october 2014 Teach your kids about sustainable living-based gardening, kid-safe cooking, and crafts
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Pumpkin Patches in the GTA PG 3
Safety Tips for Halloween Night PG 4
Halloween Party Ideas PG 6
Book Nook: Hockey Reads PG 8
October Events PG 10-12
Keep Kids Healthy This Fall PG 14
Amazing Mazes! PG 15
Thanksgiving Desserts PG 17
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publisher IAN PROUDFOOT general manager MARG MIDDLETON regional director of advertising WARREN ELDER advertising manager CHERYL PHILLIPS sales team lead GEORGE AGELOPOULOS regional director of operations BARRY BLACK director of circulation MIKE BANVILLE regional director of creative services KATHERINE PORCHERON feature writers JENNIFER ROMANO TASHA ZANIN graphic designer JENNIFER ROMANO cover design SONYA CLARRY
feature | halloween
Pickin’ Pumpkins Family friendly pumpkin patches in the GTA What’s Hallows’ Eve without the perfect pumpkin? You could grab one from your local farmers’ market or at the grocery store. But for a more authentic experience, head to the country to a pick-your-ownpumpkin place. Many farms offer additional activities for families, like hayrides, bouncy houses, corn mazes and apple picking so you can turn your hunt into a fun seasonal day trip. Where to find pick-yourown pumpkin farms in the GTA: Albion Orchards 14800 Innis Lake Road, Caledon, ON
175 GORDON BAKER ROAD, TORONTO, ONTARIO M2H 0A2 TELEPHONE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 416.493.4400
905-584-0354 www.albionorchards.com Andrews Scenic Acres 9365 10th Sideroad, Milton/Halton Hills, ON 905-878-5807 www.andrewsscenicacres.com Brooks Farms 122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert, ON 905-473-3920 www.brooksfarms.com
Siloam Orchards 7300 3RD Concession Uxbridge, ON 905-852-9418 www.siloamorchards.com
Chudleigh’s Apple Farm Entertainment Farm 9528 Hwy 25, Halton Hills, ON 905-878-2725 www.chudleighs.com
Springridge Farm 7256 Bell School Line, Milton, ON 905-878-4908 www.springridgefarm.com
Forsythe Family Farms 10539 Kennedy Road, Markham, ON 905-887-1087 Website: www.forsythefamilyfarms.ca
Toronto Kids & Families is published monthly. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may by reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. Toronto Kids is in full compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Call 416-493-4400 for more information.
Round the Bend Farm 16225 Jane Street, R.R. #1, Kettleby, ON 905-727-0023 www.roundthebendfarm.com
Southbrook Farms Pumpkin Patch 1150 Major Mackenzie Dr. W. 905-832-2548 www.southbrookpumpkinpatch.com Whittamore’s Farm 8100 Steeles Ave. East, Markham, ON 905-294-3275 www.whittamoresfarm.com
—Toronto4kids.com
JEI
Learning Center
TORONTO KIDS - October 2014 | 3
feature | halloween
Trick or treat? Family safety tips for Halloween night
Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for kids. With some simple precautions, you can make sure that Halloween is a safe and happy experience for the entire family.
For parents
Don’t use masks. Masks make it difficult for children to see what’s around them, including cars. Try drawing your mask with a hypoallergenic non-toxic makeup kit instead. Make or buy costumes in light-coloured material.
T.O. Tip! Ghosts, goblins and wtiches aplenty run around at Halloween. Have your teens and tweens get involved with making their own costume this year by teaching them to sew! Sew Be It Studio, offers beginners sewing classes for kids 8 and up!
Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front, so that drivers can see your child. Costumes should fit properly to prevent falls. Avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses or capes. Put your child’s name and phone number inside his or her costume. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult for trick or treating. By the age of 10, some children are ready to go trick-or-treating with a group of friends. If your child is going out without an adult: • Make sure your child is in a group. • Give them a flashlight and have them take a phone. • Review the route they should follow. Ask them to call you if they plan to go on a street that isn’t on the route. • Set a curfew. • Tell your children not to eat anything until they get home.
FAMILY CONCERTS
Jon Batiste and Stay Human SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2PM KOERNER HALL
New Orleans’ own jazz piano prodigy takes us on an interactive trip to the roots of jazz and serves up a jambalaya of funk, rhythm, the blues, and spirituals.
For children and youth
Carry a white bag or pillowcase for your candy, or add some reflective tape. Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic. Bring your cell phone, in case you need to make an emergency phone call.
Let your parents know where you are at all times. Don’t visit houses that are not well lit. Never go inside a home. Don’t criss-cross back and forth across the street. Work your way up one side of the street, and then start on the other. Don’t eat any of your treats before you get home and have your parents inspect the treats when you get home.
—Toronto4kids.com
Always travel in groups.
Grown-up concerts for 6-13 year-olds (and their parents, grandparents and friends) with four different genres of music!
Monty Alexander’s Harlem-Kingston Express SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2PM KOERNER HALL
Explore the connections between reggae and jazz, from Great American Songbook standards to Bob Marley hits!
Natalie Merchant SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2PM KOERNER HALL
The pop icon and former lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs has created music and a book of classic children’s poetry, Leave Your Sleep. Hear her band and a string ensemble bring them to life.
