september 2014
Guaranteed Lice Removal
Back-to-School PG 3-6
Gadget Review: VTech Smartwatch PG 8
September Events PG 10-11
Fall Fairs PG 12
Fun at the Farm PG 13
Lunchbox Makeover PG 14
Nut-Free Trail Mix Recipe PG 15
Off to the Orchard! PG 17
Time for Preschool?
Northwood Montessori
• Parent & Tot • Nursery • Kindergarten
Ages 1-5 Years Flexible Scheduling Extended Hours
Visitors Welcome
Finch Campus 1080 Finch Avenue East 416-492-9495
The Academic Advantages of Montessori plus the Fun of Bilingual E.C.E. Enrichment plus the Helpful Conveniences of Day Care. Madawaska Campus 53 Madawaska Avenue 416-250-8302
www.northwoodmontessori.ca
Plus!
Est. 1989
2 | TORONTO KIDS - September 2014
TORONTO
feature | back-to-school
KIDS &
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
Smooth Transition back to the classroom Did you know that there are simple ways to ease children back into their fall routine, and even get them excited about it? From creating an upbeat yet relaxing environment in your home, to finding fun ways to schedule and organize activities, here are some tips on how to get kids excited about school and back into a routine.
director of circulation MIKE BANVILLE regional director of creative services KATHERINE PORCHERON
WAKE THEM WITH AWE Since alarm clocks can be harsh for children, start their day with just the right amount of beautiful, filtered morning light. Enter their rooms and draw the curtains to let light through. As their eyes and bodies adjust to the light, they will wake up gradually and not abruptly, which will help to eliminate any disgruntled behaviour in the A.M. Changing the light is a subtle way to give them a nudge that the day is here and ready to be started.
STUDY SANCTUARY Since the assignments don’t end when the school day does, it’s important for children to come home to an environment where they can do their homework and be able to concentrate while studying. Many classrooms for young children are decorated with bright colours and educational décor, so why not bring that look home. Even if you don’t have an extra room to decorate, you can easily dedicate a corner of a bedroom to a study space. Bright desks, chalkboards and maps with fun colours and symbols are nice ways to encourage children during homework time. Make sure to take your kids with you when shopping for their study area and school supplies. Kids who get to choose their supplies might be more excited to head back to school as well as sit down to do homework than youngsters who aren’t able to offer their input.
feature writers JENNIFER ROMANO TASHA ZANIN graphic designer JENNIFER ROMANO cover design SONYA CLARRY 175 GORDON BAKER ROAD, TORONTO, ONTARIO M2H 0A2 TELEPHONE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 416.493.4400 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.
PLANNING AND REMINDERS Keeping a personal notebook of important dates in the school year and reminders is a good
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Important Dates Labour Day: Sept. 1
First day of classes for all students is Sept. 2
Thanksgiving: Oct. 13
Board-wide PA Day: Nov. 14 Board-wide PA Day: Dec. 5
Christmas Break: Dec. 22 to Jan. 3 (inclusive) Elementary PA Day: Jan. 23 Secondary PA Day: Jan. 29
Board-wide PA Day: Feb. 13 Family Day: Feb. 16
March Break: Mar. 16 to 20 Good Friday: Apr. 3
Easter Monday: Apr. 6 Victoria Day: May 18
Elementary PA Day: Jun. 5
Secondary PA Day: Jun. 24/25 last day of class: Jun. 25
way to stay on top of things. Get the family involved by using common areas to post important TDSB school year dates on a schedule that can easily be mapped out on a large, decorative calendars or message board. Try putting it in the kitchen or mud room. Creating a less hectic environment is important when starting the school year because kids can feel it when parents are overwhelmed.
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TORONTO KIDS - September 2014 | 3
feature | back-to-school
Keep it green There is certainly a lot of organization and preparation that goes on at this time of year—not to mention a lot of spending. Save some money by following these simple ways to green your back to school routine and head back to class in an eco-friendly way. You’ll not only save some energy and money, you’ll also help make our world a better place to live in. 1. Re-use your backpack and lunch box from last year. There’s no need to spend money on new items and create waste when your existing ones still have use. Same with supplies. Go through your school bags from last year and re-use everything you can. When buying, go for recycled paper products (notebooks, printer paper, agendas) whenever possible. Earth friendly pens and pencils are also getting easier to find. 2. Get on an email list. Ask your school to e-mail newsletters. Get parents to volunteer to create the email list if the school has not already done so. You get enough paper from the school as it is! This would save the school time, effort and money.
