Because of the Remembrance Day holiday this Thursday we’re running our weekend guide a little early. And lest you forget, we have a thorough listing of local Remembrance Day ceremonies on yoyomama.ca. While we’re starting to see holiday-themed events this weekend, there are still lots of fun activities going on if you’re not quite ready for snow and Santa. Drop by the babytime show for all things parenthood, visit the Zoo to learn about the amazing red pandas, or take in a Miss Spider show with all her buggy friends.
The babytime show
Friday, November 12th – Sunday, November 14th, 10 am – 6 pm, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, 255 Front Street West, Toronto
Shop, learn and have fun while celebrating parenthood! Discover new parenting products, the latest gear, maternity clothing, parenting tools, and services. The show will have workshops led by pregnancy and parenting experts, and entertainment for toddlers: www.babytimeshow.ca
Under The Baobab Tree
Saturday, November 13th, 2 pm, NFB Mediatheque, 150 John Street, Toronto
Inspired by Hélène Ducharme’s play Baobab, children from six to 13 are invited to animate different exotic animals around the village and hiding within the great baobab tree. This hands-on workshop allows children to express their creativity by creating their own stories, and each participant will receive their film by email, to show it again and again to family and friends! The workshop will be conducted in French: www.onf-nfb.gc.ca
Warm The Sole Sock Drive
Saturday, November 13th – Tuesday, November 30th, see website for hours, Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto
The Bata Shoe Museum invites you to help spread the gift of warmth in our community! Starting November 13th, they will begin collecting donations of new socks to benefit the Scott Mission. During the Warm the Sole Sock Drive, admission is free on Saturdays and Sundays with a donation of a pair of new, unworn socks: www.batashoemuseum.ca
International Red Panda Day
Saturday, November 13th, 10 am – 4 pm (panda feedings at 1 pm & 2 pm), Toronto Zoo, Eurasia, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto
Come to celebrate the uniqueness of the red panda! Learn about these amazing and endangered creatures and meet the red panda family. Don’t miss a special meet-the-keeper talk plus enrichment feedings, and get a raffle ticket to win fun panda prizes including original panda artwork (painted by one of the Zoo’s own pandas!) All proceeds support the Red Panda Network: www.torontozoo.com
KidSpark: Dragons!
Saturday, November 13th – Sunday, November 14th, 2 pm, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Dragons are great mythical creatures. At this workshop, kids will learn about the history, stories, and why these creatures are beloved around the world. Ages five and up: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Autumn In The Valley
Sunday, November 14th, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Todmorden Mills Museum & Art Centre, 67 Pottery Road, Toronto
As the cold winter months approach, learn how the birds, plants and animals in the centre’s Wildflower Preserve prepare for the season. Refreshments provided after the walk: www.toronto.ca/museums
Christmas Cupcake Decorating Class
Sunday, November 14th, 2 pm – 4 pm, Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke
Master Baker Monika Paradi will assist families for making holiday treats with this hands-on workshop. Learn to decorate seasonal cupcakes like a pro, and leave the workshop with half a dozen decorated goodies, recipes and inspiration to create your own edible Christmas memories! Must pre-register: www.toronto.ca/museums
Movie Night – High Park Family Fun Place
Friday, November 12th, 7 pm – 9 pm, 2968 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Bring the family for some singing and dancing with a showing of High School Musical! Movie is free with playground admission: www.hpfamilyfunplace.ca
Farther Afield:
Mingling Mommas
Friday, November 12th, 6 pm – 10 pm, Ajax Convention Centre, 550 Beck Crescent, Ajax
This one is just for mums: Come with your friends, get a ‘mocktail’, take advantage of the free bra-fitting clinic! Mingle with the creator of yummymummyclub.ca, Erica Ehm, and enjoy complimentary spa services 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
Santa Arrives By Helicopter!
Saturday, November 13th, 10 am, Burlington Mall, Zellers parking lot, 777 Guelph Line, Burlington
It is a long trip from the North Pole but Santa will make a quick time of it in his helicopter! To celebrate his visit, there will be a parade, hot chocolate and candy canes, entertainment, photo opportunities, and a small gift for the first 1,000 kids: www.burlingtonmall.com
Ajax Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 13th, 6 pm – 7:30 pm, Mackenzie Avenue & Bayly Street, Ajax
Don’t miss this evening of music, magic and lights! Join the post-parade party at the Ajax Main Branch Library for fun crafts, face painting, carol singing, and hot chocolate. A tree lighting ceremony will also follow the parade. The parade route is available online: www.townofajax.com
Heintzman House Craft Show & Sale
Saturday, November 13th – Sunday, November 14th, 10 am – 5 pm, Heintzman House, 135 Bay Thorn Road, Thornhill
Visit the historical Heintzman House for a weekend craft show, featuring a variety of hand made items and fine arts, including ceramics, mouth-blown glass, jewelry, hand crafted wooden toys and teddy bears, and clothing. Proceeds will help refurbish the house. Check the website for the list of talented artisans and crafters: www.hhouse.ca
Hannah Montana Appearance (character impersonator)
Friday, November 12th, 6 pm – 8 pm, Creative Indoor Playground Ajax, 539 Westney Road South, Ajax
Rock it out with Hannah Montana! Visit this indoor playground for a fun visit with the musical star, and a hot dog lunch. Note: This is a Hannah Montana impersonator. Please pre-register for this event: www.creativeplay.ca
Family Nature Event: Park in the Dark at Heart Lake Conservation Area
Saturday, November 13th, 7 pm – 9 pm, Heart Lake Conservation Area, Brampton Scout House, 10747 Heart Lake Road, Brampton
Take an evening trail walk through Heart Lake Conservation Area and learn about the wildlife that wakes up just as everyone gets ready for bed. Families will experience the sights and sounds of the park after dark! Flashlights will be provided if families don’t bring their own. Registration is required: www.trcastewardshipevents.ca
Words Of Art – Puppeteers
Sunday, November 14th, 11 am – 4 pm, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg
Families can learn about the Group of Seven through storytelling, art activities, and a live performance about Canadian history and the environment by Glen Caradus and the Paddling Puppeteers: www.mcmichael.com
Miss Spider – Sunny Day In The Sunny Patch
Sunday, November 14th, 1 pm & 3 pm, RBC Theatre, 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga
This lively production features Miss Spider with an entomologist (‘bug guy’), who introduces the real world of bugs and the fun world of Miss Spider and her Sunny Patch. Kids from the audience are brought up on stage to appear in Sunny Patch Kids costumes and be part of the action. Based on the TV series about Miss Spider and her buggy bunch of kids: www.livingartscentre.ca
Santa’s Village
Sunday, November 14th, 1 pm – 6 pm, Maple Community Centre, 10190 Keele Street, Maple
Enjoy lots of children’s activities and meet Santa & Mrs. Claus! There will be free ice-skating, face painting, SantaFEST colouring draw, and yummy hot chocolate. Don’t forget the camera for photos with the Claus clan: www.santafestinmaple.com
Santafest Parade
Sunday, November 14th, 2 pm, Canada’s Wonderland, 9580 Jane Street, Vaughan
Santafest promotes community spirit and helps everyone get in the celebration spirit of the holiday season! The parade starts at Canada’s Wonderland and travels east along Major Mackenzie Drive to the Vaughan Civic Centre: www.santafestinmaple.com
Do you have an event you would like to see in our weekend guide? Then send us your details and we’ll help you get the word out. Looking for a feature listing? Contact Erin, our Director of Sales and Marketing, for more information.
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!