February 2016
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holiday | love is in the air
Valentine’s Day! Have fun with your family this Valentine’s Day
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It’s time to celebrate sweethearts of all kinds on Valentine’s Day, and there are plenty of ways for families to celebrate together in and around the Greater Toronto Area. From museums and galleries to the Toronto Zoo, kids can make cute Valentines, hear stories about love and friendship, and enjoy a sweet treat or two. Here’s are family-friendly events taking place in and around the city: Build and Grow Clinics at Lowe’s Feb. 13, 2016 Conveniently shop while your kids build a fun and educational project! Recommended for children from grades two to five. Kids will take home the toy they make, a merit certificate, name tag, apron and goggles. On February 13, make a Valentine’s Day picture frame. Free admission. Lowe’s Mulitple Locations in Toronto and GTA www.lowes.ca Piñatas for Pandas at Toronto Zoo Feb. 14 - 11 a.m. Da Mao and Er Shun invite you to Piñata’s for Pan-
TSA LIFE DRAWING FOR TEENS MARCH BREAK INTENSIVE INTRODUCES STUDENTS TO THE FUNDAMENTALS OF LIFE DRAWING AND OFFERS A HANDS-ON STUDIO EXPERIENCE TO BUILD SKILLS AND DEVELOP A PERSONAL STYLE. Aspiring artists (ages 14-17) explore illustrative and animation-type drawing, realism, basic anatomy, abstraction and expressive drawing approaches to build several final portfolio pieces by the end of the week! All levels welcome. Save $50 with promo code TOkids50. To register, visit tsa-art.com, call, or drop by the office. 980 Dufferin Street, 2nd Floor Toronto, ON M6H 4B4 416.504.7910 | info@tsa-art.com
2 | TORONTO KIDS - February 2016
das! On Valentine’s Day, the pandas will enjoy the fun of getting to some of their favourite treats in some of the most creative designs. Toronto Zoo - 416-392-5929 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON www.torontozoo.com/Events/ Valentine’s Day at Gardiner Museum Feb. 14 to Feb. 21 - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate by creating a tile card for someone special. We will decorate with Valentine’s Day motifs and letter stencils. Don’t miss it! Gardiner Museum - 416-586-8080 111 Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/events/event/family-days Purina PawsWay’s Valentine Event Feb. 14 - 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your love for your pet and family. Take part in themed pet programming, as well as a variety of kid friendly activities. Free admission. Purina PawsWay - 416-360-PAWS
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love is in the air | holiday
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Feb. 8 marks the start of the Chinese New Year! Welcome the Year of the Monkey and celebrate Chinese New Year with traditional Chinese culture and events. You won’t find a more enchanting and quick-witted tot in the Chinese zodiac than the clever and very curious Monkey. He’s a little trickster by nature, and uses his brain, charm, and improvisational knowledge to cut every challenge down to size. And no challenge is too monumental for him — he will be a smashing success at whatever he sets his mind and efforts to in life. Monkey children are witty, intelligent, and have a magnetic personality. Personality traits include mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness. To celebrate the Year of the Monkey, here’s what’s going on in and around the city: • The Lillian H. Smith branch of the Toronto Libraries is hosting a fun afternoon of Chinese New Year Festivities to celebrate the Year of the Monkey, featuring Chinese New Year Origami and a Puppet Show. All children and teens are welcome to come and fold with the U of T Origami Club. The event is free and is on Feb. 6 from 12 to 4 p.m.. More at www.torontopubliclibrary.ca. • Family Days at Gardiner Museum will feature a fun day to celebrate the year of the Monkey! On Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., sculpt monkeys out of clay. For some examples from the Gardiner Museum collection, you can visit the Ancient Americas or European Porcelain Galleries. More at www.gardinermuseum.on.ca. • Celebrate a new year and new beginning with Big Weekend: Lunar New Year at the ROM. As spectacular lions bring you good fortune and good luck through dance, the museum invites you to discover time-honoured traditions of different cultures from around the world. Check it out Feb. 13 to 15. More at www.rom.on.ca. • Go to Lunarfest at Harbourfront on Feb. 20 and 21. Monkey King and his friends will be visiting Toronto at Lunarfest to celebrate the Year of the Monkey. Hundreds of monkeys will gather at
TORONTO
Years of The Monkey: 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016
Harbourfront Centre for Lunar New Year festivities. Enjoy exhibitions, craft workshops, games, dance, culinary experiences and music. Have a fun and memorable start to your Year of the Monkey. The event is free. More at www.lunarfest.org. • Each year, Toronto Chinatown Business Improvement Area (Chinatown BIA) hosts an event to celebrate Chinese New Year. The free event will celebrate the Year of the Monkey with traditional Chinese performances from lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese dance, Chinese opera, and more. More at www.chinatowntcf.com — www.Toronto4Kids.com
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upcoming events Tea and Tour Sundays at Gibson House There’s a seat for you at the harvest table in the historic kitchen on Sunday afternoons this winter. Relax and have a chat over tea and homemade cookies. Enjoy a tour of this lovely, 1850s farmhouse. Included with regular admission. Sundays in February Gibson House 5172 Yonge St. www.toronto.ca/museum-events Skating at the Shops at Don
Mills Lace up your skates and take a twirl on CF Shops at Don Mills’ very own skating oval. Bring your friends and family out for some fun in the fresh air...all for FREE! Until Mar. 31 CF Shops at Don Mills 1090 Don Mills Rd. www.cfshops.com
