Toronto Catholic District School Board
Parenting and Family Literacy
SUMMER FUN GUIDE 2017
** A free/low cost guide to summer fun! **
HAPPY 150th
BIRTHDAY CANADA!!
Saturday, July 1st, 2017
Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge Street, Toronto) Celebrate Canada's birthday, with a free
fun-filled evening of live music, dance performances, family activities, and a spectacular musical fireworks show at 10:55pm!
Scarborough Civic Centre (150 Borough Dr, Scarborough) o Enjoy the family activity zone and music
acts from Taiwanese indie to reggae and South Asian hip hop! Fireworks end the night at 10:55 pm.
Downsview Park (35 Carl Hall Road, North York) For North York residents, Downsview
Park is your best bet, as it holds its own half-hour fireworks show starting at dusk.
Humber Bay Park West (2225 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke) The family-friendly event features two
stages of exciting performances the cultures and communities of the Etobicoke area. Fireworks will begin at 10:55 pm.
East York Canada Day Parade/Stan Wadlow Park
(88 Cosburn Avenue, East York) The Parade starts at 9:30am at Dieppe
Park (just east of Greenwood Ave.) travelling through East York finishing at Stan Wadlow Park. Activities in Stan Wadlow Park begin at 12 noon, followed a fantastic fireworks show at 10:00 pm!
Thomson Memorial Park (1007 Brimley Rd, Scarborough)
There is lots to see and do! Live entertainment, a pancake breakfast, reptile show, activities for the kids, and more! Parade begins at 4:00pm; Fireworks at 10:00 pm in Milliken Park.
Weston Lions Park(2125 Lawrence Ave. W, Toronto) Birthday celebrations begin at 5pm! The
festivities include: live entertainment, food, children’s activities. Fireworks begin 10pm
High Park (1873 Bloor St. W, Toronto) There will be children’s activities, live
music, games and fun for all! Don’t forget the High Park Zoo!
WEST
High Park Zoo (1873 Bloor St. W)
Visit the new baby llamas! High Park Zoo is a free and family-friendly attraction!
DOWNTOWN
Far Enough Farm (Centre Island)
This free downtown farm, has over 40 species of farm animals and exotic birds.
EAST
Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.) Riverdale Farm offers visitors a fun-filled day of animals, ponds and gardens. Admission is free!
Lionel’s Petting Zoo (11714 McCowan Rd)
See, feed and touch all the animals in relaxed atmosphere. Admission is free!
WEST
Splash Pads and Wading Pools
Remember!! **Splash Pads are open weather permitting, usually a safe bet is, if it’s over 25 °C, and usually open from 9:00 am -8:30pm
Farms & Petting Zoos
SUMMER FUN IN THE CITY !!
Fun Fact! When children can imitate animal noises, they are also learning to hear the sounds in words and developing the skill that helps them sound out words when
learning to read!(Let’s Get Ready to Read, Toronto Public Library)
Old MACDONALD had a farm
E-I-E-I-O
And on his farm he had a horse
E-I-E-I-O
With a neigh neigh here
And a neigh neigh there
Here a neigh, there a neigh
Everywhere a neigh neigh
Old MacDonald had a farm
E-I-E-I-O
Dufferin
Grove Splash
Pad
(875 Dufferin St. – Dufferin & Bloor)
Fennimore Park Splash Pad
(78 Fennimore Cres. – Jane & Sheppard)
Sunnydale Acres Park Wading Pool
(50 Amoro Dr. – Westhumber & Kipling)
Marie Curie Park Wading Pool/Splash Pad
(2 Forty Second St. – Lakeshore & Brown’s Line)
EAST
Sherwood Park Wading Pool (190 Sherwood Ave. – Sherwood & Mt. Pleasant)
Stan Wadlow Park Splash Pad/Outdoor Pool (373 Cedarvale Ave– Woodbine & Cosburn)
Kidstown Water Park (3159 Birchmount Rd)
Remember!! **Splash Pads are open weather permitting, usually a safe bet is, if it’s over 25 °C, and usually open from 9:00 am -8:30pm
Parks/ Gardens/Playgrounds
Fun Fact! When children can imitate animal noises, they are also learning to hear the sounds in words and developing the skill that helps them sound out words when
learning to read!(Let’s Get Ready to Read, Toronto Public Library)
WEST
Humber
Arboretum - consists of botanical
gardens, natural areas and over animals and
plants surrounding the Humber River. Location: 205 Humber College Blvd.,
Toronto
Jamie Bell Adventure Park (High
Park) - a medieval-themed village, with a
fenced-in tot-lot with toddler/accessibility
swings and age-appropriate climbers. On the
big kids’ side, children can run through the
towers decorated with Toronto-themed paintings
Location: 1873 Bloor St. W, Toronto
Dufferin Grove - Find the biggest sandpit
in the whole city, complete with running
water! Nature is incorporated into another
play area with climbable fallen trees making
up a mini-urban woodland.
