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

Daycare in Toronto: How To's

by Katie

August 17, 2009

After I finished my maternity leave and decided to remain at home with Gigi, I toyed with the idea of working in a daycare centre part-time for both income and to hopefully find on of those elusive daycare spots for my daughter. It seems that finding a daycare spot in parts of Toronto are darn near impossible. So I figured with my degree I might have all the right basic credentials to work there but wasn't sure what other qualifications were required. Also I wasn't exactly sure what what to expect when looking for  a good daycare centre. How does one tell if a daycare centre is right for their child once getting passed the initial "gut-feeling" test? Recently, I spoke with Anne Stephanie Cruz from OwnADaycare.com about finding answers to my questions. OwnADaycare.com provides information on starting a daycare, finding a child care job and finding a daycare center. Here is what she recommends when looking to start your own centre:

The business of daycare is thriving and lucrative. So you’re confident that setting up a daycare business is for you but where do you start? The first steps toward starting up a profitable day care center include the following:

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What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

August 13, 2009

August 13th

Watch Me Grow Family Garden Drop-In Program (High Park Children's Garden, Colburne Lodge, High Park)

Each Thursday in August at the High Park Children's Garden kids can plant, water, and harvest the garden and prepare fresh snacks from their efforts. There will also be crafts and snacks. Caregivers must supervise kids for this is a drop-in program (no registration required). Call 416 338 5055 for more information.

August 14th

Meet and Greet with Elmo (Ontario Place)

Yes, that's right, the red guy will be available to shake hands with and for a photo op at Ontario Place. He will be appearing daily starting on the 14th through to Sunday the 16th. Call 416 314 9900 for more information.

Movies under the Stars (Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Rd)

Come to enjoy a movie in the great outdoors (rain or shine) in Downsview Park. This week is Horton Hears a Who (a fav of Gigi). The movie starts around 9pm (sunset)

All Weekend

ZOO-ZA-PA-LOOZA (Toronto Zoo)

Waterslide Theatre at the Toronto Zoo will have a special animal show, singers, and all sorts of entertainment all day long. The event runs between 9am and 6:30pm and is included in the price of zoo admission. Visit their site or call 416 392 5929 for more information.

FREE WEEKENDS at City of Toronto Historic Sites

Free admission on Saturday and Sundays for the remainder of August at Toronto Historic Sites, so go check out the programs and events at Colborne Lodge, Fort York, Gibson House, Mackenzie House, Montgomery's Inn, Scarborough Historical Museum, Spadina Museum, and Todmorden Mills. Depending on location there may be music, drama, crafts, and snacks for all the family to enjoy.

The Sound of Music is in the Air (Yorkville Park, Cumberland and Bellair Streets)

As part of the The Sound of Music is in the Air series of musical acts, this weekend strollers and shoppers in the Bloor-Yorkville area this weekend shoppers can enjoy Plakaso (August 15) and Donald Guinn Trio (August 16).

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What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

August 06, 2009

Ontario Science Centre 770 Don Mills Road
There is the Food Science exhibit, the Lizards & Snakes: Alive! exhibit, and The Science of Spying going on right now and one of those is bound to interest the five and up crowd. For the younger ones, KidSpark is always an interactive (emphasis on active) fun time and the kids set the pace.

Also this weekend at the Science Centre is Opening the Universe, an art exhibit by Ontario College of Art and Design students. These works were inspired by astronomy and also in celebration of the United Nations' International Year of Astronomy.

Lakeshore Mardi Gras (1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Etobicoke)
Colonel Samuel Smith Park will be the site of the Lakeshore Mardi Gras this weekend (starts Friday at 6:30 and reopens on both Saturday and Sunday at noon). this is the sixth annual free outdoor concert, that also features a kids zone, midway, food (and beer) market, and buskers. This event is FREE and for a full schedule consult the offical site (btw - Honeymoon Suite is playing at 8:30 - giggle)

Bloor-Yorkville BIA, Village of Yorkville Park
The Sound of Music is in the Air in Bloor-Yorkville (Cumberland and Bellair Streets). Free concerts run all summer long and this weekend. On August 8th is John La Rosa Quartet and on August 9th, The Quasimodal Trio.

Ontario Place
On Friday, August 7th, Ontario Place hosts Family Tested Day where the latest in toys are revealed by the editors of Canadian Family and they want you to try them out. These toys aren't available in stores yet and the results of your testing influence which ones will be featured in the Annual Top Toys Guide.  Read more...

What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

June 25, 2009

This weekend looks like it might be hot and maybe sticky in places - not to mention a tad fragrant from the garbage strike. Since the majority of water features & parks are closed, I'm not sure exactly how we are going to stay cool but we will find a way. Our agenda may include a trip for ice cream at Dutch Dreams, or a playdate at Dufferin Grove (I was there today with Mamalooper and No Mother Earth) - because the shade of that park makes for hours of comfortable playing.There are also some other things going on around town (and just outside) that we may check out:

The CN Tower is having a Birthday!

The CN Tower is turning thirty-three -- wow, really? It doesn't look a day over 20 -- and for the special day on Saturday the tower will be red and white (have a look for it before bedtime).

Cobourg Highland Games Festival

Why not escape the city and the garbage and strikes and head to Cobourg to experience over 100 pipers, dancers, and Celtic traditions of all kinds at the Cobourg Highland Festival. There will be games going on all day (every see a man toss a telephone pole or a cannon ball -- IN A KILT? Here's your chance). Everyone can be Scottish for the day, just stay clear of the hagus.

