the trail, the boys needed a washroom break and of course a snack. We headed inside — the bathrooms were clean — and then walked through the gift shop before getting in line at the café.

At the café you can grab things like pancakes with maple syrup, hot apple cider or coffee, and a few cold drinks. There was also a warmed apple blossom with ice cream and maple syrup, and I got that — it was amazing.

The pancakes are really the main event though. Nothing fancy — just warm, fluffy, and absolutely drenched in real maple syrup.

After a rest and a snack, we were ready to go again and headed for the wagon rides. This is another crowd favourite — it’s horse-drawn and takes you on a loop through the conservation area before dropping you back at the front.

It’s one of those simple activities that somehow ends up being the highlight for kids — and honestly, adults too.

There are also rotating performances and family activities on select dates throughout the festival, so depending on when you go, you might catch some live entertainment or extra demonstrations.

If you’re looking for a sign that winter is almost over and spring is on the way, this is it. The Kortright Maple Syrup Festival isn’t big and flashy, but that’s what makes it special. It’s simple, it’s outdoors, it’s educational without feeling like a lesson, and it’s one of those easy family days that just feels very Canadian.

We left a little muddy, a little sticky from maple syrup, and very ready for spring — which honestly feels like a pretty perfect day.

Disclaimer All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective.

Hopping Through Colors: Our Fused Glass Date Night

Sometimes the best memories don’t come from big trips or fancy outings — they come from slowing down, getting a little creative, and spending time together. On this Froggy Take adventure, my daughter and I headed out for a fun mother-daughter night trying something completely new for both of us: fused glass art.

And let me tell you — it was such a fun and creative experience, but side note it took much longer that either of us expected.

We visited Glazed Expressions, a creative arts studio in Georgetown that offers things like pottery painting, glass fusing, and even pottery wheel workshops. It’s the kind of place where anyone — even beginners — can walk in and create something unique.

The studio itself has a really relaxed and welcoming vibe. When we arrived, we were greeted by the staff and shown how the fused glass drop-in activity works. If you’ve never heard of glass fusing before, the idea is pretty simple: you start with a glass base and decorate it with different pieces, colours, and shapes of glass to create your design.

After you design your piece, the studio fires it in a kiln so all the glass melts together into one finished artwork. It’s basically crafting… but with a little bit of science and magic mixed in.

Once we got our quick tutorial, we were free to start designing. There were so many colours and little glass pieces to choose from that it almost felt overwhelming — but in a good way.

My daughter jumped right in and started creating her design. I loved watching her imagination take over as she picked colours and shapes and arranged them on the glass base. Meanwhile, I worked on my own piece, trying to make something that looked halfway artistic.

It turned into one of those moments where you forget about time because you’re just focused on creating something together.

When we finished designing our pieces, we left them behind at the studio so they could be fired in the kiln. Because the glass has to melt together at very high temperatures, the pieces aren’t ready right away. The studio calls you once your artwork is finished — usually about 7–10 days later, depending on how busy it is.

Our mother-daughter fused glass night was such a great experience. It was creative, relaxing, and something completely different from our usual activities. Plus, we’ll always have our finished glass pieces as a reminder of that night.

If you’re looking for a fun creative outing, girls’ night, or family activity, this is definitely worth checking out.

Until next time, keep hopping into new experiences, making memories with the people you love, and never be afraid to get a little creative along the way.

 

Disclaimer All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective. 

Hop Into Baking: Our KitchenAid Mixer Review

 

Hoppy Sunday we are back with another review this week

We recently got a KitchenAid mixer, with the thought of being able to make butter, dough and get an attachment and make pasta and our own ground meats, The KitchenAid stand mixer is a name most home cooks instantly recognize. But is it worth it? For us The 4.5 quart tilt head modles is especially popular for families who bake often but don’t need the largest, most industrial sized machine out there — and for our family here’s why it ended up being such a solid choice.

It comes with a stainless steel bowl that’s large enough to mix up to a few dozen cookies, several loaves of bread, or 1 or 2 pounds of butter in one batch — perfect for small families or at home bakeries

Our model included three essential attachments right out of the box: a padle for general mixing, a dough hook for kneading yeast doughs, and a wire whisk for whipping creams, egg whites and butter.

With 10 speeds, the mixer gives thorough coverage of ingredients in the bowl at every stage — whether you’re gently combining batter or working with stiff dough.

✔️ Versatile for Everyday Cooking — Cookie dough, cake batter, whipped cream, mashed veggies, and more all become easier with hands free mixing.
✔️ Durable Construction — KitchenAid mixers are known for their metal‑body build that stands up to frequent use, generation after generation.
✔️ Expandable with Attachments — The mixer’s power hub lets you add pasta makers, spiralizers, food grinders, and more (sold separately).

Our mixer did not inculkded a bowl with a handle which was a bit annoying but for the cost it was still good

The KitchenAid 4.5 quart stand mixer is a classic kitchen essential that earns its place in baking loving homes. It strikes a great balance between capacity, power, and price for family baking — especially cookies, cakes, and everyday doughs. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned cookie maker, this mixer gives you tools you’ll use again and again.

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective.

Hoppy Birthday Chaos: Monster Jam Fun in Buffalo

 

Sometimes the best birthday gifts aren’t wrapped in paper—they roar, jump, and leave tire tracks everywhere. That was exactly the case when I surprised my 7-year-old son with Monster Jam in Buffalo for his birthday, and let me tell you, it was a day we’ll never forget.

