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What to do this weekend…Sept 4th-6th.

I hate September. I hate new beginnings. I hate the end of summer. And on that note, I give you these options:

The Canadian International Air Show is taking place this Saturday. I am a little scared of air shows. Don’t want anything falling on my wee ones from the sky. However, I am a bit crazy so you decide.

How about some YoGabbaGabba Live?? There are two shows on Saturday at the Molson Ampitheatre. Click here for more info and to buy tickets.

Ashkenaz Festival is taking place in Harbourfront, celebrating Jewish music and art.

Family Day Sundays in High Park (5-6:30 pm). Parents and children of all ages are invited to explore the magic of theatre together. Go on a backstage tour and take part in games and activities that explore aspects of acting, rhythm, dance, music. sounds like a great learning experience for the family!

Family Fun in the Town Square is taking place at the Shops on Donmills. There is a great water feature there where kids can splash around and there will be other attractions for families this weekend.

Monday, you can still enjoy the Air Show or go to Exhibition Place, Ontario Science Centre (Harry Potter Exhibition/Science of Flight), or the Stingray Exhibit at the Toronto Zoo. Don’t forget about Whittamore’s Farm, always a great option.

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By mamapicks – September 2, 2010
Toons for Toddlers

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By mamapicks – August 26, 2010

Outdoor Movie Night

Hillcrest Mall is sponsoring an outdoor Moonlight Movie event in Richmond Green on Wednesday, August 25th. Bring your families to see the new release “Furry Vengeance” under the stars and free of charge. The moonlight movie event preshow festivities will begin at 6:30pm – bring your lawn chairs. Food will be provided for a nominal fee (from New York Fries and Purdy’s!). Click here for full event details!

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By mamapicks – August 23, 2010

What to do this weekend…Aug. 21st & 22nd

Friday to Sunday, visit the Shops at Don Mills presents another Festival in the Square, this time with Latin flair. Come and experience this free street party celebrating Ontario’s Latin cultures with live passionate musical performances on our main stage, salsa dance lessons, children’s activities, and delicious Latin food such as Colombian paella and the ever popular Mexican Tacos! The great thing about this outdoor mall is that it is beautiful, you can pretend that you are in Los Angeles and there is a water fountain/splash area where kids can play! Bring towels and extra clothes…and please don’t forget to visit Anthropologie, the greatest store in the universe.

Join the walk or family carnival & BBQ with Labour of Love: Walk for Women & Babies on Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 9 a.m. The Women & Babies Program at Sunnybrook is moving from Women’s College Hospital to its new, state-of-the-art home at Sunnybrook’s Bayview campus! After the walk, go to the McLean House Park for a barbecue and family-themed carnival. If you can’t make it to the walk you may attend the carnival by making a donation on the day of the event. At the carnival kids can play games, dance, jump on bouncy castles, watch magicians, have their face painted, create crafts and much more! The website says that there will also be a Barney concert.

Two weekends left to enjoy free programming at heritage sites such as Colborne Lodge, Fort York National Historic Site, Gibson House Museum, Mackenzie House, Montgomery’s Inn, Scarborough Museum, and Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre. Programming at the sites features music, drama, crafts for kids, heritage recipes to taste and other fun for the entire family.

Check out the Butterfly Festival at Tommy Thompson Park on Toronto’s waterfront (Saturday) to explore the monarch migration. There are lots of activities for all ages including sketching workshops, bird banding demonstrations, walking and bicycle tours. Most of the activities require pre-registration. read more about the schedule of events here.

Casaloma features a Teddy Bear Picnic on Saturday morning! Ages 2+. Kids bring their teddy bears for a picnic in the garden where they also listen to Goldilocks and The Three Bears and decorate cookies! Pre-registration required.

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By mamapicks – August 19, 2010
Hillcrest Mall KidsCreate Summer Fun

It’s about time malls started taking us moms more seriously…by offering ways to entertain our kids. Winter would be best, but summer crafts sound good too since it’s sometimes too hot to enjoy the outdoors.