Stewart Goodyear with Canada’s National Ballet School, Ballet Creole, and the Toronto Children’s Chorus SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2PM KOERNER HALL
Experience a solo piano version of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker with dancers and young singers!
TICKETS START AT ONLY $25! ON SALE NOW! 416.408.0208 www.performance.rcmusic.ca
Buy 4 or more tickets to one show and get 15% off or come to all four concerts in the series: a series subscription starts at only $92. 273 BLOOR STREET WEST (BLOOR ST. & AVENUE RD.) TORONTO
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feature | halloween
Ghoulishly good Halloween party activities You’ve sent your creepy invitations; your furry spiders are hanging from your ceiling amidst the black and orange crepe paper streamers; you have the most frightful menu planned and your punch will be brewing in a witch’s cauldron. Everyone will arrive in costume. It’s the one event of the year that kids really look forward to. The pressure is on… How will you keep the kids entertained for two hours? Try these fun, easy party games and activities, and make your Halloween party a memorable one! Halloween Treasure Hunt Hide a plastic pumpkin or a Halloween loot bag filled with goodies and prizes. Hide mini plastic pumpkins with clues placed inside them (you can also include mini-treats and candy in those for encouragement along the way!). Each clue will reveal the location of the hidden treasure!
kids can easily handle. Also have some Halloween sugar sprinkles on hand. Then, have the kids decorate their own cookies! Have enough to eat for refreshments and have each child to take one or two home to show off. Pumpkin Mini-Golf Carve out a few pumpkins and place them around the room to set up a game of minigolf. Create a small cardboard ramp into each pumpkin. Have the kids hit the golf ball into a pumpkin. Determine how many times each player gets to hit a golf ball. Each time the ball goes into the pumpkin, the player wins a candy. “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” Halloween Style With a little creativity and some markers and Bristol board, you can come up with many spins on this classic party game. Try: Pin the Stem on the Pumpkin, Pin the Wart on the Witch’s Nose, Pin the Nose on a Jack-O-Lantern, Pin the Hat-on-the-Scarecrow, or Pin the Witch on the Broom.
Decorate Halloween Cookies! Make sugar cookies ahead of time using Halloween cookie cutters. Prepare some icing in various Halloween colours and put in piping bags made with small baggies that
Halloween Photo Spot & Frame Craft Create a cool Halloween photo backdrop
to have a special picture taken with each guest. Print the photos while the kids are playing another game and then organize a photo frame Halloween party craft activity where kids can decorate their own photo frames. Inexpensive plain or unfinished photo frames can be bought at a dollar store. Place each photo in the child’s frame to take home. Candy Toss Pick up some decorative Halloween bowls or cups at your dollar store. Arrange them on the floor (distance according to children’s age) and have the kids toss the candy into the bowls or cups. Kids win their candy every time it lands in the bowls/cups. Mummy Wrap You’ll need a few rolls of toilet paper. Assign guests in pairs: one to be the mummy and one to be the wrapper. The wrappers must wrap their mummy completely in toilet paper. The team that finishes their roll of toilet paper first wins. You may even have a special prize for the team with the most “creative” or “scariest” mummy. Musical Pumpkins It’s the same concept as musical chairs - kids sit
in a circle and pass a small pumpkin around as the music plays. When the music stops, the child without a pumpkin is out. Continue until there’s a winner! Haunted Halloween Treat Box Cut a hole in a box large enough to reach in with your hand but not to see inside. Decorate your box with a Halloween theme. Line your box with a plastic bag to make sure nothing seeps through, then place lots of cold noodles, olives for eyeballs, dried apricots for ears, cut-up hot-dogs for fingers, and any other slimy food you can find. Also place individually packaged treats in the box. Have the kids stick their hand in the box to “pick out” a treat. See their reaction as they fumble to find the candy! Yuck! Halloween Parade End your party by letting the kids show off their fashionable Halloween costumes in a parade set to some favourite Halloween tunes. Whatever games or activities you choose for your party, remember the goal is to have a fun time! For more Halloween Party Games, visit Toronto4Kids.com
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Keep the Connections… Consider being a Foster, Adopt or Customary Care Parent Foster Care Hotline
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416-969-8510 ext. 7788 • Award winning program • Encourages respect for individual differences • Promotes self motivation • Small Classes • Students with no previous exposure to French are welcome
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TORONTO KIDS - October 2014 | 7
learning | book nook
The Highest Number in the World By Roy MacGregor Age Level: 6-9 years
9-year-old Gabe (Gabriella) Murray lives and breathes hockey. She shares a lucky number with her hero, Hayley Wickenheiser: number 22. But when her coach hands out the team jerseys, Gabe is stuck with number 9. Crushed, Gabe wants to give up hockey altogether. Gabe’s grandmother soon sets her straight, though, from her own connection to the number 9 in her hockey-playing days to all the greats she cheered for who wore it.
Z is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet
By Matt Napier Age Level: Baby - 3 years
With vibrant illustrations that bring the action alive, and A-Z poems that describe the basic elements of the sport, the bestselling Z is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet is now in a boardbook format, accessible to even the youngest of hockey fans.
