SummerReadingStory time in the city: There are some fun indoor and outdoor story times with the Toronto Public Library that wrap up the last stretch of their special summer programming. In the east end, librarians from Queen/Saulter and Riverdale branches will be at Joel Weeks Park with stories, songs, puppets and crafts on Tuesday, August 25. (Weather permitting; no registration required.) And in the west end, the Wychwood Branch is inviting kids (in pj’s and all) to join them for bedtime stories at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 27.

Juggling in the streets: Buskerfest, the annual gathering of street performers is this weekend August 30 and 31 along Yonge St from Queen to College. Be ready to be wow-ed by magicians, acrobats, contortionists and fire-breathers. Families can head to the special Buskerplay area for face painting, balloon twisting and hula hooping.

Music in the park: Earl Bales Park has been presenting tons of free music and performances all summer long at the Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre. The final Tuesday evening concert (7 to 8 p.m. on August 25) is Shul of Rock. If you’re in the hood, come back on Thursday, August 27 for its Family Fun series – this week the film Hoot starts at dusk. And on Sunday, August 30, it’s the Earl Bales Park: Art & Music Festival, a free one-day event celebrating the arts and culture of North York and Toronto.

Rainy Day: The usual Saturday matinées as part of Cineplex Family Favourites also include some Wednesdays this summer. And this week, there are free screenings of Maya the Bee at participating cinemas. You can pick up tickets in advance at the box office. (Not available online.)

IMG_6913Stuck at Home: Do your kids love marbles as much as mine? Even for the least craftiest mama, this is an easy activity to put together with items you probably have kicking around the house. We tried this marble maze from Kids Activity Blog. But if you need to get out of the house for the real deal, hop over to Toronto Island. The William Meany Maze was our favourite spot during this year’s adventure to Centre Island.

Keep Mom Sane: We love love the Distillery District. Any day, any season, it rarely disappoints. So make Wednesday a date night to catch the final performance of their Summer Music series. Or gather some girlfriends and check out their Sunday Market.