TORONTO KIDS JULY 09, 2015

July 2015

Visit activities events restaurants travel more!

Picture Perfect Picnic Spots PG 3

The Best Fishing Spots PG 4

Road Trip Games PG 5

July Events PG 6-7

Sun’s out Fun’s out

July Festivals PG 8

Canada Books!

PG 9

Swimming Safety PG 10

Fun Foods: Watermelon Ice Cream Cake PG 11

Time for Preschool?

Ages 1-5 Years Flexible Scheduling Extended Hours

Summer Cam-9pyrss Ages 2

Northwood Montessori

Plus!

• Parent & Tot • Toddlers • Preschool The Academic Advantages of Montessori plus the Fun of Bilingual E.C.E. Enrichment plus the Helpful Conveniences of Day Care.

Finch Campus • 1080 Finch Avenue East • 416-492-9495 www.northwoodmontessori.ca

Est. 1989

Multi-sport Summer Camp

Boys & Girls 3 - 7 8 Sports, LEGO® Play, Craft Play & Water Play.

6 GTA Locations

Cool-sport Summer Camp

Boys & Girls 7 - 12 Golf, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Beach Volleyball ...And More!

Polson Pier

WEEKLY CLASSES • KICK SOCCER • BIRTHDAYS www.sportplay.ca

• Create Your Flyer • Select Your Distribution Area

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Visit 2 | TORONTO KIDS - July 2015

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publisher IAN PROUDFOOT toronto general manager JOHN WILLEMS director of advertising CHERYL PHILLIPS sales team lead GEORGE AGELOPOULOS regional director of operations BARRY BLACK director of circulation MIKE BANVILLE regional director of production and creative services KATHERINE PORCHERON features writers TASHA ZANIN SARAH LENNOX cover design KIMBERLY FONG

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feature | sun’s out, fun’s out

5 picnic spots picture perfect

Make the most of the warm season in Toronto and the GTA! Pack a picnic basket and head to a perfect picnic spot. We’ve scouted five fabulous family picnic sites in and around the city. Pack blankets, food and refreshments for an alfresco feast at one of these great picnic spots.

Scarborough Bluffs Bluffers Park, located in Scarborough, is a beautiful day-use park with full picnic areas and picnic tables. The park offers spectacular views of the bluffs and Lake Ontario. There are trails, beaches, gardens, as well as sports and recreation facilities and amenities to enjoy. How to get there: Vehicles can enter Bluffers Park by traveling south on Brimley Road to its end point. It’s only a 10 minute walk along Brimley Road from the Kingston Road 12 bus stop to the park. Admission: Entry to the park is Free.

Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area This outdoor park space is located just north of the city in Stouffville and features a large selection of activities and many picnic areas. For family picnics, you only need to pay for admission into the park. How to get there: Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area is located on Stouffville Road, just east of Warden Avenue off Highway 404 in Stouffville. Admission: Adults (15+) $6.50, Seniors (60+) $5.50, Children (0-14) with their family are FREE. For large groups, you will need to book a picnic site.

Dufferin Grove Park Dufferin Grove Park is a great neighbourhood park with many picnic tables.

This is a popular place for picnics and it is on a first-come, first-served basis. Various activities in Dufferin Grove Park may need to be booked, either through a central permit or a talk with staff depending on what kind of event or activity you are planning. You can reach the staff at 416-392-0913. Admission: Entry to the park is free, but check with the staff for use of amenities.

High Park High Park is the jewel of Toronto’s park system with 18 designated picnic areas for pre-booking. Picnic permits are required for 25 or more people. For information on picnic permits call 416-392-8188. The park also features a playground built by volunteers, a zoo, a trackless train, a children’s garden, sports fields, walking nature trails, and more. How to get there: Centrally located at 1873 Bloor St. W. Admission. Entry to the park is free.

