What's On in Parkdale Archives | Creating Together Parkdale

Summer Fun in the Hood

July 4, 2019 by Melanie

Looking for some fun things to do with your child / children this month? Well, one of the beautiful things about Toronto is that it sure has a lot to offer families. Here are just a few things happening in our neighbourhood:

Pop-up Skatepark Saturdays at Ontario Place

This skatepark made of Freshpark ramps offers quarter pipes, rails, and fun boxes complete with an awesome view of the CN Tower!

Have your own skate gear? The skatepark is open daily from 10am – 6pm. If you need to rent gear or interested in taking a lesson, CJ’s Skatepark staff will be onsite every Saturday between 12-5pm to offer up some great lessons!

Magic with Scott Dietrich at the High Park Public Library

On Wednesday, July 17th from 2-3pm, popular and award winning Toronto magician Scott Dietrich comes to the High Park Public Library to put on a magic show for ages 12 and under and their caregivers.

Drop in, however space is limited. Large groups and camps should contact High Park branch in advance.

Art in the Park: An Outdoor Painting Event for Parent and Child

For children 6yrs old and their caregiver(s), “Art in the Park” is a 3 part series presented by Mama Soul Living. The event, held July 13th in High Park, will be coupled parent and child creating art together on one canvas. This event for the child will be Fun, Creative and for the parent, Connected, intimate. Both will get to know eachother at an equal level.

Both of you will have fun! and create art together!

Star Wars Day

This free event, held at the Toronto Public Library at 228 Roncesvalles on July 25th from 2-3pm, invites all those over 6yrs of age and their caregivers to come in costumes and celebrate all things Star Wars!

Museum of Contemporary Art

Mark Dion’s “Life of a Dead Tree” – May 24-July 28

“Life of a Dead Tree” by Mark Dion is an exhibit that brings attention to our role in observing and caring for Ontario’s natural ecosystems. With the support of the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Toronto and other partners, visitors can observe and participate in a kind-of autopsy of the tree that will unfold over the course of a two-month exhibition period. This shared investigation will remove, preserve and document all the various life forms the tree continues to support.

Most importantly, the project will act as a site for conversations around specific pernicious, invasive insects threatening North American forests, such as the Emerald Ash Borer and Elm Bark Beetle. Everything from beetles to liverworts, fungi to bug galleries will be revealed during the examination.

CultureLink’s Annual Picnic in High Park

CultureLink’s Summer Picnic was an annual tradition that got lost some years ago. But we are happy to announce that we are bringing it back!

Join our family and bring yours to enjoy a BBQ and an afternoon of outdoor fun. Food, drinks and games on us. All you have to do is RSVP(*) and count the days to July 27th. We’ll be at High Park’s Picnic Area #14, across the road from the Outdoor Pool. See you there!

Nature Play for Spring!

April 1, 2019 by Melanie

Even though it may seem like Winter is hanging on, Spring is certainly here – and with that, comes some great opportunities to get outside, and enjoy the benefits that nature has to offer.

We wanted to share some great activities coming up, to celebrate the nature of the season with your children in Toronto.

Children’s Garden Revamp at Evergreen Brickworks: This month’s theme at Evergreen is “Earth Month”. Come enjoy play, art and stewardship in celebration of the earth and it’s creatures! Hop on a free shuttle bus from Broadview Station, and get involved with the Children’s Garden Revamp this month! https://www.evergreen.ca/get-involved/evergreen-brick-works/.
Riverdale Farm Field Trip: Explore the trails, visit the barns, and see the farm animals!
Sorauren Farmers Market: Open every Monday from 3-7pm, the Sorauren Farmers Market isn’t an outdoor affair until May – but the park and indoor vendors make for a great outing right here in Parkdale. Its also a great opportunity to teach your children the importance of shopping locally, and creating a healthy relationship with healthy food. It also has an incredible unobstructed view of the night sky for evening star gazers!
Signs of Spring Detective Quest: Spend a day in High Park looking for the signs of Spring. Become nature detectives and find buds, sprouts, mud, robins, while enjoying the trails, castle playground, and zoo!
Create a Nature Table: Bring some items from outside inside, and throw in some symbols of the season: eggs, seeds, flowers…create a tactile learning centre that brings your child’s senses in tune with the season. Take a look at these photos on Pinterest for some inspiration: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/45458277473802237/

More Nature Resources and Activities for Children:

Free “Nature as a Classroom” guide by the David Suzuki Foundation
Free “Nature Explorers Workbook” by the National Recreation and Park Association
“Nature Activities for Children” images on Pinterest

What’s on in our Neighbourhood for Halloween?

October 16, 2018 by Melanie

If you’re looking for some fun ways to celebrate Halloween, Parkdale is the place to be! Take a look at these great events next week – all within the hood!

Pumpkin Carving at Creating Together

You can get started by joining us on October 25th at 1:15pm for a Pumpkin Carving extravaganza at Creating Together – we would love to see you there! Read more about where the tradition of carving pumpkins came from HERE.

Friday Night Movie Showing “Hotel Transylvania 3” at the Parkdale Library Auditorium

Come out Friday October 26th for an early Halloween treat for families! “Count Dracula and company participate in a cruise for sea-loving monsters, unaware that their boat is being commandeered by the monster-hating Van Helsing family.”

Halloween Howl at the High Park Nature Centre

Halloween Howl is back October 26th & 27th! Explore the haunting side of nature at the High Park “Halloween Howl” night hike. This walk through the woodlands will lead to lots of creepy nature spots to learn the not-so-scary truth about bats, spiders, toads, gnomes and decomposers. Finish off the night by warming up around a campfire. Fun for all ages! Costumes are recommended but not required. Don’t forget to bring a glass jar to make your own lantern!

Pumpkin Float at the High Park Wading Pool

Come carve a pumpkin ($3) on October 28th and set it afloat with other ghoulish gourds! Meet at the wading pool in the northwest corner of High Park, just west of the main entrance to High Park at Bloor Street West and High Park Avenue. Proceeds will send a class from a high needs school on a field trip to the High Park Nature Centre this fall!!

Pumpkin Parade at Sorauren Park

And you can bring that pumpkin along with other creations to Sorauren Park on November 1st for the annual, world-famous Pumpkin Parade! With more than 1,500 pumpkins on display in recent years, the Parade is a neighbourhood and even regional highlight of the season.

Costume Party at Creating Together

Come on over on October 31st for a Halloween Costume Party. We’ll have Halloween crafts, songs and other activities. Decorate cupcakes and trick or treat!

And More…

For more activities for kids thoughout Toronto and the GTA this holiday season, check it out – and have a wonderful Halloween!

Halloween Activities & Events in Toronto & GTA for Kids: 2018