Welcome to yoyomama’s weekend guide! Your go-to list of family friendly fun things to do with kids in Toronto and the GTA.
So many things to do this weekend, so little time … unless of course you can find some kid-free time to enjoy an afternoon at the spa! Otherwise, grab the family and head outdoors for a spring bird festival, or to walk or run for some great causes. There’s also fun indoor stuff in case the sun isn’t shining, like the Wings & Wheels Heritage festival or worm composting at the Science Centre. And if you’re the über-organized type (we wish we were!), you can get a head start on holiday shopping at the massive Mastermind Toy warehouse sale.
Wings & Wheels Heritage Festival
Saturday, May 28th, 10 am – 6 pm, & Sunday, May 29th, 10 am – 5 pm, Downsview Park, 65 Carl Hall Road, Toronto
Bring the family to Toronto’s largest gathering of aviation and automotive excellence! A fantastic display of vintage, classic, and modern aircraft and vehicles, plus exhibits, vendors, models, simulators, family-friendly activities, airplane rides, and more. Kids 5 and under are free: wingsandwheelsfestival.com
Players Edge Tennis Academy’s Camp Open House
Saturday, May 28th, 10 am – 1 pm, Rexall Centre, 1 Shoreham Drive, Toronto
See mini tennis (ages 4-7) in action! Meet the camp Director and instructors, watch the coaches’ exhibition match, see competitive junior players in action, win prizes, and try your hand at mini-tennis or on court drills: www.playersedgetennis.com
The Great Mommy Escape
Sunday, May 29th, starts at 11 am, Sweet Grass Spa, 111 Queen Street West, Toronto
Wearing mums will enjoy an afternoon of relaxation, pampering, and being catered to by skilled technicians and therapists. All at Sweet Grass Spa, the only full-service, women-only downtown spa retreat: www.lookwhosgrowing.ca
Worm Composting
Sunday, May 29th, 11:30 am, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Come and meet the Centre’s little red wigglers. Learn all about how composting works and all the great benefits these wigglers provide: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
ECE Science Workshop
Friday, May 27th, 3 pm, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Come and join Ryerson Early Childhood Educators (ECE) as they take you through a science adventure! With four new workshops created specifically for the KidSpark audience, curious kiddos will want to visit to play, learn, and explore: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Mastermind Toys Warehouse Sale
Wednesday, May 25th – Wednesday, June 1st, see site for hours, Mastermind Toys Warehouse Sale, 415 Milner Avenue, Toronto
Come shop the terrific assortment of specifically selected items that have been discounted, discontinued, or have slightly damaged packaging. Up to 70% off, and June 1st is “deal day”: www.facebook.com
Great Strides Walk At The Toronto Zoo
Saturday, May 28th, Registration starts at 8:30 am and events run until 2 pm, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto
Join Cystic Fibrosis Canada at the Toronto Zoo for a day of family fun, while taking Great StridesTM to cure cystic fibrosis. Collect a minimum of $25 in pledges per participant, and receive entrance to the Toronto Zoo, a map, walk activities, lunch, and access to “Shrek – Stompin’ the Swamp!” program. Plus, enjoy a special lunchtime meet and greet with Shrek and Fiona: www.torontozoo.com
Spring Bird Festival
Saturday, May 28th, 9 am – 1 pm, Colonel Samuel Smith Park, 3131 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Toronto
Celebrate the Spring Bird Festival at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. Activities include guided nature walks, children’s crafts, games and activities, live birds from the Montsberg Raptors, live snakes from Sciensational Sssnakes, and educational displays throughout the park. For more info, call Natalie Swaak at 416.661.6600, ext. 5765, or email nswaak@trca.on.ca: www.trca.on.ca
Doors Open Toronto, Black Creek Pioneer Village
Saturday, May 28th & Sunday, May 29th, 11 am – 5 pm, Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto
Black Creek celebrates the 12th anniversary of Doors Open Toronto. Admission is free! Plus, you can pick something up at the Giant Plant Sale: www.blackcreek.ca
Purina Harbourfront Walk For Dog Guides
Sunday, May 29th, 10 am – 3 pm, Pawsway Pet Discovery Centre, 245 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Over 300 walkers, four legged friends included, are expected to travel along the 5km route! Everyone can celebrate following the walk at PawsWay Pet Discovery Centre, and enjoy a BBQ, face-painting, pet contests, free human and pet massages, and a silent auction: www.purinawalkfordogguides.com
Farther Afield:
Lids For Kids
Saturday, May 28th, 9 am – Noon, Burlington Mall, Guelph Line and Fairview Street, Toronto
Free bike helmets will be provided by Burlington Mall for local kids! Halton Regional Police Services will offer helmet fittings, and will guide kids through a bike safety obstacle course. There will also be bike safety-inspections, a bike rodeo promoting safe riding habits, live entertainment, and giveaways. Each participating child will receive a bike rodeo certificate and a bike reflector: www.burlingtonmall.com
Richmond Hill Mill Pond Splash, Mill Pond Park
Sunday, May 29th, noon – 4:30 pm, Mill Pond Park, Corner Of Mill and Trench Streets, Richmond Hill
Mill Pond Splash is a lively, family-oriented event showcasing environmental conservation and our natural heritage. Join in for a fun-filled afternoon of children’s activities, native wildlife shows, an invasive species workshop, and environmental displays: www.trca.on.ca
7th Annual Barrie Waterfront Festival, Centennial Park
Saturday, May 28th, Noon – 11 pm & Sunday, May 29th, noon – 6 pm. Heart Lake Conservation Area, Brampton Scout House, 10747 Heart Lake Road, Brampton
Come to Barrie’s beautiful waterfront and enjoy live music, entertainment including street buskers, a midway with rides, face painting, street vendors, fresh food, and contests. Come eat, drink, and have fun with your family while sharing in Barrie’s community spirit: www.barriewaterfront.ca
Easter Seals Run/Walk-a-thon
Sunday, May 29th, Run home base Upper Canada mall, 17600 Yonge Street, Newmarket
The Easter Seals 10k Run, 5k Run & Walk is York Region’s longest running fundraiser for children and youth with physical disabilities. The event features a 10km run, and 5km run and walk. All ages are encouraged to participate, regardless of fitness level! Come out and be part of the fun: www.persechinirun.org
Our Greener Side Celebration
Saturday, May 28th, 10 am – 3 pm, Kortright Centre For Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge
Inspired by the idea that small changes add up to make a world of difference, Our Greener Side Celebration is a one-day community event for people to learn about local and convenient choices that support an eco-friendly lifestyle. Discover practical tips from sustainability experts, and enjoy green exhibits, guided tours, kids’ activities, live entertainment, tree planting, and more: www.ourgreenerside.ca
Peel Children’s Water Festival Family Fun Day, Heart Lake Conservation Area
Saturday, May 28th, 10 am – 3 pm, Heart Lake Conservation Area, Brampton Scout House, 10747 Heart Lake Road, Brampton
Bring the kids to this community event that offers fun-filled water-related activities throughout the day. Bring a picnic or enjoy a barbecue lunch. Admission is $5 per car, with all proceeds benefitting the United Way: www.peelregion.ca/pw/chwaterfest/famfun-day
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!