With the GTA’s first maple syrup festival starting this weekend, we can safely say spring is right around the corner! Those happy to be outside, cold or not, will enjoy an outdoor hike and owl sighting, plus a chance to learn more about the ducks and birds that come to T.O. for a “warm-weather” vacation. For some indoor entertainment, families can take in a performance of Alice In Wonderland, or visit the Ontario Science Centre for workshops on frogs, colours, and our senses.
Family Nature Event: Winter Waterfowl
Saturday, March 5th, 10 am – 12 pm, Tommy Thompson Park – Entrance, 1 Leslie Street, Toronto
Imagine coming to T.O. for a warm winter vacation! Many ducks spend the summer breeding in the Arctic and migrate south to Toronto for the milder winter. Learn about and view some of these spectacular winter ‘snowbirds’. Dress warmly, bring a travel mug for hot chocolate, binoculars and field guide if you have them! Registration required: www.tommythompsonpark.ca
Can’t Sit Still Workshop: Mardi Gras!
Saturday, March 5th, 10:30 am, NFB Mediatheque, 150 John Street, Toronto
Kids can celebrate Mardi Gras by creating their own festive parade float in this fun and creative workshop. Ages three to five: www.onf-nfb.gc.ca
Free Picture Day At YNot Play
Friday, March 4th, 10 am – 12 pm, YNot Play, 335 Jane Street, Toronto
During regular drop-in play time, you can get a free 5×7 photo of your child by Tangerine Photography! Drop-in play supports children’s growth by encouraging engaged play with caregivers and friends: www.ynotplay.ca
Alice In Wonderland
March 1st – March 19th, see site for showtimes, Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, 165 Front Street East, Toronto
Alice is once again day dreaming rather than doing homework when a book-devouring rabbit appears out of nowhere. Alice chases him down his rabbit hole and suddenly finds herself in Wonderland – a nonsensical universe populated by the Queen of Hearts, Humpty Dumpty, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and a host of peculiar residents. It’s Lewis Carroll’s masterpiece like you’ve never seen it before! French language performances on March 4th for weekday audiences. Grades one to five: www.lktyp.ca
KidSpark: It’s A Frog Life
Friday, March 4th, 3 pm, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
It’s not easy being green! Come and learn what it means to be a frog from local ponds, to South American waterways. Kids will love this new frog-focused workshop: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
KidSpark: Colour Your World
Saturday, March 5th, 2 pm, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
What do you get when you mix red, blue and green? Discover a colourful new world in this hands-on workshop that explores the difference between the colours of light and paint: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
KidSpark: Little Senses
Sunday, March 6th, 2 pm, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
What do you need to smell a flower? What senses do you need to look for hidden objects? Join this new workshop geared for the youngest of visitors as they explore their sensory world through fun and messy activities. Ages three and under: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Haru Matsuri (Spring Festival)
Saturday, March 5th – Sunday, March 6th, 12 pm – 5 pm, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Court, Toronto
The Kites are flying for Haru Matsuri 2011! Enjoy a weekend filled with activities, entertainment and exhibits all around the theme of Kites. Haru Matsuri will include Japanese arts and crafts demonstrations, such as Ikebana (flower arranging), Bunka Shishu (embroidery), Origami (paperfolding) and Sumi-e (brush painting). Martial artists will hold demonstrations, and there will be dancing, music, and delicious Japanese food: www.jccc.on.ca
Farther Afield:
Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival
Saturday, March 5th – Sunday, April 10th, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, South side of Stouffville Road, East of Warden Avenue, Stouffville
Maple syrup is a sure sign of Spring! Come “tap into nature” and enjoy demonstrations, wagon rides, live entertainment, and of course, pancakes and maple syrup: www.maplesyrupfest.com
Owl Prowl With Creature Quest
Saturday, March 5th, 6 pm – 7:30 pm, Albion Hills Conservation Area, 16500 Regional Road 50, Caledon
Come to Albion Hills Conservation Area for an indoor presentation on owls followed by an outdoor hike. After the hike families can warm up inside with hot beverages and get a photo taken with a real owl! Please bring your own mug: www.creaturequest.ca
Red Sky Performance’s Weeping Mountain
Sunday, March 6th, 2 pm, Nineteen On The Park, Lebovic Centre for Arts & Entertainment, 19 Civic Avenue, Stouffville
Red Sky’s newest work for family audiences is the “Weeping Mountain” which takes the audience on a journey through language, imagery, music, theatre and dance – all embraced by an essential environmental theme: www.nineteenonthepark.com
EXPO 4 Kidz
Sunday, March 6th, see site for hours, Holiday Inn Oshawa Whitby Conference Centre, 1011 Bloor Street East, Oshawa
Imagine an expo full of non-stop activities designed especially for kids! Expo4Kids is all about active kids, active minds, and healthy bodies. A great event for the whole family: www.expo4kidz.ca
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!