Summer Music In the Garden at Harbourfront Centre

Starting today and every Thursday at 7pm / Sundays at 4pm there will be a free performance of classical music and dance all summer long. The music and dance take place in the garden that was designed by Yo Yo Ma and Julie Moir Messervy. Concert admission is free and all performances are weather-permitting. For more information on the concert series visit Harbourfrontcentre.com

Summer Reading Club Kick-off

At many branches around the city, the TD Summer Reading Club is starting this week and the theme is Agent 009. Check the Toronto Public Library branch nearest you for registration dates to pick up your reading club super sleuth kit.   Gerrad/Ashdale (1432 Gerrad St. E) will be be signing up all day Saturday and Long Branch Library (3500 Lakeshore Blvd W) will be having a kick-off on Saturday between 2 and 3pm.

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Five Canadian Spots That Will Wow a Preschooler

by Katie

June 23, 2009

The Science Centre and Giant Nickel in Ontario
I think my daughter would be impressed with a nickel as big as the one in Sudbury not to mention, she would love a trip to the Science Centre where she could experience an indoor thunderstorm, built a LEGO robot, and walk among hundreds of butterflies at Science North. I just hope when she sees that nickel, she doesn't expect to find a piggy bank to match.

Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta
Why not bring the kid to the dinosaurs since Gigi loves everything dinosaur?  It would blow her mind to see bones and fossils up close. Dinosaur Provinicial Park has family programs geared for kids too young to do the long hikes through the park, and this way they get to see up close different fossils from the Cretaceous Period (don't ask me when that was, I just know it was before I was born.)

The Corn Maze in Saskatchewan
Well if you are going to do a corn maze, it might as well be in Saskatchewan. In Regina there is a nine-acre corn maze plus smaller ones for the little kids and this place sounds like fun (obviously this is seasonal so check website for dates). Gigi went through her first corn maze this past Hallowe'en and I'm sure she'd love one as challenging as a Saskatchewan corn maze (because they grow them tall out there!)

Assiniboine Park in Manitoba
Located in Winnipeg, Assiniboine Park includes a zoo, conservatory, a sculpture garden, a train, and a statue of the famous Winnie the Pooh. Just seeing the statue of Winnie the Pooh in his home environment should score me some brownie points if I deliver this one to Gigi.

Hatley Park Castle in British Columbia
If I could deliver a real castle this summer to my princess-in-training, her head may explode. 100-year-old Hatley Castle is hidden among the trees and formal gardens in Hatley Park and while I doubt they have a dragon or moat on site, my princess will still approve.

So why all these great Canadian attractions that stretch from Toronto to Victoria? Because we are planning a road trip across Canada this summer and I plan for our family to visit as many of these "wow my preschooler" spots as possible. What would wow your preschooler between here and British Columbia? Please share - this momma needs all the help with her itinerary that she can get.

image source

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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.

 

 

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Visiting the National & Provincial Parks with Preschoolers

by Katie

June 15, 2009

What is your favourite national park to visit with the kids? Have you ever camped with a preschooler? How can a parent make visiting a park or heritage site fun and interesting for the young ones? Parks Canada has some great resources in the online Teacher Resource Centre. There are fact sheets, ideas for activities, and print-outs like crossword puzzles for older children.

Our destination this summer is Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia. I've been camping there more times than I can remember and can't wait to share it with Gigi this year. Since I've always done back country camping (mostly canoeing and portages), we will adjust our itinerary to suit an almost four year old. Using the site, I was able to figure out what sites would be most suitable for our family and activities she can participate in while there.

We also plan on spending time in Algonquin Provincial Park this summer which will be a first for both Gigi and me. If it hadn't been for their website, I would have never known about the theatre and art centre in The Algonquin Room. Also, we might have to plan our trip around one of the Public Wolf Howls because howling with/at the wolves sounds very Dr. Doolittle.

So how about you? Will you be visiting any of the many magnificent parks in your province this year?

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What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

June 11, 2009

The weather promises to be somewhat June like this weekend so get thee family OUTSIDE!

It's the closing weekend of Luminato and if you haven't caught any of the activities yet, you are missing a really fun and inspiring time. What excites me the most is the Cirque du Soleil "encounters" that will be taking place around the Harbourfront Centre and The Music Garden approximately every 30 minutes. How often can you see the most amazing circus in the world do mini-performances for free? The family program at Luminato is hosted by my favourite fun factory: The Bunch Family. See all the details for the weekend activities at their site.

Also in the artistic inspiration arena is art09 which is taking place today through Sunday  at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This is another family-friendly event where local and international artists show off their creations and children can make their own in a supervised family arts & crafts area. Children are encouraged to create a message of hope to attach to The Tree of Hope that will be presented to SickKids hospital after the show.

This Saturday, the entire family is invited for an afternoon of Kids Krafts 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.

Also on Saturday at Woodside Square Library (1571 Sandhurst Circle) drop by between 11 am and noon to make a special craft for Dad at the Celebrate Dad session.

On Sunday Ontario Place is hosting The Childcare Show between 10 and 5pm. This Expo is a family-friendly event where parents can meet childcare professionals to learn more about childcare, educational and recreational activities in the Greater Toronto Area.

