A family guide to watching the Olympics

The 2012 Summer Olympics kick off today in London. As if you didn't already know. What with all the TV commercials and patriotic ads plastered all over the country, it's hard to forget. So, let the Games begin!

Starting today at 4:00 p.m. (EST) with what is being touted as the "greatest opening ceremony ever" (Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle is behind the massive spectacle), the Olympics are chock-full of events — from track and field to swimming to soccer. But, where do you even start, especially considering that London is in a different time zone?

Here's a quick guide to some kid-friendly Olympic events during the first week that you may want to check out as a family (*Note: All times listed are in EST). For the full list, click here.

Day 2
CTV: Swimming (12:30 p.m.), Tennis (4:15 p.m.)

TSN: Women’s soccer (12 p.m.), Beach volleyball (3 p.m.)

Sportsnet: Men’s gymnastics (10:30 a.m.)

OLN: Equestrian (9:10 a.m.)

Day 3
CTV: Women’s diving 3M synchronized final (10 a.m.), Judo (12:30 p.m.)

TSN: Beach volleyball (11 am.)

Sportsnet: Women’s gymnastics (9:45 a.m.), Women’s gymnastics (3 p.m.)

OLN: Equestrian (12:45 p.m.)

Day 4
CTV: Men’s diving, platform synchronized (10 a.m.), Swimming (2:30 p.m.)

TSN: Men’s field hockey (2 p.m.)

Sportsnet: Judo (6 a.m., 9 a.m.), Women’s volleyball (11:50 a.m.), Water polo (1:30), Women’s basketball (4 p.m.)

Day 5
CTV: Women’s synchronized diving (10 a.m.), Women’s gymnastics (11:30 a.m.)

TSN: Women’s soccer (12:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m.)

Day 6
CTV: Men’s diving, 3-metre synchronized (10 a.m.), Men’s gymnastics (11:30 a.m.), Women’s volleyball (4:35 p.m.)

TSN: Women’s basketball (9:30 a.m.)

Sportsnet: Men’s soccer (12 p.m.), Women’s field hockey (2 p.m.), Women’s water polo (3:30 p.m.)

Day 7
CTV: Women’s gymnastics (11:30 a.m.)

TSN: Beach volleyball (12:30 p.m.), Men’s basketball (3 p.m.)

Sportsnet: Field hockey (8 a.m.)

What events are your kids most excited to watch?