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Category Archives: Activities & Events

  1. What to do this weekend…and March Break

    Have a pancake breakfast at the Casa Loma with Robin Hood and Maid Marion.  Limited tickets available for Sat. March 13th & 20th.  Other Robin Hood related events will take place all week for March Break.

    Go to Kortright Conservation Centre (Woodbridge) for their annual Maple Syrup Festival.  This is a fun festival with all kinds of activities, wagon rides and ponies.  Come early, otherwise the car line to enter the parking   get really long.  As well, bring your own sandwiches and snacks because their food selection is limited.  Picnic tables are available outdoors.  Click here for a schedule of events.

    See a show this March Break  – Max & Ruby, Pinkalicious, Robert MunschYo Gabba Gabba (enter code MUNO on the Ticketmaster website to get $5 off your tickets), The Monster Under the Bed (ages 6+ at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre)

    There are also special March Break activities at the ROM, CN Tower, Bata Shoe Museum and the Science Centre.

    For more indoor fun, you can also try Wizard World at Exhibition Place.  I haven’t heard any reviews about this…so no guarantees!

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  2. What To Do This Weekend…

    You’re on your own this weekend as Mamapicks just had a baby boy.  I apologize in advance if the site is not updated regularly over the next week.

    Posted in This Weekend.

  3. What to do this weekend…

    Toons for Toddlers is a great family cinema experience for little ones (ages 2-5).  Enjoy reduced sound, better lighting and special features.  $5 pp.  This weekend, see In The Night Garden – Fun in the Garden.  For details about various times and locations, check the website.

    Saturday is opening day for the new Bat Cave at the ROM.  Bigger, better, scarier.  Families will be able to view more bats and highlights include an audio-visual show that explores cave formation, how bats use echolocation and more, and a spectacular dramatization of bats in flight during a nightly exodus for food.

    If your kids are into trains, there is a great opportunity to see the Model Railroad Show at the Model Railroad Club (in Liberty Village) on Sunday, Feb. 28th.

    Something to do at home?  Bake cookies with your kids…  always fun, quality time!

    Visit Fantasy Fair at Woodbine Mall. This indoor amusement park which is made to look like a Victorian village has an antique style carousel, indoor Ferris Wheel, bumper boats and cars, express train and more.  There is also a soft play village with 3 levels and lots of slides. Open Sat. & Sun. 11am-7pm and someone just told me that if you come for the last hour, ride tickets are half price.

    Enjoy skating at the Shops at Don Mills (Donmills & Lawrence).  In the Town Square, you will find a great skating oval with lots of families skating outdoors.  Skating is free but you must bring your own skates.  There are lockers available behind the water feature.  Open Saturdays 9:30am-6pm and Sundays 11am-6pm.  Figure Skating performances will take place on weekends this month from 12noon – 2pm (public skating will not be available during these show times).

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  4. What to do this weekend…Feb. 20th & 21st

    Asian Girl

    I am happy to report that a 90,000 sq. ft. INDOOR BIKE PARK recently opened in Markham!  There are designated areas for all skill levels.  You can bring your own bikes or rent equipment on site.  Doesn’t this sound like fun??  Check out the website for more information.  If you go, let me know what you think!

    The Wave Pool (Richmond Hill) is a fun outing!  Keep the family active and healthy.

    Woodbine Fantasy Fair at Woodbine Mall is a great indoor treat for the kids.  This is Ontario’s largest indoor amusement park and kids just love it.

    Little House on the Prairie is playing at the Canon Theatre until Feb. 28th.

    Enjoy skating at the Shops at Don Mills (Donmills & Lawrence).  In the Town Square, you will find a great skating oval with lots of families skating outdoors.  Skating is free but you must bring your own skates.  There are lockers available behind the water feature.  Open Saturdays 9:30am-6pm and Sundays 11am-6pm.  Figure Skating performances will take place on weekends this month from 12noon – 2pm (public skating will not be available during these show times).

    Totsapalooza! Taking place on Feb. 21st @ 2pm (783 College St.).  I read the overview a few times and still don’t really have enough of a handle on it to tell you the details.  What is this all about?  Maybe I am just tired?  Check out the info on this event with a great name here.

