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The 15 Best Places to Take the Kids in Toronto
Once the novelty of hanging around in your pyjamas has worn off, you'll be needing some fun things to do with the kids this holiday season. We've rounded up all of our favourite picks and places to take the kiddos that we've featured over the years. Just for you.
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Take a Coffee Break with the Kids
What's not to love when there are umbrellas on the ceiling, electric blue retro chairs, siphon coffee and beans roasted in house? Baked goods are whipped up on site, including our favourite Chocolate Pretzel Cookies and Apple Rhubarb Muffins—we admit to playing favourites with de Mello Palheta at Yonge and Castlefield. Great for a quick snack on the way to the skating rink or a leisurely breakfast from the slow-baked menu (waffles, anyone?).
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Go Tobogganing
It's hard to say which public park is tops—Withrow Park, Trinity Bellwoods or Christie Pits. (We do know from experience the steep hill at Riverdale Farm is pretty scary for preschoolers). Whatever your preference, safe tobogganing is part of the fun—especially if you remember helmets, extra mittens, hot chocolate and some good screams.
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Make a Film
Keep the older kids busy over the holidays with these educational workshops for the film geek in your clan. With classes on animation, special effects, makeup and more, 9 to 12-year-olds will love what TIFF has to offer this holiday break.
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Take a Mom Day
It's fair enough to expect that any Four Seasons will do, but the spa at the Toronto flagship will introduce you to a whole new level of relaxation. Bring your swimsuit for the fabulous pool with underwater speakers.
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Get Creative
Is your family in a weather rut? Take a little inspiration from one of our favourite Dr. Seuss books and head to RedFish BlueFish Creative Cafe, a much-needed, child-friendly hangout on Harbord where the locally roasted coffee is habit-forming, the food is fabulous and the kids clamour to go inside. While you enjoy a fresh brew, your little artists can create works of art thanks to the always open and free drop-in craft space, which comes fully stocked with feathers, pipe cleaners, sparkly glue and googly-eyes of all different shapes and colours.
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Nail the Triple Axel
While we can't skate on Lake Ontario, skating right beside it is the next best thing. The Natrel Rink at the Harbourfront Centre offers a good-sized space for your kids to try out their latest tricks (and a heated change room for when their toes get cold), all at no charge.
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Take the Plunge
This contemporary aquatic facility offers three pools: a large warm kiddie pool area with spouting water sprays and in-pool bubblers, a warm therapy pool for adults only and a six-lane deep-end lap pool with diving boards. Add to the fun a winding slide, a Tarzan-style rope for swinging into the deeper lap pool and clean, bright unisex changing facilities, and you have a public pool that pulls everyone into its inclusive realm.
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See a Show
Young People's Theatre has always been one of our fave places in Toronto for the kids, whether it's their fun camps or their entertaining shows. This winter, the hit Broadway musical Annie, about about the indefatigable Orphan, offers the most important messages to remember this holiday season: to love unconditionally and never give up hope. It'll be a hit for kids ages five and up, especially since it's playing twice daily during their break from school.
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Take a Hike
Whether your kids can handle a long hike or a short term experience, the well-trod ravines, paths and gorgeous vistas make the Brick Works a perfect spot. Afterwards, warm them up in Cafe Belong with gourmet snacks, then lace up their skates for a spin around the indoor/outdoor skating trail.
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Find Nemo
From the jaw-droppingly enormous and beautiful tanks filled with wonders of the sea, to the well laid out flow of the space, the new Ripley's Aquarium at the base of the CN Tower is an underwater adventure begging to be explored by kids and adults of all ages. Large walking areas allow for the younger set to roam and run around finding special nooks built just for kids to crawl into and get up close with the creatures.
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Go Out for Brunch
Take the family to The Dakota Tavern for their weekend brunch. It's got live music, kids and parents dancing in front of a bluegrass band, communal tables, homestyle cooking and it's just loud enough inside that no one cares if babes are crying. (Note: there is limited seating so be prepared to line up prior to opening to get a seat, but it's worth it!)
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Hit the Slopes
Lakeridge Ski Resort, approximately 45 minutes outside of the city, offers four beginner hills and learning areas within their 23 run offering, as well as full equipment rentals, including helmets. Another great option for families with varying levels of ski and snowboard ability, Lakeridge is popular due to its tube park which offers fun seekers aged four and up another way of getting down the hill—an inflated snowtube.
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Go to the Movies
There's never a dull moment at the Ontario Science Centre. Over 600 activities in 10 exhibit halls means there's something for everyone. But we recommend taking a break from all of that and checking out one of the featured IMAX films, they are sure to be eye-opening.
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Stay in and Play
Stay warm and spend some quality family time around the kitchen table this holiday break. We have some great game suggestions for all ages.
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Go to the Library
When all else fails over the holiday break, take the kids to your local Toronto Public Library branch. You can't go wrong with their family fun workshops and activities, and they will be busy for hours getting lost in their favourite children's books the library has to offer.