Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in toronto, CN

What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

June 18, 2009

It's Father's Day this weekend and of course The Bunch Family has something cool going on. This Sunday is Totstock, an outdoor "eco, rock, and literary festival"  (weather gods call for sun and high of 27) and here are the details:

Totstock '09
WHEN: Sunday, June 21, 2-5 PM
WHERE: Sorauren Park
COST: PWYC, proceeds to benefit the High Park Nature Centre

Line-Up includes Claire Jenkins * Andrew Larsen and Irene Luxbacher * I Eat Kids * Don Kerr and the Blue Bin Band * Claudia Dey * Cowboy Ninja Bear * Cirque Dirt * Barbara Klunder * Dave Wall

Also going on around town:

Father's Day Stories and Craft

This Saturday afternoon, Maria A. Shchuka Library (1745 Eglinton W) celebrates Father's day with a dad-centric themed story time and craft. 11 - 12pm. Call 416 393-1000 for more information

Kids Krafts at Mackenzie House

This Saturday, the entire family is invited for an afternoon of crafts at Mackenzie House (82 Bond Street), the home of Toronto's first mayor William Lyon Mackenzie. Children can participate in historically based activities and make a craft between noon and 4:30pm. Call 416 392 6915 for more information.

Teddy's Bear Picnic 2009

Saturday afternoon at The Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main St. S, Newmarket) is hosting the annual Teddy Bear Picnic that will include games, contests, beary fun activities. Pre-registration required. Call 905 953 5314 for more information.

What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

May 21, 2009

No better time than this weekend than to get out and do some gardening with the kids. Our local church is having a plant sale and the weather looks great, so I'll lather up the sunscreen on everyone, put a hat over every head, and prepare myself to be scrubbing dirty finger nails at sundown.

If you are looking for some kid-friendly green thumb inspiration that won't break the piggy bank this weekend check these Toronto events out:

Doors Open at the Don Valley Brick Works

Plant seedlings, learn how to create a container garden, buy plants, and all sorts of other environmentally friendly activities will be going on at the Evergreen Brick Works, and see the plans to regenerate these industrial buildings. Local artists and storytellers will be on hand to help inspire creativity at this family-friendly event. Doors open runs both days this weekend May 23rd 10-2pm / May 24th 10-4pm

Celebrate Spring & Grow a Garden at Riverdale Library (370 Broadview Ave)

On Saturday afternoon at the Riverdale Library, children are invited to plant a butterfly garden and take home a plant for their garden. Call for more information 416 393 7720 May 23rd 2-2:30pm.

And not plant related but definitely planet related, this is the last weekend to check out Cosmic Revolutions at the Ontario Science Centre. This is a fascinating photography exhibit that includes photos done by both professional and amateur astronomers, photographers, and artists from across Canada. Show the kids how other Canadians take in the night sky.

What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

April 23, 2009

The Bata Shoe Museum has Saturday Shenanigans and Paint-a-Clog Sunday this weekend. Suitable for kids aged three to nine, Saturday Shenanigans includes a shoe-themed craft plus a chance to explore the exhibits and Paint-a-Clog Sunday invites children to paint a mini-clog and visit the galleries.

Earth Day Celebrations at Earl Bales Community Centre (4169 Bathurst, south of Sheppard) take place this Sunday from noon until 3pm and there is lots to do for all the members of the family. There will be Hike and Learn sessions about local wildlife, activities in the community centre and park, and craft & art sessions so kids can create their own masterpieces from recycled materials. There will also be environmetally friendly products on display and prizes to be won. Also at 1pm there will be a wild cat performance just to add a bit more to the wildlife.  For more information, call 416 395-7873.

World in a Flapp! At the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga on Sunday there will be two performances of the family musical comedy about Major Conrad Flapps and his hilarious attempts to be airborne. Major Flapp travels the world and invites to audience to be his crew. There will be two afteroon performances at 1 and 3 pm. For more information call 905 306 6000.

Exploring the Geology of the Lower Don at Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum (Pottery Rd) Geologist Ed Freeman will lead a guided walk of the area where the family can learn about the river's history. The walk goes to the Sun brick works and back, leaving at 1:30 returning for 3pm. For more information call 416 396 2819 (this is a free activity and that includes free parking)

Top Five Books on Earth Conservation for Preschoolers

by Katie

April 21, 2009

In honour of Earth Day tomorrow, Gigi and I went to the library and found five awesome books for preschoolers on earth conservation. Preschoolers really love to help so I’m totally taking advantage of her enthusiasm (before cynicism sets in) to steer her down the path of being earth friendly. Some of the books on our list include specific activities and ideas that kids can easily incorporate into daily life. If you have any to add, give me a shout in the comments. Enjoy!

Top Five Easy Ways to Make Easter Greener

by Katie

April 07, 2009

In an effort to be more earth-friendly (we try, we really do but we fail, yes we fail but we still try) I’m making some changes to our Easter baskets. No one in the family will probably notice, but I’ll feel a bit smug inside on Easter Sunday because I’ll be thinking I’ve made a difference. And I also might think I just saved the world a little bit because sometimes my imagination gets away from me like that. No actually, I like the feeling of being a hero so just to make myself a bit more heroic, I will share my tips with you in an effort to spread the word. And maybe some one will leave a green-living tip for me to try so they can share in that hero-feeling too.
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What Can a Preschooler Grow in the Garden?

by Katie

March 17, 2009

We are still talking about our garden these days and it must be because my parents are in town for Canada Blooms - a mecca for gardening lovers of all kinds. Because I came from a family of gardeners, I know enough that putting together our balcony garden must be done with some planning. First I need to determine what can grow in our limited space, and then figure out how much room they need. I know that last years broccoli did not take off (space issue), but our basil was through the roof. Oh and the beans put up a good fight but they just couldn't get the right light. Maybe we should do just one edible and the rest beautiful because flowers seem to do well on my balcony. I guess the real question is what are the easiest plants for a preschooler to maintain and have a high success rate.