Location: 875 Dufferin St., Toronto
Parks/ Gardens/Playgrounds
EAST
Bluffer’s Park – this beautiful park features a sandy
(supervised) beach, walking trails, picnic tables and scenic
look-out points.
Location: 1 Brimley Rd., Scarborough (Brimley to the end
point)
Evergreen Brick Works – explore wildlife on trails
and ponds and visit the amazing garden and education centre.. Scavenger Hunts occur daily
($2/kit). Check www.evergreen.ca for
details
Location: 550 Bayview Avenue Toronto
Rouge Park - Soon-to-be Canada's first
national urban park - nature, biodiversity,
beaches, farms, camping, hiking and more!
Location: 50 Twyn Rivers Dr. Scarborough
DOWNTOWN
Franklin’s Children’s Garden - divided into 7 sections where children can
enjoy gardening, storytelling, exploring
wildlife and visiting sculptures from the
Franklin the Turtle series
Location: Toronto Island
Fairs, Festivals & Multicultural Events
SATURDAY JULY 8th – SUNDAY JULY 9th
Salsa on St. Clair
Salsa on St. Clair is a two day street festival celebrating the
world of salsa dancing. The event features local vendors,
live music and, of course, salsa dancing! The festival also
offers dance lessons, authentic Latin food and more fun Latin American themed activities.
Location: St. Clair Ave W. between Winona Dr. and Christie St
SATURDAY JULY 8th – SUNDAY JULY 9th
Afrofest
There are over 35 live performances, representing both traditional and modern African music, sung in English, French and several African languages.
There are also workshops, dance groups, a children’s village and market place!
Location: Woodbine Park – 1695 Queen St. E
FRIDAY, JULY 7th – 28th
Cultra Festival Every Friday, families and
kids of all ages celebrate the music, dance, international
street food, hands on art making activities, and award
winning movies! Location: Mel Lastman Square -5100 Yonge St.
Fairs, Festivals & Multicultural Events
SATURDAY JULY 15th – MONDAY JULY 17th
Franco-Fête de Toronto
There will be lots of daytime activities for everyone on Saturday and Sunday, including kids, adults, Francophones and Francophile, in the form of shows, entertainment, booths, bars and food concessions.
Location: Yonge- Dundas Square - 1 Dundas St E.
THURS. JULY 27th – SUNDAY JULY 9th
Tirgan Festival
This event reflects a tremendous ethnic diversity within Iran through music, dance, theatre, cinema, literature, visual arts, crafts market, and cuisine, as well as a traditional teahouse where visitors can socialize and a variety of food offerings at the World Café.
Location: Harbourfront Centre - 235 Queens Quay W
FRIDAY, JULY 22nd - 29th
Big on Bloor Festival
The BIG on Bloor Festival is an exceptional community and
city-building festival presenting hundreds of
culturally significant events, activities, displays and
exhibitions. Location: Bloor Street West between Dufferin
St. and Lansdowne St.,
Fairs, Festivals & Multicultural Events
Fairs, Festivals & Multicultural EventsSATURDAY AUGUST 5th – SUNDAY AUG. 6th
407 ETR Free Community Weekend at Rogers Cup
Take part and enjoy complimentary face painting, music and dancing, arts and crafts activities, and
contests – with plenty of prizes to be won! Plus, take in some tennis and meet your favourite television
stars! This will be a fun weekend for the whole family!
. Location: Aviva Centre, York University, 1 Shoreham Drive
FRIDAY, AUG 11th – SUNDAY AUG. 13th
Taste of the Danforth
Come to Greektown! Showcasing the best of Hellenic food, culture, and music our multicultural city has to
offer - from souvlaki to mezes, authentic Greek music to interactive children's games.