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  5. Toronto’s Kids-Fest: A Flop

    On Monday, we made the trek out to Mississauga to enjoy Toronto’s Kids-fest, Canada’s largest indoor inflatables show.  This sounded like the perfect outing for Family Day.  Our kids are always ecstatic when they see a bouncy castle.  The entrance fee for three of us was $39 which was pretty steep to begin with (The Girl was free since she is only two…otherwise it would have been a whopping $62!!).    Indeed, there were lots of inflatables at this venue and the potential was great.  However, near every single inflatable, was a line-up that spanned a block and the wait for the five minutes of joyous jumping was about 30 minutes.  We walked around and realized that with that kind of wait time, our kids were only going to get to jump on one ride and that this wasn’t going to be the experience we hoped it would be.  We bought cotton candy to avoid any disappointments and headed for the door.  Hubby went to request a refund but his sensible explanation was met with reluctance and customer service that bordered on rude.  It was difficult for us to prove that we were only there for 5 minutes because no receipts were being issued (and that’s a whole other issue).

    This event definitely won’t be recommended by Mamapicks again.  It was so badly organized and disappointing!  Mamapicks apologizes if any readers went and had a bad time.  If you went with your family and want to share, please comment below.

    Posted in Activities & Events.

  6. What to do this weekend…Feb. 13th & 14th.

    Ummm…this one sounds like the weekend winner for our family  – Toronto’s Kids-fest, Canada’s largest indoor inflatables show.  Located at the International Centre in Mississauga and open Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  The $8 admission (for ages 2+)  includes three stage shows.  In order to enjoy the inflatables, you must purchase a ride bracelet for an additional $15.  A little steep.  Click here for location and hours of operation.

    I am happy to report that a 90,000 sq. ft. INDOOR BIKE PARK recently opened in Markham!  There are designated areas for all skill levels.  You can bring your own bikes or rent equipment on site.  Doesn’t this sound like fun??  Check out the website for more information.  The place is open on Family Day.

    Little House on the Prairie is playing at the Canon Theatre until Feb. 28th.  This was my favourite show as a kid and I can still hear the end-of-show music in my head has the Ingles girls run down that green hill.  Thank goodness you can’t hear me now.

    Enjoy skating at the Shops at Don Mills (Donmills & Lawrence).  In the Town Square, you will find a great skating oval with lots of families skating outdoors.  Mom can shop at Anthropologie.  Dad can skate with the kids.  Skating is free but you must bring your own skates.  There are lockers available behind the water feature.  Open Saturdays 9:30am-6pm and Sundays 11am-6pm.  Figure Skating performances will take place on weekends this month from 12noon – 2pm (public skating will not be available during these show times).

    The ROM has a special Family Day Weekend in store Saturday – Monday.  The theme is Dinosaurs.  Click here for more information on these special family activities.

    The CN Tower has a special deal this weekend, in honour of the Vancouver 2010 OlympicWinter Games.  From February 12-15, purchase two CN Tower Observation Experience tickets for only $20.10 (plus tax)* and save up to 55%! The two tickets can be any combination of adults, children or seniors and include admission to the CN Tower’s Look Out and Glass Floor Levels.


    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  7. Two Great Shows for Families in March

    munsch

    I didn’t know anything about the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga until Chantal Kreviazuk performed there a few years back and we went to see her intimate show (it was amazing).  The Living Arts Centre is a place where community members of all ages come to delve in arts related courses, programs and entertainment.  It’s like a super-high-class community centre.

    The Living Arts Centre’s Wiggle Club, showcases great performances for kids.  There are two coming up in March that you may want to buy tickets for:

    • Robert Munsch (1pm & 4pm , March 17th)  Tickets are $20-$30.
    • Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny (March 28th, 3pm) Tickets are $15-$25

    Click here to find out more information about these and upcoming shows at this venue.  To buy tickets offline, call the box office @ 1-888-805-8888

    I think show tickets are an amazing birthday gift for a child and accompanying adult if you are looking for an original gift .  If your own child is celebrating a birthday in March and you want to do something unique, you can have the birthday as part of the above performances…  Call 905-306-6158 for more info on birthdays.

    Posted in Activities & Events, Gifts, Useful Info.