3. Green your transportation. If you live close to school and if it’s safe, consider walking or riding bicycles to minimize on driving. Getting out in the fresh air is a great way to wake up little brains and get the blood pumping before classes start. Review safety rules beforehand, including a planned route and using bicycle helmets. 4. Pack a litter-less lunch! There are tons of options to choose from these days which help cut down on the use of plastic wraps and baggies, tetra juice boxes and plastic utensils. Make sure everything in the lunchbox is re-usable and does not need to be thrown out. 5. Be a watchful consumer. Yes it’s tempting to run out now and buy all your back-to-school clothes and gear but consider purchases before you make them and think about waiting a few weeks to see what items are really needed. Before the end of September, retailers will put clothing and other items on sale to make room for all the winter stuff and that means sales and big savings for you! More back-to-school tips, visit toronto4kids.com.
SCHOOL SUPPLY
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Pencil Sharpener Blur/Red Pens Safety Scissors Glue Stick White Erase Pencil Case Markers or Pencil Crayons Hand Sanitizer Backpack Lunch Bag USB Flash Drive
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4 | TORONTO KIDS - September 2014
feature | back to school
Create a carpool Yellow buses are synonymous with school. But in some neighborhoods, budget cuts have forced school districts to limit bus service for students. In an effort to transport youngsters to school more efficiently, parents often band together to form carpools. Those who are new to the area or school may not know where to turn to team up with other like-minded parents. Ridesharing is an effective way to get children to and from school and divide the responsibilities among parents. Carpooling reduces vehicular congestion in and around the school, cuts down on car emissions in the atmosphere and also helps multiple families save time. Furthermore, carpooling can offset fuel costs and cut down on wear and tear on a vehicle for those parents who live far away from their kids’ schools.
Choosing carpoolers Parents who live nearest to you are the most likely choices for carpoolers. Most schools funnel children from specific areas into one school, so look for parents of school-aged youngsters in the immediate vicinity of your home. Many school communities now have an online presence through social media, and this can make finding people to share carpooling responsibilities with that much easier. Keep in mind that
if you are new to the school and/or community, it could take more time to establish yourself as a reliable and safe driver among other parents. Remember, when it comes to the safety of their children, many parents are not quick to let them hop into the car with just anyone. The same principle exists when you are looking for a carpool. You’ll want to develop a relationship with the parents prior to the start of the carpool to ensure you feel comfortable with your chilad riding along with this person.
Establish a schedule Carpooling will blend the schedules of a few different families together. It is important to map out a schedule so that all days of the week are covered. There should be a contingency plan should one driver not be able to carpool that day due to illness or other commitments.
Carpooling safety Even if you are close friends with someone who will be ridesharing, you will want to be certain of their driving skills prior to their driving your kids to school. All parents involved in the carpool should bring their safety concerns and rules to the table to be sure everyone has the same priorities. The size of vehicles will play a role in carpool-
ing safety. Each child should have ample room to sit and his or her own seat belt. If booster or car seats are still required, the car should fit the seats comfortably so that all passengers have the correct safety equipment. No child should be allowed to ride unsecured, in the front seat under the required age by law or in the rear cargo area of a sport utility vehicle.
Establish a payment arrangement In most school carpooling situations the amount of fuel used is nominal. However, those who do spend a good deal of money on gas may want to establish a way of sharing the
costs associated with the carpool. Taking turns driving the kids to school usually divides the cost fairly. Some parents prefer to give a gift at the end of the school year to the parent who did the bulk of the driving. Donations to the primary driver also can offset any expenses. Carpooling is a good method of transporting children to school when buses are not available. A carpool reduces the number of cars on the road and also helps conserve time and resources among several different households.
—MS
TORONTO KIDS - September 2014 | 5
learning | book nook Mead Trapper Keeper Snapper Trapper 1 Subject Notebook
First Day Jitters
By Julie Danneberg Age Level: 3-5 years
Having your notebook drop out of your binder is a thing of the past with the new Snapper Trapper™ feature. Easily snap the notebook in and out of a 3-ring binder for quick organization on the go!
Help ease first day of school nerves with this charming and fun story about Sarah Jane Hartwell’s first day at a new school. Sarah is scared because she won’t know anyone, but she is befriended by Ms. Burton who helps smooth Sarah’s jittery transition.
k
Boo
Whether it’s keeping track of your assignments or all of your sporting events, this planner can do it all plus look good in its trendy designs! The 12-month planner has weekly and monthly pages and student reference pages to help kids keep on track in school.
Back -toSchool Books
Nook!
Five Star Style Large Student Planner
Webster’s Student Dictionary and Thesaurus Age Level: 8 years and up
Get prepared for writing assignments and spelling tests with a dictionary made just for students. It includes 37,000 easy to understand definitions and 57,000 synonyms and antonyms.
Zwipes 1-1/2” Customizable Zipper Binder The ultimate student must-have. Zwipes lets you write reminders or doodle designs right on the cover. Clear zwipeable front pocket, interior expanding file, 6 assorted colours, Zwipes® marker included.
