ebwwinter

Parenthood is better outside.

Packing up and getting out of the house is one of my most challenging moments with kids in TOw. But once outside, the skies part even on the cloudiest day. The fresh air and the open space always clears my head. And best of all – it tires my kids out.

One of our favourite destinations to enjoy the great outdoors is Evergreen Brick Works and this winter they’ve made it extra easy for the whole family to get playing in and discovering nature right in the city with their Winter Village line-up.

The free season-long offerings are on until February 28, 2017 – here are a few activities not to miss:

Check here for the daily schedule.

  • Skating: Their cozy skating loop in the old building where the bricks used to be fired is a beautiful spot to skate. There is free public skating, $5 skate rentals and lessons for adults and kids.
  • Hiking: The trails around the pond area are perfect for little legs. You can do your own exploring or participate in a nature scavenger hunt (available at the Young Welcome Centre.)
  • Playing Ball Hockey & Ping Pong: A mini ball hockey area and ping pong tables are set up next to the Street Food Market. (Break for a snack or hot chocolate and warm up next to the campfire in the northwest corner.) Sticks and paddles are on-site or you can bring your own.
  • Building, crafting and cooking: On weekends and holidays, the Children’s Garden is open for exploring, with a special workshop where kids can build their miniature villages out of clay and join the staff for campfire cooking and nature-based crafts.
  • Fat Biking: There are Friday evening and weekend afternoon group rides for older kids and adults.

ebwwintervillage1

TRIP TIPS:

Getting there: Accessible by TTC with a free shuttle bus from Broadview Station, also 28A bus from Davisville station. Parking lots get busy on weekends. Full-day parking is $8. You can hike down from Chorley Park in Rosedale or Castle Frank Subway Station. Also accessible by bike.

Low-down: Access to Evergreen Brick Works area is free. There is a cost for some activities (like bike rentals and group rides) and access to the Children’s Garden is by donation.

Market: Winter Farmers’ Market on Sunday mornings.

DETAILS:

Evergreen Brick Works
550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
www.ebw.evergreen.ca

Tel: 416-596-7670

Email: info@evergreen.ca