From the moment we arrived, the excitement was electric. The arena buzzed with fans, engines revving, and the smell of rubber and dirt in the air. My son’s eyes were huge with excitement. As we walked him toward the entrance and he saw the Monster Trucks lined up, he could hardly contain himself.

We found our seats just as the trucks thundered into the arena. The noise, the flips, the jumps—it was all thrilling. Each Monster Truck had its own personality, and my son couldn’t stop cheering for his favorite, Grave Digger. There were jaw-dropping stunts, massive ramps, and even some fun crowd interaction from the drivers and commentators.

What made the experience really special was seeing my son’s pure joy. For most of the show, he was mesmerized, just taking it all in. Every so often, he’d throw his hands in the air, clap, and shout—but mostly he sat on the edge of his seat, completely captivated. I loved watching him absorb it all—it was happiness in its simplest, most contagious form.

The show also had plenty of family-friendly touches. Concessions were easy to access, and the staff were helpful and cheerful. Even with the noise and chaos, it felt safe and welcoming—a perfect setting for a birthday celebration.

By the end of the event, my son was buzzing with excitement. He talked non-stop about the tricks, the trucks, and even after we left, he loudly exclaimed how spectacular it was and asked if we could go the next day. A few days later, he’s still asking if he’ll get to see Monster Jam on his next birthday. Mission accomplished.

If you’re planning a high-octane birthday—or just a family adventure full of thrills—Monster Jam is a must. Prepare for loud engines, big smiles, and memories that will stick with you (and your little monster) long after the tires stop spinning. Pro tip: definitely bring some ear protection—it gets loud!

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective.

Leap Into Action: Monster Jam Fun With the Smash & Bash Grave Digger

If you’re hunting for a next-level RC toy that combines monster trucks, crash-and-reset action, and hands-on fun, the Smash & Bash RC Grave Digger is one you don’t want to miss. This little truck brings iconic Monster Jam excitement right into your living room with some clever twists that make it extra fun.

One of the coolest things about this truck is its interactive smash mode. When it collides with walls, obstacles, or (in my house) another RC Grave Digger, it actually compresses into a “smashed” state, just like a real monster truck taking a beating on the track. And the best part? With the press of a button on the remote, it pops back into its original shape and is ready to go again.

I also really liked that the Grave Digger is rechargeable, though I do wish the remote was too. We’ve been playing with ours for weeks, and it’s holding up pretty well — which is reassuring, especially since it costs around $60 CAD.

The charge lasts about 20 minutes, which is perfect for a good play session. My son can zoom around, crash it a bit, then let it charge and go back for more later in the day.

Overall, I think the Smash & Bash RC Grave Digger is a super engaging toy for kids who love monster trucks, crashes, and toys that keep them coming back for more. That smash-and-reset feature really sets it apart from basic RC cars, and my son has had an absolute blast with it.

If you’re looking for a gift that keeps kids entertained again and again — especially for ages 4–8 — this one’s definitely worth a look.

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective.

Ribbit-Worthy Fun: Why Blokus is a Hit in Our House

If you’re on the hunt for a board game that’s super easy to learn but still fun enough to keep coming back to, Blokus might just become a new family favourite. It’s a bright, colourful strategy game for 2–4 players, recommended for ages 7 and up, and it’s perfect for those game nights when you want something quick, engaging, and enjoyable for both kids and adults.

The idea behind Blokus is simple, but don’t let that fool you. Each player starts in their own corner of a grid board with 21 uniquely shaped pieces in their chosen colour. The goal is to get as many of your pieces onto the board as possible before the game ends. The twist? Every new piece you place can only touch your other pieces at the corners — not the edges. That one rule turns the game into a fun little brain workout as you try to squeeze in your shapes while also blocking your opponents from grabbing prime space.

A typical game lasts about 20–30 minutes, which I love. It’s long enough to feel satisfying, but short enough that you can easily play a couple of rounds in one evening.

Why My Family Loved It

• Easy to learn: Most people pick up the rules in under a minute, which means no long explanations or rulebook headaches.

• Great for mixed ages: There’s enough strategy to keep adults interested, but kids can still compete and feel successful. Our youngest player was 6 and he had a great time.

• High replay value: Every game plays out differently, so it never feels repetitive.

• Encourages thinking skills: You have to plan ahead, think spatially, and make smart moves — it’s definitely more about strategy than luck. I personally think that if you like Tetris you will like this.

A Few Things to Know

• Best with 3–4 players: Blokus really shines with a full group. You can play with fewer players, but it feels most balanced with more people.

• Lots of small pieces: Each player has 21 tiles, so keeping track of them is important — losing even one can affect how the game plays out.

Blokus is one of those games that looks simple at first but gets more interesting the more you play. It’s quick to set up, easy to learn, and works well for a wide range of ages — which makes it a solid choice for family game nights. Whether your group is laid-back or a little competitive, Blokus delivers strategic fun and plenty of “one more game” moments around the table.

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective.

Hoppy Valentine’s Day!

 

Happy Valentine’s Day from your favorite froggy!

Today’s a reminder that love comes in all shapes and sizes — big hugs, tiny notes, or even just a smile. Whether you’re sending a little love to a friend, family, or yourself, take a moment to hop into the joy and spread some cheer.

From my lilypad to yours, may your day be full of love, laughs, and maybe even a little chocolate (frogs totally approve… at least in theory)

Keep hopping, keep loving, and enjoy every sweet moment!