toronto kids february 2016

TORONTO KIDS - February 2016 | 1

TORONTO - FEB 20

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February 2016

Valentine’s Day Events

PG 2

Chinese New Year

PG 3

February Events

PG 4-5

Books About Love

PG 6

Go Ice Fishing!

PG 7

2 | TORONTO KIDS - February 2016

TORONTO - FEBRUARY 20

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Aspiring artists (ages 14-17) explore illustrative and animation-typedrawing, realism, basic anatomy, abstraction and expressive drawingapproaches to build several final portfolio pieces by the end of theweek! All levels welcome. Save $50 with promo code TOkids50.

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It’s time to celebrate sweethearts of all kinds on Val-entine’s Day, and there are plenty of ways for families to celebrate together in and around the Greater To-ronto Area. From museums and galleries to the To-ronto 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’sFeb. 13, 2016

Conveniently shop while your kids build a fun and educational project! Recommended for chil-dren 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’sMulitple Locations in Toronto and GTAwww.lowes.ca

Piñatas for Pandas at Toronto ZooFeb. 14 - 11 a.m.

Da Mao and Er Shun invite you to Piñata’s for Pan-

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 - 416-392-59292000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON

www.torontozoo.com/Events/Valentine’s Day at Gardiner Mu-seumFeb. 14 to Feb. 21 - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate by cre-ating a tile card for someone special. We will

decorate with Valentine’s Day motifs and letter stencils. Don’t miss it!

Gardiner Museum - 416-586-8080111 Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON

www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/events/event/family-daysPurina PawsWay’s Valentine EventFeb. 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 ac-tivities. Free admission.

Purina PawsWay - 416-360-PAWS

holiday | love is in the air

Valentine’s Day!Have fun with your family this Valentine’s Day


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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 Chi-nese culture and events.

You won’t find a more enchanting and quick-witted tot in the Chi-nese 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 what-ever he sets his mind and efforts to in life.

Monkey children are witty, intelligent, and have a magnetic per-sonality. Personality traits include mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness.To celebrate the Year of the Monkey, here’s what’s go-ing 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 cel-• ebrate 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 Euro-pean 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 for-tune and good luck through dance, the museum invites you to dis-cover 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

Harbourfront Centre for Lunar New Year festivities. Enjoy exhi-bitions, craft workshops, games, dance, culinary experiences and music. Have a fun and memorable start to your Year of the Mon-key. The event is free. More at www.lunarfest.org. Each year, Toronto Chinatown Business Improvement Area (China-• town 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

Chinese New Year

love is in the air | holiday

Years of The Monkey: 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016

Celebrate

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Tea and Tour Sundays at Gibson HouseThere’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 FebruaryGibson House5172 Yonge St.www.toronto.ca/museum-events

Skating at the Shops at Don MillsLace 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. 31CF Shops at Don Mills1090 Don Mills Rd.www.cfshops.com

Family Sundays at the AGOWith events for little kids, big kids and the whole family, there is fun for every-one. Our interactive, innovative family activities change on a monthly basis and are inspired by our ever-changing exhi-bitions and collections.Until AprilArt Gallery of Ontariowww.ago.net/family-sunday-program-ming

Circus! The Exhibition at Ontario Science CentreCircus! 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 1Ontario Science Centrewww.ontariosciencecentre.ca

Mackenzie House Celebrates Black History MonthVisit 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 House82 Bond Streetwww.toronto.ca/museum-events

Family Days at Scarborough MuseumJoin the museum for lots of fun activi-ties for the whole family. Go on a scav-enger hunt, try a craft, sample baked goodies and wash them down with some delicious hot chocolate. Admis-sion is pay what you can.Feb. 13 to Feb. 15 - 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.Scarborough Museum1007 Brimley Road, Scarborough, ONwww.toronto.ca/museum-events