To determine what are the best plants to choose for the garden, especially ones that have the best chance so pint-size gardeners will see the fruit of their labour (pun totally intended) it will come as no surprise that there are many good online resources out there to find the answers; I like the Canadian Wildlife Federation's Wild About Gardening site. There is great advice on how to garden in small spaces (or any space), and how to design and plan your plants. If we had a backyard, I'd definitely want to start a natural habitat garden and the Evergreen is a great site for determining what plants grow best in specific parts of Canada.

Anyhow, based on my research (criteria: easy to grow and works in our space) I've determined the best plants to try with Gigi this year are:

Lettuce - it grows well in the shade and cooler spots and very productive.
Carrots - not fast but the stems look nice while waiting for the reward
Tomatoes - I've done it before, and I'll try it again, these work well in our garden and the rewards are yummy.
Petunias - We will use transplants and I think Gigi will love doing the maintenance.
Marigolds - I think that these flowers are perfect starter flowers for a preschooler. It's hearty, pretty, and easy to maintain.

Actually, these plants work well in many spaces, not just our limited area. And I'm totally open to any suggestions of successful plants grown in this area (with a small space stipulation). We will try anything once - in the garden.

Now I just need to find Gigi a pair of gloves, a large brimmed hat, and let the season begin. Fingers crossed that we will be rolling in salad this summer ;)

Gardening with a Preschooler

by Katie

March 16, 2009

Just like Gigi and I did last year, we are planting another balcony garden. This year Gigi can help out in both the planting and transplant stages now that she can restrain herself enough not to dissect the seeds or the seedlings. Curiosity gets the best of my little lady sometimes; she just can’t resist testing / crushing everything out. When it comes to gardening, it’s my job to make it interesting and well paced for curious hands, and luckily that isn’t hard.

To make it interesting for Gigi, we talk about our favorite fruits and veggies and how they made it to our table. Last year's balcony garden crop of basil made some of the best homemade pesto which she loved, and this year I think she will understand the process more fully since she will help from the seed phase up. Compared to last year, this season there is lots more she can do than at age two and a half. This year Gigi will make all the holes for the seeds in our plant tray (with supervision because those holes can get too deep) and be in charge of gently patting down the soil post-seeding. I know from experience that she’s an expert misting and watering assistant, and I’m sure once those greens start poking through, she will make an excellent plant parent.

Another way to get my little city kid interested in garden is to visit one of the many gardens around the city. Toronto Botanical Garden (777 Lawrence Avenue East) often has classes and workshops for children and families, plus once the weather warms up, the themed gardens are open (all are free admission). Allan Gardens (Carlton St at Jarvis) is right down town and is filled with all sorts of exotic tropical plants, and right now the spring bulbs are on display (until end of March). The Children’s Garden Program in High Park was created to give city kids and families the chance to do hands-on organic gardening activities from planting, maintenance, and harvest. There are various programs and activities for children, including family drop-in programs for hands-on activities like crafts, harvest cooking, and nature tours. All are great opportunities to learn all about plants and how things grow.

Anyhow, so this kicks off another year and harvest in casa motherbumper and I can’t wait for the first batch of pesto (still our favorite home grown entree to date). I don’t care if there isn’t any proof, it does taste better homegrown.
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Cheryl Tiegs Interview: Living Green

by Katie

January 26, 2009

As much as I'd like it to be true, the opportunity to talk to a celebrity doesn't present itself every day. So recently when I was invited to talk with Cheryl Tiegs, I totally jumped at the chance.  I mean, have you been watching her show True Beauty ?  I'm a reality show addict and watching the reactions to True Beauty's surprize twist totally fascinates me. Plus, besides True Beauty, Cheryl  Read more...

I'm dreaming of a green(er) Christmas*

by Katie

December 10, 2008

* forgive me Irving Berlin While I'd love to apply all the really earth-friendly tips I read for making Christmas greener ( except not exchanging gifts, that one is not acceptable to all parties in this household ), I'd be fibbing if I said I even tried. I do some good things and I try to make responsible choices when shopping, yet I am a master at the justify this game. But I try which is  Read more...

Green hallowe'en

by Katie

October 20, 2008

It's super easy to make Hallowe'en environmentally friendly, in fact, you probably already do things that are super earth friendly without intending to be so nice to the planet ( but trust me, Mother Nature still wants to give you a big bear hug and sloppy kiss - every little bit adds up ). So what are the best ways to make Hallowe'en green without adding extra slime? Walk, don't drive and stay  Read more...

How to capture vacation memories

by Katie

July 21, 2008

Crafting with Gigi is probably one of our most favorite regular activities. I realize I don't seem the crafty type for those that know me, but there are so many more pros than cons when it comes to crafting with my kid, that I know a good thing when I see it. First of all, crafts make Gigi sit still for stretches of time and it fosters problem solving with creativity while preparing her for the  Read more...