Boo
Super Scorers (Hockey Hall of Fame Kids)
k
By Mike Leonetti Age Level: 5-7 years
10-year-old Paul has just joined the hockey team and loves to practice every day with his dad. When Dad gets a promotion and can no longer play with him, Paul has to make do with watching the exciting Canada vs. Soviet Union series with him at night. Paralleling the game-by-game, play-by-play, goal-by-goal excitement, Paul and his father rally through the series, until finally the tie-breaking final game arrives.
Hockey books LITERACY PROGRAM: JOLLY PHONICS® JOLLY GRAMMAR®
WRITING PROGRAM: HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS®
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Nook!
The Greatest Goal
By Eric Zweig Age Level: 7-12 years
The coolest book on the best scorers in hockey history! Hockey Hall of Fame Super Scorers features 43 Hall of Famers and 14 of today’s greatest players — and all of them can put the puck in the net! These super scorers come alive through color action photography, fun illustrations, Hockey Hall of Fame artifacts and great information on the best goal scorers in the history of the game.
The Big Book of Hockey for Kids
By Eric Zweig Age Level: 7-12 years
Who are the “Original Six”? What are some of the most historic hockey games? What jobs are available in the hockey industry, other than being an NHL all-star? This book will answer all your questions, and more! Eric Zweig, a veteran sports writer of thirty years, will teach any sports fan the A-Z of hockey!
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upcomingevents Markham Fair Oct 2 - Oct 5 Since 1844 the fair has been providing the community with a showcase for talents and products in a friendly competitive spirit. As well as the competitive displays, the community is further brought together to enjoy various forms of entertainment such as horse pull, demolition derby, tractor pull, midway rides and displays of farm animals. Markham Fairgrounds www.markhamfair.ca Tea and Tour Sundays at Gibson House Sundays in October, 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Relax and have a chat over tea and homemade cookies. Enjoy a tour of this lovely, 1850s farmhouse. Included with regular admission. Gibson House 5172 Yonge Street www.toronto.ca/museum-events
Brooks Farms Fall Fun Festival Until Oct 26 For over a decade, Brooks Farms hosts an awesome Fall Fun Festival that gets bigger and better every year. Enjoy the beautiful autumn season Brooks Farms style! Brooks Farms 122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert www.brooksfarms.com Toronto Coin Expo Oct 2 - Oct 4, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The best venue in Canada to buy, trade, sell and appraisals of your gold & silver coins, bank notes, gold jewelry, diamond rings at the highest prices. With world renowned dealers in attendance, you are sure to get the best market price. Daily admission is $6. Kids 16 and under are free! Toronto Reference Library Bram & Bluma Appel Salon 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON www.torontocoinexpo.ca
KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities from Cirque du Soleil Until Oct 19, 2014 Delve into a world of curiosity where seeing is disbelieving. The show immerses you in a mysterious and fascinating realm that disorients your senses and challenges your perceptions, leaving you to wonder: “Is it real, or just my imagination?” Grand Chapiteau at The Port Lands 51 Commissioners Street www.cirquedusoleil.com October Weekends at Scarborough Museum Weekends in October, 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Enjoy fresh baked goodies and share your story at the Communities Memories Kiosk. Pay-what-you-can. Scarborough Museum 416-338-8807 www.toronto.ca/museum-events Stanley’s Game Seven Until Dec 31 Hockey’s first 3D film is a stunning mix of 3D originally filmed hockey action teamed with computer-generated photo-realistic 3D animation and classic archival footage from some of the most renowned moments in Stanley Cup history – the film literally jumps off the screen. Hockey Hall of Fame www.hhof.com Pumpkinfest Oct 4 - Oct 5 Port Elgin Pumpkinfest is one of Ontario’s most unique events. Featuring two GIANT vegetable weigh offs, one of Ontario’s LARGEST two day outdoor car shows, over 100 craft & marketplace vendors for all your shopping needs and tons of family fun attractions, Port Elgin Pumpkinfest is the place to be! Downtown Port Elgin www.pumpkinfest.org
Hands-On
Sports
Outdoor
Food
Arts
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche Oct 4, 2014 - 7 p.m. until 7 a.m.
