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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.