toronto: what to do, what to do?
Filed Under Events | August 19, 2010
Okay, Torontonians – it’s a big weekend in the city. The Canadian National Exhibition opens this Friday, August 20th, and you pay only $8 at the gate when you visit on opening day!
If opening weekend at the Ex is more action than you were planning on there’s lots more to do. Toopy & Binoo visit Ontario Place, kids can enjoy a picnic and stories with their Teddy Bears at beautiful Casa Loma, and the whole family can sample Asian delights at the Fortune Cooking Food Festival.
Whatever you decide, it’s a great weekend to get out there and enjoy all our fantastic city has to offer!
Art In Nature Festival
Sunday, August 22nd, 12 pm – 4 pm, High Park Children’s Garden, High Park, Toronto
All ages will enjoy exploring nature through arts and crafts, plus fun activities and special guests! Come early to enjoy a free garden lunch while it lasts: www.toronto.ca/parks/programs/children.htm
Fortune Cooking Food Festival
Friday, August 20th – Sunday, August 22nd, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto
Taste delicious traditional and contemporary Asian dishes, prepared by the city’s best culinary artists, during this 3 day East and SouthEast Asia cultural event: www.harbourfrontcentre.com/worldroutes2010/
Canadian National Exhibition
Friday, August 20th – Monday, September 6th, CNE, Exhibition Place, 200 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
“Let’s go to the EX!” Never a dull moment at the much loved annual exhibition, with a midway, Ice Skating Show, Doo Doo’s Dance Party, Comic Juggler Craig Douglas, Birds of Prey Shows, Ken Jen Petting Zoo, the Canadian International Air Show, and so much more: www.theex.com
Toopy & Binoo
Friday, August 20th – Sunday, August 22nd, showtimes vary, Waterfall Stage, Ontario Place, 955 Lakeshore Blvd West, Toronto
Prepare to fall in love with Toopy and Binoo, whose imaginations and adorable personalities inspire and amuse children. A hit with preschoolers everywhere: www.ontarioplace.com
Fairbank Village Summer Fest 2010
Saturday, August 21st – Sunday, August 22nd , 10 am – 11 pm, Eglinton Avenue, West of Dufferin Street to Chamberlain Avenue, Toronto
Bring the family to this summer fest and enjoy rides, games, music, buskers, dancing, International foods, shopping and so much more:
www.fairbankvillagebia.com
Frozen Fridays
Friday, August 20th (Every Friday through until September 3rd), Keeper talks 12 pm & 3 pm, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto
Chill out at the Zoo every Friday this summer with “Frozen Fridays”! Watch as the polar bears, an Arctic icon, receive a special frozen treat as keepers share information about these amazing animals and the challenges they face: www.torontozoo.com
Pets, Arts & Culture Weekend
Saturday, August 21st, 12 pm – 5 pm, Sunday, August 22nd, 11 am – 3 pm, PawsWay Pet Discovery Centre, 245 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Dogs and cats have been the inspiration for artists through the centuries. They have starred in movies, been featured in literature, music, and paintings. Head to PawsWay to celebrate the many ways our furry friends have been depicted: pawsway.ca
Explore The Universe with Hubble
August 1st – September 4th, film times vary, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Hubble lets you journey through distant galaxies to explore the mysteries of our celestial surroundings. Accompany space-walking astronauts and get an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy.
www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
KidSpark Marbling Workshop
August 21st – August 22nd, 2 pm, Ages 3 – 8, Ontario Science Centre, KidSpark, Level 4, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Create wonderful, multi-coloured marbled artwork! Every creation is unique and kids get to take theirs home to show off to family and friends: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
TFC Play Soccer
Saturday, August 22nd, Ontario Place, 955 Lakeshore Blvd. West, Toronto
Celebrate the game at Ontario Place with an inflatable road show for youth and families, including interactive soccer activities: www.ontarioplace.com
Teddy Bear Picnic
Saturday, August 21st, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
Is it too hot, too cold, or just right? Your kids can bring their teddy bear to a picnic and story telling in the gardens at Casa Loma. After reading the stories, kids can decorate their own bear cookies to take home. Pre-registration required: www.casaloma.org
Summer Skating at Harbourfront
May 22nd – August 31st, 11 am – 7 pm, The Natrel Kinder Rin , Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto, Toronto
Even in the heat of summer kids can learn to skate or practice new skills before hitting the big skating rinks in the winter. www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Farther Afield:
Garlic is Great Festival
Saturday, August 21st , 8 am – 1 pm, Newmarket Farmers Market, Town of Newmarket Municipal Office, 395 Mulock Drive, Newmarket
Does your family have a love for all things garlic? Come to the festival for cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, and garlic shopping: www.newmarket.ca
Summer Sundays
Sunday, August 22nd, 12:30 pm – 4 pm, Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton
Take a trip back to simpler times, and enjoy tea and biscuits with jam at the General Store, and learn more about traditional clothing through a fashion show: www.westfieldheritage.ca
Unionville Jazz On Main Festival
Friday, August 20th – Sunday, August 22nd, Main Street, Unionville
Bring the family to Main Street in Unionville as it transforms into Jazz Central, with great music and lots of fun for everyone: www.unionvilleinfo.com
Markham Jazz Festival
Friday, August 20th – Sunday, August 22nd, Varley Art Gallery, 216 Main Street, Unionville
One of the venues of the 13th Annual Markham Jazz Festival, the gallery offers live music by some of the country’s finest jazz performers, free family art activities and guided art tours: www.markham.ca
Want to help us make this weekend guide even more bursting with fun? Just email us your family-friendly happenings, festivals, fairs and workshops in the Greater Toronto area.
And we wanted to remind you to always call or visit the website for event info before you head out just in case any changes have been made since we posted it. And of course, have fun!
Leave a Comment
Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!
