By Denise Bacon
The sweet smell of cherry and apple blossoms, the end of the school year, and parents wondering how they will manage through the next couple of summer months. Whatever you do, try to keep your children off their screens (cell phones, tablets, game consoles and TV) as much as possible. Let them have the “play-based” summer that is best for them.
Luckily, we live in the best neighbourhood in the GTA and there are a lot of options for a fee as well as for FREE! Here are some ideas to consider.
Fee-based Activities
Toronto Zoo
A wonderful all-day outing for the whole family. Come prepared with good walking shoes and get ready to be wowed by the wonder of animals. An alternative to walking is the Scenic Safari Drive-Thru in the comfort of your car. “Wild Encounters” are available at an extra cost to get up close and personal with some animals. Rediscover the child within you or look at the animals through the eyes of your own children.
A group of two adults and two children can enjoy one day at the Zoo for approximately $168, including a parking fee of $20. Pass options are available. torontozoo.com
City of Toronto – Camp TO
Children and youth can be active, learn new skills and make memories close to home at the city’s seasonal camps. All CampTO programs offer fun and creative, full-day experiences. Three age groups are available: Early Years – four and five years, Child – six to 12 years, Youth – 13 to 16 years. Neighbourhood locations include: West Rouge Community Centre, Charlottetown Junior Elementary School, Tall Pines Community Centre, Heron Park Community Centre, and Morrish Public School.
FREE Activities
Kids love playgrounds! Pack some snacks, a picnic lunch and water bottles and you will have a group of happy kids enjoying outdoor play for hours.
Here are some of the playgrounds in the area:
- Port Union Village Common Park (has a splash pad) – 105 Bridgend St.
- Bill Hancox Park – 101 Bridgeport Dr.
- Charlottetown Park – 65 Charlottetown Blvd
- Adams Park – 2 Rozell Rd.
- Wanita Park – 5 Meadowvale Rd
These parks are within easy driving range:
Lakeview Park, Oshawa (splash pad)
For a day of truly awesome adventure, a drive to south Oshawa to Lakeview Park is a must! There is fun for the whole family, with the playground ideal for infants to 12-year-olds. Access is easy to the lake to wade, skip stones, build sandcastles or to wade in clear blue water. This park has a large snack bar.
Audley Park, north Ajax (splash pad)
Located on the south side of the Audley Recreation Centre at 1955 Audley Road North. Another day of adventure lies here for 5 to 12-year-olds with a huge variety of play equipment.
Baycliffe Park aka Rocketship Park, north west Whitby (splash pad)
20 Baycliffe Drive in Whitby. Lots of adventure for 2 to 12-year-olds with a huge variety of play equipment.
Rouge National Urban Park
We have one of Canada’s treasures, Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP), at our doorstep. Days of hiking can be planned across various trails, which range from easy walking to strenuous hikes. The summer is a wonderful time to explore nature and farms as the park covers a diverse landscape. Many activities and options are available to experience the park onsite or through activities and virtual tours. Visit the website to plan your own experience: parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/rouge