Family Sundays at the AGO With events for little kids, big kids and the whole family, there is fun for everyone. Our interactive, innovative family activities change on a monthly basis and are inspired by our ever-changing exhibitions and collections. Until April Art Gallery of Ontario www.ago.net/family-sunday-programming Circus! The Exhibition at Ontario Science Centre Circus! The Exhibition explores the magic of the circus through a scientist’s eye. This all-ages experience is a highly interactive, sensory and educational extravaganza and will appeal to anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like to run away and join the circus. Until May 1 Ontario Science Centre www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Hands-On
Education
Mackenzie House Celebrates Black History Month Visit Mackenzie House on weekends in February and learn more about some of the Black Victorians of Toronto, featuring those who published newspapers during that era. Visitors can take a piece of this important history home when they print a souvenir copy of Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s newspaper, The Provincial Freeman, in the re-created 1850s printshop. Feb. 6 to Feb. 28 - 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mackenzie House 82 Bond Street www.toronto.ca/museum-events Family Days at Scarborough Museum Join the museum for lots of fun activities for the whole family. Go on a scavenger hunt, try a craft, sample baked goodies and wash them down with some delicious hot chocolate. Admission is pay what you can. Feb. 13 to Feb. 15 - 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Scarborough Museum 1007 Brimley Road, Scarborough, ON www.toronto.ca/museum-events Family Day Fun Carnival at Kortright Enjoy nature hikes, snow-shoeing, facepainting, family activities and hot chocolate by a campfire. Admission is FREE for ages 15 and under. Feb. 13 to Feb. 15 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kortright Centre for Conservation 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge, ON www.kortright.org Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age at Ontario Science Centre Piece together the past to change the future at the Ontario Science Centre’s new exhibition Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age. Put yourself in a scientist’s shoes to uncover
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Hug-a-Bug on Family Day Weekend February 13 to February 15 Join us at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory during Family Day weekend! Plus - take part in the Hug-a-Bug INSECT PETTING ZOO! You’ll discover cool critters such as: Giant Millipedes, Malaysian Jungle Nymphs, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, Thorny Devil stick bugs, and more! Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory 2500 Kossuth Road, Cambridge, ON
www.cambridgebutterfly.com and connect the scientific factors that contributed to the evolution and extinction of these amazing creatures. Feb. 10 to Apr. 24 Ontario Science Centre www.ontariosciencecentre.ca All Star Kids Show & Fun Day NBA All Star Festival 2016 presents All Star Kids Show & Fun Day on Saturday, Feb. 13. The fun begins as you enter. There will be game stations, kids’ characters, play stations, a basketball indoor court to play on, plus the biggest star in kids’ dance music: SILENTO, JW & BLAZE, SONSHINE & BROCCOLI and much more. Feb. 13 - 12:30 P.M. to 5:30 p.m. National Event Venue 1000 Finch Ave. W. www.nbaallstarfestival2016.com Family Fun Fest at Downsview Park If you’re looking for something fun to do in Toronto for Family Day weekend, this
is it! Superior Events Group transforms over 30,000 square feet at Downsview Park into a large INDOOR FUN Zone just for Family Day weekend! Family Fun Fest features an indoor amusement park with over 30 rides, activities and attractions including kiddie rides, jumping castles, giant slides, interactive games, fun foods, arcade and carnival games. Strolling entertainers also make appearances daily. Feb. 13 to Feb. 15 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Downsview Park www.familydayfest.com Family Day Matinees at The Second City SUPERDUDE AND DOCTOR RUDE. In a world where kids make the rules, supervillains won’t know what hit them. Join the Supercrew on a wild musical adventure filled with jet packs, secret lairs, and selfies! Recommended for ages 4-12. Feb. 13 to Feb. 15 - 2 p.m. The Second City Theatre 51 Mercer Street www.secondcity.com
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Arts
upcoming events Munsch Mash at Solar Stage Play for ages 3 and up. The newest Solar Stage rendition of Robert Munsch stories performed as one play in Munsch Mash! Adults and children alike will have a ball of fun reliving these Munsch classics in a brand new play. Feb. 13 to Mar. 20 Solar Stage Children’s Theatre 4950 Yonge St., Concourse Level www.solarstage.on.ca Family Snow Day, eh! Sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society at Todmorden Mills Family Snow Day, eh! in Toronto will be highlighted by a 5K snowshoe along the picturesque Don Valley trail. If the little ones are not up for the 5K trek, there will be plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained as well as great eats, treats and lots of hot drinks to get you warmed up! Families are raising funds to get outside and get active against cancer. Free. Feb. 15 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre 67 Pottery Rd. www.toronto.ca/museum-events
