School’s out. Time to relax or panic?
Whether you’re programming for your caregiver, looking to fill the weekends with fun, or kicking it into high gear at “Camp Mom,” Toronto is bursting with activities to choose from. Our summer staycation plan mixes outings on our ever-growing must-visit list with some re-visits of our old faves. Are there enough summer days to fit in all the city has to offer? Let’s try.
Ready, set, go:
Dive in: City of Toronto’s outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads are open for splashing. (See Wychward Barns Park above.) Have you been to Corktown Common yet? Go. Jump in the lake. Yes, that lake. This year eight Toronto beaches have been awarded Blue Flags, meaning they meet strict criteria for water quality, safety, services and environmental education and management. Check out my look into water quality.
Get Sporty: Toronto Blue Jays’ Jr Jays Saturdays are a must-do at least once. If you’re looking for more low-key (and free), head over to Dominico Field at Christie Pits to cheer on the winning-est Toronto Maple Leafs (the 8-time Intercounty Baseball Champs.) I know, less spectate, more run please. For energy-burning, check out Monarch Park Stadium‘s outside summer version of toddler playtime and Sky Zone‘s Toddler Time and Open Jump sessions.
Watch it: There is something romantic about movies under the stars. With kids? Well, maybe less so. But a picnic, popcorn and a film with the family on a beautiful Toronto night? Priceless. BlogTO put together this round-up of places to watch en masse. Rainy-day viewing with Cineplex Family Favourites ($2.50 movies on Saturdays at 11am.) And our summer will not be complete until we see How to Train Your Dragon 2.
Choose your ride: Indoor cycling at Joyride 150. Skateboarding at one of the city’s parks. Horseback riding lessons at Sunnybrook Stables. A mini paddle on Natrel Pond at Harbourfront. Or the other kind of rides – Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island.
To Market, To Market: Keep it local or trek across town to see how other neighbourhoods get together. Consult this list to plan your market-hopping. Go large at Evergreen Brick Works on Saturdays or cozy at Fairmount Park Market on Wednesdays (they have a wading pool.)
Bug out: Get outa town to Cambridge Butterfly Sanctuary or keep it local (and free) at the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat. Indoor viewing at the Ontario Science Centre’s IMAX presentation of The Flight of The Butterflies.
Get Artsy: The Hands-On Centre at the Art Gallery of Ontario never disappoints (and you might even be able to sneak in a exhibition for yourself.) Coffee for the parents in TOw while kids get creative at Oaks ‘n Acorns on the Danforth or Smock on Roncesvalles.