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche is Toronto’s annual all-night celebration of contemporary art, produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with Toronto’s arts community, for 12 hours from sunset to sunrise. The 2014 edition features more than 110 contemporary art projects exhibited across the city, including some new neighbourhoods. Free. Various locations across Toronto www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca
Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Until Oct 5 In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind, and live in the world above! But first she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking! Lower Ossington Theatre www.lowerossingtontheatre.com Fall Into Nature Oct 4 - Oct 13 Two full weekends of activities for visitors to all Conservation Halton ParksCrawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Kelso, Mount Nemo, Mountsberg & Rattlesnake Point. Fall into Nature celebrates the natural beauty & colours of the Escarpment Parks. From 9am-5pm each day, visitors will enjoy a variety of unique outdoor experiences including: chairlift rides, guided hikes and wagon rides, a great way to experience the fall colours, plus live entertainment featuring First Na-
tions dancers and kids activities. Various Parks - Conservation Halton www.fallintonature.ca The Princess & the Pea Oct 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 & 25, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Queen Bea wants Prince Tommy to marry a princess, but that means growing up. Two princesses appear: Margaret, a Perfect Princess on paper; and Kathy Lou, a Not-So-Perfect Princess in everything. Ages 3 - 10. Solar Stage - The Madison Centre 4950 Yonge Street, North York www.solarstage.on.ca Ballet Jörgen Canada’s The Velveteen Rabbit Oct 4 - Oct 5 Dancers bring to life this renowned story of a young boy and his love for a stuffed rabbit that eventually comes to life. The story focuses on the importance of friendship, love and the discovery of what is real. Betty Oliphant Theatre 404 Jarvis St www.balletjorgencanada.ca
OCTOBER 18 & 19 OCTOBER 25 & 26
MASK MAKING, TRICK OR TREATING & MORE INSIDE WOODBINE CENTRE 500 REXDALE BLVD AT HWY 27. FANTASYFAIR.CA 416-674-5437
10 | TORONTO KIDS - October 2014
upcomingevents CIBC Run for the Cure at the Toronto Zoo Oct 5 Run or walk alongside giant pandas, lions and polar bears in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. This year the Toronto Zoo is celebrating 40 years of saving and protecting species and is the perfect family destination for this fundraising event. We encourage participants to sport your finest flamingo pink attire! Toronto Zoo www.CIBCrunforthecure.com Casa Loma Thanksgiving Feast Oct 12, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Join us on Thanksgiving Sunday for a three-course festive holiday feast! Casa Loma www.casaloma.org Fall Colours Celebration at Kortright Weekends in October Discover the majestic beauty of fall at the Kortright Centre as our lush green forest tranforms into a brilliant canvas of vibrant reds, fiery oranges and understated yellows. If you haven’t experienced fall at Kortright, you are in for a treat. Regular admission applies. Kortright Centre for Conservation 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge www.kortright.org HarbourKIDS: Fall 4 U Oct 13, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean fun goes with it! This Thanksgiving weekend, carry the joy of the warmer months into the festive season with Fall 4 U, a celebration that is for and about YOU. What are you really good at? From singing to making to playing, come share your talents and discover new ones with HarbourKIDS. Free admission. Harbourfront Centre www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Delicious Food Show Oct 17 - Oct 19 A three-day food-lovers event designed to engage the consumer in a delicious, fall food, lifestyle and entertaining experience. Featuring hundreds of exhibitors, cooking demos, tastings, hands-on workshops, book signings, and appearances by Food Network and international celebrity chefs. Better Living Centre www.deliciousfoodshow.com To Kill a Mockingbird at YPT Oct 6 - Nov 2 Racial injustice in Depression-era Alabama through the eyes of a child. An adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Ages 11 and up. Young People’s Theatre 165 Front St. East www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca Our Kids Toronto Private School Expo Oct 18, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Find the best school for your child at the Our Kids Toronto Private School Expo on October 18, 2014. This is an exceptional tool for families to explore their private school options and find the best school for their child quickly and easily. The Toronto Private School Expo is the largest in Canada and features the very best private and independent schools. Roy Thomson Hall 1-877-272-1845 www.ourkids.net/expo/toronto-expo. php The AstraZeneca Human Edge Until Dec 31 Visit 55 remarkable exhibit experiences in The AstraZeneca Human Edge, the new exhibition at the Ontario Science Centre that explores the wonders and possibilities of the human body. Ontario Science Centre www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Park Harvest Festival Oct 5, 12 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Enjoy the harvest in High Park with crafts, music, horse and wagon rides, warm apple cider, roasted potatoes and more. Free admission to grounds, activity and merchandise fees apply. Cash is required for most purchases. Colborne Lodge South end of High Park www.toronto.ca/museum-events A Family Adventure Walk in the Forest at Kortright Oct 19, 12 p.m. unitl 4 p.m. Join York Region Nature Collabortive to experience an adventure in the Forest. Enjoy an engaging, activity filled family day that embraces a “head, heart, and hands approach to outdoor learning.” Admission is free but you must RSVP to reserve your spot. Spaces are limited. Kortright Centre for Conservation 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge www.yrnature.ca/a_family_adventure_ walk_in_the_forest Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Music is Awesome! Oct 23 Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! is going on the road this fall with a new show, Music Is Awesome! The coolest rock concert for kids (and parents!) is back to celebrate our fifth anniversary on the road. DJ Lance Rock and the Yo Gabba Gabba creators Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz carefully hand-picked the setlist to make the most awesome show yet! Sony Centre For The Performing Arts www.sonycentre.ca Tommy Thompson Park Sunday Morning Bird Walks Until Oct 26, 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Take a guided bird hike at Tommy Thompson Park every Sunday morning during fall migration. Search for birds along the nature trails and visit the
Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research Station. Meet the guide at the park entrance promptly at 8 am. Free. Tommy Thompson Park 1 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON www.tommythompsonpark.ca Imagination Park Weekends in October Bring fantasy worlds to life using our giant blocks to create the castles, creatures and cars of your dreams! Family gaming gets BIG with our giant board games and video games. Free. Mississauga Celebration Square www.mississauga.ca/celebrationsquare
Wicked Until Nov 2 Based on the best seller by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of Oz. Taking place long before Dorothy arrived in the magical land of Oz, the musical gives an inside look of the origins of these opposing witches. Watch as Elphaba and Glinda become the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch, with every decision they make. Ages 8 and up www.mirvish.com For more October events, visit www. toronto4kids.com/Calendar
TORONTO KIDS - October 2014 | 11
events | spooky fun
Spooktacular Halloween Events! Every October, the city of Toronto (and surrounding areas) hosts a terrifying number of Halloween activities. In fact, there are so many great ways to celebrate you may need a magic eight ball to decide where to go. Luckily, your kids will be so hopped up on candy, they’ll probably have the energy to hit several events in one day. Here’s what’s happening this Halloween... Family Halloween Train Rides Each year, the Greater Toronto Area’s only tourist railway runs its very popular family Halloween Trains. On board the decorated trains are ghosts, ghouls, and other entertainment for young and old alike. Trains operate from the Uxbridge and Stouffville stations and have lots of Halloween activities. All children (aged up to 12 years) dressed in their Halloween costumes will travel free (Max 2 children per adult). Oct 18 to Oct 26 York-Durham Heritage Railway Uxbridge Station & Stouffville Station www.ydhr.ca/trips-halloween.php City of the Dead: The Necropolis Cemetery Tour Join us for a drama-enhanced walk through the Necropolis Cemetery to visit the graves of William Lyon Mackenzie and his family, his fellow rebels and rivals. Hear stories of murder, heartbreak and great perseverance. After the walk, participants are invited to return to Mackenzie House, for a tour and some light refreshments. Not recommended for children under 8 years of age. Oct 19, 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. Mackenzie House 82 Bond Street, Toronto, ON www.toronto.ca/museum-events
Fort York After Dark Lantern Tours Tour the grounds of Fort York at night, and hear stories about this national treasure and the history that surrounds it. From the haunted lighthouse to the bloody Battle of York, don’t miss this great event. The tour will also visit two military cemeteries near the Fort. This event is not recommended for under 8 years. Pre-registration is required. $12.50 plus tax per person. Oct 17 to Oct 25 Fort York National Historic Site www.toronto.ca/museum-events Kreepy Kortright Put on your costume and celebrate Halloween with a haunted maze, a frightening forest walk, scary stories around the campfire, Halloween activies and live owls! Fun for kids 12 years and under. Oct 25 to Oct 26 Kortright Centre for Conservation 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge www.kortright.org Haunted High Park Visit Colborne Lodge and grounds at night andlisten to legends and ghost stories about the Lodge and High Park. (Not recommended for children under 8 years of age). Pre-registration required. Oct 25, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Colborne Lodge Colborne Lodge Drive, south end of High Park www.toronto.ca/museum-events Hallowe’en Howl at Solar Stage Join Alistair Ant and his friends for a Hallowe’en party! Songs and audience interaction make this a puppet show not to be missed. (Musical Puppet
Show) Ages 3 - 8 years. Oct 26, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. Solar Stage - The Madison Centre 4950 Yonge Street, North York, ON www.solarstage.on.ca
TSO’s Symphonic Spooks Well-known spooky works, including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera Overture, selections from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and Symphonie fantastique will be heard echoing throughout the hall. Come dressed in costume to help the Orchestra get into the Halloween spirit! Oct 25, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Roy Thompson Hall www.tso.ca Halloween Bed Race & Pumpkinfest in the Kingsway Join us for a family friendly day packed with tons of activities for everyone! Dress up and come and join in the activities! Live Entertainment, Bed Race, Pumpkin Decorating Judging and much more. Oct 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jackson Avenue & Bloor Street www.kingswaybia.ca Halloween Howl at Toronto Botanical Garden Try out your Halloween costume during an afternoon of spooky scavenger hunts, tantalizing treats and a light-hearted look at Halloween’s creepy critters. Adult accompaniment and registration required. Oct 26, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Toronto Botanical Garden www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca
Toronto West Halloween Fest Presented by Scotiabank, the 3nd Annual Toronto West Halloween Fest is closing down Bloor Street for this free community event with lots of things to do and see in support of St. Joseph’s great care close to home. Oct 26 Bloor Street West www.torontowesthalloweenfest.com Howling Hootenanny at Black Creek Halloween at Black Creek merges their usual educational activities with seasonal fun. See spiders, snakes, rats and more at the “Creepy Creatures Show”and explore The Haunted Maze. Trick-or-treat in the village or decorate a pumpkin. There’s so much to do at the village! October 18, 19, 25 & 26, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Black Creek Pioneer Village www.blackcreek.caw Camp Spooky at Canada’s Wonderland Enjoy a boo-rific Halloween event just for families this fall at Camp Spooky! Canada’s Wonderland is not all scary in the fall. Our Camp Spooky events on Saturdays and Sundays in October and on November 1st from 10:00AM to 5:00PM are geared towards children and families. Your favourite rides are also open during the day. Canada’s Wonderland www.canadaswonderland.com Many Halloween Events were not available at time of print. For an up-to-date list of Halloween Events, visit: www.toronto4kids.com/calendar.
NTIM Offers Music Instruction for All Ages and Levels!
