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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).

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 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

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)

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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)

What's Going On This Weekend In Toronto

by Katie

April 16, 2009

Riverdale Farm is hosting an Earth Week event. This Saturday morning, between 9:30 and 11:30, the Buildings & Grounds Committee and volunteers are planting two hundred trees and shrubs on the property. Gigi and I were just there today and I just love that this farm is right in the heart of the city for everyone to enjoy.

Also going on this weekend is Sprockets, The TIFF For Children. Movies this weekend start at 10 am and end late afternoon. At the Canada Square location there will be additional activities available for film patrons; hands-on stations including make-up and Green Screens are there to inspire junior film makers and stars. Schedule information (including recommended age groups for viewing) and ticket purchase can be all done online. Festival runs until April 24th.

And not this weekend but coming up on April 28th, 29th, and 30th, is Dora The Explorer: Search for the City of Lost Toys at the Canon Theatre and I'm sure this is going to be a popular show. Because it's Dora, live and in person which may make my child's head explode. And of course Dora will be appearing with Boots, Swiper and I sense Tico might drop by (oh and Benny because it’s not a party until Benny arrives.) While it pains me to be so familiar and fluent in Dorology, I can concede that this spunky, yet annoyingly perky, and goody two-shoes girl is a better role model than many of the other commercial offerings out there. I may draw the line at dressing my child in Dora gear from head to toe, but I do have a soft spot for her show. In fact, I’ve learned more Spanish since becoming a parent than any courses I took in school. For ticket information on the show visit the Ticket King website.
Read more...

What's Going On In Toronto: St. Patrick's Day & March Break edition

by Katie

March 12, 2009

St. Patrick's Day comes early in Toronto as the twenty-second annual Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at noon at Bloor and St. George (near old Varisity Stadium). The route goes down Bloor, south on Yonge, and ends at Nathan Philips Square. If you child is looking for favorite parade participants (horses? Toronto Police? Irish Dancers?) check out the Parade Lineup page so you know who will be where when. And remember, even though it's not actually St. Patrick's Day, wear something green - you wouldn't want to make a fashion faux-pas, would you?

Next week is my first official March Break as a parent, and I need to plan things to do in order to keep Gigi from breaking out in cabin fever induced tantrums. I think that the Spring Fling 2009 at Rogers Centre sounds like it could thoroughly exhaust any child, including my high-energy munchkin. Between March 16th to 20th, the Rogers Centre is transformed into an indoor fairground and entertainment centre. There will all the classic fairground rides – ferris wheel, merry go rounds, something called the Cobra Coaster, and all the other midway regulars, and of course: the midway food. Cotton candy anyone? For full details see their website

Another event at the Rogers Centre that Gigi and I will definitely be catching next week is Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy. It has Tinkerbell in it, so I’m fairly certain that Gigi’s head will explode when the show starts. Basically if you child likes any of the following movies, they will be happy campers: Cars, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and anyone who has set foot in Pixie Hollow. I loved these ice shows when I was a child and expect Gigi will too. I just hope my daughter can make it through the show without trying to join Tink on the ice stage.

So what will you be doing this March Break? Want to have a playdate? I'm pretty serious with that last question ;)

What's Going On This Weekend In Toronto

by Katie

March 05, 2009

This weekend looks like it will be very mild which is WAY better than these Arctic-like freezing temperatures we've been having lately. Though, one positive products of this cold weather is the sugar run. Both the Kortright and Bruce's Mill conservation areas kick off their Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival on March 7th. The festivals include wagon rides, demonstrations, pancakes and of course, the star of the show: Maple Syrup! Children under four are free at both locations - for full admission rates and directions to both events, click here. This event runs until April 13th.
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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.

National Ballet of Canada (Art, Film, & Drama)
Art Gallery of Ontario
Solar Stage Children's Theatre
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
National Film Board Mediatheque
CN Tower (Be a Toronto Tourist)
Centre Island
Ride the entire subway system
Canada's Wonderland
Hockey Hall of Fame
Medieval Times
Ontario Place
Honest Ed's
Kensington Market
Toronto School of Circus Arts (Art/Pottery/Circus Classes)
Glitter Pie Art Studio
Art Garage Inc.
Messy Hands Art Studio
Avenue Road Art School
Academy of Artisans
Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
Gardiner Museum Pottery Classes
Andrews Scenic Acres (Farms for City Kids)
Chudleigh's Apple Farm
Downey's Farm Market and Winery
Forsythe Family Farms
Whittamore's Berry Farm
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Taste of the Danforth (Festivals and Special Events)
Word on the Street
Nuit Blanche
Festival of South Asia
Sleepover at Toronto Zoo Serengeti Bush Camp
Sleepover at the ROM
Sleepover at the Ontario Science Centre
Sprockets TIFF for Children
bunch family parties
March Break Spring Fling at the Rogers Centre
Royal Ontario Museum (Museums)
The Ontario Science Centre
Riverdale Farm
Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre
Bata Shoe Museum
Campbell House Museum
Casa Loma
Crawford Lake (reconstructed Iroquoian Village)
Gibson House Museum
Fort York
Markham Museum
Toronto Botanical Gardens
Toronto's First Post Office Museum
Blue Jays game (Support the Home Team)
Toronto Maple Leafs Game
Toronto FC Game
Toronto Zoo (Animals and Zoos)
Bowmanville Zoo
High Park Zoo
Humber Arboretum - Centre for Urban Ecology
Jungle Cat World Zoological Park
Mountsberg Wildlife Centre
Animals with Whimz
Richmond Hill Wave Pool
YogaBuds (Anything Active)
The Yoga Sanctuary
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...

