IMG_6929For the bug-lovers: Hand over the camera phones. Ontario Nature is asking kids 12 and under to enter their summer insect photo contest. (Got more of an artist, you can also have them print and colour one of their insect photos online.) Get outside – contest ends August 19.

For the sweet-tooths: I know where we’re going for dessert. The inaugural Sweets Food Festival hits the Portland and Front area on the August 15-16 weekend. While it’s mostly aimed at the more mature sweet tooth, there will be plenty of delicious goodies and kid-friendly activities (like piñata-busting and jelly-bean jar counting) for the whole family to enjoy.

For the builders: On Sunday, August 16, the Power Plant’s Power Kids series hosts a tour and workshop. Inspired by the current exhibition The Mouth Holds the Tongue, kids aged 8 to 12 years old can transform an ordinary space into a creative play maze-like structure with cardboard, textiles and plasticine.

Rainy Day: Never too young to talk politics. With the federal elections in motion and campaign signs popping up on front laws, the kids will surely have some questions. Get them answered at Queen’s Park. Until the end of August, there are free drop-in family programs at the Ontario Legislative Building from 2 to 3 p.m. on weekends. Families with kids aged 6 to 10 can participate in scavenger hunts, games and crafts that teach about Ontario’s Parliament.

Keep Mom Sane: Shopping is always more enjoyable without kids in TOw. On Sunday, August 16 the Leslieville Flea takes over the beautiful Ashbridge Estate along Queen St. E. (If you do bring along the kids, be sure to stop in at the Leslieville Farmers’ Market just down the street. It’s always packed with families.)