JUMP MATH® ––––– LITERACY REMEDIATION –––––
Private rivate lessons in Pia Piano, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Accordion, Percussion & more!
The NTIM Advantage
• Highly qualified teaching faculty • Easy access by TTC, free parking • Well established in Toronto since 1995 NEW COMMUNITY CHOIR, ADULTS & CHILDREN
Winner of “B INSTRUCTI EST MUSICAL O Centre Mir N” in 2014 City ror Reade r’s Choice Awards
Open House Sunday September 7, 1-5pm
North Toronto Institute of Music
550 Eglinton Ave, East (at Bayview) Toronto Tel: 416-488-2588 | www.ntimusic.com 12 | TORONTO KIDS - October 2014
Drama and Dance –––––
ONGOING ENROLMENT 2014-2015
PLAY LOFT AFTER SCHOOL WE PICK UP FROM NINE NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOLS. Our after school program begins with a daily group meditation; then, children have a choice of activities within a varied program which includes Jump Math, Literacy, Chess, Yoga, Drama and Dance. As well, we encourage students to take advantage of our homework help. Free time play after classes finish includes fun on the climbing structures, or time playing air hockey, foosball or LEGO®.
At Play Loft, your child will… PLAY LAUGH LEARN GROW!
LEGO® ––––– CHESS ––––– YOGA ––––– LANGUAGES
PLAY LOFT 583 Danforth Avenue Toronto, Ontario
416.406.0110
We look forward to meeting your family.
info@playloft.ca www.playloft.ca
child care | finding a sitter
IN SUPPORT OF ST. JOSEPH’S HEALTH CENTRE
Time to call a babysitter?
Steps to choosing the right sitter for your family Hiring a babysitter can be a difficult decision for many families. For the first several years of their children’s lives, many parents only trust themselves or direct family members to take care of their kids. But most parents must eventually rely on babysitters to look after their children. Selecting a babysitter is not something to take lightly. Putting your child into the care of another person requires trust and careful vetting of that person. The best place to begin looking for a babysitter is within your own community. Churches, preschools and a network of friends can usually yield suggestions for potential babysitters. An older child of a close friend is often a person to consider. Otherwise, ask around at your child’s day care center or preschool. Some teachers watch children as a side job, while others may offer recommendations. A school that conducts background checks on their employees as well as screens them for drug use and illnesses can take much of the work out of the vetting process for you. As a parent, you may simply need to call up some of the sitter’s references to validate his or her claims of responsibility. The next step is to interview a sitter and see how he or she interacts with your child or children. Ask questions at this point, finding out if the sitter is trained in CPR and first aid and if the sitter completed any courses in handling medical emergencies or other potentially sticky medical situations. Be sure to ask about experience watching particular age groups as well. Discuss your rules with the sitter, including bed times, food restrictions, policy on visitors, use of certain appliances and use of social media or digital devices while babysitting. The babysitter should understand all of your requirements
and agree to them readily before being offered the job. Once a babysitter has been selected, have the sitter come to the house roughly 30 minutes before you decide to leave. This time gives your children time to grow acclimated to the sitter’s presence, and it gives you the chance to answer any questions the sitter may have. Leave emergency phone numbers as well as details on how you can be reached and where you are going. You may want to inform a close neighbor that you are having a sitter watch the kids and find out if he or she can be available in case of an emergency. You will probably be anxious the first time you leave your children with a sitter. Call home several times to check on things and reassure yourself that all is well. When you return home, ask the sitter how things went. Talk about situations you know may have been a problem, such as a reluctance for the kids to go to sleep. Reassuring the sitter that these behaviors are not a reflection on his or her skills as a sitter will make the babysitter feel more comfortable and secure. Some parents feel better by using a nanny cam to keep a close watch on the situation at home. This is a personal preference and may not be necessary unless you suspect something is awry. In such instances, it is better to look for a new sitter instead. Your children can tell you if they liked the sitter and if they felt comfortable with him or her. Kids who appear reluctant to be around the sitter or who exhibit a strong desire for their parents to stay home should raise some red flags. However, if you’ve done your research and have found someone you believe to be a reliable and safe sitter, there should be no problems. —MS
HERO TWINS DYLAN & MAX #stjoesheroes
Born at St. Joe’s – great care inspired their parents to give back
FREE Costume Parade, Street Festival & Live Entertainment
Bring your family and join your friends and neighbours at this city’s best Halloween event. Go online to read about our hero kids, hero patients and hero neighbours – all raising critical funds for St. Joe’s. Register now to join them at this free event and become a hero.
torontowesthalloweenfest.ca ontowesthalloweenfest.ca
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014 10:30am to 4pm Bloor West Village LEAD SPONSOR
TORONTO KIDS - October 2014 | 13
healthy living | changing seasons
Bundle Up!