Hillcrest Mall (Rutherford & Yonge, Richmond Hill) is offering a week-long series of fantastic crafts & surprises (August 9th-13th). Each day will feature a different craft activity complimented with a terrific bonus – face painting, Purdy’s treats or a Subway lunch are in store for our participating families.

Held in Centre Court, these events will commence at 11:00am daily and will end at 3:00pm, $10 per child or $35 per child for the whole week. As space is limited, please sign up at Guest Services today to ensure your children’s participation in these great events!

Schedule of KidsCreate Events:

Monday, August 9  KidsCreate Sock Puppets

Tuesday, August 10  KidsCreate Jewelry Boxes & Treasure Chests

Wednesday, August 11 KidsCreate Hats & Bags

Thursday, August 12 KidsCreate Foamie House Kits

Friday, August 13  KidsCreate Clay Pots & Fresh Flowers

The Value of KidsCreate…

KidsCreate activities are $10 per child per day, OR $35 for a week-long KidsCreate Summer Fun Pass! As space is limited, sign up at Guest Services to ensure your children’s participation in these great events! For more info call (905) 883 – 1403 ext 224

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By mamapicks – August 5, 2010
What to do this weekend…July 31st- August 2nd

Bowmanville Zoo. We recently checked this place out and I am really fond of this zoo. You see, I don’t really like the Toronto Zoo because it is so big, the distances between one animal exhibit to the next is huge if you are with small children, and it is really hard to see the animals. Bowmanville Zoo is smaller, perfect for seeing animals up close. They are in your face, can’t miss them! All of the important ones are there – elephants, tigers, zebras, lions, etc. Sorry, no aquatic animals. There are camel and elephant rides (!) and there is a splash pad (bring your splash pad gear!!!). You can feed the animals and my kids particularly enjoyed chasing peacocks and holding a wee baby goat. Get free children’s passes here ($13 saving). This zoo is perfect for young kids and I think it was worth the drive to Bowmanville.

If your kids are into Pirates, your family might enjoy The Pirate Festival at the Country Heritage Park in Milton.

Go see Snoopy Rocks on Ice in the Wonderland Theatre. If you want to purchase day passes for less, enter corporate code ROGERS10 and buy the tickets online.

Interactive Family Day Sundays at the High Park Theatre invite parents and children of all ages to explore the magic of theatre together. Go on a backstage tour and take part in games and activities that explore aspects of acting, rhythm, dance, music.Family Day Sundays provide a fun-filled learning experience for the entire family and are free.

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…and by the way, thanks to all zero of you who wrote in about your favourite lakes in Ontario.

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By mamapicks – July 29, 2010
What to do this weekend…July 17th & 18th

First of all, I have to mention the Attractions Ontario website which has a great selection of coupons for almost every attraction in Ontario (even African Lion Safari!). Check it out before you head for your weekend excursions.

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On Saturday, July 17th, Parks Canada invites Canadians from all walks of life to come out and explore the best that Canada has to offer. Parks Canada opens its gates and welcome you into all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas for free! A list of 125 Ontario Parks experiences can be found here

Salsa On St. Claire – participate in a showcase of Latin life and flavour.

Art In the Park, an annual art show, is taking place at the Markham Museum which offers 25 acres of parkland including an orchard and heritage gardens. See mills, re-created businesses and family homes. Enjoy a personal tour and then stroll the village. Bring a picnic or pick up food at one of the many local establishments.

Kidsfest on Centre Island - this may be a reason to go…or to stay away because of the crowds. Your call.

There is also a bizarre public napping event (yes, as in take a NAP) on Queen St. but I don’t think us parents can pull it off. We would just ruin it for everyone else.

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By mamapicks – July 16, 2010
The Living Arts Centre presents…

Performed by an all kids cast, the production follows the exciting voyage of Robinson Crusoe to the West Indies to find hidden treasure. Tickets are $20-26 per adult and $15 per child. Buy your tickets here and scroll down the page for more info.

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By mamapicks – July 9, 2010
What to do this weekend…July 10th & 11th

Book reservations at a restaurant for Summerlicious, July 9th- 25th.

