toronto: what to do, what to do?
Filed Under Events | January 26, 2012
Welcome to yoyomama’s weekend guide! Your go-to list of family friendly fun things to do with kids in Toronto and the GTA.
With a P.A. Day on Friday for many of Toronto’s school-aged kiddos, you’ll likely be looking for ways to keep them busy and entertained this long weekend. And Toronto’s Museums and historical sites are ready, with plenty of fun, educational, and cultural activities for both kids and their families. There are also guided walks and activities for the winter outdoors enthusiasts in the family, or science fun and learning for curious kids at the Science Centre. As we say goodbye to January, we hope you enjoy a fun-filled family weekend in the City!
Colborne Lodge Family Fun Days – P.A. Day Fridays
Friday, January 27th, Noon – 4 pm, Colborne Lodge, Colborne Lodge Drive (south end of High Park), Toronto
Kids can fish for the truth (or legend) about 1813 and High Park when you visit Colborne Lodge. Purchase a Grenadier’s shako (hat) for the kids, and come enjoy a piece of Toronto’s history. Admission is “pay what you can”: www.toronto.ca
Fort York Family Fun Days – P.A. Day Fridays
Friday, January 27th, 10 am – 4 pm, Fort York, 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto
Kids can try an authentic War of 1812 soldier’s drill, learn how officers trained with the sword, and experience a game that the Garrison children might have played. Enjoy a tour of the site, including the Officers’ Mess and 1826 kitchen. Admission is “pay what you can”: www.toronto.ca
Spadina Museum Family Fun Days
Friday, January 27th & Sunday, January 29th, Noon – 5 pm, Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Road, Toronto
Join other kids and families at Spadina Museum for a scavenger hunt-focused tour and cupcake decorating in the 1930′s historic kitchen. Fun and food – a perfect combination! Admission is “pay what you can”: www.toronto.ca
Montgomery’s Inn Family Fun Days
Friday, January 27th, 1 pm – 5 pm & Sunday, January 29th, 1 pm – 4 pm, Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas Street West, Toronto
On the P.A. day (January 27th) kids will play tavern games in a restored 19th century tavern, and can “belly-up” to the bar for a free glass of hot cider. Or bring the family to the Inn on Sunday where you can join the cooks in the historic kitchen and prepare tasty treats over the fire. Admission is “pay what you can”: www.toronto.ca
Mackenzie House Family Fun Days
Friday, January 27th, Noon – 4 pm & Sunday, June 29th, Noon – 5 pm, Mackenzie House, 82 Bond Street, Toronto
Bring your family to the home of William Lyon Mackenzie and his family! Kids can print a souvenir of their visit on our 1845 printing press, and try their hand at paper weaving: www.toronto.ca
Peek A Boo Science
Saturday, January 28th, 11:30 am, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
A workshop specifically geared towards children aged 3 and under. Come sing, create and play in this workshop designed with the youngest KidSpark visitors in mind: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
2012 Manulife Walk For Memories
Sunday, January 28th, 9 am – Noon, Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Toronto
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto invites you to the 22nd annual Manulife Walk for Memories! This goal of this indoor walk through downtown Toronto’s underground PATH system is to raise $600,000 so the Society can continue providing counselling, education and information, raise public awareness, offer dementia care training courses for frontline healthcare workers, and fund research. A great walk for a great cause: www.alzheimertoronto.org
BABAR
Saturday, January 28th, 3:30 pm, Emmanuel Howard Church, 214 Wright Avenue, Toronto
Babar is the famous King of the elephants. His little family, Pom, Flora and Alexander gather round him urging to tell them all about his past adventures. We follow him from his childhood all the way up to when he becomes an adult, as he learns about life, and his role as a King and father. Babar’s engaging and amusing adventures present a whole range of highly colorful story lines that children understand, and that help them as they grow. Best suited to ages 3 – 1O. For reservations, call little red theatre 416.533.8848. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Snow Shoes and Snow Clues, Port Union Winterfest
Saturday, January 28th, 9 am – 4 pm (Hikes at 11:30 am, 1 pm, 2 pm), Port Union Community Centre, 5450 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto
Discover the wonders of winter wildlife! Come and identify the tracks and signs of local animals, and learn some of their secrets for surviving chilly winter weather. Participants will also leave behind tracks of their own while snowshoeing. Please note this event is moderately physically demanding, and is recommended for adults and children over 5 years of age. Registration is required; please visit hwww.trcastewardshipevents.ca or call the event hotline at 416.661.6600, ext. 5660. Please call the hotline on the day of the event for notice of cancellation: www.trcastewardshipevents.ca
Lakeshore Kidfest
Saturday, January 28th, 10 am – 1 pm, Father Redmund High School Atrium, 28 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive (Kipling & Lakeshore, across from Humber), Etobicoke
Join in for an exciting children’s festival, sponsored by the New Toronto Cooperative Nursery School. A fun-packed fundraising event the whole family can enjoy, complete with bouncy castles, carnival games, face painting, balloon animals, interactive sports centres, crafts, cookie decorating, special performance by Star Potential Studio, a pizza party and much more: www.learningonthelake.com
Gibson House Family Fun Days
Sunday, January 29th, 10 am – 5 pm, Gibson House, 5172 Yonge Street, Toronto
Calling on neighbours was a popular winter pastime for early settlers and the Gibson home is ready for your visit! Children can help to prepare treats for the open hearth, and will enjoy warm cider in front of the historic kitchen’s crackling fire. Relax in the parlour and hear the fascinating stories about this family who helped found the town north of York. Admission is “pay what you can”: www.toronto.ca
Winter In The Valley – An Outdoor Guided Walk
Sunday, January 29th, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, 67 Pottery Road, Toronto
Tour the Wildflower Preserve to learn how birds, animals, and plants adapt to survive harsh winter conditions. And after the walk, you can enjoy mulled cider while you warm up: www.toronto.ca
Science On The Go
Sunday, January 29th, 1 pm, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Get your brains in motion this winter! Join “Science On The Go”; a series of fun and hands-on activities being offered throughout KidSpark. Topics vary daily, so whether it’s science experiments, cool art projects, or a live-animal encounter, visit for some exciting science fun! Check the schedule at the KidSpark main entrance for more information: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Farther Afield:
Super Fun P.A. Day Camp
Friday, January 27th, 9 am – 4 pm, Scarborough Historical Museum, 1007 Brimley Road, Scarborough
Scarborough Museum is the boredom buster for P.A. days! Curious kids can bake over the open hearth, make crafts, play games, and explore Thomson Memorial Park. For ages 5-12. Please pre-register online at www.toronto.ca/torontofun, or call 416.338.4FUN. Extended care is available: www.toronto.ca
Paediatrics Open House
Friday, January 27th & Saturday, January 28th, 2 pm – 5 pm, The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, 1255 Sheppard Avenue East, North York
Parents and their little ones (newborn to adolescent) are invited to this practicum, which is an opportunity to learn more about naturopathic medicine and the pediatric services provided at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (RSNC). Families will visit with a pair of RSNC 3rd year interns for approximately 20-30 minutes. A general assessment (brief questioning and non-invasive physical exam) will take place. Though no diagnosis will be provided, any findings will be communicated to the parent/guardian. Interns will also be on hand to answer any general questions regarding naturopathic pediatric care. Please note that space is limited. Please contact Leslie Solomonian, ND, at lsolomonian@ccnm.edu to reserve your spot: www.ccnm.edu
Chinese New year Celebration
Sunday, January 29th, 2 pm – 4 pm, Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Drive, Scarborough
This fun and festive program celebrating Chinese New Year will showcase performances, including Lion Dance & Dragon dance, a variety of folk and classical dances performed by dancers from age 3+, plus singing, martial arts, and much more. The God of Fortune will also be offering blessings and Lucky Red Pockets to bring every fortune and good luck for the New Year! Presented by Chi-Ping Dance Group: www.chipingdance.com
Lowville Winter Games
Sunday, January 29th, Noon – 4 pm, Lowville Park, Guelph Line (north of Highway 5), Burlington
Bring the family to enjoy some free outdoor winter fun! Come to Lowville Park for traditional winter outdoor activities, like skating and tobogganing, plus entertainment, games and activities, and much more. Events run snow or shine! For more information, visit www.burlington.ca/lowville: www.burlington.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!
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