  8. What to do this weekend…Feb. 6th & 7th

    Splash N’ Boots are performing on Sunday, Feb. 7th, 1pm & 3pm at The Living Arts Centre in Mississauga.  I have never been to their family concert but it sounds like a lot of fun and is appropriate for all ages.  If you have been, let me know how you enjoyed the show.   Tickets are $20/adult and $15/child.  Call 1-888-805-8888 for tickets.

    Paddywak a percussion concerto for the feet @ the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is appropriate for 5-12 year olds.  Toronto Symphony favourite Rob Kapilow’s brand new work features master tap dancer Ayodele Casel and promises to be a performance full of energy and fun.  Sat. Feb 6th @ 1:30pm & 3:30pm.

    The City of Vaughan’s 21st annual Winterfest (Sunday, Feb. 7th, 10:30am-3pm, Vellore Village Community Centre) will feature the following family events:

    • Free Kidz Zone with rides and a really nice selection of activities (all day)
    • A special story telling concert by Robert Munsch on the outdoor (what??) Tim Horton’s stage @ 11am.
    • A tribute to Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus (1:30pm & 2:30pm)
    • Autograph signing session with Maple Leaf’s goalie, Jonas Gustavsson (2pm)
    • Meet & Greet Sesame Street characters (10:30, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm)

    Admission is free.  Click here for the Winterfest brochure and see more about the Kidz Zone offerings.

    The National Film Board of Canada is holding free hands-on animation workshops for the second weekend of  the Toronto Winterfest on Saturday and Sunday (12:30-3pm).  Little filmmakers will learn how to create an animated film using clay, paper and stop-motion techniques.   Admission is free.  Register at 416-973-3012

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  9. What to do this weekend…Jan. 30 & 31st

    Wintercity Festival takes place this weekend and next.  Here are some highlights that are appropriate for kids:

    • The National Film Board of Canada is holding free hands-on animation workshops for Winterfest on Saturday and Sunday (12:30-3pm).  Little filmmakers will learn how to create an animated film using clay, paper and stop-motion techniques. Saturday mornings with a different theme each week! Admission is only $5 per child and the accompanying adult is free.  Register at 416-973-3012
    • Glacialis: The Ice Orchestra – Jesse Stewart creates and plays music on instruments designed and built out of ice!  Performances take place at Nathan Philips Square on Sunday, Jan. 31st at 5, 6, & 7:40pm.
    • Enjoy skating at the outdoor skating rink at Nathan Phillip’s Square.  Skate rentals and indoor change rooms are available.  All kids under 6 need a CSA approved helmet. Rink Hotline: 416-338-RINK (7465)
    • Winter Carnival takes place from at the square 4-8pm (Sunday) with traditional winter carnival games, circus acts and family entertainment.

    Thinking about registering your kids to camp this summer?  This Sunday (1-4pm), go to the OCA 2010 Summer Camp Fair - hosted by the Ontario Camps Association, Canada Camps for Parents magazine and The Toronto Star.  The fair takes place at Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel (Leslie & Hwy 7).  More than 30 camps will be on hand to talk to families about summer camp.


    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  10. Costco City Passes

    city-pass

    I’ve decided to re-publish some goodies from 2009.  Even I wish that I remembered this one for our recent trip to California since the entrance to Disneyland is absolute financial suicide.  If your travel plans include a trip to a city in the U.S.A., a Costco city pass is a great money-saver.  Available online for places such as Southern California, New York, Chicago, Boston, and more.  A youth/adult city pass is good for 9-14 days depending on location and gets you in to many of the most popular attractions for less.

    Posted in Activities & Events, Deals, Ideas, Travel, Useful Info.

  11. What to do this weekend…Jan. 23rd & 24th

    skate

    Enjoy High Park’s Winter Fun Day at Colborne Lodge (Sunday, Jan. 24th, 11am-3pm).  Families can enjoy horse & wagon rides, making snowmen, pulling taffy, roasting marshmallows and more.  Bring your own cup and get free cider.  Activities will take place indoors and outdoors on the Colborne Lodge grounds.