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Keep the Connections… Consider being a Foster, Adopt or Customary Care Parent Foster Care Hotline
6 | TORONTO KIDS - September 2014
416-969-8510 ext. 7788
colour zone | school time
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gadget review | smartwatch
Watch Out!
VTech introduces the newest smart technology for kids Kids used to playing with their parents’ gadgets can now play with a smartwatch of their own. The latest gadget from toymaker VTech is the Kidizoom Smartwatch, a brightly coloured watch for kids ages four and up. It’s not quite as advanced as dad’s smartwatch, but with only two side buttons and a 1.4-inch touchscreen face, it’s the perfect toy for kids growing up with technology. The easy-to-use gadget has big buttons for kids’ little fingers. And its durable design is made to withstand the bumps, sweat and splashes of active kids, and the super soft rubberized band is adjustable for all wrist sizes. VTech claims the battery will last two to three days of typical use on one
charge, so pint-sized technology lovers will love to wear it everywhere and play all day. As part of the Kidizoom line, the camera is a huge focus in the watch. With the press of a button, kids can take pictures and oneminute videos. Kids will have fun adding frames to their photos and editing videos, and can easily transition between features by pressing onscreen camera and video camera buttons. Playback is easy; on the camera feature just press the
play button on the screen. Store photos and videos on a computer using the micro USB cable that comes with the watch. The Kidizoom Smartwatch makes learning to tell time fun. Choose from different colours and patterns or seasonal cartoons to customize the analog or digital. The smartwatch also has simple and animated timer, stopwatch and alarm functions. Learn to tell time with the Time Master, a fun game where kids can move the hands of the clock by hour and minute, and a talking owl will read the time out loud. VTech is taking learning to a new level with the three preloaded learning games kids keep on their wrists; kids can play Super Detective, Rotating Puzzles or Finger Dance. And there are many more games
TSA YOUTH AND FAMILY COURSES GUIDE YOUNG ARTISTS THROUGH HANDS-ON STUDIO EXPLORATIONS TO FOSTER THEIR CREATIVE VOICE AND ART GALLERY FIELD TRIPS FOR INSPIRATION. —
Family Art Studio (Ages 7-10 & their caregiver) is a fun, intergenerational experience for all, and Youth Studio (Ages 10-13 & 14-18) is a dynamic course for students to develop a personal style and prepare a portfolio. Fall courses start September 15. 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 8 | TORONTO KIDS - September 2014
that can be downloaded from the online Learning Lodge. Parents will like the parental control features, which can limit game time to either 30, 60 or 90 minutes per day. Kids will have fun changing their voices with the voice recorder. Its simple record and playback functions are fun for recording sounds and song, and changing the voice to a snail or robot couldn’t be more fun. In the settings, parents can control the volume of the games for quiet time, the
brightness and the time it takes for the screen to turn off when not in use. Kids can also choose between two different menu layouts, one with words and one without. The Kidizoom Smartwatch is available in four different colours and comes with 128MB of internal storage, enough to store 800 pictures or six minute-long videos. It retails for $59.99.
- Tasha Zanin Photo by VTech Electronics
Enrolling NOW for FALL CLASSES! Early Stages (4-6 yrs) & Main School (6-16 yrs)
FOR MORE INFO VISIT: Mary Long
Cadence Allen Crawley
416-255-2511
416-844-2162
Toronto West
Look for Toronto East’s new morning classes at Bayview & Eglinton.
Toronto East
www.stagecoachschools.ca
Check the website for an Open House at your nearest location
PSB DANCE ACADEMY INTERPLAY REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CLASSES! INTERPLAY 416.972.1316
PSB 416.284.6784
✳ Intensive dance program with classes in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance, Enhanced pre-professional ballet program for selective students who may wish to pursue a career in dance, performance opportunities with Interplay and Profile dance companies and annual competitions (by audition only) - students trained in these programs have been accepted into the full time program at the National Ballet School ✳ Special boys intensive ballet coaching ✳ RAD ballet program ✳ Recreational dance programs for ages 3 & up
MULTI-SPORT PROGRAMS
KAREN DAVIES THOMAS, DIRECTOR Cecchetti Ballet (Fellow) A.I.S.T.D. (National), A.I.S.T.D. (Modern), Royal Academy of Dance Teacher’s Certificate, BFA Honours Degree,York University, Graduate of the National Ballet School Teacher’s Training Program
www.interplay-dance.ca E-mail: staff@interplay-dance.ca
Downtown Toronto: 250 Davisville Ave. (at Mt. Pleasant) 416.972.1316
Mooredale House 146 Crescent Rd. 416.922.3714 ext 105
INTERPLAY Dancer Dom Tersigni will be appearing on the upcoming season of
Bishop Strachan School 298 Lonsdale Rd. 416.483.4325
The Next Step
www.psdanceacademy.ca
E-mail: psboffice@bellnet.ca East Toronto: 2351 Kingston Rd. 91 Rylander Blvd. (Port Union & Kingston) (Kingston Rd & Midland) 416.261.9312 416.284.6784
nce to excelle ! d e t a ic d e e D g danc in teachin
Please join us
Saturday September 13, 2014 9:00-2:00 pm - All Welcome!