Also on Sunday at McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg (10365 Islington Avenue), Summer Magic is taking place. The Poynter family are putting on a magic and comedy show for the entire family to enjoy. Drop by between 11am and 4pm (shows at 12:30 and 2:30)

 

 

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Top Five Books About Having Fun with Grandparents

by Katie

June 09, 2009

This week, my top five is going to run with the grandparent theme featured in the guest post yesterday. The following list is of Top Five Books about having fun with Grandparents. Which means these are great books to be read by Grandparents or just when you miss hanging out with Grandma or Grandpa. Which makes me think: it's high time we saw the Grandparents.

Just Grandma and Me by Mercer Mayer
We have read this book so many times together that I think I know it by heart. Little Critter and his Grandmother go to the beach together where Little Critter tries to be a very helpful grandson. Look for the spider and cricket who appear on every page.

Just Grandpa and me by Mercer Mayer
What can I say? We love Little Critter. In this story Little Critter goes on an adventure filled trip to the department store with his Grandfather to get a new suit. Remember to look for Little Critter's bug friends.

Grandpa and Me by Karen Katz
Cooking with Grandpa is the nice twist in this story about a grandchild helping out in the kitchen. This is a bright lift-the-flap book by the same author who wrote and illustrated the really adorable book Where Is Baby's Belly Button?

Here Comes Grandma by Janet Lord (art by Julie Paschikis)
Grandma is coming to visit! Grandma has sent a letter describing how she is going to take her trip to see the grandchild she really misses. She comes by horse, car, and even hot-air balloon to deliver her hugs and kisses.

Grandpas Are For Finding Worms by Harriet Ziefert (art by Jennifer Plecas)
Grandpas know how to do all sorts of things. Some love carpentry, some fishing, and others are masters at making silly faces. But regardless of their special talent,  all these grandpas do one thing really well: they all make their grandchild feel really special.

These books are also all available in the Toronto Public Library system.

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"Leaping" across generations: How seniors and children can read together

by Katie

June 08, 2009

Today I have a very informative guest post by Glen Atkison, Director of Marketing for LeapFrog Canada. June is Senior's Month in Toronto and Glen has ten tips on how to encourage children and seniors to read together and connect over books.

Did you know this month is Seniors Month? At LeapFrog we think it is important to encourage children and seniors to read together this month (and ideally every month). It is a great chance for seniors to share their experiences and love of reading with younger people.

As a parent, I can see the benefits reading offers my daughter, who likes a wide range of books including Dora the Explorer and the Robert Munsch classics. Unfortunately, many people don’t or can’t take advantage of the opportunity to read with their children. Not only can seniors help children enjoy reading in a peaceful one-on-one environment, assisting a child with reading can also improve the youngster’s literacy skills. The situation is win-win – by reading with a child, seniors have a sense of value, contributing to the future, and purpose. Finally, both the youngster and senior get to connect through the joy of books.
 
While being a hands-on dad and working for a company that promotes reading, I have learnt a few things on how seniors and children can read together. Here are my tips:  

1. Choose books using the five finger test. Have the child open a book and read one page aloud. For every word they can’t pronounce or don’t know they should hold one finger up. If they put five fingers up the book is too difficult to read alone, if they do not have any fingers up the book is too easy and if they have two to four fingers up the book is appropriate.
2. Read aloud with the child. For really young children you can solely read to them, for children around 4 to 6 years old you can read a story to them and then have them read it again or alternate pages, and for older children you can encourage them to read to you.
3. Cook recipes together from children’s cookbooks. Or, if you have a traditional recipe that you usually cook from memory write it down together and then follow the instructions.
4. Read a book and then take the child on a trip related to it. For example, you could read Fancy Nancy at the Museum then take a trip to a nearby art gallery.
5. Start a book club. For example, read The Little Engine That Could, then make conductor’s caps, draw pictures of trains and sing songs about trains.
6. Let little ones play with their food. Give them alphabet snacks such as cereal or cookies and have them spell three words before eating them.
7. Share books that you loved reading when you were younger.
8. Offer access to educational learning aids, such as the Tag Reading System, that encourage alphabet knowledge and reading.
9. Encourage the child to talk about the books they have read. For example, which character would they want to be or how would they change the ending?
10. Be patient and supportive. Sometimes children take a while to recognize a word and sound it out.

 

Glen Atkinson is the Director of Marketing for LeapFrog Canada. He brings to LeapFrog a wealth of experience, having worked in marketing for other major brands. He is dedicated to LeapFrog’s One Million Reading Hours, which encouraged parents to read with their children for just 15 minutes a day last summer, leading to over 1,000,000 million reading hours being generated. This is a philosophy that he embraces, as he is a dedicated dad who reads with his daughter every evening.

 

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What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

June 04, 2009

This weekend there are quite a few things going on around town and I'll be hosting one of the events (warning: self-promotion ahead) so if you are free on Saturday...

I'm hosting a BlogHer Toronto get together this Saturday morning at the Don Mills Brickworks between 10 and 12pm (see full details here) and we'd love any blog-hers to join in. It's family friendly -- I'll be bringing Gigi -- and we will be hanging out, enjoying the sunshine and farmer's market. I'll bring the coffee, you just bring your beautiful blogging self. Let me know here if you can make it.