Toronto Islands The Toronto Islands provide many great secluded picnic spots along with many other fun amenities for the kids, such as Centreville Amusement Park

and the Far Enough Farm Petting Zoo. The Islands feature many picnic areas that include fire pits. If you have a group larger than 25 or if you wish to use the fire pits, you will require a picnic permit. For information on Toronto Island permits, call 416-392-8188. How to get there: You must take a Ferry to access the Islands. Ferries depart from the terminal at the foot of Bay Street. Centre Island ferries operate in the spring and summer only. Admission: Access to the park is free. Note: There is a fee to take the Ferry across.

Remember: Many picnic areas require permits for gatherings with large groups. Be sure to check with each individual site.

—www.Toronto4Kids.com

BEAT THE

Open Daily 11am - 7pm

Holiday Hours at fantasyfair.ca

HEAT! Rides • Games • Free Shows and MORE! 500 REXDALE BLVD AT HWY 27. FANTASYFAIR.CA • 416-674-5437

TORONTO KIDS - July 2015 | 3

Gone fishing

feature | sun’s out, fun’s out

Where and how to go fishing with the kids Fishing is a classic summertime activity. It’s relaxing, it’s a great way to bond, and it teaches patience. The GTA offers different kinds of fishing experiences. There are even organizations that supply the rod, reel, tackle and bait, so all you need to bring is a good attitude. Kids don’t need a licence to fish, but all Canadians between the ages of 18 and 64 years must purchase a valid fishing licence to legally fish in Ontario, so make sure you get one if you’re looking to drop a line. Our rivers, lakes and ponds are fully stocked with fish and we’ve got the scoop on where you and your kids can catch them.

Where to Go Fishing with Kids: Toronto • Lake Ontario waterfront • Toronto Islands, a ferry ride from downtown Toronto Halton Region • Burns Conservation Area: Twiss Rd. and #10 Sideroad • Bronte Harbour Park: Lakeshore Rd. W. at Bronte Rd. • Tannery Park: Chisholm St., south of Lakeshore

Rd. E. York Region • Musselman’s Lake: Hwy. 48 and Aurora Rd. Durham Region • Wilmot Creek: creek crossing at Hwy. 2 • Wilmot Creek: downstream of Hwy. 401 railway crossing • Kendal Crown Property: Regional Road 9, east of Hwy. 35/115 • Joe Fowler Memorial Park: Port Perry off Water St. • Trent Canal: Gambridge Lock 41 under Hwy. 12 bridge • Nonquon River: between 8th and 12th Concession • Bowmanville Harbour Conservation Area: Liberty St., south of Hwy. 401 • Bowmanville Valley Conservation Area: Roenick St., south of Hwy. 2 • Heber Down Conservation Area: Regional Rd. 23 and Hwy. 12 N. of Taunton Rd. • Lynde Shores Conservation Area: Brock St. south of Hwy. 401 • Oshawa Valleylands Conservation Area: Simcoe St., south of Hwy 401, west to Whiting Ave.

TSA SUMMER ART CAMPS & YOUTH ART STUDIO INTENSIVES GUIDE YOUNG ARTISTS THROUGH HANDS-ON STUDIO EXPLORATIONS IN DRAWING, PAINTING, SCULPTURE AND MIXED MEDIA TO STRENGTHEN SKILLS AND FOSTER THEIR CREATIVE VOICE.

Ontario Family Fishing Events The Ontario Family Fishing Event is a provincewide opportunity for Canadian residents to fish Ontario waters without the otherwise mandatory fishing version of the Outdoors Card. July 4-12, 2015 (12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday) are the Ontario Government designated licence-free days.

It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce kids to fishing! Visit: www.ontariofamilyfishing.com.

City fishing rules The province of Ontario published some city fishing fundamentals: 1. Get a Licence. Adults between the ages of 18 and 64 need a licence to fish except at Ontario Family Fishing Events where one is not required.

2. Get to know the rules and regulations. Many types of fish have open and closed seasons and limits on the size and number you can keep.

3. No trespassing. City fishing sites often border No gear? No problem! private property that is not always marked.

If you don’t have any fishing gear and you want to 4. Catch and release. Keep a few fish and release make sure the kids enjoy the sport before investing in the rest to help ensure a good fishery for future any equipment, look into the TackleShare program. generations.