costumes are encouraged but not required. Bring your own camera to snap a photo in our photo booth equipped with sets & props. Drop-in activities, no pre-registration required. Regular admission applies. Feb. 15 - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Montgomery’s Inn 4709 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON www.toronto.ca/museum-events The Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show See it, do it, live it at the Outdoor Adventure Show, presented by Ontario Tourism! Get amazing preseason deals on the best outdoor gear and travel experiences at this exciting three-day event featuring hundreds of exhibitors. Discover hiking, running/ triathlons, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and adventure travel, plus be inspired with seminars from seasoned travelers and experts. Feb. 19 to Feb. 21 The International Centre, Hall 6 www.outdooradventureshow.ca
Family Day at Spadina Museum Come and enjoy a family-friendly tour where you will play games, and have hands-on fun in the historic kitchen all set in this beautifully restored 1920s environment. Regular admission applies. Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens 285 Spadina Road www.toronto.ca/museum-events
OUR KIDS Toronto Camp Expo Explore the best camp and kids program offerings throughout the GTA, Ontario and beyond all in one place, on one day at the OUR KIDS Camp Expo. Planning your child’s March break and summer has never be easier. Meet with the very best day and overnight camps and programs, speak with staff and experience a little bit of camp fun. Free admission. Feb. 20 - 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Roy Thomson Hall www.ourkids.net/campexpo
Family Day at Montgomery’s Inn This family day, Montgomery’s Inn celebrates the release of the monster mash-up movie, Pride and Prejudice & Zombies. Learn to dance like the Bennet girls, create terrifying crafts, and experience ghoulish face painting. Historic and/or zombie
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest Fall in love with Bloor-Yorkville at the 11th Annual Icefest taking place on Saturday, Feb. 20 and Sunday, Feb. 21 from noon to 5 p.m. Inspired by Heart Month and the Valentine’s Day season, this year’s “Expressions of Love” theme will transform the neighbourhood into
Open House Every Wednesday 7 pm Call Now to Register
416.266.0424
www.gvmontessori.ca Open 7 am to 6:30 pm
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a magical showcase of crystal clear ice sculpted into iconic expressions of amour. Free. Feb. 20 to Feb. 21 - 12 p.m. Village of Yorkville Park 115 Cumberland St. www.bloor-yorkville.com/icefest LunarFest at Harbourfront Monkey King and his friends will be visiting Toronto to celebrate the Year of the Monkey. Hundreds of monkeys will gather at Harbourfront Centre for our Lunar New Year festivities. Enjoy exhibitions, craft workshops, dance, and music. Have a fun and memorable start to your Year of the Monkey. Free admission. Feb. 20 to Feb. 21 Harbourfront Centre www.lunarfest.org Toronto Postcard Club Annual Show This is Canada’s largest vintage postcard show. Thousands of postcards will be for sale. There will be 40 tables of antique postcards from many countries covering many topics. It’s easy to search for your topic of interest in the highly organized and catalogued dealer boxes. Of interest to historians, genealogists, philatelists, and more, this is a very interesting collecting hobby. $5 admission. Feb. 21 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre www.torontopostcardclub.com/toronto-postcard-show/ SLEEPOVER at the Science Centre! Join us for an extraordinary night of science! A Sleepover at the Science Centre is a great group event, an unforgettable family outing and a unique indoor camping experience. New Theme: SURVIVOR SCIENCE. Compete, adapt and strive to survive in a series of wild challenges in an exciting
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2.5 to 3.8 years
3.8 to 5 years
night of interactive science. Feb. 27 Ontario Science Centre www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/Sleepovers Polar Bear Fest at Toronto Zoo Celebrate International Polar Bear Day and show your love for polar bears by joining us at our very ‘cool’ Polar Bear Festival. Polar Bear Fest includes polar bear-themed children’s activities and crafts (indoors!), a silent auction with a chance to win a special behind the scenes tour for four people and much more! Feb. 27 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Toronto Zoo www.torontozoo.com/Events/
Goodnight Moon at YPT YPT is delighted to bring Seattle Children’s Theatre to Canada for the first time. The Great Green Room comes to life before your eyes in this delightful family musical that stays true to the beloved book. One of the best ways for children to feel cherished and loved is to cozy up with a children’s classic! Feb. 29 to Mar. 19 Young People’s Theatre 165 Front Street East www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/showstickets/goodnight-moon/ For an updated list of events, visit: www.toronto4kids.com/Calendar
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learning | book nook
book nook
I Love You Through and Through Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak A toddler and his teddy bear illustrate a young child’s happy side, sad side, silly side, mad side, and more! Babies and toddlers will feel loved all over when they hear this declaration of adoration and Ages affection! 0-2
February is the month of love! sharing is caring, so spend some time reading your favourite books with the people you love. Want something new? try reading these books all about love:
Guess How Much I Love You Sam McBratney A tale of competing to measure love for each another. Big Nutbrown Hare’s heartwarming declaration to Little Nutbrown Hare, ‘I love you right up to the moon – and back’, has helped this story become a way of Ages saying ‘I love you.’ 0-2
Hug Machine Scott Campbell Who have YOU hugged today? Open your arms to this delightfully sweet tale. This endearing story encourages a warm, caring, and buoyantly affectionate approach to life. Everyone deserves a hug—and this Ages book! 3-5
My future starts here!