    Want to do something indoors?  How about painting pottery?  Here are a few options: Mess For Fun (Finch & Dufferin), The Glaze Craze (Locations in Thornhill & Brampton), The Clay Room (Danforth & Broadview), Bisque It (Woodbridge), Artistic Way (near Eglinton & Bathurst).

    Tim Hortons has released their FREE holiday skating schedule. They currently sponsor these free public skates in many locations all over Ontario.   Check here for locations and schedules.

    Go to The Wave Pool (Richmond Hill) or any other indoor pool in your area.  Last time we went to the Wave Pool, my son peed into our bag of dry clothes and towels…but I am sure that won’t happen to you.

    Playhouse Disney Live! On Tour is on stage this weekend (Jan. 22rd-24th).    Let your kids celebrate with their favourite Playhouse Disney pals in this brand new live show which features the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  Mickey plans a spectacular music party for all his friends (including  The Little Einsteins, Rocket, Pooh, Tigger and Darby.  Handy Manny and his team of tools find the perfect party beat. Laugh, sing and play along…check here for  ticket information.

    Enjoy a visit with the usual suspects: ROM, AGO, Ontario Science Centre and The Bata Shoe Museum.

    Visit Fantasy Fair at Woodbine Mall. This indoor amusement park which is made to look like a Victorian village has an antique style carousel, indoor ferris wheel, bumper boats and cars, express train and more.  There is also a soft play village with 3 levels and lots of slides. Open Sat. & Sun. 11am-7pm and someone just told me that if you come for the last hour, ride tickets are half price.

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  12. Great Wolf Lodge 48-Hour Sale!

    greatwolf

    We recently spent a night with the kids at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls.  It was our first time there and by far, the best Winter excursion we could have hoped for.  The water park is immense and there is so much to do at the resort for kids of all ages (arcade, playroom, wave pool, slides, etc.).  The staff and service was exceptional.

    The in-house restaurant was a bit bland for us adults but the fact that my 3.5-year- old (picky eater extraordinaire) and my 2-year-old were able to serve themselves at the kiddy buffet with plastic dishes and all the foods a toddler could ever hope for, was a dream.  We took a standard room but got to peak in the other options which offer cool stuff like an in-room cave/tent/log house with bunk beds.  At Great Wolf, they have really thought of everything that families may need.

    There is a 2-day sale on currently.  I found that the best deals are for those who are able to stay Thursday & Friday nights (approx. $150 per night in a standard room and $190 in a specialty room).  The sale ends on Friday at 10am and is valid for bookings from Feb. 1st  – March 11th.  Unfortunately, the sale does not apply to Family Day.  Use Promo Code: MULTIPLE.

    Posted in Activities & Events, Coupons, Deals, sale.

  13. Got My Kids Show on Sunday

    gotmykids

    For more information, go to www.gotmykids.com. We have gone to this show with the kids a few times and not only did we learn a lot about what is offered in York Region, but the kids had a good time too.  The show takes place on Sunday 10am -4pm.

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  14. What to do this weekend…Jan.16th & 17th

    j0387270

    Robert Munsch will be launching his new bookPut Me In a Book’ at Chapters Scarborough on Saturday. For more info, please call 416-335-4311

    Sounds horrible to me, but some of your boys might enjoy seeing the Monster Jam at the Rogers Centre.  Top trucks from the Monster Jam series will entertain fans with unbelievable jumps, and stunts. Expect the unexpected every time the trucks leave the starting line.  Pizza Pizza kids tickets are $15.  Earplugs for children are recommended.  Check Ticketmaster for show times.

    A heads-up since Playhouse Disney Live! On Tour is on stage next weekend (Jan. 23rd-24th).    Let your kids celebrate with their favourite Playhouse Disney pals in this brand new live show which features the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  Mickey plans a spectacular music party for all his friends (including  The Little Einsteins, Rocket, Pooh, Tigger and Darby.  Handy Manny and his team of tools find the perfect party beat. Laugh, sing and play along…check here for  ticket information.

    Visit the 52nd Annual Toronto International Boat Show.  There will be an indoor lake, free boat rides and a Kids Boating Zone… all indoors at the Direct Energy Centre.  Kids 16 and under are free.  Saturdays, 10am-7pm and Sundays 10am-6pm, Jan. 9th-17th.