It lends basic fishing gear to children or novice an- 5. Respect other fishers. Be courteous and do not glers. And it’s free! You can pick up gear at locations crowd them. in many urban fishing centres, including: places such 6. Stay safe. Always exercise caution when fishing as libraries, Big Brothers and Sisters, Conservation near flowing water, wear life jackets, and know Authorities and Ontario provincial parks. which fish you can eat and which you can’t.

Visit: www.tackleshare.com.

Visit: www.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/fishing — www.Toronto4Kids.com

Our series of Summer Art Camps (Ages 11-13), Youth Art Studio, Drawing Fundamentals and Life Drawing Intensives for Teens (Ages 14-17) are open for registration! Sign-up now and save $50 on each youth course with the 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

4 | TORONTO KIDS - July 2015

416-425-6062

sun’s out, fun’s out | road trips

On the road 10 ways to unplug on road trips with kids

Summertime is about getting away from it all and enjoying some much deserved R&R with your family. But let’s face it. Whether it’s a vacation, a weekend getaway, or simply a day trip, most of us don’t look forward to travelling in the car with kids! Instead of loading the kids up with electronics (which are okay for part of the trip), teach them some fun car games.

It’s much more likely the kids will stop mid-game to check out a landmark or two. But if your kiddo is in the middle of an amazing game of Temple Run, that little head will stay down for the entire ride. No conversation and no engagement with the landscape you’re passing.

Try unplugging on your next road trip. Here are some alternate activities.

Road Trip Bingo This is stepping up the licence plate game, plus even the little ones can play because they’re just looking for shapes. Pull out this very specific bingo and you’ve got at least 12 to 20 exits covered. Visit this website to download Road Trip Bingo and other travel games. www.free-puzzles.net I-Spy “I spy with my little eye, something beginning with the letter ‘D!’” Everyone takes turns to guess, i.e. dog, dirt, doughnuts, etc. Or you can look for objects of a certain colour.

The Theme Song Game Someone hums the tune to a favourite TV show, and everyone else tries to name the show as fast as possible. The first person to guess correctly hums the next song. For toddlers, you can use Nursery Rhymes and for older kids, you can also use current pop hits!

The Alphabet Game One person chooses the right-hand side of the road, and someone else the left. Each player looks for letters of the alphabet that appear on signs or

license plates on their side. The object of the game is to point out all the letters of the alphabet in order, from A to Z. The first person to spot the entire alphabet wins.

The Animal Name Game One person names an animal. Then each person in order has to name another animal (no repeating!) that starts with the last letter of the previous animal named. There are no winners or losers in this game.

With older children, try the game with TV shows, or geographical categories such as cities or countries.

Come up with new challenging categories.

Secret Place Race The first player looks at a road map and finds a small town, village, river, etc. That person announces the name of the place she or he has chosen. A second player has 60 seconds to look at the map and try to find the secret place.

Restaurant Race Each player chooses a restaurant, such as Burger King, Wendy’s, McDonalds, etc. Players can earn points by spotting their restaurant off the road, on a billboard, on exit markers, on food/fuel signs, or by hearing it mentioned on the radio. Set a time limit, and then add up the points.

Roadside Search Someone chooses an item to search for and whoever is the FIRST to spot it chooses the next item. (i.e. a blue sign, blown tire bits, fast food shop, a farm, etc.).

Animals Game You have one team on the left side of the car and one on the right. The first team to get 20 animals on their side wins!

Counting Games Who will be the first to spot 20 farms? 30 trucks?

Name an object easily found on the road and see who can spot the items and count the fastest.

— www.Toronto4Kids.com

TORONTO KIDS - July 2015 | 5

upcoming events Pirate Life at Centre Island Sail aboard the 45-foot Island Rogue from Centre Island. Come dressed in a pirate costume or use provided costumes. Receive face paint tattoos and a cool new pirate nickname.