If your kids (and husband) are into cars, go see the exotic car show in Yorkville on July 10th, 11:30-5pm. Over 60 Porsches and Ferraris will be showcased. Yorkville, Bellair and Cumberland Ave. will be closed for traffic. Ladies, while your husband and kids swoon over cars, you can go to Anthropologie.

If your family wants to try fishing for the first time, this weekend you can do so without a license in Ontario. Read more info on this website.

If your kids like trains, enjoy the open house at the Richmond Hill Live Steamers…this is a non-profit live-steam club whose members are dedicated to building and operating scale model steam, electric and diesel locomotives. Yes, people do this for fun.

The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is on (probably more enjoyable with no kids). Don’t grandma/grandpa want some quality time with yours? Open Friday-Sunday.

Last but not least, Barney is at Ontario Place this weekend.

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By mamapicks – July 8, 2010
Bowling this Summer!

Kids Bowl Free is a program offered this summer in Canada and the USA. A family pass costs $24.95 and allows a family 2 hours of free bowling every day for the entire summer. Look up a bowling alley near you. Great for rainy days…or a heat wave!

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By mamapicks – July 7, 2010
What to do this weekend…

This weekend is dedicated to Ontario parks and historic sites. I don’t think we appreciate how much Ontario has to offer! A list of 125 Ontario Parks experiences can be found here. Did you know that Fathom Five National Marine Park (Georgian Bay) has these awesome formations and boasts a rich cultural legacy that includes 22 shipwrecks and several historic lightstations? Plan your visit.

What more, on Saturday, July 17th, Parks Canada invites Canadians from all walks of life to come out and explore the best that Canada has to offer. Parks Canada opens its gates and welcome you into all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas for free!

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Enjoy the festival at Harbourfront, featuring a mini-kayak obstacle course for kids, hoop workshop, free canoe rides, craft station and red/white hairspray stations (!).

Whittamore’s Farm is open for pick-your-own and the fun farm yard…recently visited by Suri Cruise this past weekend!

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By mamapicks – June 30, 2010
What to do this weekend…June 19th & 20th

Enjoy music and entertainment for all ages at the Markham Village Music Festival.

Black Creek Pioneer Village is having a full-scale reenactment of the Battle of Black Creek. Watch as 200 soldiers fire their muskets and
demonstrate a full scale battle. Your kids can even join a mini militia and practice soldier skills. I am not kidding.

Strawberry picking at Whittamore’s Farm. Of course. Share strawberries with friends and neighbours and make something yummy (vanilla yogurt + a blend of strawberries in popsicle molds for a healthy treat?) after this outing.

Taste of Little Italy Festival…lots of music, outdoor patios, a few bouncy castles and warm weather. Mamapicks couldn’t ask for more.

Go to a lake! We like Kelso Lake which isn’t too far away (Halton Region). *** Mamapicks would love to compile a list of your favourite lakes that are up to an hour away from Toronto. Please let me know if your family has a favourite.

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By mamapicks – June 18, 2010
Peter Pan @ Stratford

Bring your kids to Peter Pan during the Stratford Shakespeare Festival for only $36 all season long (June -October). Plus, order by July 31 and adults enjoy A-zone seating for only $50 each. They’ll also add in a FREE backstage or warehouse tour! Call 1.800.567.1600 today and quote promotion code 33544. This special offer is run by Today’s Parent for its readers and expires July 31 – don’t miss out, it sounds like a great family experience.

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By mamapicks –
Bring a Friend to Wonderland…

…or your mom/husband/nanny. On June 20th, any season pass holder can bring a pal for only $14.99. Click here to purchase a day-pass.

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By mamapicks – June 15, 2010
Lego Building Derby

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By mamapicks –
What to do this weekend…June 12th & 13th

To those of you coming from the newsletter, my apologies for the February- June-July mix up! This is up-to-date:

Woofstock! Join thousands of dog lovers and their four-footed friends at the largest outdoor festival for dogs in all of North America. Woofstock is a free admission non-stop party that takes place at the historic St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood. Sat & Sun. 10am-6pm. If you want to punish me, take me to this event and put me next to a drooling dog with quivering black gums. I dislike all dogs….oh well.