What's Going on in Toronto

by Katie

February 13, 2009

Bloor-Yorkville's IceFest 2009 is this weekend and it's the perfect excuse to chill out in downtown Toronto. On both Saturday and Sunday from noon until four, A World of Ice ice sculpture exhibit will be taking place in the Village of Yorkville Park (Bellair and Cumberland). Sculptures will include a passport-free trip to the the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Sphinx, Big Ben, the Statue of Liberty, and of course the CN Tower. If you go on Saturday, the Annual Sassafraz Ice Carving Competition is at noon and you can actually watch the ice sculptures created from the block, up.
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What's Going On This Weekend in Toronto

by Katie

January 23, 2009

This weekend marks the 250th birthday of The Bard Robbie Burns, also known as Scotland's favourite son (though my favourite Scottish son is Ewan MacGregor - rawr). A family friendly celebration will be taking place at the Mackenzie House (82 Bond Street) this Sunday between noon and 4pm, and events include Celtic musical performances, shortbreads, and maybe a haggis or two (ewww). For more 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...

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...

What's going on this weekend in Toronto

by Katie

November 28, 2008

How can it be the last weekend in November already? HOW? Well there is no denying that the city is in full Holiday swing now. If you have time between shopping all the pre-Christmas sales this weekend here are a few things that are going on around the city: At Montgomery's Inn (4709 Dundas Street West) is a Gingerbread House workshop . This is a hands-on workshop where you build your own Read more...

Toronto-centric kids books

by Katie

November 25, 2008

What better way to learn about Toronto than to read some kid-friendly books dedicated to the city. Toronto is a massive city, full of interesting places, natural wonders, and of course: hockey. Here are my top five picks for Toronto-centric kid books: The Lobster Kids' Guide to Exploring Toronto (Kids' City Explorer Series) is a Toronto Guide written for kids (okay,okay - parents are allowed Read more...

What's going on in toronto this weekend

by Katie

October 31, 2008

Happy Hallowe'en everyone! I hope everyone enjoys a bit of tricks or treats this evening and that the weekend finds you in a pleasant sugar induced coma. Tonight is the Cadbury's Haunted House at the Gladstone Chocolate Factory (THINK: FREE CHOCOLATE). For each child that shows up in costume tonight, one dollar will be go Unicef. Can you think of a better place to do trick-or-treating than at a 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...

Finding Inspiration in Toronto: Part Two

by Katie

October 16, 2008

Earlier this week I listed some places in Toronto that could spark the imagination of little ones , but after I had compiled my list, I kept thinking of this place and that event and just couldn't keep them to myself. What can I say? I like to share and babble, just ask any of my family members. Anyhow, here are a few others inspirational places that only didn't make the cut earlier this 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...

What's going on this weekend in toronto

by Katie

September 26, 2008

This weekend brings the Healthy Kids Expo to Toronto. The Healthy Kids Expo invites kids, teens, and parents to come check out all the different ways they can lead healthy lives and live green. Special guests include, of Oprah fame, Dr. Mehmet Oz host of Dr. Oz on the Discovery Channel, Wendy Mesley from CBC TV, and Member of Parliament, Olivia Chow. There are dozens of exhibitors, prizes to be 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 23, 2008

This weekend brings Buskerfest to the St. Lawrence Market sponsored by Epilepsy Toronto. The great thing about busker performances is how spontaneous the show can be - so needless to say, there is no set schedule - just a location and hours of performances. For more information on who is juggling, doing magic, and making the street their stage check out the Buskerfest website or just go on 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 08, 2008

Taste of the Danforth starts today and runs all weekend. I have yet to actually do this festival with a preschooler so this weekend will be the test. I think as long as I pack plenty of water and sunscreen in her backpack, we should survive just fine. The festival kicks off tonight at 6pm so I think our best bet will be to hit the Danforth when the festivities begin again at 12 noon over the 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...

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...

Three days in Toronto: day two

by Katie

July 09, 2008

High Park in the west end is one of the best outdoor places to hang out with children in Toronto. There are so many different activities for kids of all ages and it's easy to spend an entire day in the park, enjoy the great outdoors, and feel a bit of escape from the city. It's inexpensive, fun, and there should be something to suit everyone. I think the best way to do High Park is to arrive Read more...

Toronto Fringe Festival: KidsVenue

by Katie

July 04, 2008

This weekend is the Toronto Fringe Festival and many of the kid-friendly performances start today, with shows happening all weekend through to July 13th. All kids performances are at the KidsVenue theatre located at the Palmerston Library (560 Palmerston - north of Bloor, west of Bathurst). For show times and ticket information check out the KidsVenue page at the Toronto Fringe Festival website 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...

Five awesome reasons to raise your kid in Toronto

by Katie

June 23, 2008

When I moved to Toronto eight years ago, I never expected to find myself getting married and raising a child in the big. Pre-baby, I was an IT consultant for a huge corporation which meant I worked strange hours and traveled near and far to different work sites, sometimes for months at a time. I can say with confidence that the best thing I got out of my job was my husband SB. And cheap tickets Read more...

What's going on this weekend in Toronto

by Katie

June 20, 2008

As usual there a number of kid-friendly activities going on around Toronto and here are a few Gigi and I might check out if we get ourselves in gear: The pride of Nova Scotia, the Bluenose II is visiting Toronto as part of the first Toronto Nautical Festival . It's not everyday you get to go onboard a schooner that is a totally easy to recognize Canadian symbol. The decks will be open to Read more...

What's going on this weekend in Toronto

by Katie

June 13, 2008

This weekend Gigi and I just might have to go check out Luminato , Toronto's Fesitval of Arts & Creativity. The festival opened last week and there are a few different family events happening over the coming weekend. CN Tower light show: Each night of Luminato the CN tower will be lit up differently. This weekend the tower will be blue and white, the traditional colours of Luminato, with a Read more...