Helen Earley

Helen is an award-winning contributor to the Family Fun Canada network, and the former City Editor of Family Fun Halifax. With a degree in New Media Journalism and Photography, she worked as a flight attendant for a major British Airline for 11 years before returning to Nova Scotia to teach, write and be a mum. Stay in touch at helenearley.com or on Twitter @hfxhelen.

Splish Splash! 8 Awesome Summer Playgrounds with Splash Pads (or fresh water) in Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and Sackville

Helen Earley Beaches, News and Reviews, Outdoor Pools, Parks & Pathways, Spray Parks

Where to go on a hot summer day in HRM? Check out our list of cool summer playgrounds with splash pads where you can have fun and cool off at the same time! 1. Westmount School Playground and Splash Pad The playground and splash ...Read More

Lessons at the Lake

Helen Earley Beaches, Cheapies & Freebies, Recreation Centres

We spent a lot of time at Halifax lakes and beaches last summer, thanks to Halifax Recreation’s program of FREE swimming lessons at Halifax beaches and outdoor pools. At Kearney Lake, my daughter’s class sizes were small, and by the end of the two-session ...Read More

5 Ways to Treat Your Halifax-Dartmouth Dad this Father’s Day

Helen Earley Past Events

Hey Halifax! Not sure what to do for Dad on Father’s Day, Sunday June 16th? Here are 5 great ideas for giving dear ol’ Dad a treat on his special day. 1. Road Trip down Memory Lane  If your Dad loves wheels or nostalgia – ...Read More

A Vibrant Day Out for the Whole Family: The Halifax Colour Festival

Helen Earley Festivals, Special Events

My 9-year old daughter and I were advised to wear white, but by the end of an afternoon of dancing and dousing at the Halifax Colour Festival, there wasn’t a white patch to be seen!  Our  skin, clothes and hair were temporarily dyed blue, ...Read More

100 Kids Who Care – Ocean Edition

Helen Earley Past Events

  The next gen is standing up, speaking out and making a difference. The upcoming ‘100 Kids Who Care Halifax’ event will celebrate Oceans Week! It’s a great opportunity for local kids to learn more about charities in our community and give back. Each ...Read More

The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Helen Earley Military Heritage, Museums, Parks & Pathways

The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site opens for the 2019 season on Tuesday, May 7th.  The big event will be celebrated with 78th Highlander pageantry, pipes and drum performances, guided tours, and of course the historic noon gun. Planning some summer fun? Why not sign your kids ...Read More

Enlist your Kids in the Army! Hands-on Adventure with A Soldier’s Life at The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Helen Earley Military Heritage, Museums

Who says history can’t be fun?  To experience history hands-on, I dispatched two very special envoys to check out A Soldier’s Life, now in its fourth year at the Halifax Citadel and Historic Site. With a strong sense of adventure and a keen interest in military history, ...Read More

Get The Scoop on Québec’s Cool Winter Carnival: February 8th – 17th, 2019

Helen Earley Local Stories and Adventures

Are you planning a family adventure to Québec’s Winter Carnival? Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the world’s largest and most famous winter festival: Le Carnaval D’hiver de Quebec! First, Some History: Keeping warm and happy in the winter months was vital in ...Read More

The Ultimate Guide to Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches near Halifax

Helen Earley Past Events

Get the low down on the best Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches near Halifax! Dakeyne Farm Sunflower Maze The Dakeyne Farm Sunflower Maze in Mount Denson, Nova Scotia is open from August 18th, 2018 until mid-September, weather-depending (there will be a post on Facebook or Twitter if the paths are ...Read More

We Day Atlantic: Empowering Youth to Create Change

Helen Earley Past Events

Question: What is WE Day? Is it a school trip, a concert, a movement, a fundraising event, a trend? Answer: all of the above. The WE movement was founded more than 20 years ago by social entrepreneurs, Craig and Marc Kielburger as a volunteer ...Read More