We Are Family

Don’t get in a Family Day funk just because the kids won’t let you sleep in…take in one of these, or the many other family-friendly activities being held around the city this weekend. 

Light up your days on Sunday and/or Monday thanks to the TIFF Lightbox offering a variety of film-centric activities for kids of all ages (depending on the event/film). TIFF Lightbox has free viewings of some excellent films including several of Tim Burton’s classics (James and the Giant Peach, Alice in Wonderland) and other internationally lauded films (Bibi Blocksberg about a 12 year-old witch and The Red Shoes for ballet fans). Free tickets will be distributed to those in line 30 minutes before the start of each film. In addition to screenings, there are workshops for kids where they can learn to make screen sound effects, create outlandish hair and make-up effects and even get inserted into a Burton film themselves.

Ever taken someone special for granted? That’s how the CN Tower must feel (35 years old this year), with tourists generally outnumbering home-grown visitors. If your kids have become blasé about having the world’s tallest free-standing tower (in the Western hemisphere) in their own backyard, maybe it’s time to give them a first, or long overdue, second look. This Family Day, receive three admission tickets for $35 and give the kids a thrill—and a chance to enjoy a memorable first experience with the whole family present. This Saturday and Sunday (note: not on Monday), the CN Tower will also be hosting Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby from Sesame Street in the Tower’s Skyquest Theatre.

Keeping everyone entertained won’t be difficult if you head to North York’s Family Fun Day inside the North York Civic Centre (Mel Lastman Square). Kids can create their own mini-skateboard park by constructing mini-half pipes, ramps and rails, build a giant 3-D structure out of straws and connectors, engage in some inventive crafts—design anime puppets, make instruments and jewellery out of recycled ‘junk’—or have a dance-off on the colourful floor next to a crew of break dance performers. Don’t forget to bring your skates for some outdoor gliding among the Dragon Dance and Chinese Lion performers, as well as free ice-skating lessons. 

If you didn’t know that Toronto had its own museum dedicated to the sky above, Family Day may be the perfect time to visit the Canadian Air and Space Museum, located just north of the city at Downsview Park. The museum contains artefacts and full-size aircraft, showcasing the development of aviation and space innovations in Canada including a full-size replica of the Avro Arrow. A flight simulator, access to airplane cockpits and a partial Air Canada jet to climb in and explore will keep the kids busy along with many special Family Day activities.

The budding artist(s) in your family will feel a surge of creativity following an afternoon of art and dance inspired by the paintings of Carol Wainio at the Varley Art Gallery in Unionville. Waino, a Canadian artist, is well-known for her use of early children’s book illustrations in her work. The gallery will be offering a guided family tour and art workshop.

Of all the gifts we can give our kids, time spent as a family is one of the best. Wishing you a fun-filled Family Day from all of us at SavvyMom.

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