FUN-FILLED FAMILY ACTIVITIES
FAMILY DAY 2012: 39 fun things to do with your family
February 15, 2012
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Jo-Anne Schneeweiss
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Toss pizza dough in the air. Make a kite. Catch a free film. Belly laugh. Mug for the camera. There’s no shortage of ways to spend the Family Day long weekend around the GTA this weekend. To help you make the most of precious family time, the Star has an exhaustive list of great family activities.
Discover a variety of fun-filled events across the GTA, to help make the Family Day Weekend truly memorable.
TORONTO REGION
The ROM: Learn about chocolate at Maya: Secrets of their Ancient, where kids can take part in Maya themed crafts, chocolate and tortilla workshops and more. Feb. 18 to 20, 100 Queen’s Park, 11 am to 4 pm, included with admission, 416-586-8000, www.rom.on.ca.
The TIFF Bell Lightbox: Attend a weekend of free celebrations including special family programming and workshops. Feb. 18 to 20, 350 King St W, free admission, 416-599-TIFF, http://tiff.net.
The Ontario Science Centre: Family Weekend programming will be focused on the Science of Flight, including hands-on workshops to create working parachutes, kites and paper airplanes, live flight demonstrations with a variety of bird species presented by The Canadian Raptor Conservancy and more. Feb. 18 to 20, 770 Don Mills Road, included with admission, 416-696-1000, http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca.
Toronto’s Downsview Park: Family Day Fest will offer an indoor amusement park, featuring indoor rides, games, clowns, The Trevor Show and more. Feb. 18 to 20, 10 am to 6 pm, Studio 3 - 35 Carl Hall Road, Day Pass: $25 ages 2+ (incl. entrance + rides). VIP Day Pass: $40 (incl. entrance, rides, 1 temporary tattoo, 1 sticker book, 1 free carnival game play, 1 popcorn, & 1 cotton candy), Adults 18+: $8 (entrance only & accompany), VIP Family Pass: $96 (incl. entrance 2 Adults & 2 Children’s VIP Day Passes all inclusive), 1-800-567-3889, www.familydayfest.ca.
The Toronto Zoo: Celebrate the Family Day Weekend by visiting some of the Zoo’s featured families such as the Western lowland gorillas, orangutans, Komodo dragons and green tree pythons. Feb. 18 to 20, 361A Old Finch Avenue, 9:30 am to 4:30 am, included with admission, 416-392-5929, www.torontozoo.com.
NFB Mediatheque: Drop in any time for screenings and pixilation activities at the Family Staycation Program; Feb. 18 to 20, 150 John Street, workshops at 10 AM, 12:30 PM and 3PM, free, but registration is recommended for hands-on workshops, 416-973-3012, www.onf-nfb.gc.ca/eng/mediatheque/family-activities.php.
CN Tower: Save 25 per cent off your CN Tower admission tickets all weekend long. Feb. 18 to 20, 301 Front St. West, discount tickets must be purchased on site, cannot be combined with other offers and can not be applied to CityPass and Premier tickets, 416-868-6937, www.cntower.ca.
The Second City Mainstage: The Second City Goes BOOM! is an hour of non-stop comedy and games that is suitable for all ages. Feb. 18 & 19, 51 Mercer Street, 12 pm & Feb. 20, 12 pm & 2pm, Tickets: $14 + tax, Family 4-Packs: $45 + tax, 416-343-0011, www.secondcity.com.
The Young People’s Theatre: The Great Mountain is the retelling of the Aboriginal story of Jumping Mouse, a young girl who discovers the transformative power of nature and the importance of courage. Feb. 18 to 20, 165 Front Street East, 2 pm, Tickets $10 to $20, 416-862-2222, www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca.
The Panasonic Theatre: Potted Potter, The Unauthorized Harry Experience - A Parody by Dan and Jeff, condenses all seven Harry Potter books into seventy minutes. Feb 18, 3 pm & 7 pm, Feb. 19, 2:30 pm & 5 pm & Feb. 20, 2 pm & 5 pm, 651 Yonge Street, Tickets - $69.75, $39.75, $29.75, Premium seats $99.75 Includes Souvenir Program, 416-872-1212, www.mirvish.com/shows/pottedpotter.
Solar Stage Children’s Theatre: The Dufflebag Theatre Company’s presentation of Robin Hood, is an interactive play designed to delight kids ages 4 and up. Feb. 18 & 19, , 4950 Yonge Street, The Madison Theatre, 11 am & 2 pm, Tickets - $14, 416-368-8031, www.solarstage.on.ca.
Family Fishing Weekend: Ontario residents can enjoy the fun of fishing without a license this weekend. Feb. 18 to 20, event locations available online, www.familyfishingweekend.com.