    Visit Fantasy Fair at Woodbine Mall. This indoor amusement park which is made to look like a Victorian village has an antique style carousel, indoor ferris wheel, bumper boats and cars, express train and more.  There is also a soft play village with 3 levels and lots of slides. Open Sat. & Sun. 11am-7pm and someone just told me that if you come for the last hour, ride tickets are half price.

    Check out this directory of kids’ indoor playgrounds for places to play or have a party.

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  15. Mamapicks Review: Pinkalicious, The Musical

    pinkalicious

    Pinkalicious, The Musical is currently playing in the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts.  Accompanied by The Boy (3.5) and his girlfriend of the same age, we embarked on a first theatre experience on a Saturday morning.  I didn’t know that the book, Pinkalicious, written by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann, was so popular.  We entered the small and intimate theatre to find tons of excited kids (mostly girls) dressed in pink.  I was really pleased that the theatre was small and there were cute carpets on the floor right in front of the stage.  Parents can sit with their kids on the carpet or on the seats behind the carpet area.

    The set was beautiful and vibrant.  The actors themselves moved the parts between scenes but in a way that did not distract the audience at all.  The actors were enthusiastic and full of energy, trying to involve the audience at times.  The songs were catchy and fun.  The storyline is very simple – Pinkalicious loves pink and loves cupcakes with pink icing even more.  Her parents’ struggle with her preference for treats over vegetables is an underlying theme.  Pinkalicious eats too many pink cupcakes and turns pink!  At first this is fun, but soon enough, it is a predicament that Pinkalicious and her concerned family try to resolve.

    I thought that the play was very cute and the audience seemed taken.  The length of the show is 1 hour which is suitable for young kids.  However, I would not take a child under the age of three to this show as I think it’s too complex, loud and long for two-year olds.  Furthermore, I wouldn’t recommend going to see the play with 3-4 year olds who are not familiar with the story.  Kids who know and love the story, will enjoy the play and have an easier time taking in the plot, the set, the music and whole theatre experience.  Last but not least, Pinkalicious is as girly as it sounds and there were very few boys in the audience.

    At the end of the show, the characters all came out to greet the audience and sign autographs outside of the theatre, which was a really nice touch!  Enjoy the opportunity to see Pinkalicious until March.  If you are looking for an amazing birthday party idea, check out the Pinkalicious birthday packages too!

    Posted in Activities & Events, Useful Info.

  16. What to do this weekend…(Jan. 9th & 10th)

    CAP010

    I love that my kids have some friends who were born in the Winter months.  Four January birthday parties have shaved 8 hours off of our dreadful Winter weekends.  Hurray for winter babies!

    Visit the 52nd Annual Toronto International Boat Show.  There will be an indoor lake, free boat rides and a Kids Boating Zone… all indoors at the Direct Energy Centre.  Kids 16 and under are free.  Saturdays, 10am-7pm and Sundays 10am-6pm, Jan. 9th-17th.

    Visit Fantasy Fair at Woodbine Mall. We spent the day there last weekend and the kids had a great time at the indoor amusement park which is made to look like a Victorian village.  There is an antique style carousel, indoor ferris wheel, bumper boats and cars, express train and more.  There is also a soft play village with 3 levels and lots of slides. Open Sat. & Sun. 11am-7pm and someone just told me that if you come for the last hour, ride tickets are half price.

    Go to The Wave Pool (Richmond Hill) or any other indoor pool.  Keep the family active and healthy.  Send your husband.

    Visit the McMichael Gallery in Kleinburg on Sunday, 11am-4pm for an Inuit performance and drum making by an Iqaluit artist.  Make Inuit-inspired prints and tour the special exhibition, Nunannguaq: In the Likeness of the Earth.

    Enjoy a visit with the usual suspects: ROM, AGO, Ontario Science Centre.

    Visit the The Bata Shoe Museum.  On Saturday afternoons (11am-4pm), join Saturday Shananigans as you and your family explore the galleries and make shoe-themed crafts.   On Paint-A-Clog Sundays (12pm-4pm) visit the museum and paint a mini-clog, try on shoes and explore the galleries.  A clog costs an extra $1.  These weekend family activities are recommended for ages 3-9.  Have fun!