BBQ • Face Painting • Henna • Demonstrations Free Trial Classes: Tiny Champs (3-4 year olds) - 9:15 am Little Champs (5-7 year olds) - 10:00 am Youth (8-12 year olds) - 10:45 am
Cross Kick (Teen & Adults) - 11:30 am Selfdefence (Teen & Adults) - 12:30 am
Classes Camps Birthdays KICK Soccer
It’s Back-To-School Time! Discipline to help you pay attention in class.
Don’t Forget...
...Your Smile! ...Your Backpack!
Leadership to help others learn and succeed.
...Your Lunch! ...Your Martial Arts Training! 210 Main St. Toronto (North of Gerrard St.)
Concentration to help you focus on your studies.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE FALL SESSION! JUST IN THE TIME FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
416-699-5078
For Kids 1 1/2 - 12
sportplay.ca 416-465-7439
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TORONTO KIDS - September 2014 | 9
upcomingevents Pinkalicious The Musical at Lower Ossington Theatre Sundays in September From the popular kids’ book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann, Pinkalicious: The Musical is back at the Lower Ossington Theatre. Lower Ossington Theatre 416-915-6747 www.lowerossingtontheatre.com September Weekends at Scarborough Museum Weekends in September - 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm 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 Junior Jays Saturdays Select dates in September Bring your family to the ballpark for Jr. Jays Saturdays presented by Bos-
ton Pizza for every Saturday home game. Kids can visit our Jr.Jays zones located on the concourse to take part in many fun interactive activities to keep them entertained all game long. Kids 14 and under can enjoy a special kids priced ticket (500 level and 200 level outfield). Saturday, Sep 13 -Tampa Bay Rays Saturday, Sep 27 - Baltimore Orioles. Rogers Centre http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com Seussical The Musical Until Sep 21, 2014 The musical combines all of Dr. Seuss’ characters, creations and stories into Horton Hears a Who. Randolph Theatre 736 Bathurst Street www.lowerossingtontheatre.com KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities from Cirque du Soleil Until Oct 19, 2014 Delve into a world of curiosity where
Hands-On
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 a figment of my imagination?” Grand Chapiteau at The Port Lands 51 Commissioners Street 800-450-1480 www.cirquedusoleil.com Stanley’s Game Seven Until Dec 31, 2014 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 416-933-8215 www.hhof.com Myths and Legends Walking Tour at Colborne Lodge Sep 7, 2014 - 10:30 am until 12:00 pm Colborne Lodge staff lead a walking tour recounting the many myths and legends told about High Park. Tour participants will enjoy light refreshments at the Lodge at the end of the walk. Free, part of the High Park Walking Tour program. Colborne Lodge - High Park 11 Colborne Lodge Drive South end of High Park416-3926916 www.highparknature.org Vegetarian Food Festival at Harbourfront Sep 5, 2014 to Sep 7, 2014 - 10:00 am until 10:00 pm Sample vegetarian cuisine and shop from over 100 vendors. Free. Harbourfront Centre
Sports
Outdoor
Food
Arts
The Word on the Street Sep 21, 2014 - 11:00 am until 6:00 pm
The Word On The Street is a free festival that celebrates the written word and champions literacy through an annual outdoor book and magazine fair. Every year, The Word On The Street aims to have lots of family-fun activities at the festival. TD KidStreet is a special area of the park devoted to families, and offers exciting children’s programming all day in the TVO Kids Stage, the TD Children’s Literature Tent and the Children’s Activity Tent. Queen’s Park Circle 416-504-7241 www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/toronto
www.harbourfrontcentre.com AwesTRUCK 2014 AwesTRUCK 2014— Part of the SoundBites Festival—will feature 30 participating trucks and continue the tradition of recognizing the best and brightest of local curbside cuisine. Free. Mississauga’s Celebration Square 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga www.Mississauga.ca/celebrationsquare Leafs Nation Fan Fest Sep 5, 2014 to Sep 7, 2014 Meet Maple Leafs greats from the past, present and future. Tour the Leafs Dressing Room. Get your photo taken dropping the puck at centre ice. Undergo Maple Leafs combine testing with the Leafs Training and Hockey Development Staff. Shop from more than 2,000 pieces of official game-worn gear. Air Canada Centre mapleleafs.nhl.com/v2/ext/fanfest/ Taste of the Kingsway Festival Sep 5, 2014 to Sep 7, 2014