Weekends in July Centre Island www.piratelife.ca Junior Jays Saturdays Bring your family to the ballpark every Saturday home game for Jr. Jays Saturdays presented by Boston Pizza. Kids can visit the Jr. Jays zones located at sections 127, 237, 239, the 200 level outfield and section 536 to take part in many fun activities. Kids 14 and under can line up at sections 108, 208 and 508 to run the bases just like the pros after the game.

Jul. 18 & Aug. 1 Rogers Centre www.torontobluejays.com Pompeii: In the Shadow of the Volcano at the ROM The ROM hosts the Canadian

premiere of Pompeii: In the Shadow of the Volcano. The exhibition includes approximately 200 evocative objects that tell the dramatic story of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city captured in time by ash and debris that buried it during a volcanic eruption.

Until Jan. 3 Royal Ontario Museum www.rom.on.ca MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition Spend a day as a MythBuster at MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition to uncover the truth. And while you’re at it, watch live demonstrations and check out real props and gadgets from the show.

Until Sep. 13 Ontario Science Centre www.ontariosciencecentre.ca Shrine Circus Spectac!

This is the 252nd anniversary of the Zerbini Family Circus. This imaginative new show includes trapeze & aerial artistry,

Hands-On

Education

jugglers, the motorcycle Globe of Fire, musical comedy, the Zerbini cavalcade of pachyderms, classical clowns and more.

June 19 to Aug. 2 Milton, Markham and Brampton www.shrine-circus.com

Dancing on the Pier Headed into its fifth year, Dancing on the Pier is a weekly social dance series on Toronto’s favourite, scenic, open-air dance floor. You are sure to find yourself dancing in this warm, welcoming environment that combines fantastic bands with dancing instructions. Free.

Jun. 25 to Sep. 3 Harbourfront Centre www.harbourfrontcentre.com

For further information or camp registration call

6 | TORONTO KIDS - July 2015

• • • •

top athletes from the Americas and Caribbean will vie for the medals. From soccer matches in Hamilton to gymnastics at the Toronto Coliseum, more than 30 venues located in 16 municipalities across southern Ontario will host the biggest ever Pan Am Games.

Event takes place in multiple locations across Southern Ontario

www.toronto2015.org

Ontario Family Fishing Events Ontario Family Fishing Events is a province-wide opportunity for Canadian residents to fish Ontario waters without the otherwise mandatory fishing version outdoors card. There has never been a better time to introduce a friend to fishing!

Jul. 4 to Jul. 12 Various locations www.ontariofamilyfishing.com The Beach Village Movie Nights You voted on your favourite movies, now come out and enjoy them with your friends and family! Experience these movies under the stars in our beautiful parks. FREE ADMISSION and FREE popcorn every Wednesday!

Jul. 8 to Aug. 26, 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Kew Gardens & Ivan Forrest Gardens www.thebeachvillage.com Free Flicks at Harbourfront If we’re talking about things that endure through the generations,

Certified Professional Instructors Video Tape Analysis Written Evaluations Radar Gun Drills

(905) 889-7293 - Peter Nielson

Arts

At the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games, 7,600

JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP Centrally located (Bayview & Sheppard) O.T.A. Award Winning Jr. Program Ages 4-18, Beginner to Advanced 11 Different One Week Sessions Full and Half Day Programs

Food

July 10 to July 26

BAYVIEW VILLAGE • • • • •

Outdoor

Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games

Vampire Campfire Summertime laughs for all ages!

Through singing, dancing and lots of interactive bits, The Second City cast tells the story of a spooky, silly gang of ghouls forced to spend their summer at a remedial camp for monsters.

Matinee performances. Every Wednesday & Thursday.

Jul. 1 to Sep. 3, 1 p.m.

The Second City Theatre 51 Mercer St. www.secondcity.com The Crazy Space Adventures of Princess Sparkly Butt & The Hot Dog Kid A space exploring princess discovers that she can control time with her butt.

She must use her butt powers for good, not evil, if she hopes to save her planet from totally exploding. This is an actionpacked space musical featuring hot dogs, monsters and shimmering butts.