Strawberry Picking at Whittamore Farm will start this coming Saturday, June 12th. They are plump and juicy! They should last for 4 weeks and are $ 1.90 per pound. You can bring your own containers or we will sell containers on the farm. Always call our Crop Report at 905-294-3275 or visit the website’s Crack of Dawn Report before heading out to the farm.

Jack & the Beanstalk is playing at Solar Stage Theatre (Yonge & Sheppard). If the forecast still shows rain, a play might be a great choice.

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By mamapicks – June 9, 2010
What to do this weekend…June 5th & 6th.

Dundas International Busker Fest! We go every year and it’s really fun for both adults and kids alike. Amazing buskers, pavement performers and face painters, as well as a craft and merchant fair. Saturday, noon-11pm and Sunday noon – 6pm.

Walking with Dinosaurs (Copps Coliseum, Hamilton), is an incredible theatrical event based on the BBC series. Internationally renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 15 life-size dinosaurs. Marvel at the story of their 200 million year domination of life on earth by watching them walk and hearing them roar. Sounds like pure trauma to me, but if you have older kids…you shouldn’t miss it!

Visit Bowmanville Zoo. I don’t know where Bowmanville is (not far though, not far)…but I do know that I can’t stand the Toronto Zoo. Everything is so far and I find that the animals are really hard for the kids to see. Bowmanville Zoo is our next destination and from what I have read, it is more intimate and has lots of wonderful animals to see, touch, ride (camels!)…and there is a water park too. I found a coupon on their website for a free child admission with every paying adult. If you have been there, do share your thoughts!

Enjoy Music in the Orchard at the Spadina Museum. Every Sunday afternoon, you can bring a blanket and picnic and enjoy live outdoor musical performances for free. Call 416-392-6910 for details.

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By mamapicks – June 3, 2010
Kickstart your summer workout!

Do any of you have that one friend who’s stomach is so flat, you can use it as a cutting board? You know…the one who just had a baby and is all ready for bikini season? Don’t resent her. Be inspired. Summer hasn’t officially begun and with hard work and self-discipline, we can all feel better about ourselves.

Mamapicks is signing up for a two-week bootcamp and thought you might be interested as well! Spots are filling up quickly. Here is the info:

Location: Newport Square Park in Thornhill (close to Bathurst & Hwy 7).

Cost: Each 2-week session is $100, which includes six 1-hr morning classes (6:30 am or 9:30am). In addition, you will receive a one-on-one consultation & fitness test prior to the start of the camp, free of charge. If you bring a friend, the cost is only $75 for all of the above.

The start date for the first session is June 7th 2010. Sessions will continue throughout the summer so if you can’t start now, you can register for subsequent sessions.

It’s going to be fun, challenging, and exciting! There’ll be lots of sweat…and a lot of laughter. Call Yael Young for more information: 416-797-2670.

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By mamapicks – June 2, 2010
What to do this weekend…May 22-24

So…the upcoming weather isn’t looking too great, is it? But…we will hope for a weekend that is as nice as today.

Get to know High Park – I have never been but have heard about the train, petting zoo, children’s garden and the great playground (see photo above). Free walking tours will be lead all weekend.

HarbourKIDS presents a circus festival at Harbourfront for kids ages 5-12yrs.

Wonderland is open and there will be fireworks @ 10pm on May 23rd.

Go to the Distillery District’s Artisans in the Village Craft show, open Sat-Mon. 10am-6pm.

Black Creek Pioneer Village is celebrating Alice in Wonderland! Let your mind wander into this whimsical world and enjoy a lively and interactive stage performance, a fun maze, and lots of colourful characters!

This is Ontario Place’s opening weekend. I have to let you know but please don’t join the masses for your own good!

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By mamapicks – May 21, 2010
What to do this weekend…May 15th & 16th

Enjoy the Dinosaur Eggs & Babies: Remarkable Fossils from South Africa exhibition at the ROM. You and your family will have the opportunity to see exceptional and rarely-seen artifacts. The exhibition (May 8th – July4th), displays the oldest fossilized dinosaur eggs with embryos ever found, as well as other impressive discoveries never before displayed to the public.