Also on Saturday, Bunch is hosting a free family block party at Yonge-Dundas Square as part of the Luminato Festival!. Here are the details:

Family Dance Party: Luminato Edition

Date: Saturday, June 6

Time: 11 AM - 2 PM

Place: Yonge-Dundas Square (1 Dundas St. E)

Hosted by MC Abdominal with DJ Fase.

Children are invited to make banners for the next weekend's closing events of Luminato. Sounds like fun, so I think we'll try to do both.

Also going on this weekend:

Mackenzie House (82 Bond Street)

This Saturday, the entire family is invited for an afternoon of Kids Krafts at 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.

Harbourfront Centre

Luminato presents Red Sky Performance: Tono. Tono is a form of dance that links the Indiginous cultures of Canada, Mongolia, and China. Performances on Saturday at 4pm and 8pm and on Sunday at 4pm. For more information visit the Luminato website.

Nathan Phillips Square

Walk Now for Autism is a short 3km family-friendly walk taking place this Sunday to raise money for autisim research and awareness. There will be games, activites and entertainment for all ages. The walk starts at 10am at Nathan Phillips Square but festivities begin at 8:30 am.

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What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

May 28, 2009

There's a lot to choose from this weekend but I stuck with indoor events based on the weather of the past few days. Though I had to include the Great Strides event at the Toronto Zoo because it's for such a great cause. Stay dry folks!

Distillery District

Children's Trunk Show runs 9:30 to 4:30 Friday. Over fifty vendors in a totally kid friendly atmosphere -- think stroller friendly aisles and kid-friendly products. Plenty of parking (The Distillery
In the Fermenting Cellar, Buildings 6 & 7, 55 Mill Street)

Art Gallery of Ontario

Off the Wall! Dr. Mariano Elia Hands on Centre at the AGO. Come and make your mark at this amazing play space in the newly renovated AGO. Recommended for ages two through ten and open daily from 10am to 2pm.

Solar Stage Theatre

Happy Birthday, Alistair Ant is a space age musical puppet show about life's simple pleasures. Recommended for ages three to seven, there are two shows on both Saturday and Sunday but tickets are going fast.(4950 Yonge Street, near Yonge and Sheppard)

Toronto Zoo

Collect a minimum of twenty-five dollars in pledges for cystic fibrosis Great Strides campaign and receive free admission to the zoo on Sunday May 31st, plus a special show, free lunch, and loot bags. For more details visit the Toronto Zoo website and for pledge forms go to cysticfibrosis.ca/greatstrides

 

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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.

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What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

May 14, 2009

Zellars Discovery Zone opens this weekend at the Toronto Zoo

I'm not sure if it's going to be warm enough for the water park but the weather is right for getting up close to the animals. Kids can meet goats, prarie dogs, pigs, and more friendly animals in this kidcentric zone of the Toronto Zoo.  Included in admission to the zoo, the Discovery Zone opens this Saturday and will continue to be open on weekends only until mid June when it switches to seven days a week.

Harbourkids: Impact at the Harbourfront Centre

This weekend the Harbourkids program theme is all about what impact kids can have on the world. There will be LEGO, there will be juggling, there will be circus acts, there will proof that one small act can make a difference. Program runs May 16 - 18, 11am to 5pm and check the Harbourkids website for detailed events.

Saturday Afternoon Movies at Sanderson Library (327 Bathurst St)

Family friendly movies are show at Sanderson Library from 2 to 4pm and everyone is welcome to enjoy some free entertainment. Call ahead for movie specifics 416 7653

Schad Gallery of Biodiversity opens at the ROM

Nature takes over the ROM starting this Saturday; Learn all about biodiversity at the new Schad Gallery and what we can do to conserve our eco-systems.

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What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

May 07, 2009

You mean besides Mother’s Day?

Scratch that: Mother's Day is the most important thing going on this weekend (IMHO) so here are lots of mom-themed activities to do with the people who make Mom the person she is today (sleep-deprived and insane.)

To kick it off, there is the annual pre-Mother’s Day Bunch Family bash which is where I will be this Saturday afternoon with family in tow (details below).

Bunch Family Dance Party: Glam Rock Pre-Mother's Day Edition

Takes place Saturday afternoon from 2-5pm at The Courthouse (57 Adelaide Street East) and the theme is Glam Rock baby! So dig out the shiny pants, New York Dolls tee, and anything that will make your family look more Ziggy Stardust and come dancing. The crew from TVO Pop It will be there to share dance moves, there will be bowie inspired face painting, and lots of other glitter-inspired "we love mom" activities. Advanced tickets highly recommended. Visit the Bunch Family website for ticket purchase details.

Other Mother's Day activities going on around town:

Chinese Brush Painting for Mother's Day at Woodside Square Library (1571 Sandhurst Circle)

To compliment both Asian Heritage Month and Mother's Day a children's workshop will take place from 11 - 12:30 pm on Saturday. Children will create a brush painting to give as a gift to mom on her special day. All materials provided and registration can be done via phone 416 396 8979.

Mother's Day Celebration at Humber Summit Library (2990 Islington Avenue)

There will be a one-hour story time and craft session starting at 2pm at the library and children will make a special gift for mom. Registration is required so call ahead 416 395 5840.

Happy Mother's Day at St. Lawrence Library (171 Front Street East)

Listen to stories that celebrate mom then make a craft to give her on Sunday. The one hour session starts at 2pm and is recommended for children ages four and up (416 393 7655).