Jul. 2 to Jul. 11 George Ignatieff Theatre 15 Devonshire Pl. http://fringetoronto.com/fringefestival/shows/

Sports

www.bayviewvillagetenniscamp.ca

the idea of family is inescapable.

Culturally and personally, the values and fascinations we pass forward are rooted in the world and the people that have shaped us: a fondness for sports, a flair for mad science, a little patch of land in Hawaii or even literal baggage. These movies explore that concept from the inside out.

Jul. 8 to Sep. 2 Harbourfront Centre w w w. h a r b o u r f ro n tc e n t re. c o m / freeflicks/2015 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 summer. Relax and have a chat over tea and homemade cookies. Enjoy a tour of this lovely, 1850s farmhouse. Included with regular admission.

Sundays in July Gibson House 5172 Yonge St. www.toronto.ca/museum-events

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upcoming events Bat Hike at Kortright Take a guided walk with a bat expert through bat habitat and learn all about these fascinating animals. Get an up close look at captive bats. Advance tickets required: 416-667-6295 July 9, 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Kortright Centre for Conservation 9550 Pine Valley Dr. www.kortright.org Mary Poppins at Lower Ossington Theatre Everyone’s favourite practicallyperfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure! One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically-perfect musical!

Jul. 9 to Aug. 30 Lower Ossington Theatre 100A Ossington Ave. www.lowerossingtontheatre.com Family Fun Nights At Earl Bales Park As part of the Family Fun series, parents and children can join in free adventure and fun activities an hour before the feature entertainment. The stage performances are for children ages 5 to 12 years.

Jul. 9 to Aug. 27 Earl Bales Park-Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre 4169 Bathurst St. www.toronto.ca Tiff in your Park TIFF partnered with Park People to launch a new series of travelling outdoor screenings taking place in park sites across the GTA this summer.

Movies include KHUMBA, Hugo, Ghostbusters, and more!

Jul. 11 to Sep. 25 Across the GTA www.tiff.net/summer2015-series/tiffin-your-park-map

Free Day Use at Ontario Parks Visit the inaugural Healthy Parks Healthy People celebration to learn about and celebrate the link between healthy parks and healthy people. During this event, there will be no charge for day use entry to any provincial park in Ontario.

Jul. 17 Ontario Parks www.ontarioparks.com/hphp Toronto Botanical Garden Night Critter Sleepover (Family) Camp out in the Teaching Garden with TBGKids! After a pizza dinner, go on a night-time bat hunt, hunt for moths, harvest salad from the garden and play some great night-time games. Then cozy up around the campfire to roast marshmallows and tell stories. Public $68; Members $62.

Jul. 18 Toronto Botanical Garden 777 Lawrence Ave. E. www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca Canada’s Parks Day Canada’s Parks Day is an annual celebration intended to encourage Canadians to discover their local parks.

On this day, discover spectacular national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas! Check park for admission rates.

Jul. 18 Various locations www.pc.gc.ca/voyage-travel/journeeparcs-parks-day.aspx Heat Wave Shave Thinking of getting a new summer hair cut? Why not be a shavee for this year’s Heat Wave Shave in support of Childhood Cancer Canada.

Jul. 22, 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The Centre for Social Innovation (Annex) 720 Bathurst St. www.childhoodcancer.ca

Education

Sports

Outdoor

Food

Arts

Intimate Illusions The No. 1 magic show in Los Angeles comes to Toronto! Filled with worldclass magic, fantastic story-telling, audience participation and incredible live music by Céline Dion’s concert cellist, this intimate performance weaves original, thought-provoking illusions, wit, humour and dazzling live music together with an entertaining theatrical twist.

Jul. 24& 25, 9:30 p.m.

The Omni King Edward Hotel 37 King St. E. www.ivanamodei.com Kids’ CBC Days Join the CBC for live performances starring your favourite Kids’ CBC stars. Take part in lots of free crafts and activities primarily for preschoolers but also including some activities for schoolaged kids. Free.