Visit Centre Island – Centreville open all weekends in May!

Wonderland…now open weekends too.

Most farms are already open to the public – our family’s favourite is Whittamore’s Farm with its great Fun Farmyard. Highly recommended!

If the weather is great, have a picnic at a park and set your kids free on the rolling grass

Sesame Street Live is playing at Rogers Centre May 21-23nd. Check Ticketmaster for tickets.

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By mamapicks – May 12, 2010
What to do this weekend…May 1&2

See the Kite Festival at the Kortright Centre for Conservation. Lots of demonstrations and great family activities!

Go on a walk in Toronto through Jane’s Walk – 120 free neighbourhood walking tours in Toronto to pick from. Explore the city, meet the neighbours hear the stories and share your thoughts. No need to pre-register…just show up and take the walk! All walks are free and open to the public. See here for schedule and locations and celebrate our city!

Go to the BabyTime Show for everything baby! April 30th – May 2nd at the International Centre. I am not a huge fan of the show because they no longer have a lot of stuff to keep the kids busy and the entrance fee is quite high considering that you are coming to shop… However, if you are expecting a baby, this is a great place for you to see strollers and such. Click here for a coupon for the show.

Sunday is Yummy Mummy Day at the Promenade Mall (1pm-3pm). Featuring Kids crafts, makeovers and talks by Erica Ehm. See here for more information.

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By mamapicks – April 29, 2010
What to do this weekend…April 24th + 25th

See Beauty and The Beast at the City Playhouse Theatre in Thornhill, Sat. & Sun. 2pm.

Celebrate Earth Day at Downsview Park on Sunday, 11am-4pm, featuring environmentally-friendly exhibits, activities such as tree planting and entertainment for the whole family.

If it rains…Woodbine Centre’s Fantasy Fair is celebrating 25 years with a buy-one-day-pass-get-one-free promotion on sunday, April 25th.

Take part in Nature Month related activities at the ROM. Did you know that the ROM also hosts special sleepovers? Info available here.

For children 10+, the play Hana’s Suitcase is playing at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre (Sunday, April 18 – May 21st). The story of Hana’s Suitcase can be a good introduction to the Holocaust theme for older children.

The Ontario Science Centre is now running a special Harry Potter Exhibition.

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By mamapicks – April 21, 2010
What to do this weekend…April 17th & 18th

Celebrate Earth Day at the Toronto Zoo on Saturday, 10am – 3pm. Enjoy a party for the planet. If you are a teacher, Sunday, April 18th is Teacher Day – bring your current OCT card and receive free admission for yourself and another adult!

Take part in Nature Month related activities at the ROM. Did you know that the ROM also hosts special sleepovers? Info available here.

The Toronto International Film Festival for Children is starting this Saturday. Sprockets will present a selection of high-quality films, special guests and on-site activities guaranteed to engage, inform and inspire young minds. The festival will offer a selection of features and shorts for young people ages 3 and up.

For children 10+, the play Hana’s Suitcase is playing at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre (Sunday, April 18 – May 21st). The story of Hana’s Suitcase can be a good introduction to the Holocaust theme for older children.

The Ontario Science Centre is now running a special Harry Potter Exhibition.

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By mamapicks – April 15, 2010
15% off Toronto Zoo Membership

Enjoy 15% off your yearly membership. Valid until April 30th. Click here for more information.

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By mamapicks – April 13, 2010
What to do this weekend? April 10th & 11th

The Ontario Science Centre is now running a special Harry Potter Exhibition.

If you want to be outdoors with your kids, Halton Conservation has a special weekend program for kids called Tiny Treks. Appropriate for ages 3-7, enjoy crafts and kid friendly treks as you explore Mountsberg’s birds, pond, forest and barn yard. Mountsberg Conservation area is in Campbellville, click here for directions.

Come to the McMichael Gallery in Kleinburg this Sunday for Daffodil Day. Flowers and celebratory traditions will be featured. Every child will take home a daffodil for someone special.

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By mamapicks – April 10, 2010