Two main stages featuring . Over 200 exhibitors will be participating in this year’s event. Beer & Wine Gardens, food, midway rides, Humberview vehicle display, rock climbing wall, buskers, clowns, face painters, boxing, taekwondo, and fitness demonstrations, and much more! Free. The Kingsway BIA Prince Edward Drive and Montgomery Road www.kingswaybia.ca/taste-of-thekingsway Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts Sep 5, 2014 to Sep 7, 2014 Enjoy live theatre performances, oneof-a-kind artisan vendors, buskers and more! There will be a children’s fun zone supplied by Astro Amusements and a sports zone featuring Little Kickers Soccer Camp, Pan American Games Village and Maple Leaf Sports. Free. Parliament, from Wellesley to Gerrard 416-653-5870 www.oldcabbagetown.com
WE ARE STILL TAKING REGISTRATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER - SPACES ARE LIMITED! www.yamahamusicschool.ca
416-224-5590
Yamaha Music School
5075 Yonge St. 10th Floor Toronto M2N 6C6
10 | TORONTO KIDS - September 2014
upcomingevents World Rhino Weekend Sep 6, 2014 to Sep 7, 2014 Visit the Toronto Zoo to find what they are doing to help save and protect these magnificent species, learn about rhinos and their habitats and their role in their environments and take in a special Keeper Talk at 12:00pm and 2:00pm (Indian Rhino) and 1:00pm and 4:00pm (White Rhino). Toronto Zoo 416-392-5929 www.torontozoo.com The Beach Celtic Festival Sep 6, 2014 to Sep 7, 2014 Celebrate all things Celtic with pipe bands, singers, highland dancers, Irish dancers, even free Scottish country dance lessons at the start of each day. Kew Gardens Queen Street East and Lee Avenue 416-686-9231 www.thecelticfestival.com Centreville’s Amusing Race! Sep 6, 2014 to Sep 21, 2014 Centreville’s Amusing Race combines trivia questions and “roadblocks” to send you on an exciting journey through Centreville and Far Enough Farm. Free Regular pricing in effect for Centreville Amusement Park Rides Centreville Amusement Park www.centreisland.ca Toronto MS Bike Sep 7, 2014 - 8:30 am until 3:00 pm Join hundreds of cyclists from all over for this exciting day filled with cycling, free massages, scrambler prizes, and a free BBQ lunch. This pledge-based fundraising event provides Canadians with the opportunity to ride through scenic and often spectacular parts of the country while raising money to help end multiple sclerosis. $30 Centennial Park Ski Chalet 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke www.msbike.ca
Join us at
Treehouse Big Day Out Featuring the Wiggles Sep 13, 2014 to Sep 14, 2014 The festival will host fun all-day familyfriendly activities including face painting, toy and craft play areas, character meet and greets, performances and more. Molson Canadian Amphitheatre www.ticketmaster.ca
ter, hand-made ice cream and lots of great international food. Pioneer demonstrations include candle dipping, apple pressing and butter churning. Don’t miss the fast-paced, one-of-a-kind quilt auction and horse-drawn wagon rides. Black Creek Pioneer Village 416-736-1733 www.blackcreek.ca
City Cider at Spadina Museum Sep 14, 2014 - 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm An all-ages cider celebration featuring local food, craft cider, live music, fun for kids and hands-on workshops. Activities include cargo bike races, an observational bee colony, the Mackenzie House printing press, orchard tours and preserving demonstrations. Spadina Museum Historic House & Gardens 285 Spadina Rd www.notfarfromthetree.org/citycider
Applicious Fall Festival Sep 20, 2014 - 11:00 am until 4:00 pm Families will enjoy many affordable activities, delicious refreshments and entertainment for all ages. Contests, Entertainment, Crafts, Games, Vendors, Food, Silent Auction. Free admission - Fees for activities. Jonathon Ashbridge Park www.applicious.ca
Terry Fox Run Sep 14, 2014 Terry Fox Runs in the City of Toronto, and each one has slightly different start and end times. Please visit our website for specific details on each event. Across Toronto www.terryfox.org Bloor Ossington Folk Festival Sep 19, 2014 to Sep 21, 2014 - 12:00 pm until 10:00 pm A grassroots, community-oriented three day music, food and craft festival held in Christie Pits. Admission is free and the music is amazing! Christie Pits Park 750 Bloor Street West www.bloorossingtonfolkfestival.ca Pioneer Festival at Black Creek Sep 20, 2014 - 11:00 am until 4:30 pm Try delicious foods such as home-made pies, cheese curds, sausages, apple but-
WindFest 2014 Sep 20, 2014 - 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm WindFest is Toronto’s largest kite festival. We’ll have workshops on how to make kites, and how to fly kites too. Woodbine Beach www.windfest.to Toronto Garlic Festival Sep 20, 2014 - 11:00 am until 4:00 pm Sample Ontario garlic, beer & wine & more diverse garlic inspired cuisine. Evergreen Brick Works 550 Bayview Ave, in the Don Valley www.torontogarlicfestival.ca Culture Days Sep 26, 2014 to Sep 28, 2014 The fifth annual Culture Days weekend will feature thousands of free, hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to participate “behind-the-scenes,” to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, designers and other creative people in their communities. Free admission. Various locations across Toronto www.culturedays.ca