Jul. 29 & 30, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

CBC Broadcast Centre 250 Front St. W. www.cbc.ca/parents/events July Weekends at Scarborough Museum Join the Scarborough Museum Youth Collective on weekends this summer for fun filled Victorian parlour entertainment and popular 20thcentury board games. Enjoy delicious local delicacies from the Americas.

Family fun guaranteed. Admission is pay-what-you-can.

Weekends in July Scarborough Museum 1007 Brimley Rd. www.toronto.ca/museum-events Humpback Whales at Ontario Science Centre Narrated by two-time Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor, Humpback Whales is an immersive ocean adventure that invites audiences to delve into the mysterious realm of

BIRCHMOUNT GYMNASTICS CENTRE

one of the most enormous and vastly fascinating creatures on earth.

Until Oct. 2 Ontario Science Centre www.ontariosciencecentre.ca PANAMANIA PANAMANIA, is an arts and culture festival to enrich the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games experience.

More than 250 unique performances and exhibitions, both free and

ticketed, will take place across Toronto, showcasing the diverse cultures and artistic excellence of Canada and the Americas through music, theatre, dance, visual arts and fashion.

Various locations across Toronto h t t p : / / w w w. t o r o n t o 2 0 1 5 . o r g / panamania For an updated list of July events, visit: www.toronto4kids.com/ Calendar

Classes walking to teens

Summer CampMonday-Fridays, July 6 - August 28 Half & Full Days Gymnastics Classes all year round.

Summer Gymnastics Camp July 8 to August 26th

Register on-line at:

www.birchmountgymnastics.com

Hands-On

1800 Birchmount Rd.

Toronto

or Call us at: 416 292-4110 TORONTO KIDS - July 2015 | 7

summer activities | sun’s out, fun’s out

13fun summer festivals in the GTA

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are here and some of the most memorable moments are spent at festivals where the air is filled with laughter, the aroma of cotton candy and the twinkling lights of carnival games. Many festivals will bring your weekends to life with live music, exciting entertainment, exotic cuisine, thrilling rides and plenty of fried dough.

Create a memorable summer by checking out these awesome July festivals in Toronto and the GTA: Eco-Art-Fest Until September 13 This festival includes art installations by Canadian artists, art activities for families, guided art tours and outdoor musical performances. www.no9.ca/ecoartfest FringeKids! The Toronto Fringe Festival July 1 to July 12 FringeKids! features nine productions which range from puppet shows and interactive musicals to fantastical tales and charming classics. www.fring etoronto.com/fring e-festival/ fringekids/ Cultura Festival July 3 to July 24 Cultura is a free weekly Friday night festival which features unique performers and art installations, international street food vendors and evening film screenings at night in Mel Lastman Square. www.culturafestival.ca

8 | TORONTO KIDS - July 2015

Carabram: Brampton’s Multicultural Festival July 10 to July 12 Carabram, Brampton’s Multicultural Festival of Friendship, is back for its 33rd year. It celebrates Brampton’s diverse culture through music, dance, food, art and more in one incredible weekend. www.carabram.org Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto July 7 to August 2 Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine and visual and performing arts. Come and celebrate the 48th anniversary. It will be bigger and better than ever! www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com Franco-Fête de Toronto at Yonge-Dundas Square July 10 to July 24 Franco-Fête will bring together on stage dozens of French-speaking Ontarian, Canadian and Pan American artists. Admission is free. www.ydsquare.ca

Beaches International Jazz Festival July 10 to July 26 Toronto’s signature jazz event, attracting millions of people, is filled with great music and an engaging atmosphere. Admission is free. www.beachesjazz.com TO Food Fest July 12 TO Food Fest brings together top restaurants and local hidden gems in one exciting event.

Chefs give the community a taste of unique and delicious cuisine.

Admission is free, but it is recommended to give a $2 donation or non-perishable food item to Second Harvest. www.tofoodfest.com Ritmo y Color at Harbourfront Centre - July 17 to Jul 19 This is the 10th edition of Ritmo y Color, one of Toronto’s largest pan-Latin festivals, showcasing the cultural vibrancy of today’s diverse Latin American communities both locally and internationally.