Location: From Broadview Ave to Jones Ave along Danforth
Ave.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5TH
Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)
The elaborate costumes, props and lively dancers bring
everything to life and add to this incredible experience!
.Location: Lakeshore Blvd West
and ends at Lakeshore and Parkside Dr.
SATURDAY AUG 26th – SUNDAY AUG. 27th
Scarborough Afro-Carib Fest
The fun filled family event features live performances art exhibitions, Afro-Caribbean cuisine and dance competitions for adults and children. Your children will love the Kids Zone which includes games, crafts, face painting and more!
Location: Scarborough Civic Centre – 150 Borough Dr.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18th – MONDAY, SEPT. 4th
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)One of the largest fairs, the CNE offers rides, games, performances and special events. Children under 4 years old are free!
Location: The Exhibition Place - 210 Princes' Blvd
EVERY WEDNESDAYS
Free Flicks (Jun 21st – Aug 30th)
Enjoy Toronto's only summer-long waterfront film
series and join us every Wednesday evening at dusk
to watch movies with this year's celebration theme,
Sounds of Home.
Location: Harbourfront Centre – 235 Queens Quay
WHAT CAN WE DO IN Activities to explore at home
Read & Move at Kidnetix Yorkdale
http://www.kidnetix.ca
The FREE program for families, every Tuesday, includes music,
story time, nursery rhymes, snack and indoor playground fun!
(10:30 am-12:00 pm)
Make homemade
Slime**
Take a family hike in the local parks and trails!
Visit your local public library to borrow a book!
www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
For children’s programming and to get free tickets to the AGO, Science Centre and more, contact your local
library!
Go Bowling! Or Make your
own Pins and Balls
and in your communityTHE NEIGHBOURHOOD?
Spend the day at one of Toronto’s 8 designated
swimming beaches!
See www.toronto.ca for more information. Remember your towel
and sunscreen!
Explore Canada’s National Parks for FREE!
http://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.ca
Get your FREE Discover passes to visit Canada’s national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic
sites across the country!
Visit an Ontario Early Years Centre
www.ontarioearlyyears.ca
Many drop-in/registered programs are open in the
summer!
Go on a Scavenger
Hunt at Evergreen Brickworks
Make your own
popsicles!
Child- Friendly Summer Recipes & Activities
Non-toxic, Edible Slime
Ingredients 1 tbsp of fiber supplement with Psyllium (like
Metamucil) 1 cup of water Kool-aid or food dye for colour Directions
1. In a bowl, Combine 1 tbsp fiber with 1 cup of water and food coloring. Stir well!
2. Place the bowl in the microwave on high until you see bubbles (appox. 2 minutes). Continue to microwave the bubbling slime for one minute. Then stop & stir.
3. Once stirred microwave again for 2 minutes.4. Remove the bowl and allow it to cool. Once
it is completely cool it will be ready for play!
Frozen Yogurt Bites Ingredients
6 oz of yogurt 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh fruit,
such as blueberries, bananas, or raspberries Wood craft sticks and (silicone) ice cube tray Directions
1. In medium bowl, stir yogurt and fruit until well blended
2. Divide mixture among compartments of the ice cube tray. Insert stick into center of each compartment. Freeze about 4 hours ! or until frozen
Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Ingredients
Muffin Tin (for molds) 1 ½ cup of Cornstarch 1 ½ cup of Water Food colouring
Directions
1. Combine cornstarch and water, then divide it evenly between the muffin cups
2. Add 3 drops food colouring to each muffin cup and stir well.
3. Allow a few days to harden, pop out & play! Allow a couple of days to harden, pop them
dly Summer Crafts
Microwave Puffy Paint
www.torontofunplaces.com www.toronto4kids.comwww.toronto.com www.summerfunguide.ca/greater-toronto-area
Looking for Free & Low Cost Options for Recreation Program this summer?
The City of Toronto is committed to increasing access to recreation by offering free drop-in Programs and Community Centres Where Programs are Free!