Harvest Day at Toronto Botanical Garden Sep 27, 2014 - 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm Sip cider, plant bulbs and enjoy some family-friendly garden activities. Make crafts and harvest veggies for the North York Harvest Food Bank. Free. Toronto Botanical Garden 777 Lawrence Ave East 416-397-1341 www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca Music & Truffles presents The Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players Sep 28, 2014 - 1:15 pm until 2:15 pm Artists will engage young Toronto audiences with music by Beethoven, Mozart and Ernst von Dohnanyi. Adults interested music-making are also welcome.
Everyone gets a chocolate truffle at the end of the concert. Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building 80 Queen’s Park Crescent 416-922-3714x103 www.mooredaleconcerts.com/Musicand-Truffles.html Rock n’ Stroll Rock n’ Stroll is fundraising walk supporting high-risk births at Mount Sinai Hospital. It boasts an army of baby strollers and is fun for the whole family. Earl Bales Park 4169 Bathurst St www.rocknstroll.ca For more August events, visit www. toronto4kids.com/Calendar
September 27 & 28
CAKE, SURPRISES & MORE!
Event details at FantasyFair.ca INSIDE WOODBINE CENTRE 500 REXDALE BLVD AT HWY 27. FANTASYFAIR.CA
TORONTO KIDS - September 2014 | 11
festivals & fairs | celebrate fall
Fall Fairs! Across Ontario, cities and towns are starting to celebrate agriculture and the season of fall. You’ll find entertainment and activities the entire family will enjoy from midways, to candy apples, old-fashioned kids’ games, parades, petting zoos, live entertainment, agricultural displays, horse and cattle shows, and more! Durham Central Fair (Orono) The fair annually features exquisite displays and competitions involving paintings, photographs, agriculture (fruits, vegetables and crops), livestock (sheep, cattle, poultry and rabbits), flowers, knitting, woodworking, and more. It’s one of the largest midways throughout the area. Children 13 and under ALWAYS FREE when accompanied by an adult. September 4 to 7 www.oronofair.com Georgetown Fall Fair Midway, lawn and garden tractor pulls, battle of the bands, displays, concessions, homecrafts, livestock shows, FMX freestyle motocross, kids craft, milking demonstration, demolition derby, pet show, and more. September 5 to 7 www.georgetownfallfair.ca Uxbridge Fall Fair Everyone’s favourite events are returning to the fair like the demolition derby and tractor pull and new ones like calf roping are planned. September 5, 6 and 7 Elgin Park, Uxbridge www.uxbridgefair.ca Western Fair There’s even more to love this year at southwestern Ontario’s largest Fair!
Interact with all kinds of animals and agricultural exhibits, or enjoy live concerts and performances every day - all free with admission. Sample the unique fair foods and take a spin on the midway rides. September 5 to 14 Western Fair Entertainment Centre www.westernfair.com Sunderland Fall Fair This year’s theme “Proud to be Country”, is a tribute to our rural traditions. Enjoy the parade, midway, 4-H competition, light & heavy horse show and demolition derby. Marvel at displays of vegetables, antiques, photography, field crops, crafts and culinary arts. September 9 and 10 Sunderland Fair Grounds www.agfair.ca Brampton Fall Fair Activities include: demolition derby, Campbell’s midway, horse shows, dog shows, baby show, agricultural education area, vendors, livestock shows, and antique and classic car show. September 11 to 14 Brampton Fairgrounds www.bramptonfair.com Beeton Fair The Beeton Fall Fair provides a great weekend of family fun with exhibits, demonstrations, competitions, and rides that is sure to provide great entertainment for all ages. September 12 to 14 Beeton Fairgrounds www.beetonfair.com
Lindsay Central Exhibition There will be entertainment and excitement to suit every interest – from the premier livestock shows, six horse hitches, and agricultural education for students to the action packed demolition derbies, truck, and tractor pulls. September 17 to 21 Lindsay Central Exhibition Fairgrounds www.lindsayex.com Stratford Fall Fair Be sure to bring your children through the Old MacDonalds Farm Display and check out milking demos! Other great events this year are the Battle of the Bands Competition, horse show, mini prince and princess competition, baby show, family BBQ , 4H dairy shows, tug o war, and more. September 18 to 21 Stratford Rotary Complex www.stratfordfairgrounds.com
September 26 to 28 Milton Fairgrounds www.miltonfair.com Markham Fair 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. October 2 to 5, 2014 Markham Fair Grounds www.markhamfair.ca For more fairs and festivals visit Toronto4Kids.com.