    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  17. AMC Theatre Coupon

    itscomplicated

    Going to see It’s Complicated?  Free drink and popcorn when you print this coupon.  Expires February 4th, 2010

    Posted in Activities & Events, Coupons.

  18. Winterlicious

    winterlicious

    The only thing that can make Winter a little warmer is good food.  Winterlicious is taking place Jan. 29-Feb.11th and it’s time to book your reservations.  Check out                this website for a list of restaurants AND menus so that you know exactly what to expect.  In past we’ve had great lunches at Oliver & Bonacini (Bayview Village) and Auberge Du Pommier (Yorkmills & Yonge) but were very disappointed with Centro (Yonge & Eglinton) because of their very skimpy Winterlicious portions.  If you have any recommendations, please let me know!

    Posted in Activities & Events.

  19. What to do this weekend…Jan. 2nd + 3rd

    rink

    Niagara Falls offers its 27th annual Winter Festival of Lights and the new Rink at the Brink (until Jan. 4th).  They say it’s sort of like the rink at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City but even more dramatic, since it offers breathtaking views of the Falls.  The light festival offers over 125 animated lighting displays and 3 million tree and ground lights which can be seen within the Niagara Parks Winter Wonderland, including the world-famous Enchantment of Disney® displays and the world’s largest illuminated Canadian-American Flag.  The Rink at the Brink offers paid admission recreational ice skating, skate, helmet and locker rentals.

    Solar Stage Theatre ( Yonge & Sheppard) presents Cinderella for ages 3-10 on Saturday.  The theatre is small and intimate and I liked how all the kids sat on pillows.  My own kids were unable to sit through a show (we went to see one a couple of months ago) but maybe yours are more into theatre…

    Visit the Ontario Science Centre for an OMNIMAX FilmThe Light Before Christmas is an animated tale where two kids are magically transported into a fantasy world complete with Santa and his full team of reindeer.  Other interesting options are The Human Body and Under The Sea.

    The National Film Board of Canada holds hands-on animation workshops twice a day on Sat & Sun (12-2pm and 3-5pm) for ages 3-13.  $5 per child and no charge for the accompanying adult.

    Saturday,  January 2 – Snow Animals
    Create your own four-legged friend for frigid weather! (Finger painting on cels)

    Sunday, January 3 – Snow Plow
    Shovelling snow doesn’t have to be a chore. Help clear the way using your hands and clay! (3D clay animation)

    Pre-registration is highly recommended, register at 416-973-3012

    Spend the evening driving through Downsview Park’s new Holiday Trail of Lights (until Jan. 3rd).  The trail features three kilometers of light displays, many of which are animated.  $20 per car.  Buy some hot chocolate and donuts and enjoy the lights!

    Enjoy Storybook Magic at Casa Loma.  Award winning magician Lawrence LaRouche and Majinx present a dazzling world of spectacular illusions that bring classic stories to life.
    Showtimes: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 2:00 & 3:00.  There will also be an exciting retelling of Peter Pan in the conservatory at 11am, 12:00, 1:00, 2:30 and 3:30 where kids are encouraged to come dressed up as their favourite character.  Both story activities require pre-registration.


    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  20. Tim Hortons Free Skate!

    skate

    Tim Hortons has released their FREE holiday skating schedule. They currently sponsor these free public skates in many locations all over Ontario.   Check here for locations and schedules.

    Posted in Activities & Events.

  21. What to do this weekend…(Dec. 19th & 20th)

    CB026210

    Disney on Ice presents Princess Classics at the Rogers Centre, Dec. 18th-27th.  Tickets range between $15-$90.

    Go see a family flick.  The Princess and the Frog is playing at a theatre near you!

    If the weather is mild, enjoy a Victorian Country Christmas at Black Creek Pioneer Village.  Festive demonstrations and hands-on activities include homemade presents, decorations, and tasty treats.  Weekends 11am-4:30pm.

    On Saturday & Sunday, World of Circus (John & Leslie) is holding their Winter circus show.  We have been to this venue for a circus birthday party and it was amazing.  I think their show will be great too.