The Kingsway BIA: Enjoy Family Day fun featuring ice sculpture carving and maple taffy demonstrations, arts and crafts, music and more. Feb. 18, 11 am to 3 pm, Willingdon Boulevard and Wendover Road at Bloor St. W., free admission, 416-239-8243, www.kingswaybia.ca.
Harbourfront Centre: HarbourKIDS: SK8 presented by RBC Play Hockey, will explore all forms of skating and winter culture from a kid’s perspective. Feb. 19 to 20, 235 Queen’s Quay West, 11 am to 5 pm, free admission, 416-973-4000, www.harbourfrontcentre.com.
Eight authentic Toronto heritage sites: Discover hands-on activities, historic cooking, old-fashioned games and crafts for kids at the Scarborough Historical Museum, Fort York National Historic Site, Spadina Museum, Todmorden Mills, Colborne Lodge, Mackenzie House, Montgomery’s Inn and Gibson House. Feb. 19 & 20, Pay-what-you-can, www.toronto.ca/fundays.
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Attend a family-friendly art-making extravaganza culminating in the creation of a day-long exhibition by kids titled Kid Nouveau. Feb. 20, 317 Dundas Street West, Family Pass 20 % off at $39 for two adults and up to five youths (ages 6 to 17), Kids 5 and under are free, 416-979-6648, www.ago.net/family-day-2012.
Casa Loma: Make reservations for a Valentine’s Family Brunch. Feb. 19, 1 Austin Terrace, Bookings accepted for seatings at 10:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, and 1pm. Adults - $51.45 + taxes, Children (4-12) - $26.45 + taxes, Children (1-3) - $13.45 + taxes, Children (under 1) - free, 647-725-1833 or 647-725-1832, www.casaloma.org.
Casa Loma: Participate in a hands-on Archery Workshop catering to children (ages 9 and up) and their parents. Feb. 20, 9:30am-11:30am, 12:00 noon-2:00pm, 2:30pm-4:30pm. Pre-registration suggested based on limited availability, $34.00 + HST/person.
The Walter Carsen Centre for The National Ballet of Canada: Enjoy movement and dance with artists of The National Ballet of Canada and an interactive performance by the company’s apprentices. Feb. 20, 470 Queens Quay West, Open Class - 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, Family Workshop and YOU dance Performance – 11:00 am to 1:30 pm & 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Free but workshop spaces are limited, register at http://national.ballet.ca/education/programmes/family_youth/Family_Day.
The Hockey Hall of Fame: Kids will enjoy free entrance on Family Day. Feb. 20, 10 Front Street West, 10 am to 5 pm, up to a maximum of 4 youth (13yrs & under) will be admitted FREE with the purchase of one regular price adult admission, 416-360-7765, www.hhof.com.
The Drake Underground: Children’s entertainers The Monkey Bunch will be performing for people who love music, comedy and the planet, and really want their kids to love it too. Feb. 20, 1150 Queen Street West, Doors open: 2:30pm, Showtime: 3:00pm, 8.00 per monkey or $28.00 for a 4 pack, www.themonkeybunch.com.
The High Park Nature Centre: Participate in a drop-in Family Day Birds Program where families can make a bird feeder, learn about winter bird adaptations, borrow some binoculars, find out the best place to hand-feed birds, go on a self-guided hike, and help contribute to the Great Backyard Bird Count. Feb. 20, 440 Parkside Drive, 10 am to Noon, $2 recommended donation, 416-392-1748 x 2, www.highparknaturecentre.com.
Piola Restaurant: Piola’s pizza makers will show kids 14 and under how to stretch out the dough, roll it, and then pick out their favourite toppings including house made tomato sauce and as much cheese as the pie can hold. Feb. 20, 1165 Queen St. West, 11:30 am a.m. to 3:30 p.m., accepting advance reservations, pizzas are $10 each and include a pop or juice (limit one pizza per person), 416-477-4652, www.piola.it.
REGION OF PEEL
Old Navy in Etobicoke: “Funnovation Imaginarium” will be a wild and crazy family party where kids can invent wacky machines and monsters, design accessories, partake of a cookie bar, strut their stuff on the “Crazy Catwalk” and get down on the “Funky Floor”. 177 North Queen Street, 1 pm to 4 pm, free admission, 416-622-6021, www.bunchfamily.ca/events/funnovation-imaginarium-etobicoke.
International Centre: Toronto Kids-Fest is Canada’s largest indoor inflatable Festival, offering more than 100,000 square feet of fun shows as well as interactive activities, games, crafts, character meet-and-greets, pony rides and more. Feb. 18 to 20, 6900 Airport Road, 10 am to 5 pm, free admission, wristbands: $25/$15, http://kids-fest.ca.
