Toronto Treats

Whether you’re worried about Post-Santa Stress Disorder, or you’re looking for ways to distract them before his arrival, keep spirits bright with these fun options for family outings around town.

Play
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People’s production of A Year with Frog and Toad (recommended age three and up) is based on the popular children’s books and is a wonderful story about friendship, forgiveness and perseverance. Order tickets online until December 30.

The story of Christmas is told from many points of view and one of the classics is the Nativity Story. Toronto’s Church of the Holy Trinity (next to the Eaton Centre between Bay and Yonge) puts on an hour-long narrarated version with carols and music sung by an unseen choir. It’s a Toronto weekend tradition for thousands of families and is on until December 19, with a suggested donation in lieu of tickets. Reserve seats online.

Fantasy Fair puts on a kid-friendly production of Scrooge’s Magic Show at its indoor amusement centre on December 27. On December 29, Christmas-themed puppet shows will be performed throughout the building.

Geared towards kids four and up, Mackenzie House is offering 3-D paper ornament craft making from Tuesday December 28 to Sunday January 2 between noon to 4 pm. Admission is nominal and the whole family is invited to come along.

Escape
If the weather outside isn’t too frightful, bring the family outdoors to enjoy all the city has to offer. Winterfest is in full swing down at Harbourfront, and the kids will love skating at our fave outdoor rinks in the city—the Natrel Rink and KinderRink (a slower and softer rink for small children who have never skated before). 

The thought of cruising on Lake Ontario in December may give you the chills, but the Nothern Spirit at Queen’s Quay Terminal makes it fun (and warm) with one remaining Santa Cruise on December 18. You can purchase tickets online and children under six are free. They’ll love spending an hour cruising with Santa and the elves with time for photos and sharing their wish lists. While you are down at Harbourfront, especially as it gets dark, take in the Cavalcade of Lights. Don’t forget to stop for hot chocolate or bring your own for a perfect winter afternoon or evening. 

No Boxing Day deal is worth dragging toddlers around a mall. Spend the day at the Toronto Zoo instead, which is hosting its Annual Christmas Treats Walk. Bring a non-perishable item for the food bank, and the zoo will offer you half-price admission. Enjoy carollers, hot chocolate and watch the animals receive a special holiday treat. The Zoo also hosts their popular New Year’s Eve party on the 31st which runs from 6 to 9 pm, with magic shows, special animal visitors and a Justin Bieber tribute. Tickets can be purchased online. 

Bake
Kids and cookies are always a hit—especially when you don’t have to do the clean up. Colborne Lodge hosts gingerbread cookie baking and decorating classes (for ages 8 to 12) on December 21, using a Victorian recipe from the 1830’s. They’ll also learn about Victorian traditions and bring home their cookies for the whole family to enjoy.

Heading to a mall for some last minute gifts? Sherway Gardens knows how to appeal to kids. Their Gingerbread Cookie Factory finishes on December 19. Let the kids select a cookie or two ($4 each or 3 for $10) and make their mark on their own gingerbread man (or woman), with proceeds going to the Volunteers of the Trillium Health Centre.

Chill
The zoo isn’t the only place to see polar bears this holiday season. For over five years, hundreds of hearty Torontonians have participated in the annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip on January 1 in support of Habitat for Humanity, Toronto. For $20—and a lifetime of bragging rights—you can join the other polar bears or just bring the kids to watch good-hearted (and clearly warm-blooded) souls start the new year off with a splash. The fun begins at 12 pm at Sunnyside Park, with live music and hot beverages.

Kids may be all about the presents this time of year, but time spent together celebrating the season really is the best gift of all.

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