    The National Film Board of Canada holds hands-on animation workshops on Saturday mornings with a different theme each week! Admission is only $5 per child and the accompanying adult is free.  Register at 416-973-3012

    1.  For ages 3-5, Can’t Sit Still Workshop, Sat. 10:30-12:30.  Kids watch NFB animated movies and then participate in an animation workshop.                                                           2. For ages 6-13, Animate This!, Sat. 12-2:30pm.  Kids explore the history and technology of animation and make animated creations using professional tools.

    Spend an evening driving through Downsview Park’s new Holiday Trail of Lights.  The trail features three kilometers of light displays, many of which are animated.  $20 per car.  Buy some hot chocolate and donuts and enjoy the lights!

    Enjoy Storybook Magic at Casa Loma.  Award winning magician Lawrence LaRouche and Majinx present a dazzling world of spectacular illusions that bring classic stories to life.
    Showtimes: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 2:00 & 3:00.  There will also be an exciting retelling of Peter Pan in the conservatory at 11am, 12:00, 1:00, 2:30 and 3:30 where kids are encouraged to come dressed up as their favourite character.  Both story activities require pre-registration.


    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  22. What to do this weekend – Dec. 12 & 13th

    santa

    Just stay home.  Sometimes it’s good to be home  and it’s important for kids to know how to occupy themselves in the house too.

    Go see a family flick.  The Princess and the Frog is opening this weekend.

    On Saturday & Sunday at 1:00pm, World of Circus (John & Leslie) is holding their Winter circus show.  We have been to this venue for a circus birthday party and it was amazing.  I think their show will be great too.

    Casa Loma’s Little Elves Workshops are all sold out for this coming weekend…I assume this means that they are good.  Limited spaces available for next weekend, so you may want to register online. Kids will enjoy building a mini gingerbread house to hang on the tree, hot chocolate and other goodies.  Santa Claus will be there too.  Workshops are 45 minutes long for ages 2-8.

    The National Film Board of Canada holds hands-on animation workshops on Saturday mornings with a different theme each week! Admission is only $5 per child and the accompanying adult is free.  Register at 416-973-3012

    1.  For ages 3-5, Can’t Sit Still Workshop, Sat. 10:30-12:30.  Kids watch NFB animated movies and then participate in an animation workshop.                                                           2. For ages 6-13, Animate This!, Sat. 12-2:30pm.  Kids explore the history and technology of animation and make animated creations using professional tools.

    Spend an evening driving through Downsview Park’s new Holiday Trail of Lights.  The trail features three kilometers of light displays, many of which are animated.  $20 per car.  Buy some hot chocolate and donuts and enjoy the lights!

    Judy & David’s Chanukah Live Concert is on this weekend at the City Playhouse in Thornhill.  Dec. 12-13 @ 10:30, 1:00, 3:30.  Call 905-882-SHOW for tickets.

    Enjoy Storybook Magic at Casa Loma.  Award winning magician Lawrence LaRouche and Majinx present a dazzling world of spectacular illusions that bring classic stories to life.
    Showtimes: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 2:00 & 3:00.  There will also be an exciting retelling of Peter Pan in the conservatory at 11am, 12:00, 1:00, 2:30 and 3:30 where kids are encouraged to come dressed up as their favourite character.  Both story activities require pre-registration.

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  23. Umbra Warehouse Sale

    umbra

    I was at Umbra’s concept store this past summer and just love their frames, albums and nifty home decor items.   Check out the Umbra site to see what you might find at the sale.  Admission is free, expect line ups and GREAT deals!

    Posted in Activities & Events, Deals, sale.

  24. Disney’s Sweet Offer

    If you are thinking of going to Disneyland or Disneyworld some time after January 1st, Disney is offering free one-day admission earned with a day of volunteer work.  Disney Corp. wants to inspire one-million people to give a day of service.   Starting January 1, 2010, you can sign up for eligible volunteer opportunities through the website (and yes, the fine print does say Canadians are eligible!).  Following completion of  your volunteer activity, you will receive vouchers  for your free admission to either theme park.    You must be 18 or older to sign up and you may register up to eight household members.  Children older than six may participate.  I think this is a beautiful thing to do with the family – give together and get together.

    Posted in Activities & Events, Deals, Useful Info.

  25. Roots Sample Sale

    roots

    Posted in Activities & Events, Deals, sale.