Playdium: Enjoy a Family Day special to help families experience over 200 games, rides and simulators. 99 Rathburn Road West, Mississauga, 200 credit Playcard with 1 Bumper Car Ride on the “Spin Zone” Bumper cars for $30.00 per person (+ HST),905-273-9000, www.playdium.com.
Fantasy Fair: Special Family Day stage shows will include The Trevor Show, SCIENTRIFIC and FUNTASTIC. Feb. 20, Woodbine Centre, 500 Rexdale Blvd., 1 pm to 5:45 pm, park admission is free but rides are extra, 416-674-5437, www.fantasyfair.ca.
DURHAM REGION
Pickering Recreation Complex: Fun Family Day activities will include swimming, skating, mini tennis, squash clinics, family fitness, family art and more, included with your Family Day Passport. Feb. 20, 1867 Valley Farm Road, 10 am to 4 pm, Family Day Passport $10 per family, 905-683-6582, www.pickering.ca/recreation.
YORK REGION
McMichael Canadian Art Collection: Family Day Festival fun will include the chance to observe talented cabinet making artist Mary Scattergood in action, participate in a hands-on Folk Art family workshop, enjoy a Sunday Concert with Beatriz Boizan, and attend a Monday theatrical performance of Loki’s Big Dream. Feb. 19 & 20, 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, 11 am to 4 pm, $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $30 for families, 905-893-1121, www.mcmichael.com.
The Markham Museum: Winterfest will be a celebration of winter including skating, snowshoeing, ice block building and more. Feb. 20, 9350 Markham Road, $3 per person, kids under 2 are free. 905-294-4576, www.markhammuseum.ca.
Whichurch-Stouffville Museum: Drop by and create some fun heritage crafts, tour the historical buildings and visit the gift shop. Feb. 20, 14732 Woodbine Avenue, Vandorf, 10 am to 4 pm, Crafts $2 per youth, 905-727-8954, www.townofws.ca/museum.
Paintlounge: Reserve your time to make a one-of-a-kind family tree collaborative canvas on a 30 x 40 inch canvas with the use of paints and mixed media. Feb. 20, 3603 Highway 7 East, Unit 106, Markham, Session times: 12:00-1:30pm, 2:00-3:30pm, 4:00-5:30pm, $55 per family (up to 5 members, $10 per additional person above 5 members), 416-900-2633, www.paintlounge.ca/family_day.
HALTON REGION
Crawford Lake Conservation Area: Snowflakes and Snowsnakes celebrates winter by offering hiking, snowshoeing, roasting marshmallows, a winter discovery hunt and more. Feb. 19 & 20, regular park admission applies, 10 am to 4 pm, 3115 Conservation Road, Milton, 905-854-0234, www.conservationhalton.ca.
Burlington Kids Day: A Play-All-Day wristband will give kids access to lots of games, rides and contests. Feb. 20, Corpus Christi Secondary School, 5150 Upper Middle Road, 9 am to 5 pm, Play-all-Day Wristband: $15.00, Toddler (under 2) Play-all-Day Wristband: $5.00, Adults & Infants: free, some activities have additional charges, www.burlingtonkidsday.com.
HAMILTON REGION
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum: Hamilton Kids-Fest is Central Ontario’s Largest Indoor Inflatable Festival featuring 40,000 sq. ft. of some of North America’s largest indoor inflatables, warplane exhibits, stage shows and more. Feb. 18 to 20, 9280 Airport Road, 10 am to 5 pm, $10 for Adults, $18 for all day ride band (Kids), 905-779-0422, www.kids-fest.ca.
Hamilton Children’s Museum: Little Fairy Tales for Little People, Fairy Tales with Studio Babette is appropriate for ages 2 to 8. Feb. 19, 1072 Main St. East in Gage Park, 30 min. shows at 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm, included in regular admission, 905-546-4848, www.hamilton.ca/museums.
Westfield Heritage Village: Celebrate Heritage Day and Family Day with fun family activities as you visit the heritage buildings, candy store and gift shop. Feb. 20, Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, 12:30 pm to 4 pm, Adults: $8.50, Seniors/Disabled: $7.50, Children: $5.50, Children 5 and under are free, 1-800-883-0104, www.conservationhamilton.ca/westfield.
Dundas Valley Conservation Area: A Hot Chocolate Festival will give families the chance to spend the day hiking and playing outside and warm up with some delicious hot chocolate. Feb. 20, 650 Governors Road, 11 am, 905-627-1233, donations will be accepted, www.hotchocolatefestival.ca.
Hamilton Historic Museums: Dundurn National Historic Site, Hamilton Children’s Museum, Griffin House Historical Site, Whitehern Historic House and Garden and Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology are hosting special Family day programs. Feb. 20, details at www.hamilton.ca/museums.
Listings courtesy of Jo-Anne Schneeweiss at www.kidsaroundcanada.com, an online parenting resource.