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Rainbow Magic Special Edition: Juliet the Valentine Fairy Daisy Meadows Love is in the air! It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and it’s the Valentine Fairy’s job to make sure everything goes smoothly. But leave it to Jack Frost Ages and his goblins to get 9-12 in the way.
Eleanor & Park Rainbow Rowell Two misfits. One extraordinary love. This is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. Ages
12+
love is in the air | feature
Go ice fishing! Winter is a great time for fishing - ice fishing that is. This February, families can go ice fishing without a license during the Ontario Family Fishing Events. Kids who love to fish during the warmer seasons may also like to try this winter sport with a parent. There’s nothing like spending the day on a quiet frozen lake... During this special event, the Ontario Government allows fishing without a mandatory fishing version outdoors card. From Feb. 13-15, 2016 (12:01 am Saturday to 11:59 pm Monday), you can fish without a license. During all other time periods, Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 64 years must purchase a valid fishing license to legally fish in Ontario. There has never been a better time to introduce your family to fishing! Events such as festivals, clinics, derbies, and workshops are hosted across the province. Each event provides a great opportunity to get outside, spend some wholesome time with the family, and develop a strong connection with conservation through the enjoyment of fishing. For more information and an updated list of events, visit www.ontariofamilyfishing.com. — www.Toronto4Kids.com
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FAMILY DAY
Ice safety tips: • Be prepared for any scenario. • Avoid crossing frozen bodies of water in a single file, as it may stress the ice. • Always wear a life jacket. Life jackets act as flotation devices until you can get to safety. • Do not take a vehicle onto the ice. • Be aware of cracks or fissures in the ice. • Carry a safety line that can be thrown to anyone who has fallen through the ice. • Remain calm if you fall through the ice to conserve your energy and body heat. — MS
FEBRUARY 16th Open 10:00am-6:00pm
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See fantasyfair.ca for details.
Best kept secret in the GTA! 500 Rexdale Blvd at Hwy 27
fantasyfair.ca • 416-674-5437
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SPRING OPEN HOUSE 432 Sheppard Ave. East Friday, May 27, 2016
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53 Cummer Ave. Friday, May 06, 2016
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SCENIC CAVES
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Nordic Centre Features • Fully- groomed Cross-country Classic and Skate Ski Trails • Groomed Snowshoe Trails
THE NORDIC CENTRE AT SCENIC CAVES SITS AMID A 200 YEAR OLD FOREST ON BLUE MOUNTAIN NEAR COLLINGWOOD
• Guided Night Snowshoe Hikes • Warming Hut • Hot Beverages • Rentals and Lessons • Season Passes • Gift Certificates • 420 ft. Suspension Bridge • Fabulous Panoramic Views • High Altitude Snow Conditions
1-1/2 Hours North of Toronto • Top of Blue Mountain near Collingwood • 705446-0256, ext 223
Fun and Educational! Summer Camps!
• Lego Robotics Camps • Star Wars Fan Camp • Minecraft Computer Camp • Lego Friends Space Adventurers
Minecraft or LEGO obsessed? Does this describe your children? Ready for the BEST technology summer camp ever! Join us as we build, explore, learn and play with the most engaging learning platforms on the planet! LEGO Robotics, Minecraft Computer Camp, Star Wars Fan camp are just a few of our award d winning camps!
Register online at www.BrickWorksAcademy.com for this award winning summer camp! Ages 6 to 14, Toronto - Kingsway Lambton Church & Beach United Church Brick Works Academy a division of Emote Media Inc. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this camp.
8 | TORONTO KIDS - February 2016