By Morgan Dumas and Diti Dumas
The countdown to the end of the school year has finally begun! With the current economic climate, thoughts of flying off on some exotic summer vacation or even driving somewhere across the country may be out of the question for many. However, there are plenty of fun activities and places to visit right here in the City of Toronto that you can take advantage of and enjoy with the whole family!
1)The Ontario Science Centre is open 7 days a week, year round, from 10am – 5pm. Kids and parents alike will enjoy the many interesting and educational one of a kind exhibits. For more information visit www.ontarioplace.com
2) Centreville is open all summer starting NOW!
Call (416) 203-0405 for more information on park hours or visit www.centreisland.ca
3) The Toronto Zoo is open NOW Through September 7 from 9:00am-7:30pm: www.torontozoo.com
4) Ontario Place is open most days NOW through the middle of September
Visit www.ontarioplace.com for more information.
5) ROM Kids Summer Club is one of the city’s most creative and diverse summer camps for kids ages 5-14.
Visit www.rom.on.ca/programs/rom_kids/summer_club/index.php for more information.
6) Ripley’s Urban Rail Park at Polson Pier is the largest of its kind and has facilities for skiers, snowboarders and skateboarders with a Skate Park and a Snowboard Park. Located just off of Cherry St. this park promises to provide hours of fun for your kids. Just don’t forget to bring your own equipment! For more information visit www.polsonpier.com/sites/view/2
7) Not only does The Harbourfront Centre host a variety of festival and events (see their calendar at www.harbourfrontcentre.com/whatson/today.cfm?CFID=4240209&CFTOKEN=94641064 ) but they also host a series of public events including a craft studio, author readings and a performing arts centre with a variety of ongoing productions. The Harbourfront centre is also known for their HarbourKids programs designed specifically for kids ages 5-12 and their families to learn and explore big ideas.
8) Medieval Times: Although a little pricey this jousting show is an interactive and fun-filled experience that will leave your kids with lasting memories through Labour Day! For more information on show times call 1-888-WE-JOUST. Located at 10 Dufferin St at the Exhibition Place.
9) Riverdale Farm: Take a trip to the heart of Cabbagetown and visit the Riverdale farm located at 201 Winchester St. in Toronto. Open from 9am-5pm daily.
10) Canadian National Exhibition –Only comes once a year, so don’t miss the fun between August 21-September 7th. Visit www.theex.com for more information.
Diti Dumas is a Sales Representative with Royal LePage R.E.S. Ltd./JOHNSTON & DANIEL DIVISION, Brokerage. Diti is a regular contributor to the Muddy York Blog. Diti’s website is located at www.ditidumas.com.
Morgan Dumas is an aspiring writer and journalism student from Ryerson University in Toronto.