Mother's Day at the Toronto Zoo

Meet some other kinds of moms - as in "other species". Springtime means parent animals are abundant at one of our favorite weekend excursions. Walk on the wild side with Mom (and Dad) on Sunday between 9 and 6pm.

Mother's Day Tea at Spadina Museum (285 Spadina Road)

Enjoy an afternoon tea with Mom in the beautiful Spadina House and gardens. A must for any ladies-in-waiting. Two seatings at 12:30 and 2:30pm on Sunday. Advanced tickets are required. For more information call 416 392 6910 x305.

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What's Going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

April 30, 2009

There are many things to do this weekend and the weather looks like it will cooperate perciptation wise (now that I've said that, it will rain both days). If we don't hit any parks this weekend, I'll be sorely disappointed but I think we will all be happy campers if we hit at least one of the activities below this weekend. Happy first weekend in May!

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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)

 

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What's going on in Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

March 26, 2009

It may be raining this weekend but the temperatures are on the plus side and rain doesn't need to be shovelled. There's lots going on in and around the city so there is no excuse to get outside with the family. Unless you are really lazy. Like me ;)

Saturday March 28th
Starwatch & Earth Hour
TVO and the Ontario Science Centre need you to get outside with the kids after dark, and count the stars around the Big Dipper. Then they want you to compare the results found during Earth Hour on Saturday night. Enter the data online to help answer the question "Do you see more stars during Earth Hour?" Full details on how to participate can be found at TVOkids.com and OSC sites via the Earth Hour links.

Saturday Senanigans at the Bata Shoe Museum
This weekend the Bata Shoe Museum hosts the Annual Toronto Festival of Storytelling where children can listening to tales told by some of the best storytellers around. There are sessions for children 5 and under, and children 6 through 10. Session details can be found on the website. Readings are scheduled during both the morning and afternoon on Saturday and Sunday.

Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright and Bruce's Mill
Tap into some of sweetness and spend a day in the beautiful outdoors, eating pancakes and going on wagon rides. Runs both Saturday and Sunday full details on their website.

It's Maple Syrup Time
MapleTowne is open at Mountsberg Conservation Area.Wagon rides through the sugar bush, see a demo of maple candy creation, and sample some of the goodies - sounds good to me. Activities are on daily from 10 to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday March 29th
Bunch Family Salon - Contemporary Art Edition at OCAD
Leading artists and thinkers spend the afternoon with parents and children, for an afternoon of creativity. Games, workshops, and inspiration galore at the Ontario College of Art and Design. (100 McCaul Street, 2 - 5 pm) www.bunchfamily.ca (recommended to purchase advance tickets)

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Top Five Walking Paths in Toronto

by Katie

March 24, 2009

Before this past Winter hit, a friend and her daughter invited Gigi and I for a tricycle ride in a park. She suggested one of the great ravine parks we had never visited before and I’m so glad she did. We hit the East Don Parkland, near Finch and Leslie. We just parked on one of the side streets near Alamosa Drive where there is an entrance to the ravine.  We spent hours walking around, going over bridges, and have a picnic in one of the clearings. The girls had their tricycles and the paths were completely accessible (great for strollers, bikes, wheelchairs, and carts).

After our trip there, I started to research more of these fantastic trails around our beautiful city and any time someone mentions or suggests their favourite spot, I jot it down in hops that we can check it out. We are avid walkers, and now that Gigi loves her tricycle, I want to give this apartment-dwelling girl all the room she needs. She is F-A-S-T!

Yesterday I read a great article by John Goddard in the Toronto Sun about author Elliott Katz and his research on Toronto walking trails. Mr. Katz knows what he is talking about when it comes to walking in Toronto; he is the author of Great Country Walks Around Toronto, which was first published in 1984 and now is in the sixth edition. He created the book of twenty-two trails, with maps and directions from TTC, after moving here from Montreal. A friend had suggested he go for a walk in Rosedale Ravine near St. Clair subway station and he was amazed to discover the tranquility and nature just steps away from the bustling streets. With research, he concluded many of these hidden park treasures in the city were hidden because the paths into them are mostly hidden. So he wrote the book so others in Toronto could enjoy nature without leaving the city.

In the Toronto Star article, he shared his Top Five City Strolls and those parks are now my top five trails to hit this Spring with Gigi.  Care to join us?

1. Rosedale St. Clair to Moore Avenue
2. East Don River Steeles to Sheppard west of Leslie
3. Humber River Valley Old Mill subway to Eglinton Avenue
4. Scarborough Bluffs Bluffer’s Park to the lakeshore
5. Lower Highland Creek and East Point Park Lawrence Avenue E past Morningside Avenue

Please share any of your favourite walking spots – especially those that are tricycle/bicycle friendly. It really makes it an easy bedtime when my child has had a long bike ride or walk, and we all love getting outside. It makes me feel all healthy and stuff, and that can only be a good thing (sure beats being a couch potato.)

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99 Things To Do With My Daughter Before She Grows Up

by Katie

March 02, 2009

Way back when I started blogging for Savvy Source Toronto, I started a list of 100 things to do with my daughter in Toronto before she got too old to want to spend a weekend or evening with me. You just know that any day now she's going to figure out I'm not cool at all and ditch me for her friends.  So before that time comes, I've got to get cracking at this list.  The first thing I've done is update it.