LIST OF (SOME) CENTRES WHERE PROGRAMS ARE FREE
West
North Kipling Community Centre (2 Rowntree Rd) Driftwood Community Recreation Centre (4401 Jane St) Scadding Court Community Recreation Centre, (707 Dundas St W)
East
Stephen Leacock Community Recreation Centre (2500 Birchmount Rd) Malvern Recreation Centre (30 Sewells Rd) Heron Park Recreation Centre (292 Manse Rd)
** For more information and for other location, visit www.toronto.ca (Recreation Programs and Registration)
Want to know more? Check out these websites to see what Toronto has to offer!
Microwave Puffy Paint
TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD PARENTING AND FAMILY LITERACY CENTRES
Centre and Staff List - 2015-2016EAST
Holy Spirit Catholic School3530 Sheppard Avenue E, Scarborough, ON M1T 3K7 Phone: (416) 393-5282 Hours: (M-F) 9:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Facilitator: Abeda Tootla
St. Aidan Catholic School3521 Finch Avenue East, Scarborough, ON M1W 2S2 Phone: (416) 393-5350 Hours: (M-F) 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Facilitator: Ileta Williams (LTA)
St. Albert Catholic School1125 Midland Ave Scarborough, ON M1K 4H2 Phone: (416) 393-5335 Hours: (M-F) 9.00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Facilitator: Lan Chang
St. Barbara Catholic School25 Janray Drive Scarborough, ON M1G 1Y2 Phone:(416) 393-5274 Hours: (M-F) 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Facilitator: Gina Lim
St. Barnabas Catholic School30 Washburn Way Scarborough, ON M1B 1H3 Phone: (416) 393-5351 Hours: (M-F) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.Facilitator: Orly Aidelman
St. Columba Catholic School10 John Tabor Trail Scarborough, ON M1B 1M9 Phone: (416) 393-5380 Hours: (M-F) 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.Facilitator: Tina Balduini
St. John XXIII Catholic School175 Grenoble Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 3E7 Phone: (416) 393-5348 Hours: (M-F) 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Facilitator: Dalia Gebaly (LTA)
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School75 Alexmuir Blvd. Scarborough, ON M1V 1H6 Phone: (416) 393-5381 Hours: (M-F) 9:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Facilitator: Gayle Voskuil (LTA)
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School3220 Lawrence Avenue E. Scarborough, ON M1H 1A4 Phone: (416) 393-5269 Hours: (M-F) 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.Facilitator: Penny Trentadue
WESTBlessed Pope Paul VI Catholic School270 Laughton Avenue Toronto, ON M6N 2X5 Phone: (416) 393-5374 Hours:(M-F) 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Facilitator: Maureen Rozanov
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic
School125 Glenmount Avenue Toronto, ON M6B 3C2 Phone: (416) 393-5265 Hours:(M-F) 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.Facilitator: Julie Minakakis
St. Angela Catholic School220 Mount Olive Drive Etobicoke, ON M9V 3Z5 Phone: (416) 393-5361 Hours: (M-F) 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.Facilitator: Kimberley Ross
St. Anthony Catholic School130 Shanly Street Toronto, ON M6H 1L9 Phone: (416) 393-5210 Hours:(M-F) 9.00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Facilitator: Brandy Light-Davis
St. Charles Garnier Catholic School
20 Stong Court North York, ON M3N 2X9 Phone: (416) 393-5363 Hours: (M-F) 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.Facilitator: Carol D’Costa
St. Dorothy Catholic School155 John Garland Boulevard. Etobicoke, ON M9V 1N7 Phone: (416) 393-5341 Hours: (M-F) 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Facilitator: Shelly – Anne Licciardi
St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
333 Firgrove Crescent North York ON M3N 1K9 Phone: (416) 393-5366 Hours:(M-F)12:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.Facilitator: Carol D’Costa
St. Helen Catholic School
1196 College Street Toronto, ON M6H 1B8 Phone: (416) 393-5208 Hours: (M-F) 8.45 a.m.- 12:45 p.m.Facilitator: Antonella Totino
St. Leo Catholic School165 Stanley Avenue Etobicoke, ON M8V 1P1 Phone: (416) 393-5333 Hours: (M-F) 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Facilitator: Mary-Joe Da Cruz- Neiva
St. Wilfrid Catholic School 1685 Finch Avenue West North York, ON M3J 2G8 Phone: (416)
Read Play Learn…..TOGETHER!!
“A PARENT IS A CHILD’S FIRST TEACHER”