Admission is free. www.harbourfrontcentre.com/ritmoycolor/2015

Festival of India July 18 and 19 This festival launches with a dynamic, high-energy parade down Yonge Street. The celebrations then shift over to Centre Island for two days of festivities. Admission is free. www.festivalofindia.ca BrazilFest: Toronto International BrazilFest July 19 This is Canada’s largest event dedicated to showcasing Brazilian culture, including food, dance and music. Admission is free. www.brazilfest.ca Festival Kompa Zouk: French Creole Festival July 28 to August 3 FKZO is Ontario’s largest gathering of local, national and international French-Caribbean performers and has grown into one of Ontario’s premier bilingual and multicultural family festivals. www.fkzo.ca Island Soul Festival at Harbourfront July 31 to August 3 Presented by the Harbourfront Centre, this free four-day festival celebrates the cultural diversity of Toronto and the island countries. www.harbourfrontcentre.com/islandsoul/2015 — www.Toronto4Kids.com

learning | book nook

book nook

Walk on the Wild Side Nicholas Oldland This clever picture book tells readers right away what to expect. There once was a bear, a moose and a beaver who loved adventure. But sometimes their comAges petitive natures get in 3-5 the way of having fun.

we’re celebrating canada! our great nation turns 148 this year! this month’s book nook choices celebrate the animals, natural wonders and people who call canada home.

Wow Canada!: Exploring This Land From Coast to Coast to Coast Vivien Bowers Join Guy, and his family as they dip their toes in the Pacific Ocean, hop in their Ages car, and set off to see 6-8 the country from west to east.

I Want to Go Home Gordon Korman Rudy Miller really isn’t into the whole camping thing. So when his parents send him to Camp Algonkian, all he wants to do is go home.

But bungled escape attempts with his room- Ages 9-12 mate make for a good summer after all.

Moose!

Robert Munsch A Canadian classic! Luke finds a moose in the backyard one Saturday morning but both his parents declare that “moose never come on the farm” — Ages only to be surprised 0-2 by the moose itself!

Baygirl Heather Smith New city. New school. Same old problems. Kit’s old life was bad enough but now it’s almost intolerable. It’s only when she meets Elliot that Ages she starts to see be12+ yond her own misery.

SUMMER

CAMPS & CLASSES Camps include:

• healthy snack and beverage each day • participation certificates • crafts and games • theme days

July 7 to August 29 Full day 9-4 ($295) Half day 9-12 or 1-4 ($155) Extended Care Available

GYM IS FULLY AIR CONDITIONED

77 Browns Line Etobicoke

$35 annual registration fee

416-253-1443

www.torontogymnastics.com TORONTO KIDS - July 2015 | 9

Swimming safety

feature | sun’s out, fun’s out

Keep your family cool and safe this summer

T.O. Tip If you want to see some pro athletes, check out the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. Download a Kids ‘N Play Passport in the meantime to complete challenges for points. Try to win the gold while staying fit with friends! Go to http://ppakids.ophea.net/

10 | TORONTO KIDS - July 2015

windows, gates, fences, and firm pool covers that works best for them.

Even with precautionary measures in place, make sure you’re prepared for the worst. Wood suggests having equipment like a shepherd’s hook nearby to quickly grab swimmers in distress. Having a phone close the to pool is also crucial. If an emergency occurs, someone needs to dial 9-1-1 immediately.

Byers recommends that adults and older children are also trained to perform CPR and basic first aid.

These lifesaving classes are taught all over the city and can be learned without ever stepping foot near a body of water.

Patel says one important factor in pool safety is knowing how to use safety equipment. It has to be maintained at all times to ensure it’s ready if an emergency arises.

If you don’t have a pool of your own, you still have to consider the risks associated with swimming at a public pool or beach. The Health Protection and Promotion Act of Ontario covers many public pool rules, including the required depth of

a pool with a slide, the depth of a pool in need of and fall. They could trip right into the water have a lifeguard and the necessity of sanitary and safe have trouble lifting themselves up to breathe.