I decided to break the activities into categories like Classes, Touristy, Festivals to be all organized (which for me is a major accomplishment these days).  Some a bit closer to the five and up age categories but it's nice to have this be a reminder.  Maybe I should print this off and put it on the fridge for those days when we are all saying "there's nothing to do."  In Toronto, there is always something to do.  I think my favourite category in here is the Farms for City Kids, we hit a few last year and had a blast.  Gigi loved the hayrides, I loved the fresh produce, and we both loved the animals.  Nothing beats escaping the city, even if it is only for a couple of hours.

1. National Ballet of Canada (Art, Film, & Drama)
2. Art Gallery of Ontario
3. Solar Stage Children's Theatre
4. Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
5. National Film Board Mediatheque
6. CN Tower (Be a Toronto Tourist)
7. Centre Island
8. Ride the entire subway system
9. Canada's Wonderland
10. Hockey Hall of Fame
11. Medieval Times
12. Ontario Place
13. Honest Ed's
14. Kensington Market
15. Toronto School of Circus Arts (Art/Pottery/Circus Classes)
16. Glitter Pie Art Studio
17. Art Garage Inc.
18. Messy Hands Art Studio
19. Avenue Road Art School
20. Academy of Artisans
21. Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
22. Gardiner Museum Pottery Classes
23. Andrews Scenic Acres (Farms for City Kids)
24. Chudleigh's Apple Farm
25. Downey's Farm Market and Winery
26. Forsythe Family Farms
27. Whittamore's Berry Farm
28. Black Creek Pioneer Village
29. Taste of the Danforth (Festivals and Special Events)
30. Word on the Street
31. Nuit Blanche
32. Festival of South Asia
33. Sleepover at Toronto Zoo Serengeti Bush Camp
34. Sleepover at the ROM
35. Sleepover at the Ontario Science Centre
36. Sprockets TIFF for Children
37. bunch family parties
38. March Break Spring Fling at the Rogers Centre 
39. Royal Ontario Museum (Museums)
40. The Ontario Science Centre
41. Riverdale Farm
42. Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre
43. Bata Shoe Museum
44. Campbell House Museum
45. Casa Loma
46. Crawford Lake (reconstructed Iroquoian Village)
47. Gibson House Museum
48. Fort York
49. Markham Museum
50. Toronto Botanical Gardens
51. Toronto's First Post Office Museum
52. Blue Jays game (Support the Home Team)
53. Toronto Maple Leafs Game
54. Toronto FC Game
55. Toronto Zoo (Animals and Zoos)
56. Bowmanville Zoo
57. High Park Zoo
58. Humber Arboretum  - Centre for Urban Ecology
59. Jungle Cat World Zoological Park
60. Mountsberg Wildlife Centre
61. Animals with Whimz
62. Richmond Hill Wave Pool
63. YogaBuds (Anything Active)
64. The Yoga Sanctuary
65. Plunge aquatic centre (Collingwood)

Obviously if you have made it down this far, you've figured out that I haven't made it to 99 yet.  I'm still working on it and am totally open to suggestions (help a girl out, would ya?).  Read more...

Whats Going On In Toronto This Weekend

by Katie

February 26, 2009

This weekend looks like it's going to be a cold but bright one.  If it’s sunny with no wind, we will probably be hitting the parks or the rink. I can’t stand it outside when the wind turns us into instant icicles – if that’s the case, we are staying indoors.  But in order to ward off cabin fever and exhaust / exercise little limbs – we must find access to warm play space.  Because trust me, running this little girl enough to get the wiggles out cannot be done from within these apartment walls.

 Read more...

Role Models

by Katie

January 29, 2009

When I first started to think about the question of "who inspires me as a parent", I actually started with celebrity parents. I think the fact that I had just been reading lots of gossip columns - in the name of research - that influenced my train of thought. Of course when I'm in celebrity mode, the first family that popped into mind was Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. So would I look to them as  Read more...

write it all down

by Katie

January 14, 2009

Hi, my name is Katie and I'm addicted to stationary - as in, I can't pass a paper store without being drawn in by the pretty colours, designs, and fresh, abundant, virgin paper just begging to record the minutia of my life and of my family's life. Like I said, I'm an addict - and admitting it is the first step. Though I don't really want to be cured of this addition, because it's too much fun.  Read more...

A strategy is a must

by Katie

January 08, 2009

Honestly, most parenting references and books - health resources aside - turn me off. Some are a bit too preachy and others just aren't my "style" - even though I can't clearly define what exactly that style is called. We are definitely laid back parents but I've been known to suffer from helicopter-mom syndrome. We try not to raise our voices but oh boy that little lady sure does push the  Read more...

It's important to me!

by Katie

January 06, 2009

Three has presented some interesting challenges in parenting. And when I say interesting challenges, I mean to say: Three has presented some of the most frustrating and head-butting moments in my history as a parent. But I say that with love - no really, I do. Don't get me wrong: I find Three a lot of fun and so far this year has been full of all sorts of amazing magical parenting moments. But  Read more...

Happy New Year

by Katie

January 02, 2009

Happy 2009 and I hope everyone found some peace and quiet over the holidays - or at least some wine and chocolate. Hopefully both. We had a bit of everything over the break - especially the chocolate. You can see the evidence of the New Year's Eve fondue on Miss Gigi's face: Gigi really REALLY enjoyed her first fondue and I sense a request for an encore will be coming down the pipe in the  Read more...

