You know the old saying “the shoemakers kids go without shoes”? Well that’s me. Being the publisher of Help! We’ve Got Kids should mean I’m totally on top of planning my kids’ summer vacations. And I started out great this year.
I was so good at planning all of July for my kids, but now it’s August and although summer is half over there is still another half of summer with no plans. Yikes. In theory, having some down time and letting my kids be a little bored sounds good but after a couple of hours we’re all feeling a little edgy.
Lucky for me (and you!) the folks at Global TV know that half the summer still has a while to go, so they asked me to help them with the top 10 things you can do with your kids that you may not have thought of.
Good job we pulled this list together because now I can do a great job planning August (whew!). Below are five of my top ten things to do — make sure to tune into Global TV tomorrow (Tuesday) between 7am and 8am to get the rest of the story (or come back here tomorrow and we’ll share the rest then!).
For this article I stuck to what I know, and that’s Toronto. If you want things to do in Vancouver, Calgary or Ottawa, we’ve got those too. And we’ve got some great articles on sports you can play with the whole family like swimming, hiking, biking and ball sports.
1. Theatre.
Toronto is a top theatre city but seeing a show doesn’t have to break the bank. Great shows going on for families right now include Second City, Medieval Times, How to Train Your Dragon and Solar Stage shows.
2. Farmers Markets.
We love taking trips to the fabulous farmer’s markets going on throughout the city during the week and weekend. Head with your kids and buy food for lunch and then have a picnic in the park.
3. Drive to the Badlands.
It’s only about 30 minutes outside of Toronto and the Cheltenham Badlands Trail is such a fun place to run around and roll in the dirt.
4. Did you know Toronto is on a lake?
Take a trip down to the lake and learn how to kayak, canoe or sail. Or just hang out and walk along the boardwalk.
5. Real, Live Adventures.
Scenic Caves, Jungle Cat World, The Bowmanville Zoo or Air Combat Zone are great places for kids (and parents) and not far from Toronto.
6. Ride the train.
Head to South Simcoe or York Durham Railway. This could be especially fun for those Thomas the Train lovers in your family. Both have other fun activities for kids like as face painting.
7. Farms.
There are so many; Downey’s, Forsythes, Brooks, Andrews, Chudleigh’s, and more! Take the family and pick your own berries, apples or veggies. Then head home and make a pie, some tarts or even a whole delicious dinner together.
8. Take them out to a ballgame.
You can still get relatively inexpensive nosebleed seats at a Jays game. Take in the game with some hot dogs and peanuts. Yell “We need a pitcher, not a belly itcher” with the kids and they’ll love you forever.
9. Learn something new together.
Head to an indoor centre to learn how to trampoline or rock climb together. Places such as True North or Just Bounce are in the city and easy to get to with great instructors
10. Volunteer.
Do your own book drive or back pack drive. Or volunteer at a food back or habitat for humanity. Giving back is one of the best things you can teach your children
BONUS: Pitch a tent.
Go camping. You don’t have to drive to Algonquin Park (though you can if you like) you can camp in the backyard and still have a fun adventure, making s’mores and sleeping under the stars.
Image Credit: Pink Sherbet Photography