Bolton Fair Features special entertainment and activities including livestock display barn, agricultural awareness tent, craft building, petting zoo, great food, exhibit hall and vendors, and more! The Albion and Bolton Agricultural Society operates Bolton’s 2 biggest events: the Bolton Fall Fair and Bolton Modified Truck and Tractor Pull. September 18 to 21 Albion Bolton Fairgrounds www.boltonfair.ca Milton Fair The Milton Fair is a 3-day event featuring a livestock display barn, truck and tracktor pull, classic car show, favourite fair foods, exhibit halls and vendors, lots of shows, and much more. The theme this year is Country Roots!
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outdoor adventure | country farms
Fun at the farm Farms are all about making fall memories and enjoying good clean country fun. When harvest season nears, Toronto & GTA farms swing open their gates for agritourism and fall fun in the fields. Load up the whole family for kid-friendly learnin’, pickin’ and eatin’ — all the while supporting local growers and businesses. Andrews Scenic Acres Visit the gently haunted forest, straw jump and corn maze. There is a nominal charge per person to visit these attractions, thought the entrance to the farm market and winery is free. Their number one fall attraction continues to be the wagon ride to the pumpkin field where everyone can select their favourite pumpkin. R.R. 5 - 9365 10th Sideroad, Milton 905-878-5807 www.andrewsscenicacres.com
Harvest Festival at Springridge Farm The Springridge Harvest Festival is great fun for the entire family! Families ca enjoy a Puppet Show “The Runaway Pumpkin” and a wagon ride to the 5-acre Corn Trail and The Boo Barn. The Fun Farm Yard features a Farm Animal Barn, Escarpment Educational Lookout, Giant Sandbox, Plywood Milking Cow, Witches Mouth Corn Trail, Tricky Trails Corn Maze, Straw Bale Jumping, a 40’ Windmill, and Face Painting. Enjoy a BBQ on weekends. 7256 Bell School Line, Milton 905-878-4908 www.springridgefarm.com Whittamore’s Farm Whittamore’s Farm is a large 220 acre fruit and vegetable farm nestled beside the Rouge River Valley in Markham. Whittamore’s Fun Farm Yard is open every day and there’s lots for the family to see and do. Pumpkinland starts mid-September through the month of October. Chase your children through a Corn Maze and ride with them on a Wagon through a Spooky Forest. 8100 Steeles Ave E, Markham www.whittamoresfarm.com For more family fun, visit www.toronto4kids.com.
OPEN WEEKENDS IN SEPTEMBER!
Y ’S IL TO M N FA NT RO ITE E TO UR SEM K! R VO MU PA FA A
Brooks Farms Fall Fun Festival For over a decade, Brooks Farms has hosted an awesome Fall Fun Festival, which continue to be the event of the year at the farm. Activities include: Train and Wagon Rides to the Pumpkin Patch, Pig Races, Huge Aliens, Play Area, Farm Animals, Zip Lines, Bouncing Ponies, Fixeight Forest, Corn Maze, Straw Jumps, Pumpkin Cannons, and more! Open until Thanksgiving. 122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert 905-473-3920 www.brooksfarms.com Chudleigh’s Farm Chudleigh’s is a fun farm where kids of all ages can enjoy an outdoor country experience with the
family! The Farm is open to the end of October. It is best known for its apple picking but has evolved beyond “pick your own fruit” to include a children’s play area, a retail store, a licensed outdoor café and many exciting events. There are tractor wagon rides, a Cafe and BBQ. 9528 Hwy 25, Halton Hill www.chudleighs.com
Purchase Ride Passes On-line and Save @ centreisland.ca TORONTO KIDS - September 2014 | 13
fall food | healthy lunches
Lunchbox makeover
Quick, healthy and delicious options for school lunches
You’re out of bread, can’t find a water bottle and the school bus will arrive in four minutes. Is this a familiar scenario in your house? If making your child’s lunch seems stressful, here are five tips to ensure their lunchbox is filled with healthy, quick options.