What better way to end 2008, than with a top ten list

by Katie

December 30, 2008

You know what I need to do for this week's Tuesday list? A top ten year end round-up list. Because making lists is what Tuesday is all about and this being the last Tuesday of 2008, I'm going to list my favorite Savvy Souce posts - written by yours truly - from the past year. Researching and writing these posts this past year has been a blast. It's been extra motivation to explore Toronto and  Read more...

Not a babysitter to be found this New Year's Eve

by Katie

December 29, 2008

We do not have a baby sitter this New Year's Eve, nor do we have concrete plans, so what the heck are we going to do? Personally, I think the evening deserves some kind of recognition because it is the perfect time to declare some resolutions and it might as well be done with a bang ( though most of those declared resolutions are bust within a day or week ). In the past, New Year's involved  Read more...

Have a holly jolly Christmas

by Katie

December 25, 2008

While I'm enjoying the day with lots of gifts and food, in the company of extended family, I am thankful that we are lucky to have each other on this day. We have been connecting with family that we couldn't be with today, both via the magic of the internet and the phone. It may not be the same as being physically together, but the day wouldn't seem complete if we didn't let everyone know that  Read more...

Best decorated neighbourhoods in Toronto.

by Katie

December 23, 2008

Do you do up your house all in lights, candles, with a full life-sized santa sled with eight reindeer skidding off the roof? I remember driving around the city with my parents when I was a kid and marveling at all the homes done up to the rafters with colourful strings of lights, Coca-Cola Santas on the door, and assorted Christmas characters standing in the yard. We were a more sedate family  Read more...

Festival of Lights

by Katie

December 22, 2008

Today marks the first day of Hanukkah and last week, Gigi and I enjoyed a big plate of yummy latkas with apple sauce and sour cream while one of her classmate's mom taught us all about how her family celebrates Hanukkah. We sat around the nine-branched Menorah, lighting the shamash (Hebrew for "guard") candle in the middle and then one candle to represent each night of Hanukkah. After each  Read more...

I think it might be snowing in Toronto this weekend

by Katie

December 19, 2008

Okay, let's be serious, it's snowing cats and dogs in Toronto right now so nobody is going anywhere tonight BUT I bet lots of kids are thinking about the hills tomorrow. Specifically, which ones in the neighbourhood are going to be the best for sledding. And by the looks of things now, the front yard will probably be high enough. I'm glad I bought the sled last weekend, because we will be using  Read more...

Game on

by Katie

December 17, 2008

In my opinion, the best time of year to play board games is the stretch of "vacation" days between Christmas and New Years - especially Christmas Day afternoon and New Year's day. For one thing, usually there are players around and everyone is kind of in a restless mood or perhaps tired from the previous evening activities. And by tired, I mean hurting a bit in the head - not that that has ever  Read more...

Teaching my child about charity

by Katie

December 15, 2008

Teaching Gigi about charity isn't a new topic for me at Savvy Source. The two charities I like to support are the local food bank (year round) and Toy Mountain (seasonal). Helping those in need are is an important lesson I've tried to share with Gigi now that she has the vocabulary and ravenous reporter-style ability to understand a new concept. Sharing of course is a sometimes-reluctant quality  Read more...

What's going on in Toronto this weekend

by Katie

December 05, 2008

At ROMKids Weekend on both Saturday and Sunday there will be lots of fun for the budding palaeologists and dinosaur lovers in your life. Gordo and Gertie, the dinosaur baby mascots of the ROM will be on hand to meet the kids (I hope they are herbivores) and the Dino Dig will be open from 10 to 5pm both days and is included in the price of admission. Kids can try their hand at digging for bones  Read more...

The difficult things: preschooler books on sensitive subjects

by Katie

November 20, 2008

Now that I answer to the name "mom", I know that one of the dreaded things I signed up for in this parenting gig is talking about some difficult subjects with Gigi. Honestly, I'll take all the good help I can get because boy-oh-boy, I dread some of the more squirrely stuff. Since I love to inspire conversation with a good book, I figure why not use them to talk about the more sensitive issues.  Read more...

What's going on this weekend in toronto (hint: it involves a man in red)

by Katie

November 14, 2008

The Santa Claus Parade is the weekend and I CANNOT WAIT. For over a hundred years, Toronto has heralded the arrival of Santa with this huge parade that originally started as a publicity stunt for the Eaton's store. How do you think Santa will arrive this year? Did you know that in 1913 Santa arrived in a sled pulled by REAL reindeer that Mr. Timothy Eaton imported from Labrador? Those reindeer  Read more...

What's going on this weekend in toronto

by Katie

October 24, 2008

Tomorrow it's Boo Barn 2008 at Riverdale Farm from 9:30 to 3:30. There is a Hallowe'en Hoot Boo Barn decorated for the kids to walk through, a pumpkin patch in the garden, and toasty warm treats in the outdoor wood-fired oven - which based on weather in recent days, is a good thing. There will also be pumpkin carvings at the picnic table area in the park, no need to pack your carving knife,  Read more...

Haunted Hallowe'en for the entire family

by Katie

October 21, 2008

Exactly how scared do you and your loved ones want to be on Hallowe'en because there are lots of spooky-riffic things going on in Toronto. If you are looking for a haunted house: Casa Loma has turned into the Haunted Mansion just in time for all Hallows Eve. This coming weekend on the 25th and 26th of October, Casa Loma becomes the Haunted Mansion, with ghosts, goblins, dragons, a haunted  Read more...