Quick tips to keep kids healthy this fall The days are getting cooler – and more hectic. Kids’ music lessons and hockey practices are in full swing. Homework is keeping them up at night. They’re indoors more, passing viruses around. It’s a perfect recipe for illness. Here are seven ways to keep health on the agenda this fall: 1. Hand washing: It’s the single most important way to stop the spread of colds. Keep soap pumps at every sink in the house, and reward kids for regular hand-washing. 2. Get sleep: The lack of sleep can affect a kid’s immune system. Try for the same bedtime every night, follow a calming routine like reading or bathing, and limit drinks with caffeine. Research shows kids with TV in their rooms sleep
less, so move it somewhere else. 3. Eat fruits and veggies: Try a bag of sweet potato fries instead of the usual French fries. Drop frozen berries or cherries into a smoothie. Throw red peppers and garlic into the pan 10 minutes before adding pasta sauce. Or try that zucchini brownie recipe you’ve heard about. 4. Stay warm: Mornings are cool now, afternoons a little warmer. Avoid both chills and overheating by layering outerwear, so they can ditch one thing without removing it all. 5. Get those shots: Keep immunizations – including flu – up to date. Over the past 50 years, they have prevented more illness and saved more lives than any other health measure.
6. Learn why health is critical: Children everywhere can survive and thrive if they do very basic healthy things. Learn what children in developing
countries need to stay healthy – and this can be educational for everyone in the family. 7. Set the example: None of these
measures will work if you don’t model them yourselves! Tell kids what you’re doing, and why.
—Newscanada.com
LOVE THE GAME BE EMPOWERED. BE STRONG. BE LEADERS. BE CONFIDENT. BE GREAT.
SBA BLUES BASKETBALL T-LEAGUE BOYS - AGES FROM 11 TO 14 STARTS: WHERE:
Saturday, October 11, 9:00 am –10:30 am St. John Paul II CSS 685 Military Trail, Scarborough
GENERAL INFORMATION • Uniform • Train with college coach and college players • 20 weeks • Awards • Controlled games
Benefits: Each player will receive training in basketball techniques and game strategy.
TO REGISTER PLEASE GO TO SBABASKETBALL.CA 14 | TORONTO KIDS - October 2014
Features: • REP experience • Game situation • Qualified coaches • Fun environment
outdoor adventure| fall mazes
Amazing Mazes Get lost in the twists and turns of a corn maze this fall. Kids love autumn visits to Greater Toronto farms so they can wander through mazes made of maize stalks or hay. Some mazes wind around for as much as a couple of kilometers, in shapes of animals, sports, patriotic scenes, and more. Here’s a list of Toronto and GTA farms that invite families to get lost in their a-maze-ing configurations. Be aware that some of these farms and markets may only be open on weekends, so call ahead or go online for details before you visit. Pingle’s Farm Market Come experience Pingle’s giant 8-acre corn maze! Opening Saturday, August 23 and the maze closes 1 hour before the farm closes. Each year we have a new theme and create challenging questions to be completed throughout your a-maze-ing experience! The maze takes between 45 to 60 minutes to complete. 1805 Taunton Rd. East, Hampton www.pinglesfarmmarket.com/CornMaze.html Rounds Ranch Adventure Corn Maze Wander in a huge adventure cornfield maze at Pumpkin Mania. There are activities for the whole family, such as pumpkin bowling, pumpkin toss, pumkin seed spitting, a peek-a-boo pumpkin hun and a pie eating contest! Everyone leaves with a free pumpkin. 1922 County Rd., 92 RR 2, Elmvale www.roundsranch.com
Richardson’s Farm and Market Explore the trail in a 5 acre corn maze; challenge yourself to figure out the jammed tractor mini maze, cats cradle maze, and pathway puzzle maze; and play in the strawbale maze. 131 River Rd., RR 4, Dunnville www.richardsonsfarm.com Leaping Deer Adventure Farm and Market Adventure awaits you as you wander through the Leaping Deer Adventure Farm’s 10+ acre corn maze! Every year they plant more than just corn, find out what else they have hidden in the maze! 544212 Clarke Rd., Ingersoll www.leapingdeer.com The Thamesville Maze Find your way out of a giant 10 acre corn maze or enjoy the pumpkin patch, wagon rides, farm animals, mini mazes or the Jumbo Jumper! 12768 Longwoods Rd., RR 6, Thamesville www.imaze.ca The Uxbridge Maze Try your hand at this year’s “Ghostbusters” maze! If you get a little lost look for the trained “corn cops.” Coopers CSA Farm also has a combine harvester slide, horse swings, mini mazes, echo tubes, animal viewings, wagon rides, and a farm kitchen full of delicious homemade treats. 266 Ashworth Rd., Zephyr www.uxbridgemaze.ca
—Toronto4kids.com
TORONTO KIDS - October 2014 | 15
Celebrate
Rafti
Open house: Nov. 13 5pm-8pm
416-285-0870 | www.MetroPrep.com | 49 Mobile Drive, Toronto 16 | TORONTO KIDS - October 2014
fall food | thanksgiving desserts
Fall for sweet treats
Get crafty with Thanksgiving desserts in a jar Add just the right amount of country charm to your Thanksgiving with these decadent dark chocolate cakes served in Mason jars. Get the kids involved with decorating each They taste just as good as they look, and can also be offered as festive gifts for your family and friends. Dark Chocolate Mint Mason Jar Cakes Makes: 12 jars Ingredients • 12 500ml, wide mouth Mason jars • 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, for greasing Mason jars • 1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour • 2/3 cup (170 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda • ¾ tsp (4 ml) baking powder • ¼ tsp (1 ml) sea salt • ½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, softened • 1 cup (250 ml) honey
TORONTO
• 2 large eggs • 1 ½ tsps (7 ml) pure peppermint & mint extract • ½ cup (125 ml) plain yogurt • 1 can, buttercream icing • Toppings as desired Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease Mason jars with 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter. In a medium bowl, whisk or sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a large bowl or mixer, cream ½ cup (125 ml) butter and honey together until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth, then stir in mint extract. Fold half of the flour mixture in until just combined (do not over mix). Fold in yogurt until combined, then fold in remaining flour. Divide batter evenly into prepared Mason jars, filling each just over halfway full. Use a piping bag to make filling the jars easier.