Think about balance
ingredients from scratch! Use whole grain breads, wraps and crackers to get Canada’s Food Guide’s recommended Grain Products at lunchtime. Choose foods that list 100 per cent whole grain as the first ingredient.
Use the freezer
Use a lunch container with divided compartments, so you remember to add the four food groups: • Vegetables and Fruit: such as carrots, grapes and watermelon • Grain Products: such as whole grain bread, corn bread and bulgur • Milk and alternatives: such as cheese, milk and yogurt • Meat and alternatives: such as tofu, eggs and chicken
Stock your freezer with items that can be defrosted for quick lunches: • Quick-to-cook vegetables like peas are great additions to grain-based salads. • Whole grain breads for quick sandwiches and wraps. • Sliced peaches, pineapple or mango for fruit salad or kebabs. Convenience tip: you can prepare and freeze soy butter and jam sandwiches, which can be slipped into lunch bags as-is – they will defrost by lunch!
with soy nuts, raisins and whole grain cereals. You can also have a snack drawer in the fridge, filled with readyto-go Greek yogurt, cheese strings or hummus cups.
Stock convenient items
Organize a snack drawer
Have a “go-to” lunch
You can still include whole grains without preparing
For easy snacks, pre-fill containers with trail mix made
lunch in mind – one that’s made from on-hand ingredients. The go-to lunch for my daughter is whole grain crackers, cheese cubes and soy butter, artfully arranged in paper muffin cups in a square container. With some fruit on the side, lunch is ready!
When supplies are low, don’t stress. Have a staple
—Newscanada.com
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fall food | healthy lunches
Snack on this! Parents have a lot on their mind as kids head back to school and snack packing shouldn’t be one of them. This quick and easy nut-free recipe, cour tesy of Walmar t, is completely school yard safe and a healthy snack parents can feel good about. Crunch Trail Mix is easy to make, ver y versatile, and will ser ve you for an entire week. Pack it in a zipper bag for an easy on-the -go snack, or enjoy it as a breakfast cereal. Crunchy Trail Mix Preparation time: 15 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Makes: 10 cups
Ingredients • ½ cup (125 ml) liquid honey • ¼ cup (60 ml) non-hydroge - nated margarine • ½ tsp (2 ml) salt • 4 cups (1 l) crisp rice cereal • 1 cup (250 ml) pumpkin seeds • 1 ½ cups (375 ml) sunflower seeds • ½ cup (125 ml) sweetened flaked coconut • ½ cup (125 ml) banana chips • ½ cup (125 ml) dried apri cots, quar tered • 1 ½ cups (375 ml) raisins • ½ cup (125 ml) dried cranberries
Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Melt honey with margarine and salt in a small pot over me dium heat. In a medium bowl, mix cereal with pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Toss cereal mixture with melted honey mixture until evenly coated. Transfer cereal-seed mixture onto parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and let it cool. Break into clusters and toss with coconut and dried fruit. Enjoy!
—Newscanada.com
TORONTO KIDS - September 2014 | 15
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outdoor adventure | apple picking
Off to the orchard! What’s the sweet upside of summer coming to a close? The fact that apple picking season is about to begin. Starting in September and continuing through late October, orchards throughout the Greater Toronto Area offer families the chance to pick their own apples, and many also host cool kids’ attractions, like hayrides, petting zoos, bouncy houses, and mazes. You can savour home-baked treats such as doughnuts, homemade pies and freshpressed cider. We’ve rounded up a few places to pick your own apples that are in and around the GTA. Before you go, make sure you call ahead for exact hours, attractions and availability since those change constantly throughout
the season. Orchalaw Farm 97726 Heritage Rd. R.R #2, Norval Pick your own September to October www.orchalawfarms.com
Dixie Orchards 14309 Dixie Road, Caledon, ON (1 km north of King Street) September to mid-October www.dixieorchards.com
Brooks Farms 122 Ashworth Rd., Mount Albert Early September to mid October www.brooksfarms.com
Willis Family Fruit Farm 6063 Fifth Line Milton September and October www.willisfarm.com
Albion Orchards 14800 Innis Lake Road, Caledon Mid-August to October 31 www.albionorchards.com
Pingle’s Farm 1805 Taunton Rd. E., Hampton September to October www.pinglesfarmmarket.com
Chudleigh’s 9528 Hwy 25, Halton Hills Mid-August ending in late October www.chudleighs.com
Archibalds Orchards & Estate Winery 6275 Liberty St. N., Bowmanville September to mid-October
(depending on the weather) www.archibalds-estatewinery.on.ca
www.huttonville.com/bigrapplefarm For more pick-your-own farms, visit: www.harvestontario.com
The Big’r Apple Farm 87999 Heritage Road, Brampton, ON
—Toronto4kids.com
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