What's going on this weekend in Toronto

by Katie

October 17, 2008

For anyone looking for a new bike, the Toronto International Bicycle Show is this Saturday from 10 am and 5 pm, at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. The show promises a huge selection of bikes for sale plus there are competitions, challenges and shows for entertainment. Admission five dollars and I sense there will be lots of Pizza Pizza available on-site, which is a take-out  Read more...

Theatre for the young torontonian

by Katie

October 09, 2008

I love taking Gigi to live shows. She is absolutely thrilled to go to concerts, watch performers, sing and dance along - especially when invited by the cast. Luckily we live near Mel Lastman Square where every single weekend there is some kind of musical show on the main stage, and interactive library family time at the North York Central Library. Now that she is able to sit still for longer  Read more...

Nuit Blanche for the family

by Katie

October 03, 2008

This weekend in Toronto, it's all about contemporary art. Scotia Bank Nuit Blanche starts at 6:52 pm this Saturday and goes all night. Warmly embraced by the city after it's debut in 2006, this free, all-night celebration of contemporary art has now become an annual event in Toronto. I'm proud to live in a city that hosts this kind of amazing (and free) showcase for artists and performers.  Read more...

Word on The Street!

by Katie

September 22, 2008

There will be something for everyone of all ages, at The Word on the Street festival this coming Sunday. I'm putting this post up now so you can pencil this in for this weekend - you can thank me later. In case you haven't heard of this super cool cross-Canada event, The Word on the Street is a book and magazine fair that has been celebrating the printed word and literacy since 1990. On Sunday  Read more...

Toronto this Weekend: Fall Folk Festival & Environmental Fair

by Katie

September 12, 2008

Admit it, Fall is in the air. Night is coming faster, the mornings are refreshingly nippy, and only at high noon does summer seem to be still hanging on. Personally, I love Autumn; I was always excited for the start of school, I love the beautiful weekends full of changing leaves, long walks, and drives, and Hallowe'en is one of my favorite times of year. This weekend there is a cool  Read more...

What's going on this weekend in Toronto

by Katie

August 15, 2008

The CNE starts today - need I say more ? This is the Canadian National Exhibition's 130th year running which is pretty amazing in my books. Anyhow, the midway, horse shows, farm animals, cotton candy, those fluffy little doughnuts - oh yes, it starts TODAY and runs until Labour Day. The CNE is bittersweet because it does represent the end of Summer (did we even really have a summer this year?)  Read more...

What's going on this weekend in Toronto

by Katie

August 01, 2008

CARIBANA ! I can never resist saying the word Caribana without using lots of gusto. This weekend is the Caribana Parade on Saturday and the De Caribana Lime Island Party at Olympic Island on Sunday . Both are all day events (10am to 6pm) with the parade starting at Exhibition Place and travelling west on Lakeshore Blvd. The De Caribana Lime Island Party will include a food competition, which  Read more...

I can always use advice on travelling with an occasionally-rabid badger

by Katie

July 30, 2008

The first time I travelled with child, it was as the solo adult and with a 10 week old infant. I remember being absolutely terrified of taking a two hour plane ride with my daughter, a plane ride I had planned and paid for during those still-idealistic, blissfully ignorant late days of pregnancy. You know, the easy part. Anyhow, I sure do wish I had been reading blogs in those days because the  Read more...

What's going on in Toronto this weekend

by Katie

July 18, 2008

Summer in Toronto would not be complete without Caribana ! The official launch of Caribana Junior Carnival Parade is this Saturday (July 19th) at the Yorkgate Mall (northwest corner of Jane & Finch) and the events starts at noon. This year they expect over 1,600 kids in full Caribana costume - WOW - and this event is held to teach children the traditions of Mas and carnival.  Read more...

Getting away without going away

by Katie

July 16, 2008

We're not taking a family vacation this summer but that doesn't mean we can't "get away". Day trips can be just like a vacation but a heck of a lot less expensive and stressful. One that we have already done this summer is a trip to the Bowmanville Zoo . We decided to make this an all day/no-car trip so Gigi and I hit the road super early (okay - it was 10am). And when I say "road" I mean the  Read more...

What's going on in Toronto this weekend

by Katie

July 11, 2008

Calling all baseball fans! This Saturday (July 12th) is a Jr. Jays Day. Starting two hours before the home game against the New York Yankees, Jr. Jays Saturdays Club has an outdoor program that includes running the bases, meet the mascots, face painting, and of course, exercising the ol' pitching arm in the cage. Check out the Jr. Jays Saturdays site for more information (ages 4 - 14). Over at  Read more...

Three Days in Toronto: Day One

by Katie

July 08, 2008

Since arriving in Toronto years ago, many friends told me to go visit the Toronto Islands because it's the thing to do during the long hot summer days in the city. Yet for some strange reason, I've never made it over there. But when I created my list of things to do in Toronto last month, it was one of the first things to come to mind. Now I'm very pleased to say that I finally knocked that one  Read more...

What's going on this Canada day

by Katie

June 30, 2008

Tomorrow is Canada Day happy 141st birthday Canada! Gigi has never actually made it to a Canada Day fireworks show before although they have woken her up in years pastthe curse of living a stone's throw from the launch site. This year I hope we can make it to the ones at Mel Lastman square, because I love a great fireworks display. During the day, our usual habit has been to have a playdate, and  Read more...