Animal lovers young and old will be happy to hear the annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair opens its door this weekend! If you and the kids don’t mind a road trip, Bobs & LoLo are performing a short drive away, and for a fun group activity, head to the Toronto Zoo for their attempt to break a Yo-Yo®-ing world record.
Can’t Sit Still: Choose Your Own Ending
Saturday, November 6th, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, NFB Mediatheque, 150 John Street, Toronto
In honour of National Family Literacy Day, bring the little ones to complete a story through animation using their own imagination. Includes a screening and is ideal for kids from three to five: www.onf-nfb.gc.ca
Diwali Celebrations
Thursday, November 4th – Sunday, November 7th, regular museum hours, The Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto
The biggest of all Hindu festivals, Diwali is celebrated around the world. Enjoy the Festival of lights with music, arts and crafts for kids, as well as a card game corner: www.batashoemuseum.ca
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Friday, November 5th – Sunday, November 14th, see website for hours and events, Exhibition Place, 200 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto
From animal attractions and live shows, to agricultural innovations, to the Presidents Choice Super Dogs, to shopping and dining, to The Royal Horse Show, The Royal Fair has something for everyone! Don’t miss out on this once-a-year event: www.royalfair.org
Yo-Yo® For The Dodo
Saturday, November 6th, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (Note: World Record attempt starts at 11:30 am), Toronto Zoo Parking Lot, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto
Toronto Zoo is Yo-Yo®-ing its way into the Guinness World Records® book and they need all the help they can get! Come out, or better yet, put together a team with your friends and family and help them break the world record for largest simultaneous yo-yo®: www.torontozoo.com
The National Women’s Show
Friday, November 5th – Sunday, November 7th, visit site for hours, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, 222 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
Shop ‘til you drop and enjoy food and wine sampling, fashion shows, celebrity guests, free makeovers, cooking demos, home renovation advice, and travel ideas! Great for mums looking for style advice, and the latest products to help make their lives run more smoothly. Kids under age 12 get in free: www.nationalwomenshow.com
The Adventures Of Jillian Jiggs
Weekends beginning Saturday, November 6th – Saturday, December 4th, 10:30 am / 12:30 pm / 3:30 pm, Solar Stage Children’s Theatre, 100 Upper Madison Avenue, North York
Jillian Jiggs comes to life in this lovable presentation based on Phoebe Gilman’s classic children’s stories. The irrepressible Jillian Jiggs will delight young and old with her imagination and adventures. Ages three to 10: www.solarstage.on.ca
KidSpark: Stained Glass Birds
Saturday, November 6th – Sunday, November 7th, 2 pm, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Come for a visit and learn which birds you’ll see in the fall around the Ontario Science Centre. Kids also get to craft their own bird out of tissue paper and cutouts to take home. Ages three+: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Diwali – Mela
Saturday, November 6th – Sunday, November 7th, 3 pm – 9 pm, Presented by Gerrard India Bazaar, Gerrard Street between Coxwell & Greenwood, Toronto
Come and celebrate India’s most important festival holiday of the year! Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a celebration not to be missed. Enjoy culture, food, and music as Toronto’s Indian community welcomes the New Year: www.gerrardindiafestivals.com
Movie Night – High Park Family Fun Place
Friday, November 5th, 7 pm – 9 pm, 2968 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Bring the family for a showing of Over The Hedge. Movie is free with playground admission: www.hpfamilyfunplace.ca
10th Annual Road To Asia
Saturday, November 6th – Sunday, November 7th, 11 am – 5 pm, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Court, Toronto
The whole family can celebrate the diversity of Asian culture with displays and performances, such as martial arts demonstrations and main stage shows, plus vendors to shop and food to sample: www.jccc.on.ca
Farther Afield:
Mingling Mommas
Friday, November 5th, 6 pm – 10 pm, Wooden Sticks Golf Club, 40 Elgin Park Drive, Uxbridge
This one is just for mums: Come with your friends, get a ‘mocktail’, take advantage of the free bra-fitting clinic, and enjoy complimentary spa services! Mingle with personal stylist and fashion blogger, Lisa McLatchie, and enjoy complimentary mini manicures and hand massages throughout the night. Enter to win a shopping trip tailored to your style, and navigate the stores stress free with your own Personal Stylist by your side: www.marketmomsonline.com
Bobs & LoLo Concert
Sunday, November 7th, 2 pm, Lester B. Pearson Theatre, 150 Central Park Drive, Brampton
Bobs & LoLo – the musical duo regularly featured on Treehouse TV – are excited to bring their action packed, musical adventures to Brampton, Ontario! Dedicated to connecting kids to the natural world with music, movement and make-believe, Bobs & LoLo’s energetic and interactive show is sure to have kids on their feet singing and dancing along. Stick around after the show to meet Bobs & LoLo: www.bobsandlolo.com
Etobicoke Humane Society Open House
Saturday, November 6th, 10 am – 3 pm, Royal York Plaza, 1500 Royal York Road, Etobicoke
The open house will feature animals ready for adoption, information about volunteer opportunities, raffle prizes, and refreshments. The whole family can visit the animals looking for happy homes, and learn more about the Etobicoke Humane society: www.etobicokehumanesociety.com
Animals That Hoot & Howl In The Night
Saturday, November 6th, 7 pm – 9 pm, Kortright Centre, 9550 Pine Valley Road, Woodbridge
Coyotes, Deer, Fox, Owls, are just some of the animals that are active at Kortright during the evening hours. Walk the trails looking and listening for night critters, visit the bird banding station, and finish the evening around a bonfire roasting marshmallows: www.kortright.org
The Saturday Adventurers Club: Magical Mysteries
Saturdays, November 6th – 27th, 1 pm – 4 pm, Scarborough Historical Museum, 1007 Brimley Road, Scarborough
Learn magic, hunt for buried treasure, go on a secret mission, bake up a storm, or conduct experiments. Kids will also learn parlour tricks and slight of hand techniques! For little adventurers, ages five – 12. Must be pre-registered: www.toronto.ca/kidsclub
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!