Place Mason jars into a roasting pan and fill with hot water, up to 1 ½-in (4 cm) below the top of the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Using oven mitts or a towel, carefully remove Mason jars from pan and
allow to cool completely. Fill Mason jars with icing and decorate as desired, up to 12 hours in advance of serving. To store, ice cakes and seal with lids for up to 48 hours in refrigerator.
—Newscanada.com
KIDS &
Interested in advertising with us? To book an ad, contact the
Toronto Kids & Family Advertising Team 416-493-4400
Tel: 416.484.1940 539 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto M4S 2M5 www.kidscostumes.ca
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Your Halloween Superstore! More Costumes • More Styles • More Sizes
Visit Our New And Fun Kids Zone! halloweenexpress.com 1855 Dundas Street West (Just West of HWY 427, Next to Fabric Land) • 647-557-3851 TORONTO KIDS - October 2014 | 17
New Swimmers at all levels welcome!
416-274-4408
WWW.JACSWIMMING.COM 416-425-6062
KEELE PUBLIC SCHOOL - SOUTHWEST CORNER OF KEELE & GLENLAKE AVE
LEGACY OF DANCE ACADEMY Celebrating 22 Years
IndulgeYourself Registered Massage Therapy Chiropractic Treatment Microdermabrasion Skin Tightening Acne & Scar Treatment Tattoo Removal ICE Laser Hair Removal & MORE Free Consultation! 647-518-3388 • 416-633-7026 555 Wilson Heights Blvd. Unit 8-9 Toronto, ON M3H 6B5 1170 Sheppard Ave. W Unit 43 Coming Soon Toronto, ON M3K 2B5 yorkdalespring.ca
Develop your child’s love of music and movement! • Dance for children aged 2.5 and up • Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acrobatic dance, contemporary and more! • Highly trained and caring teachers • Registration Available Year-Round • Expanded facilities to serve you better
Fall Registration Now Open! Register online at tandemstudiostoronto.com www.tandemstudiostoronto.com 3300 Yonge St. (at Fairlawn) 647.348.4953 1st & 4th floor info@tandemstudiostoronto.com
M ntessori Village & Education Centre TODDLER • CASA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 416. 266. 0424 www.gvmontessori.ca Open 7 am to 6:30 pm Open House Wednesdays @ 7 pm OPEN TO ALL… French Immersion Themed Classes – from age 6 to 14 yrs ENROLL NOW... Saturday 2 hour classes -- Call or Visit to enroll Tutoring: Ages 6 and up, French, Math, Language -- High school: Math, Physics, Chemistry 297 Old Kingston Rd @ Morrish Give your child the love of learning…
MODEL- TALENT AGENCY 25 years experience
WORLD INTERNATIONA
L AGENCY
FOR FUTURE ASSIGNMENTS
NO EXPERIENCE / WILL TRAIN
TV • FILMS COMMERCIALS TALENT SHOWS
Leader in Asian Modeling and Talent • Safe Environment • Self Confidence-Self Esteem • Leadership Experience/Fun BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
416-668-1662
info@celebritytalentagency.ca www.celebritytalentagency.ca 18 | TORONTO KIDS - October 2014
2014
ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS Ages 2.5 yrs up Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Hip-Hop, Modern, Adult Drop In Classes, Small Class Sizes, Certified Teacher, Birthday Parties, 5000 Sq.Ft. Facility Voted one of the best dance schools by City Parent newsmagazine four years in a row and chosen as the “winner” for 2013 and 2014, try us out and see why.
416-492-4491 • 4077 Gordon Baker Rd. (at Pharmacy Ave.) Toronto, Ontario, M1W 2P3
www.legacyofdance.com
www.arrowsmithschool.org
As featured in the best selling book “The Woman Who Changed Her Brain” A COGNITIVE PROGRAM ADDRESSING: READING w WRITING w MATHEMATICS VISUAL MEMORY w AUDITORY MEMORY w DYSLEXIA w NON-VERBAL LEARNING w ADD
Full-Time and Part-Time enrolment available. We also provide assessments of individual learning profiles.
Parent information sessions at 7pm: Wednesday, October 15th 2014 Wednesday, November 12th 2014 Wednesday, December 17th 2014
245 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON 416-963-4962 info@arrowsmithprogram.ca
www.arrowsmithschool.org @ArrowsmithWeb
/arrowsmithprogram TORONTO KIDS - October 2014 | 19
20 | TORONTO KIDS - October 2014