Life jacket or not, swimming lessons are imporequipment, so city-run pools are usually a safe bet.

If you have small children, choose a location with- tant for child safety. In the past, many children were automatically put into swimout a diving board because the ming lessons. Canada is covboards are an added safety risk It’s still ered in fresh water, so parents and should not be used by were ensuring children’s safety small children. Lifeguards are relatively rare by making sure they could also important to look for, but realize that you will still be in for children to stay afloat. Today, Wood says many families that are new to charge of watching your little ones. Patel warns that apartdie by drowning, Canada may not have swimming lessons as a regular part ment unit pools are often unsupervised and children should but even one case of their culture.

Wood and Byers also recnever go swimming unless an ommend that all families have adult is within arm’s reach. is too many. a list of swimming rules. It Byers suggests a life jacket for any child or non-swimmer. These are far more can include no swimming alone, no running and no reliable than water wings and are created to keep a children allowed near the pool unsupervised. Work child’s head above water. This is important because together to create a full list that the whole family children under the age of five are at the highest risk can follow to avoid a tragedy.

— Sarah Lennox of drowning. Their large heads make it easy to trip

“

“

Splashing. Flailing. Screams for help.

These are all signs of drowning that movies and TV shows taught us to watch out for. Unfortunately, it just isn’t that easy in real life.

According to Barbara Byers, public education director for the Lifesaving Society, it’s difficult to tell when someone is drowning because water fills the airways, making it impossible to speak or shout.

It happens quickly, often taking about 20 seconds.

If you’re not paying close attention, there’s a good chance you’ll miss it.

Fortunately, Robert Wood, executive director of the Pools and Hot Tubs Council of Canada, says drowning isn’t a common occurrence.

“It’s still relatively rare for children to die by drowning, but even one case is too many,” he says.

When accidents do occur, children drown while parents and guardians are distracted. To avoid a costly mistake, the Lifesaving Society recommends using an ON GUARD card. This is a card on a lanyard worn by the adult(s) in charge of pool safety. When children are near a pool, there should always be an adult with a card who is responsible for watching the swimmers at all times without any distractions. At gatherings, assign shifts. Switch it up so everyone can take time to enjoy the party and children are kept safe.

Another precaution for pool safety is fencing.

Mahesh Patel, safe water lead and manager of healthy environments for Toronto Public Health, says in Toronto, fences need to surround a pool and those barriers must meet height requirements.

Byers, however, worries about the bylaw because a house can count as the fourth side of fencing, leaving your children at risk.

“When [children] see the sparkling, glistening water through the sliding door, they want to be there,” says Byers. “They’re fast and resourceful when there’s something they want to do.”

Byers and Wood agree the best way to avoid an accident is to take a layering approach. This means using a variety of safety precautions instead of relying on just one. Pool owners should find a combination of alarms for the back door, latches for

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“This recipe is one of my favourites for birthday parties or potlucks,” says Chef Tom Filippou, 2. Place cookies in food processor; pulse until fine crumbs. Press crumbs into bottom and up executive chef for President’s Choice Cooking sides of 9-inch (2.5 L) spring form pan; freeze School. “The cake’s bright colour and watermelon for 30 minutes. flavour make it a huge crowd pleaser.”

3. Scrape softened ice cream into cookie crust.

Using back of large spoon, push ice cream Ingredients: down to remove any air pockets. Smooth top • 2 tubs (946mL each) PC Ice Cream Shop Flawith knife or offset spatula; place in freezer. vours Watermelon Crunch Ice Cream • 2 pkgs (350 g each) PC Eat the Middle First 4. Pour whipping cream into bowl; whip with electric beaters until medium peaks form, about 2 Cookies to 3 minutes. Fold in sugar until combined.

• 1 Cup (250 mL) 35% whipping cream 5. Remove cake from freezer; top with whipped • ¼ cup (mL) Icing sugar cream and sprinkles. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours or • 1 tbsp (15 mL) Sprinkles overnight until frozen. Let sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

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