Family Day Fun Carnival at Kor-trightEnjoy nature hikes, snow-shoeing, face-painting, family activities and hot choco-late 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 Conservation9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge, ONwww.kortright.org

Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age at Ontario Science CentrePiece 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

and connect the scientific factors that contributed to the evolution and extinction of these amazing creatures. Feb. 10 to Apr. 24Ontario Science Centrewww.ontariosciencecentre.ca

All Star Kids Show & Fun DayNBA 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 Venue1000 Finch Ave. W.www.nbaallstarfestival2016.com

Family Fun Fest at Downsview ParkIf 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 en-tertainers also make appearances daily.Feb. 13 to Feb. 15 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Downsview Parkwww.familydayfest.com

Family Day Matinees at The Second CitySUPERDUDE AND DOCTOR RUDE. In a world where kids make the rules, super-villains won’t know what hit them. Join the Supercrew on a wild musical adven-ture filled with jet packs, secret lairs, and selfies! Recommended for ages 4-12.Feb. 13 to Feb. 15 - 2 p.m.The Second City Theatre51 Mercer Streetwww.secondcity.com

upcoming eventsHug-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

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Munsch Mash at Solar StagePlay 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. 20Solar Stage Children’s Theatre4950 Yonge St., Concourse Levelwww.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 Centre67 Pottery Rd.www.toronto.ca/museum-events

Family Day at Spadina MuseumCome 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 & Gardens285 Spadina Roadwww.toronto.ca/museum-events

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

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 Inn4709 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ONwww.toronto.ca/museum-events

The Toronto Outdoor Adventure ShowSee it, do it, live it at the Outdoor Adventure Show, presented by Ontario Tourism! Get amazing pre-season 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. 21The International Centre, Hall 6www.outdooradventureshow.ca

OUR KIDS Toronto Camp ExpoExplore 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 Hallwww.ourkids.net/campexpo

Bloor-Yorkville IcefestFall 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

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 Park115 Cumberland St.www.bloor-yorkville.com/icefest

LunarFest at HarbourfrontMonkey 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. 21Harbourfront Centrewww.lunarfest.org

Toronto Postcard Club Annual Show This is Canada’s largest vintage post-card show. Thousands of postcards will be for sale. There will be 40 ta-bles of antique postcards from many countries covering many topics. It’s easy to search for your topic of inter-est in the highly organized and cata-logued 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 Centrewww.torontopostcardclub.com/toron-to-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

night of interactive science.Feb. 27Ontario Science Centrewww.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 Zoowww.torontozoo.com/Events/

Goodnight Moon at YPTYPT 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. 19Young People’s Theatre165 Front Street Eastwww.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/goodnight-moon/

For an updated list of events, visit: www.toronto4kids.com/Calendar

upcoming events Hands-On Sports Outdoor Food ArtsEducation

Guess How Much I Love YouSam McBratneyA tale of competing to measure love for each another. Big Nutbrown Hare’s heart-warming declaration to Little Nutbrown Hare, ‘I love you right up to the moon – and back’, has helped this story become a way of saying ‘I love you.’

Ages 0-2


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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:

Hug MachineScott CampbellWho have YOU hugged today? Open your arms to this delightfully sweet tale.This endearing story encourages a warm, caring, and buoyantly affectionate ap-proach to life. Everyone deserves a hug—and this book!

Rainbow Magic Special Edition: Juliet the Valentine FairyDaisy MeadowsLove is in the air! It’s almost Val-entine’s Day, and it’s the Valentine Fairy’s job to make sure everything goes smoothly. But leave it to Jack Frost and his goblins to get in the way.

I Love You Through and ThroughBernadette Rossetti-ShustakA 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 declara-tion of adoration and affection!

Eleanor & ParkRainbow RowellTwo 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.

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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 Govern-ment 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, clin-ics, 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

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 flota-• tion 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 con-• serve your energy and body heat.

— MS

Go ice fishing!love is in the air | feature


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